Fidelity will start offering bitcoin as an investment option in 401(k) accounts – NPR

Retirement giant Fidelity said Tuesday that it’s launched a way for workers to put some of their 401 savings and contributions directly in bitcoin, potentially up to 20%, all from the account’s main menu of investment options.

government last month warned the retirement industry to exercise “extreme care” when doing something like this, highlighting how inexperienced investors may not appreciate just how volatile cryptocurrencies can be, among other concerns.

Beyond its volatility, there’s still fundamental disagreement about how much a bitcoin is worth, or even if it’s worth anything at all.

Proponents say cryptocurrencies can boost returns in a well diversified portfolio, without adding too much risk.

A big part of the thrill of crypto for some traders is just how volatile it can be.

That means between $7.50 and $9 of each $1,000 invested in the bitcoin account would go toward paying expenses every year.

ForUsAll plans to require savers to take an interactive quiz about the risks of cryptocurrencies before buying them, among other moves to educate investors.

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