(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to make alternative assets like private equity, real estate and cryptocurrency more accessible to 401(k) retirement savers.

Most 401(k) plans are currently limited to traditional assets like stocks and bonds, but Trump's order, first reported by The Wall Street Journal in July, aims to expand workers' investment options.

Supporters believe the move could help everyday Americans grow their retirement nest eggs by tapping into investments they've long been shut out of, diversifying their portfolios in the process.

However, critics worry it could push savers into a minefield of high-fee, illiquid and opaque investments — opportunities that savvy institutional investors are far better equipped to navigate.

Craig Copel

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