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Biodynamic Gardening Guide: Definition, Key Principles, Best Practices, Benefits, Tools and Preparations

Biodynamic gardening offers a profound approach to cultivating the earth, resonating with ancient wisdom and modern ecological consciousness. It transcends conventional organic practices by fostering a holistic understanding of the garden as a living organism, intertwined with the rhythms of nature and the cosmos. Embracing this philosophy nurtures vibrant, nutrient-rich produce while promoting a deeper connection to the natural world.

Key Principles of Biodynamic Gardening

1. Understanding the Farm as a Living Organism:

Biodynamics views the farm or garden as an interconnected entity, where soil, plants, animals, and cosmic forces collaborate in a delicate dance of life.
Nurturing this interconnectedness is paramount, ensuring a synergistic balance that promotes vitality and resilience.

2. Strengthening the Soil:

Biodynamic preparations, meticulously crafted from natural substances, act as catalysts for soil health.
These preparations invigorate microbial life, enhance fertility, and promote a thriving soil ecosystem—the foundation for robust plant growth.

3. Aligning with Cosmic Rhythms:

Biodynamics recognizes the profound influence of celestial rhythms on plant growth.
Planting, cultivating, and harvesting in harmony with lunar cycles, planetary alignments, and seasonal transitions optimizes plant vitality and yields.

4. Embracing Biodiversity:

Biodynamic gardens embrace diversity, fostering a tapestry of plant species, insect life, and beneficial organisms.
This biodiversity fosters resilience, thwarts pests, and creates a harmonious ecosystem where each element contributes to the garden's overall health.

Essential Practices for Biodynamic Gardening Success

1. Composting: The Heart of Soil Fertility

Biodynamic composting is a meticulous art, transforming organic matter into a nutrient-rich elixir for the soil.
Specific preparations, such as BD500 and BD502, enhance compost vitality, accelerating decomposition and enriching the soil's microbial life.

2. Planting by the Moon and Stars:

Biodynamic planting calendars guide gardeners to align sowing and harvesting with auspicious cosmic rhythms.
This practice is believed to optimize plant growth, nutrient uptake, and flavor development.

3. Fostering Biodiversity:

Intercropping, companion planting, and cultivating a diversity of species create a vibrant ecosystem that benefits all inhabitants.
Beneficial insects thrive, pests are kept in check, and the garden becomes a resilient, self-sustaining microcosm.

4. Honoring Animals and Their Role:

Biodynamic farms often integrate livestock, recognizing their crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and overall farm health.
Animals contribute manure for compost, grazing for weed control, and their unique energy to the farm's ecosystem.

The Rewards of Biodynamic Gardening

1. Nutrient-Rich, Flavorful Produce:

Biodynamic practices yield produce that is not only free of chemicals but also brimming with vitality and flavor.
The heightened nutrient density and vibrant energy of biodynamically grown food are often palpable to those who consume it.

2. Deeper Connection to Nature:

Biodynamic gardening cultivates a profound sense of connection to the natural world, fostering respect for the delicate balance of life forces that sustain us.
This intimate relationship with nature enriches both the gardener and the garden, fostering a sense of stewardship and gratitude.

3. A Path to Regeneration:

Biodynamic principles offer a roadmap for healing the Earth and restoring vitality to our food systems.
By nourishing the soil, honoring biodiversity, and embracing cosmic rhythms, we can participate in a movement that nurtures life and promotes a thriving planet for generations to come.

Delving Deeper into the Cosmos: Advanced Biodynamic Techniques

We've established the core principles and practices of biodynamic gardening, but the journey doesn't end there. For those seeking to truly connect with the cosmic rhythms and unlock the full potential of their gardens, several advanced techniques await exploration.

Honing Your Sensitivity to Cosmic Forces

1. Observing the Subtle: Planetary Influences

Each planet in our solar system exerts a unique influence on plant growth. For example:

Mars: Associated with vitality and action, Mars days are ideal for seeding fast-growing plants like lettuce and radishes.
Venus: Ruling over love and beauty, Venus days favor planting flowering ornamentals and nurturing delicate fruits.
Saturn: Known for structure and boundaries, Saturn days are well-suited for tasks like transplanting seedlings and pruning woody plants.

By keeping a keen eye on planetary movements and aligning your gardening activities accordingly, you can tap into these subtle cosmic forces and potentially enhance your yields and harvest quality.

