LOS ANGELES - President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that could open up 401(k) retirement accounts to investments like private equity, real estate, cryptocurrency, and other alternative assets.

The order directs the Department of Labor to work with the Treasury Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulators to revisit previous guidance on alternative investments in defined-contribution retirement plans. The change could give asset managers new access to a $12 trillion market traditionally limited to stocks, bonds, and cash.

Critics warn the move could introduce more risk, higher fees, and less transparency into retirement savings. Proponents argue younger investors could benefit from potentially higher returns in funds that gradually shift t

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