TSP stock funds on the rise in October

The Thrift Savings Plan's C, S and I funds gained ground in October, according to the latest statistics from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. The three stock funds all finished in the black for the first time since the S and I funds joined the TSP family in May. The C fund, which invests in common stocks, inched up 1.85 percent, its first positive movement since May. The fund has dropped 24.90 percent over the past 12 months. Both of the newest TSP investment options had their best months to date. The S fund, which invests in the stocks of small- and mid-sized companies, gained 5.09 percent. The S fund has outperformed its benchmark, the Wilshire 4500 Index over the past 12 months. While the S fund dropped 25.53 percent, the Wilshire 4500 fell 29.55 percent during the same period. The I fund, which is invested in international stocks, gained 2.47 percent in October, its first positive month ever. The F fund, which consists of fixed-income bonds, gained 2.12 percent in October, bringing its 12-month return to 14.70 percent. The G fund (government securities) ticked up 0.41 percent, for a 12-month gain of 5.57 percent. The monthly C, F, G, S and I Fund returns reflect net earnings on the amounts invested during the month. For an index of the performance of the C, I and S funds that is updated each business day, see the "TSP Ticker" on the front page of GovExec.com. October's rates of return are listed below.