2. Harnessing the Moon's Cycles: The Biodynamic Sowing Calendar

The moon's waxing and waning phases have long been recognized as potent influences on plant growth. Biodynamic sowing calendars, meticulously crafted to correspond with these lunar cycles, offer detailed guidance for optimal planting times.

Root Days: During the waning moon, focus on planting root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beets. The downward pull of the moon's gravity is believed to encourage vigorous root development.
Leaf Days: Under the waxing moon, prioritize leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. The moon's upward pull is thought to stimulate lush foliage growth.
Flower Days: The days surrounding the full moon are auspicious for sowing flowering plants, fruit trees, and herbs. The moon's heightened energy is believed to promote vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests.

3. Rhythms of the Zodiac: A Deeper Dive

For the truly dedicated biodynamic gardener, delving into the specific influences of the zodiacal constellations can add another layer of complexity and potential benefit. Each constellation is associated with different plant parts and qualities, offering further guidance for aligning your gardening activities with cosmic rhythms.

For instance, planting tomatoes under the sign of Leo (associated with fire and fruit) or sowing leafy greens under Libra (linked to air and balance) might be seen as particularly auspicious choices. However, mastering this level of astrological integration requires dedication and ongoing study.

Tools and Preparations for the Advanced Biodynamic Gardener

1. The Seven Preparations: Catalysts for Life

Biodynamic preparations are potent natural concoctions crafted from specific plant and animal materials. These preparations, numbered BD500 through BD507, each address different aspects of soil health and plant vitality.

BD500 (Horn manure): Enhances soil fertility and humus formation.
BD501 (Horn silica): Strengthens plant stems and resistance to disease.
BD502 (Cow manure): Stimulates composting and microbial activity.
BD503 (Chamomile): Promotes flower formation and fruit quality.
BD504 (Nettle): Enhances leaf growth and chlorophyll production.
BD505 (Oak bark): Strengthens root systems and resistance to pests.
BD506 (Dandelion): Balances soil moisture and nutrient uptake.

Mastering the application and timing of these preparations takes time and experience, but their potential to invigorate your garden and elevate your biodynamic practice is significant.

2. The Dowsing Rod: Intuition Meets Practicality

The dowsing rod, a simple Y-shaped tool, can be used to intuitively locate underground water sources, ley lines (energetic lines in the Earth), and even compost piles with optimal activity. While its scientific validity is debated, many biodynamic gardeners swear by the dowsing rod as a valuable tool for connecting with the subtle energies of the land.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Journey with Biodynamic Gardening

Biodynamic gardening is not merely a set of techniques; it's a lifelong journey of observation, experimentation, and deepening connection with the natural world. As you delve deeper into its principles and practices, you'll witness firsthand the vibrant life force coursing through your garden, responding to your care and resonating with the rhythms of the cosmos.

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[TSPStrategy] Open Season: Medicare Advantage or Disadvantage?

All, I have been on vacation for a few weeks and away from my computer. Here's something important to know about.

What are some opinions of Medicare Advantage and why?

Thanks

Dave

https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2023/11/open-season-medicare-advantage-or-disadvantage/392366/?oref=ge_retirementplanning_nl

Open Season: Medicare Advantage or Disadvantage?

Medicare Advantage options have only been offered through Federal Employees Health Benefits Program carriers since 2021 and may provide benefits that are not covered under traditional Medicare.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

TAMMY FLANAGAN

Retirement Counseling and Training www.retirefederal.com

What do Joe Namath, David Ortiz, Magic Johnson, Joe Montana, Lionel Richie, Mike Huckabee, William Shatner, J.J. Walker, and William Devane all have in common? If you are near age 65 or older, you might know the correct answer. They were all featured in advertisements for Medicare Advantage plans. In 2023, nearly 31 million Medicare beneficiaries in the United States are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, more than half of the eligible Medicare population.

This statistic, however, is not true for federal retirees. Recent data shows that somewhere between 20% to 30% of Medicare eligible federal retirees are only enrolled in Part A of Medicare and only a small fraction of the 70% to 80 % of Medicare eligible federal retirees who are enrolled in both Parts A and B of Medicare have taken the extra step to enroll in the Medicare Advantage option offered by many plans in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program for the 2024 plan year. This could be because Medicare Advantage options have only been offered through FEHB carriers since 2021. FEHB plans offering a Medicare Advantage benefit are not advertised by celebrities, but instead, you can find out more about these options on the Office of Personnel Management's website or you may check on your FEHB plan website or in Section 9 of your FEHB plan brochure.

All Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare Part C plans, as they are also known, provide all Medicare-covered benefits under Parts A and B, and usually provide Part D prescription drug benefits as well. Medicare Advantage plans may also provide benefits that are not covered under traditional Medicare, such as eyeglasses, some dental care, or gym memberships.

FEHB plans that offer a Medicare Advantage option also provide a reduction in the Medicare Part B premium of $75 / month up to the full cost of Part B in certain plans. All nationwide FEHB fee-for-service plans will offer a Medicare Advantage benefit in 2024 except for the BC/BS FFS plans. Most of the FEHB HMO carriers will also provide this additional benefit of enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan. There is no additional premium required to enroll in an FEHB Medicare Advantage option, however higher income enrollments will be subject to Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts surcharges for Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D.
Enrollment in the Medicare Advantage Plan offered through many FEHB carriers is voluntary. Members must complete an application for enrollment in the Medicare Advantage option following their enrollment in the FEHB plan. Eligible enrollees voluntarily opt into the FEHB sponsored Medicare Advantage Plan and may opt out at any time. You may enroll in the FEHB Medicare Advantage Plan if:

You are a retiree or annuitant enrolled in an FEHB that offers the added benefit of a Medicare Advantage Plan Option and have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
You are a United States citizen or are lawfully present in the United States, and you reside in the United States, the District of Columbia or a United States territory.
You do NOT have End-Stage Renal Disease. Enrollees who have ESRD cannot enroll until after the 30-month grace period has expired. Members diagnosed with ESRD while enrolled in the GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan may remain enrolled and ESRD services will be covered.
You complete an application for enrollment in the FEHB Medicare Advantage Plan option by contacting the FEHB plan offering the Medicare Advantage option. You will be asked to provide proof of your enrollment in Medicare A and B.

Restrictions

Commercially available Medicare Advantage plans restrict the health care providers that their enrollees can see (provider networks).
FEHB plans offering a Medicare Advantage benefit may be less restrictive, however, you must be sure that your provider accepts Medicare, and they accept your plan. This tends to be less restrictive than the commercial Medicare Advantage plans, however, there are some providers who will not accept any MA plans. For example, Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Mayo Clinic in Florida do not accept Medicare Advantage Plans or Health Maintenance Organizations.
Medicare Advantage plans are run through private companies, and they receive a stipend from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for each enrollee in the plan. This money is used to pay for the health care services used by the beneficiaries of the plan. Medicare Advantage plans may require more referrals and approvals for your care.

Cost Sharing

All Medicare Advantage plans include a limit of no more than $8,850 on out-of-pocket spending for in-network services and $13,300 for combined in-network and out-of-network services covered under Medicare Part A and B in 2024.
FEHB plans offering Medicare Advantage benefits waive your cost-sharing for in-network providers and out-of-network providers who accept the plan leaving you with $0 out-of-pocket cost for most inpatient and outpatient medical care covered by Medicare and your FEHB plan.
With a Medicare Advantage enrollment through a participating FEHB plan offering nationwide coverage, you can see any out-of-network doctor or health care provider that participates in Medicare and accepts the plan. Accepting the plan means the doctor is willing to treat you and bill the plan (providers do not bill Medicare when you are covered through a Medicare Advantage plan).
Health Maintenance Organization FEHB plans also offer Medicare Advantage options, however, you will be required to see specific physicians, hospitals, and other providers that contract with the plan, and you must live or work in the geographic area specified by your plan.
FEHB plans do not waive the cost sharing on most prescription drugs. However, FEHB plans offering Medicare Advantage benefits provide a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan which sets a spending cap on out-of-pocket drug costs and lowers the copayments for certain medications. Beware that the prescription drug formulary under the Medicare Advantage enrollment may be different from the original FEHB plan formulary for your medications.

