Most TSP Funds Gained Ground in September

Most of the portfolios offered by the 401(k)-style retirement savings program for federal employees grew in September, reversing losses sustained in August.

The Thrift Savings Plan’s S Fund, made up of small- and mid-size companies, led the way, increasing 4.26 percent last month. Its 2017 total now sits at 12.76 percent in growth.

The international stocks in the I Fund grew by 2.52 percent in September, bringing the fund's growth this year up to 20.30%. And the C Fund’s common stocks increased 2.06 percent last month, which increased its 2017 performance to 14.24 percent.

But the fixed income (F) fund lost 0.48 percent in value last month. Its growth since January is now down to 3.36 percent.

The G Fund, made up of government securities, continued its steady gains, growing by 0.17 percent last month. In 2017, the G Fund has grown 1.73 percent.

All of the TSP’s lifecycle funds, which shift investments toward more stable portfolios as people get closer to retirement, saw continued gains in September. The L Income Fund, designed for people who have already begun monthly withdrawals, grew 0.60 percent. L 2020 increased by 1.02 percent; L 2030, 1.60 percent; L 2040, 1.87 percent; and L 2050, 2.14 percent.

In 2017, the L Income Fund has grown by 4.54 percent; L 2020, 7.26 percent; L 2030, 10.47 percent; L 2040, 12.03 percent; and L 2050, 13.44 percent.