Which of the following is allowed in 401(k) plans?

In the context of 401(k) plans, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are indeed a permissible investment option. ETFs offer diversification as they allow employees to invest in a broad range of securities and asset types, including stocks and bonds, all within a single fund. They are traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks, making them an attractive option for retirement plans.

This investment flexibility aligns with the overall goal of 401(k) plans to provide participants with a variety of investment choices to fit different risk tolerances and investment strategies. Moreover, ETFs typically have lower expense ratios compared to mutual funds, making them a cost-effective option for long-term investment within retirement accounts.

In contrast, the other choices, such as direct purchases of real estate, investments in collectibles, and short selling of stocks, are not allowed in 401(k) plans due to regulatory restrictions. These limitations are designed to protect the tax-advantaged status of the plan and to ensure that the investments remain relatively liquid and aligned with the long-term growth objectives of retirement savings.