FEHB plans that offer Part D without enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan

The following FEHB plans are providing members who are enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B with coverage under a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that provides new protections under Medicare Part D but do not require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage option to receive these benefits:

Aetna Direct,
Foreign Service Benefit Plan and
BC/BS Standard and Basic options,

Although members covered by the above plans may be auto enrolled in this new Part D benefit for the 2024 plan year, it is possible to opt out of this new benefit by contacting your plan. For higher income enrollments, the Part D IRMAA surcharge may be charged. In addition, Part D benefits are not available outside of the U.S. Another item of note is that you may not use a prescription drug discount card (i.e., GoodRx, Single Care, Senior65.com) along with your coverage in a Medicare Part D plan.

Another benefit of the FEHB plans that offer incentives to enroll in Medicare A and B without the added enrollment in a Medicare Advantage benefit is your providers will bill Medicare for your healthcare services so that participants may see any doctor that accepts Medicare. BC/BS Basic requires that you use BC/BS Preferred Providers to receive benefits from this plan. HMO's have restricted provider networks although your coverage under Medicare A and B provides coverage outside of your FEHB plan network.

According to Dennis Damp, who writes the Retirement Lifestyle newsletter, once you elect a MA plan (Medicare Part C), you will be automatically enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan at no additional cost unless you have higher income and are subject to the IRMAA surcharge. Those over 65 and new enrollees in the Medicare Advantage plan offered by many FEHB plans, may receive a late enrollment penalty letter for Part D from Social Security. If you receive this notice, call the plan to let them know. You will not be penalized for late enrollment when signing up through your FEHB plan for Medicare Advantage Part D benefits. Secondly, if you decide to opt out of the program you will not be penalized for Part D late enrollment if you decide to reenroll down the road.

FEHB plans provide an excellent supplement as secondary payer to original Medicare (Parts A and B). You may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan offered through many FEHB plans while remaining enrolled in the FEHB plan. Let's be clear: There are no FEHB plans that are Medicare Advantage plans (although you may find "advantage" in the plan title) just like there are no FEHB plans that are Medicare Supplemental plans. Medicare supplemental plans and Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private companies, and most federal retirees eligible for FEHB coverage are not enrolled in these commercial plans. FEHB plan participants may "suspend" their FEHB coverage to enroll in a commercially available Medicare Advantage benefit using form RI 79-9 (Cancel or Suspend FEHB). You can find information on Medicare Advantage plan offered through many FEHB plans and for other incentives offered by FEHB plans to encourage enrollment in Medicare A and B, by contacting your FEHB plan or visiting your FEHB plan website.

NOTE: Be sure to use OPM's resources to learn more about all FEHB plan options available to you in 2024. There are 68 FEHB participating carriers offering a total of 158 plan choices, however depending on where you live or work, you may have 17 nationwide plans plus five plans available to specific groups along with community or local HMOs where the number of options will vary by area.

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Titans Stage Miraculous Comeback to Stun Dolphins on Monday Night Football

In one of the most incredible comebacks of the NFL season, the Tennessee Titans stunned the Miami Dolphins 28-27 on Monday Night Football. With less than three minutes remaining in the game and trailing by 14 points, the Titans unleashed a furious rally that culminated in a game-winning touchdown with just seconds left on the clock.

The victory was a monumental one for the Titans, who improved to 5-8 on the season and kept their playoff hopes alive. It also dealt a major blow to the Dolphins, who had been riding high atop the AFC East and were considered one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.

Dolphins Dominate Early

The Dolphins seemed poised to cruise to victory early on. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sharp, completing 20 of his 25 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. also had a strong performance, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown.

The Titans, on the other hand, struggled offensively for much of the game. Rookie quarterback Will Levis looked shaky at times, completing only 15 of his 30 passes for 187 yards. The Titans also committed several costly penalties, which helped the Dolphins maintain momentum.

Titans Mount Improbable Comeback

With the Dolphins leading 27-13 late in the fourth quarter, it appeared that the Titans were headed for defeat. However, Levis led the Titans on a pair of remarkable touchdown drives in the final minutes of the game.

The first scoring drive was capped off by a 15-yard touchdown pass from Levis to wide receiver Treylon Burks with 1:50 remaining. On the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Levis found tight end Austin Hooper for the score, cutting the Dolphins' lead to 27-21.

Following a Miami punt, Levis and the Titans offense went back to work. Levis completed passes of 19 and 15 yards to move the ball into Dolphins territory. With just seconds remaining on the clock, Levis delivered a strike to wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

Levis Shines in the Spotlight

Levis, who was making just his third career start, was the hero of the game for the Titans. He finished with 327 passing yards and two touchdowns, displaying a poise and clutchness that belied his rookie status.

