TSP funds close on a high note in 2003

All of the Thrift Savings Plan funds saw an increase during 2003, according to the latest numbers from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.

The S Fund had the largest gain last year, increasing by nearly 43 percent in 2003. The fund, which invests in stocks of small- and mid-size companies, went up 2.04 percent in December.

The I Fund saw the next biggest gain in 2003, growing by nearly 38 percent during the past year. The I Fund, made up of international stocks, gained 7.68 percent in December 2003.

The C Fund, which invests in common stock, grew more than 28 percent in 2003 and rose 5.24 percent last month.

The F Fund, made up of fixed-income bonds, was up 1.01 percent in December, with an annual increase of 4.11 percent in 2003.

The G Fund gained 0.49 percent in December 2003. The fund consists of government securities and grew 4.11 percent during the past year.

The monthly C, F, S, I and G Fund returns reflect net earnings on the changing balances 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. Numbers in parentheses are negative.