TSP Returns Mostly Positive in February

The vast majority of portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program grew in February, continuing a positive trend for 2019.

The small- and mid-size businesses in the Thrift Savings Plan’s S Fund led the way, increasing 4.98 percent last month. So far this year, the portfolio has grown 17.20 percent.

The common stocks in the C Fund were 3.21 percent in the black in February, bringing the fund's 2019 total up to 11.48 percent. The I Fund, which is composed of international investments, increased 2.55 percent last month. So far this year, the portfolio has grown 9.32 percent.

The G Fund, which is made up of government securities, increased 0.20 percent, bringing its 2019 growth up to 0.43 percent. The fixed income bonds in the F Fund were the only offerings to lose value in February, dropping 0.06 percent. That brings the F Fund's 2019 growth down to 1 percent.

All of the TSP’s lifecycle funds, which shift investments to more stable portfolios as participants get closer to retirement, grew in February. The L Income Fund, for people who already have begun withdrawing money, increased 0.80 percent; L 2020, 1.06 percent; L 2030, 2 percent; L 2040, 2.36 percent; and L 2050, 2.68 percent.

So far this year, the L Income Fund has grown 2.64 percent; L 2020, 3.62 percent; L 2030, 7.02 percent; L 2040, 8.36 percent; and L 2050, 9.53 percent.