TSP’s C fund perks up in October

The Thrift Savings Plan's C Fund bounced back in October, emerging from a year-long slump, according to the latest numbers from the plan.

The C fund, which invests in common stocks, saw its biggest boost since November 2001, climbing 8.77 percent in October. The increase was a significant rally for the fund, which fell 10.87 percent in September and dropped 15.1 percent over the past year.

The S fund also posted positive returns in October, increasing 3.38 percent. The S fund, which invests in the stocks of small- and mid-sized companies, posted a negative return of 6.84 percent in September after a slight 0.58 percent rise in August. The fund has fallen 8.99 percent in the last 12 months.

The I fund, which invests in international stocks, also rebounded, rising 5.42 percent last month, after falling 10.75 percent in September. The fund, which has dropped 13.46 percent over the past year, has posted negative returns since June.

The TSP's G fund rose by 0.33 percent in October. The fund, made up of government securities, has seen steady increases over the past few months, gaining 0.37 percent in September and 0.40 percent in August. The fund has gained 5.07 percent in the past 12 months.

One of the TSP's most consistent performers, the F fund, fell 0.44 percent last month, after gaining 1.63 percent in September and 1.58 percent in August. The fund, which consists of fixed-income bonds, has risen 5.91 percent in the past year.

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 appear below. The numbers in parentheses are negative.