Trump’s new executive order could dramatically change your retirement account — why you need to be careful now

Group 1 - An executive order by President Trump allows alternative assets like private credit, private equity, and cryptocurrencies in 401(k) and tax-advantaged retirement accounts, aiming to democratize investment access [1] - Retail investors are increasingly interested in alternative assets, with a survey indicating that 21% have considered them and 5% plan to invest, primarily for diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds [3] - Experts warn that alternative assets may carry complex and less transparent risks, which might not be suitable for all investors [3] Group 2 - Private market funds often promote higher return potential compared to traditional investments, but these can mask high fees, limited liquidity, and inconsistent performance [4] - As of May 2025, only 2 out of 14 private equity and venture capital funds tracked by Morningstar have outperformed the S&P 500 since inception [5] - Typical private equity fees range from 1% to 2.5% in annual management fees, plus performance fees of 20% or more [5]