FICEX vs. TILIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FICEX (Frost Growth Equity Fund) and TILIX (TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FICEX returned 17.03%/yr vs 18.64%/yr for TILIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FICEX charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TILIX.

Performance

FICEX vs. TILIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frost Growth Equity Fund (FICEX) and TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (TILIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FICEX achieves a 6.16% return, which is significantly lower than TILIX's 8.58% return. Over the past 10 years, FICEX has underperformed TILIX with an annualized return of 17.03%, while TILIX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.64% annualized return.

FICEX

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 6.31%
• YTD: 6.16%
• 6M: 5.20%
• 1Y: 20.07%
• 3Y*: 22.50%
• 5Y*: 13.35%
• 10Y*: 17.03%

TILIX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 7.10%
• YTD: 8.58%
• 6M: 7.86%
• 1Y: 27.30%
• 3Y*: 25.49%
• 5Y*: 16.00%
• 10Y*: 18.64%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FICEX vs. TILIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FICEX Frost Growth Equity Fund	6.16%	15.00%	30.28%	45.24%	-31.98%	25.23%	32.72%	33.54%	2.63%	31.00%
TILIX TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund	8.58%	18.41%	33.31%	42.64%	-29.22%	27.63%	38.43%	36.30%	-1.66%	28.49%

Correlation

The correlation between FICEX and TILIX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2002	0.97

The correlation between FICEX and TILIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FICEX vs. TILIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FICEX

FICEX Risk / Return Rank: 18
FICEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FICEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FICEX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FICEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
FICEX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

TILIX

TILIX Risk / Return Rank: 31
TILIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
TILIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
TILIX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
TILIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
TILIX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FICEX vs. TILIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frost Growth Equity Fund (FICEX) and TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (TILIX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	FICEX	TILIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.84	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	2.50	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.32	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.12	1.75	-0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.50	5.84	-2.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FICEX vs. TILIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FICEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the TILIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FICEX and TILIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FICEX	TILIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	1.84	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.75	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74	0.89	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.61	-0.18

Drawdowns

FICEX vs. TILIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FICEX drawdown since its inception was -50.03%, roughly equal to the maximum TILIX drawdown of -50.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FICEX and TILIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FICEX	TILIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.03%	-50.54%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.43%	-16.24%	-2.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.32%	-23.33%	-8.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.13%	-32.68%	-2.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.13%	-32.68%	-2.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.37%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.21%	-7.73%	-3.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.90%	4.84%	+1.06%

Volatility

FICEX vs. TILIX - Volatility Comparison

Frost Growth Equity Fund (FICEX) and TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (TILIX) have volatilities of 3.36% and 3.32%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FICEX	TILIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.36%	3.32%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.37%	11.60%	-0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.87%	15.42%	-0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.30%	21.47%	+3.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.05%	21.09%	+1.96%

FICEX vs. TILIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FICEX has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than TILIX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FICEX vs. TILIX - Dividend Comparison

FICEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 20.67%, more than TILIX's 4.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FICEX Frost Growth Equity Fund	20.67%	21.94%	22.19%	16.16%	12.25%	12.50%	3.59%	10.57%	16.11%	28.09%	10.86%	12.51%
TILIX TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund	4.06%	4.41%	3.25%	1.90%	11.00%	8.76%	1.91%	2.38%	4.01%	0.68%	1.33%	1.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FICEX and TILIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, FICEX and TILIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FICEX or TILIX?

FICEX has higher volatility (3.36%) compared to TILIX (3.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FICEX dropped -50.03% vs TILIX's -50.54%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TILIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.39), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.