Most TSP Funds Grew in May

Most portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program made gains last month.

The Thrift Savings Plan’s S Fund, made up of small- and mid-size businesses, led the way, growing 4.85 percent in May. Since January, the fund has gained 5.26 percent.

The common stocks of the C Fund increased 2.41 percent last month, bringing the portfolio back into the black for 2018 at 2 percent over the start of the year.

The fixed income (F) fund came back from a poor April last month, growing 0.73 percent. But the portfolio is still down since January, having lost 1.46 percent this year. The G Fund, which is made up of government securities, increased 0.24 percent in May, bringing its 2018 gains to 1.13 percent.

The only TSP portfolio to lose value last month was the international stocks in the I Fund, which fell 2.13 percent. That brings the I Fund 1.25 percent into negative territory for 2018.

The TSP’s lifecycle (L) funds, which shift investments to more stable portfolios as participants get closer to retirement, all grew in May. The L Income Fund increased 0.50 percent; L 2020, 0.66 percent; L 2030, 0.98 percent; L 2040, 1.13 percent; and L 2050, 1.26 percent.

Since January, the L Income Fund has grown 1.13 percent; L 2020, 1.16 percent; L 2030, 1.32 percent; L 2040, 1.36 percent; and L 2050, 1.42 percent.