Trump reportedly plans order to open 401(k)s to private markets: What it means for your retirement

Financial firms already developing new investment products in anticipation of the executive order

Eric Revell FOXBusiness  

President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to sign an executive order that would expand access to private-market investments in retirement accounts.

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that the order would direct the Labor Department and Securities and Exchange Commission to develop regulatory guidance for employers and plan administrators about the inclusion of private assets in 401(k) retirement plans.

The Journal's sources indicated that the order's details aren't yet finalized and are still subject to the administration's review ahead of an announcement.

Private-market investments, also known as private assets, include private equity, venture capital, real estate and hedge funds that aren't traded on public exchanges.

Private assets are typically characterized by higher risk and potentially higher returns compared to traditional investments like stocks and bonds that are traded on public markets. Read more and see video here.