NEW YORK — Millions of Americans saving for retirement through could have the option of putting their money in higher-risk private equity and cryptocurrency investments, according to an signed Thursday by that could give those financial players long-sought access to .

There is no immediate change in how people invest part of their work earnings. Federal agencies would need to rewrite rules and regulations to allow the expanded choices, and that would take months or more to complete. But once done, employers could offer a broader array of mutual funds and investments to workers, according to the White House. New plans could invest in alternative assets, particularly private equity, cryptocurrencies and real estate.

The Republican president's order directs the Labor Department and other

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