My last monthly update was written when the market started in August with a few very volatile days. It is something of a déjà vu as I write this monthly recap. September is starting off on the wrong foot for many stock investors. As of this writing, all three stock funds are in the negative for September thus far. As weak economic data continues to cause concern to economists, investors are again wondering if this is the beginning of another market downturn or just another “buy the dip” opportunity that will quickly turn around.
For August, the C fund was the best performer of the five core funds, gaining 2.45% for the month. The S fund was the worst performer at 0.25% for the month. Speculation regarding future interest rate cuts continues to dominate market watcher’s conversations. It appears highly likely that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates in the coming months. This is welcome news for borrowers hoping for lower rates on consumer debt and mortgages. Also, the bond market could rally because of any rate cuts. As with all market moves, no one can predict what will happen from one week or one month to the next. This is why diversification is so important.
To that end, we offer a monthly TSP webinar and complimentary consultations to help federal employees develop a strategy they can stick to through the ups and downs of market cycles. Please take advantage of the resources available to you. Our webinars are free, so there is no excuse! Successfully managing your TSP will have a huge impact on your retirement. If you have neglected it in the past, make it a priority to educate yourself sooner rather than later!
If you have questions about managing your TSP best, please schedule a complimentary meeting or attend a TSP webinar. The schedule is available here: https://stwserve.com/webinars-and-seminars/webinars-for-federal-employees/. You can also schedule a complimentary consultation with me using this link: https://calendly.com/jennifer-meyer-2/part-2a-jennifer.
Monthly and year-to-date returns effective August 30, 2024, and longer-term averages are shown below. (source, TSP.gov)
| Year | G Fund | F Fund | C Fund | S Fund | I Fund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 12 months | 4.59% | 7.43% | 22.11% | 15.22% | 11.77% |
| 2024 YTD | 2.97% | 3.14% | 19.50% | 9.99% | 12.30% |
| August | 0.35% | 1.43% | 2.42% | 0.25% | 3.15% |
| July | 0.39% | 2.33% | 1.21% | 6.23% | 2.86% |
| June | 0.38% | 0.94% | 3.58% | -0.10% | -1.62% |
| May | 0.41% | 1.69% | 4.96% | 3.36% | 4.86% |
| April | 0.35% | -2.47% | -4.08% | -6.46% | -3.17% |
| March | 0.38% | 0.87% | 3.22% | 3.33% | 3.36% |
| February | 0.33% | -1.41% | 5.34% | 6.03% | 2.74% |
| Jan 2024 | 0.34% | -0.19% | 1.68% | -2.41% | -0.22% |
Month to month trends as shown above are interesting, but it is important to remember that short term market volatility is to be expected and employees should not be making investment decisions based on short-term performance. Following are longer term rates of return for each fund, as of August 30, 2024. (source, TSP.gov).
| Year | G Fund | F Fund | C Fund | S Fund | I Fund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 4.59% | 7.43% | 26.91% | 20.63% | 19.42% |
| 3 Year | 3.56% | -2.06% | 9.30% | -0.66% | 4.49% |
| 5 year | 2.62% | 0.03% | 15.87% | 10.63% | 8.95% |
| 10 year | 2.46% | 1.80% | 12.97% | 8.98% | 5.55% |
| Inception Date | 4/1/1987 | 1/29/1988 | 1/29/1988 | 5/1/2001 | 5/1/2001 |
Please reach out to us with questions and follow our website for the most recent updates. We are here to serve you! Thank you for your service to our government!
Until next month,
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Jennifer Meyer, CFP®, ChFEBC℠, AIF®
A seasoned financial advisor, Jen is renowned for her expertise in federal benefits and financial planning for feds. Jen’s nearly 30-year industry background coupled with her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant℠ designations empower her to guide clients confidently on the path to financial independence. Growing up in a family of federal employees, she’s incredibly proud to serve the federal community. Known for her empathetic approach and deep understanding of economic impacts on planning, Jen is dedicated to her clients’ financial prosperity.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
**Written by Jennifer Meyer, CFP®, ChFEBC℠, AIF®,. The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Jennifer Meyer and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
***The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve. The TSP is a defined contribution plan, meaning that the retirement income you receive from your TSP account will depend on how much you (and your agency or service, if you're eligible to receive agency or service contributions) put into your account during your working years and the earnings accumulated over that time. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) administers the TSP.***
