TSP funds end 2002 on a negative note

The Thrift Savings Plan's C, S and I funds slipped in December, after posting positive returns in November and October, according to the latest numbers from the plan.

The C fund, which invests in common stocks, fell 5.85 percent in December, after gaining 5.87 percent in November. The fund, which made a strong comeback in October after a year-long slump, plunged 22.05 percent in 2002.

The S fund also relapsed in December, dropping 4.32 percent, after climbing 6.76 percent in November. The S fund, which invests in the stocks of small- and mid-sized companies, has fallen 18.14 percent in the last 12 months.

The I fund, which invests in international stocks, declined 3.27 percent last month, after increasing 4.49 percent in November. The fund, which plummeted 10.75 percent in September, has dropped 15.98 percent since December.

The TSP's steady G fund rose by 0.38 percent in December, after increasing 0.34 percent in November. The fund, made up of government securities, gained 5 percent last year.

The F fund bounced back in December, gaining 2.08 percent last month, after slipping 0.01 percent in November. The fund, which consists of fixed-income bonds and is one of the TSP's most consistent performers, rose 10.27 percent in 2002.

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.

December's rates of return appear below. The numbers in parentheses are negative.