FSAMX vs. TEQLX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FSAMX (Strategic Advisers Emerging Markets Fund) and TEQLX (TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, FSAMX returned 10.96%/yr vs 10.21%/yr for TEQLX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FSAMX charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for TEQLX.

Performance

FSAMX vs. TEQLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strategic Advisers Emerging Markets Fund (FSAMX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSAMX achieves a 26.34% return, which is significantly higher than TEQLX's 23.58% return. Over the past 10 years, FSAMX has outperformed TEQLX with an annualized return of 10.96%, while TEQLX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.21% annualized return.

FSAMX

• 1D: -4.86%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 26.34%
• 6M: 27.40%
• 1Y: 48.74%
• 3Y*: 24.45%
• 5Y*: 7.76%
• 10Y*: 10.96%

TEQLX

• 1D: -5.35%
• 1M: 2.24%
• YTD: 23.58%
• 6M: 24.55%
• 1Y: 43.93%
• 3Y*: 22.73%
• 5Y*: 6.86%
• 10Y*: 10.21%

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

FSAMX vs. TEQLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSAMX Strategic Advisers Emerging Markets Fund	26.34%	34.09%	8.34%	11.94%	-22.32%	-2.15%	20.39%	21.87%	-17.13%	38.40%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	23.58%	34.10%	6.71%	9.23%	-20.22%	-3.07%	17.67%	18.59%	-14.60%	37.47%

Correlation

The correlation between FSAMX and TEQLX is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2010	0.95

The correlation between FSAMX and TEQLX shifts across timeframes, from 0.84 (1 year) to 0.95 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FSAMX vs. TEQLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSAMX

FSAMX Risk / Return Rank: 90
FSAMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
FSAMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FSAMX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FSAMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FSAMX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

TEQLX

TEQLX Risk / Return Rank: 74
TEQLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
TEQLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
TEQLX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
TEQLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
TEQLX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

FSAMX vs. TEQLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strategic Advisers Emerging Markets Fund (FSAMX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FSAMX	TEQLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.91	2.30	+0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.53	2.84	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.44	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.89	3.61	+1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.03	13.49	+4.54

FSAMX vs. TEQLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSAMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.91, which is comparable to the TEQLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSAMX and TEQLX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FSAMX vs. TEQLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSAMX drawdown since its inception was -40.87%, roughly equal to the maximum TEQLX drawdown of -39.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSAMX and TEQLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSAMX	TEQLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.87%	-39.33%	-1.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.04%	-13.32%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.77%	-15.97%	-0.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.55%	-36.96%	-1.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.87%	-39.33%	-1.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.27%	-5.35%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.89%	-14.57%	+0.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	3.55%	-0.27%

Volatility

FSAMX vs. TEQLX - Volatility Comparison

Strategic Advisers Emerging Markets Fund (FSAMX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX) have volatilities of 12.21% and 12.11%, 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

	FSAMX	TEQLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.21%	12.11%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.06%	18.96%	+0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.94%	20.94%	+1.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.22%	17.66%	+0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.21%	17.93%	+0.28%

FSAMX vs. TEQLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSAMX has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than TEQLX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSAMX vs. TEQLX - Dividend Comparison

FSAMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.90%, more than TEQLX's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSAMX Strategic Advisers Emerging Markets Fund	4.90%	2.38%	2.53%	2.57%	2.64%	3.04%	0.99%	2.09%	1.67%	1.30%	1.22%	1.35%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	2.29%	2.83%	2.93%	3.08%	2.51%	2.27%	2.04%	2.77%	2.43%	1.98%	1.88%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSAMX and TEQLX in my portfolio?

FSAMX and TEQLX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSAMX or TEQLX?

FSAMX has higher volatility (12.21%) compared to TEQLX (12.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSAMX dropped -40.87% vs TEQLX's -39.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSAMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.91 vs 2.30), 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.