"While a rising stock market is one reason the average 401(k) balance is up 50 percent in the last five years, this has led to an increased percentage of equities within many 401(k) accounts, which can add increased exposure to the negative impact of a market downturn.... 18 percent of people 50-54 had a stock allocation at least 10 percentage points or higher than recommended, and for people ages 55-59, that figure increased to 27 percent. An additional 11 percent of people ages 50-54 had 100 percent of their 401(k) assets in stocks, while 10 percent of people ages 55-59 had all of their 401(k) assets in stocks."