"I'm just so proud of our guys," Levis said after the game. "We never gave up, even when things looked bleak. We just kept fighting, and it paid off in the end."

Dolphins Left to Rue Missed Opportunities

The Dolphins were left to rue their missed opportunities after the game. They had several chances to put the game away in the fourth quarter, but they were unable to capitalize.

"We just made too many mistakes," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. "We had a chance to win this game, but we didn't take advantage of it. We need to learn from our mistakes and move on."

What's Next for Both Teams?

The Titans will look to build on their momentum when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The Dolphins, meanwhile, will try to get back on track when they travel to face the Buffalo Bills.

Historic Comeback

The Titans' comeback was one of the most memorable in recent NFL history. It was the first time since 2003 that a team had overcome a 14-point deficit in the final three minutes of a game and won in regulation.

The victory also proved that the Titans are a team that can never be counted out. Despite their up-and-down season, they remain in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Conclusion

The Titans' thrilling comeback victory over the Dolphins was a testament to the power of perseverance and never giving up. It was a game that will be remembered for years to come, and it served as a reminder that anything is possible in the NFL.

Key Statistics:

Titans: 327 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
Dolphins: 267 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 112 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
Titans: 5-8 record
Dolphins: 9-5 record

Additional Notes:

The Titans were without star running back Derrick Henry for the second straight game.
The Dolphins were also without several key players, including wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and safety Jevon Holland.
The game was played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The attendance was 75,417.

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Electroculture Antenna: A Guide to Everything You Need to Know

Electroculture is a fascinating and growing field of agriculture that uses electric fields to stimulate plant growth. One of the key components of an electroculture system is the electroculture antenna. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about electroculture antennas, including what they are, how they work, and how to build your own.

References:

What is an electroculture antenna?

An electroculture antenna is a device that is used to create an electric field in the air. This electric field can then be used to stimulate the growth of plants. Electroculture antennas can be made from a variety of materials, including copper wire, aluminum foil, and even cardboard.

How do electroculture antennas work?

When an electric current is passed through an electroculture antenna, it creates an electric field around the antenna. This electric field can then be used to stimulate the growth of plants in a number of ways.

Increased cell division: The electric field can cause plant cells to divide more rapidly, which can lead to faster growth.
Improved nutrient uptake: The electric field can also help plants to absorb nutrients from the soil more efficiently.
Increased chlorophyll production: Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their green color. The electric field can help plants to produce more chlorophyll, which can lead to increased photosynthesis and growth.
Enhanced disease resistance: The electric field can help plants to resist diseases by activating their immune systems.

How to build your own electroculture antenna

There are many different ways to build an electroculture antenna. One simple method is to use copper wire to create a spiral coil. The coil should be about 1 foot in diameter and 6 inches tall. The coil can then be mounted on a wooden stake and placed in the ground near your plants.

Benefits of using electroculture antennas

There are many benefits to using electroculture antennas. Some of the most common benefits include:

Increased yields: Studies have shown that electroculture antennas can increase yields by up to 30%.
Improved crop quality: Electroculture antennas can help to improve the quality of crops by making them more resistant to pests and diseases.
Reduced need for pesticides: Electroculture antennas can help to reduce the need for pesticides by making plants more resistant to pests.
More sustainable agriculture: Electroculture is a more sustainable form of agriculture than traditional methods because it does not rely on the use of chemicals.

Here are some additional tips for using electroculture antennas:

The best time to use electroculture antennas is during the growing season.
The antennas should be placed near the plants, but not so close that they touch the leaves.
The antennas should be turned on for at least 8 hours per day.
It is important to experiment with different antenna designs and configurations to find what works best for your specific plants and growing conditions.

Conclusion

Electroculture antennas are a simple and effective way to improve the growth of your plants. If you are looking for a way to increase your yields and improve the quality of your crops, then electroculture may be a good option for you.

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Re: [TSPStrategy] TSP PP contribution in 2024

In some ways, it doesn't really matter if you start earlier than the first pay period of 2024. If you have reached the limit of contributions in 2023, the TSP will just limit the excess deposit to the maximum. Then for 2024, you'll be set up with $1174 per pp through all of 2024, and the last pay period they will limit your attempt to deposit anything more than the $30,500. as you might have tried to deposit over the limit by about about $20.

