TSP funds accentuate the positive in April

The Thrift Savings Plan's C, S, and I funds increased in April, marking the first time this year that all three funds have posted positive returns in the same month, according to the latest numbers from the plan.

The C fund, which invests in common stocks, grew a healthy 8.26 percent in April, after climbing 0.97 percent in March. The fund, which has gotten off to a slow start this year, has fallen 13.23 percent in the last 12 months.

The S fund followed suit, rising 8.31 percent last month, after increasing 1.55 percent in March. The S fund, which invests in the stocks of small- and mid-sized companies, has declined 15.02 percent since May 2002.

The I fund, which invests in international stocks, rallied in April, growing 9.82 percent, after dropping 1.90 percent in March. The fund, which hasn't posted a positive return since December 2002, has decreased 16.21 percent in the past year.

TSP's G fund rose 0.33 in April, staying steady after increasing the same amount in March. The fund, made up of government securities, has picked up 4.55 percent in the last 12 months.

The F fund bounced back in April, climbing 0.83 percent, after slipping 0.05 percent last month. The fund, which consists of fixed-income bonds, took an uncharacteristic dip in March, but has grown 10.63 percent since May 2002.

The monthly G, F, C, 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.

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