What investing in private equity and crypto means for your 401(k)

Main Idea: President Donald Trump signed an order that could make private equity, crypto, real estate, and other alternative assets easier to include in 401(k) retirement plans, but experts warn the change could raise costs and risk.

Key Points:

• The order directs the Department of Labor to review its guidance on alternative assets in retirement plans within 180 days.
• It also asks the Securities and Exchange Commission to look at ways to make these investments easier to access in 401(k)s.
• Supporters say the change could give savers more choices and better diversification, while critics say private assets are less transparent, harder to sell, and often come with higher fees.
• Many employers may still avoid offering these options because they could face liability if workers lose money, and experts say strong safeguards would be needed.