The I Fund on 2-2-2026

[mvftw]

Was Posted at +0.10%, but shouldn't it be +0.62% gain?

 

[TommyIV]

Just referencing the last two posted I-fund prices from tsp.gov, the I-fund was $58.79 on Friday and $58.85 on Monday.

(58.85-58.79) / 58.79 x 100 = 0.10%

 

[mvftw]

I just clicked on the chart on the bottom of the home page that shows the 5 funds and the other funds were exact except the I fund.

 

[TommyIV]

I see. You are right that ACWX was up 0.62% yesterday, but the TSP only added 0.10% to the I-fund price. We see that sometimes and it is typically a result of time zone differences between the U.S. market and markets ACWX represents. Often, we can see the difference made up in the following trading days.

 

[nasa1974]

I got involved with TSPTalk in April 2008 and the "I" fund has always been a little confusing. I know way back then there were some pretty good discussions about the "I" fund. I might have to try and dig that up in the archives.

 

[JPH543]

In addition to fair value adjustments from different market closing times like Tom mentioned you also have to deal with daily exchange rates. Since the I fund invests in international stocks in foreign currencies the daily share price has to be converted back to USD.

If the US dollar value falls that day against foreign currencies, your international holdings are worth more in USD terms, even if the stock price in the local market didn't change and you get a bump. Vice versa if if the USD rises, it acts as a headwind, reducing the value of your international investments when converted back to USD.

The TSP I fund only got .10% because according to the UUP the USD went up .67% that day as well. So we lost some of those gains as it gets converted back to USD. Also when the US market opens back up you might see some more of the fair market adjustment bleeding into the next day when it opens. (ACWX opened .22% up today and dollar is slight down)

This often works out in your favor or is not as noticeable (at least recently anyways). But Monday Feb 2nd was an example of it not working out as nicely as you may be use to seeing or didn't realize before. So sometimes the wind is in your favor and sometimes its not. I keep an eye on what the dollar is doing when I plan to move in or out of I. It is another layer to think about, as well as you have the ability to use it as an additional tool.

 

[nasa1974]

In addition to fair value adjustments from different market closing times like Tom mentioned you also have to deal with daily exchange rates. Since the I fund invests in international stocks in foreign currencies the daily share price has to be converted back to USD.

If the US dollar value falls that day against foreign currencies, your international holdings are worth more in USD terms, even if the stock price in the local market didn't change and you get a bump. Vice versa if if the USD rises, it acts as a headwind, reducing the value of your international investments when converted back to USD.

The TSP I fund only got .10% because according to the UUP the USD went up .67% that day as well. So we lost some of those gains as it gets converted back to USD. Also when the US market opens back up you might see some more of the fair market adjustment bleeding into the next day when it opens. (ACWX opened .22% up today and dollar is slight down)

This often works out in your favor or is not as noticeable (at least recently anyways). But Monday Feb 2nd was an example of it not working out as nicely as you may be use to seeing or didn't realize before. So sometimes the wind is in your favor and sometimes its not. I keep an eye on what the dollar is doing when I plan to move in or out of I. It is another layer to think about, as well as you have the ability to use it as an additional tool.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head. Great response.

 

[tsptalk]

+0.66% today. Payback!

 

[JPH543]

Nice, Tuesday 3 Feb was a perfect example of a tailwind in our favor day for sure!
ACWX up: +0.17%
Dollar (UUP) down: -0.26%.
TSP I fund got a nice bump: +0.66%.