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International Surprise!

Chart of the Week for March 15-21, 2002

The chart shows the Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing Indexes from April 2000 through February 2002. The Manufacturing Index begins at a level of 55, then drops below 50 in August 2000, where it remains before climbing to 54 in February 2002. The Non-Manufacturing Index begins at 61, then steadily decends, dropping below 50 in April 2001. It rises above 50, to 58, in February 2002.

Foreign stocks underpeformed their US counterparts in each of the last two years, causing some investors to place greater focus on domestic stocks. Stories in the press also emphasize their trailing performance. But international stocks have been on a roll lately, catching many investors by surprise. The sudden and significant reversal gives renewed credibility to the seemingly ubiquitous performance disclaimer . . . Past performance is not indicative of future returns.

This illustration was compiled by information from outside sources. These companies are not affiliated with ICMA-RC. This information is being provided for educational purposes and is not intended to be construed as or relied upon as investment advice. ICMA-RC does not offer specific tax or legal advice. Individuals are advised to consider any new investment strategies carefully prior to implementing.

Investment information can change rapidly and the changes can be significant particularly in volatile markets. For this reason “as of”’ dates are provided for specific data where applicable. The information should not be considered current after the dates provided.

Please read both the current applicable prospectus and MAKING SOUND INVESTMENT DECISIONS: A Retirement Investment Guide carefully for a complete summary of all fees, expenses, charges, financial highlights, investment objectives, risks and performance information. Investing in mutual funds and other investment vehicles involves risk, including possible loss of the amount invested. Investors should carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing or sending money. The prospectus contains this and other information about the investment company. The Vantagepoint Funds are distributed by ICMA-RC Services LLC, a wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary of ICMA-RC and member FINRA/SIPC. For a current prospectus, contact ICMA-RC Services, LLC.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data illustrated. For performance data current to the most recent month end, contact ICMA-RC Services, LLC by calling 800-669-7400 or by writing to 777 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4240. Para asistencia en Español llame al 800-669-8216. Performance data current to the most recent quarter end is available by visiting www.icmarc.org.

 
March 15, 2002