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[TSPStrategy] TSP PP contribution in 2024

I want to max my per pp contribution in 2024. I'm over 55, and get payed via NFC. I figure that's $30,500 / 26 pp = $1173 (or should it be $1174 per pp?). But I can never figure out how to read pp calendars. Which pp is the first pp to pay in 2023, where I make the amount change?

Thanks in advance.

btw, happy to be 100% C

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[TSPStrategy] TSP board OKs new international fund index, this time without China

https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2023/11/tsp-board-oks-new-international-fund-index-time-without-china/392049/

TSP board OKs new international fund index, this time without China

A previous effort to move the I Fund to a broader benchmark index, which included investments in Chinese corporations, met opposition from the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers.

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 03:07 PM ET

ERICH WAGNER

The agency responsible for administering the federal government's 401(k)-style retirement savings program announced Tuesday that next year, the Thrift Savings Plan will transition its portfolio of international investments to a new, broader index, which officials say will improve the I Fund's performance.

The TSP's core funds all track a benchmark index that guide investment in a market sector, be that small or large businesses in the cases of the S and C funds, respectively, or investments in international markets, as is the case with the I Fund. For years, the I Fund has been tied to the MSCI Europe, Australasia and Far East Index.

But next year, the TSP will move I Fund investments to a new, broader, index in the form of the MSCI All Country World ex USA ex China ex Hong Kong Investable Market Index, or MSCI ACWI IMI ex USA ex China ex Hong Kong Index, for slightly shorter.

Diversifying federal employees and retirees' international investments has been a priority for the TSP for years. In 2017, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, which administers the TSP, voted to change the I Fund's index to the MSCI All Country World Ex-US Investable Market Index with a plan to make the transition occur in 2020.

But that effort was derailed by a flurry of last-minute pressure by Republican lawmakers, who argued that federal employees and military service members' retirement accounts should not be invested in Chinese corporations. The Trump administration ultimately ordered TSP officials to cease efforts to implement the index transition, culminating in the FRTIB indefinitely postponing the move and its chairman resigning amid cries of political interference in an agency with a solely fiduciary responsibility to TSP participants.

The newly selected benchmark index notably excludes all investments in both China and Hong Kong, but the reasoning behind the choice isn't political, officials said. According to Aon, a consulting firm that advised TSP officials on the matter, conditions have changed increasing the risk profile of Chinese securities.

"Overall, operational complexity has increased when investing in emerging markets in recent years given a range of events such as investment restrictions on sensitive Chinese technology sectors, delisting of Chinese companies and sanctions on Russian securities due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict," Aon wrote. "These types of events can incur transaction costs and may cause performance and volatility swings. Given the asset size of the I Fund, the forced selling of restricted investments could incur higher than average market impact costs due to liquidity challenges. If the current investment restrictions on China are the beginning of further restrictions spanning China and Hong Kong investments, this level of uncertainty can outweigh the benefits of expanding the I Fund to include China and retaining exposure to Hong Kong, based on the TSP's specific circumstances."

The TSP's current I Fund index exposes participants to nearly 800 stocks across 21 developed markets, representing 55% of international market capitalization. The MSCI ACWI IMI ex USA ex China ex Hong Kong Index increases that exposure to 5,621 stocks in 21 developed markets and 23 emerging markets, and represents 90% of non-U.S. market capitalization, and is expected to outperform the existing index on a long-term basis.

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Biodynamic Gardening Guide: Definition, Key Principles, Best Practices, Benefits, Tools and Preparations

[TSPStrategy] Open Season: Medicare Advantage or Disadvantage?

Open Season: Medicare Advantage or Disadvantage?

Medicare Advantage options have only been offered through Federal Employees Health Benefits Program carriers since 2021 and may provide benefits that are not covered under traditional Medicare.

Titans Stage Miraculous Comeback to Stun Dolphins on Monday Night Football

Electroculture Antenna: A Guide to Everything You Need to Know

Re: [TSPStrategy] TSP PP contribution in 2024

[TSPStrategy] TSP PP contribution in 2024

[TSPStrategy] TSP board OKs new international fund index, this time without China

TSP board OKs new international fund index, this time without China

A previous effort to move the I Fund to a broader benchmark index, which included investments in Chinese corporations, met opposition from the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers.

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