FTLSX vs. TCLTX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FTLSX (Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend Income Fund) and TCLTX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 5 years, FTLSX returned 3.52%/yr vs 4.85%/yr for TCLTX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FTLSX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for TCLTX.

Performance

FTLSX vs. TCLTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend Income Fund (FTLSX) and TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund (TCLTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTLSX achieves a 5.30% return, which is significantly higher than TCLTX's 5.00% return.

FTLSX

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 5.30%
• 6M: 5.45%
• 1Y: 11.51%
• 3Y*: 8.12%
• 5Y*: 3.52%
• 10Y*: —

TCLTX

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 1.36%
• YTD: 5.00%
• 6M: 5.07%
• 1Y: 13.58%
• 3Y*: 10.09%
• 5Y*: 4.85%
• 10Y*: 6.83%

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

FTLSX vs. TCLTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTLSX Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend Income Fund	5.30%	10.31%	4.72%	8.60%	-11.33%	3.30%	9.04%	10.97%	-1.40%	3.61%
TCLTX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund	5.00%	12.09%	8.17%	11.68%	-13.76%	8.19%	12.11%	17.49%	-5.43%	4.58%

Correlation

The correlation between FTLSX and TCLTX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2017	0.81

The correlation between FTLSX and TCLTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FTLSX vs. TCLTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTLSX

FTLSX Risk / Return Rank: 78
FTLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
FTLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FTLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FTLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FTLSX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

TCLTX

TCLTX Risk / Return Rank: 65
TCLTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
TCLTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
TCLTX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
TCLTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
TCLTX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

FTLSX vs. TCLTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend Income Fund (FTLSX) and TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund (TCLTX). 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.

	FTLSX	TCLTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	2.18	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.45	3.19	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.42	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.18	2.72	+0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.71	11.81	+1.90

FTLSX vs. TCLTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTLSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is comparable to the TCLTX Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTLSX and TCLTX, 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

FTLSX vs. TCLTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTLSX drawdown since its inception was -15.74%, smaller than the maximum TCLTX drawdown of -44.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTLSX and TCLTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTLSX	TCLTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.74%	-44.15%	+28.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.65%	-5.01%	+1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.83%	-6.99%	+2.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.74%	-18.99%	+3.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-20.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.80%	-5.19%	+2.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	1.15%	-0.31%

Volatility

FTLSX vs. TCLTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend Income Fund (FTLSX) is 2.31%, while TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund (TCLTX) has a volatility of 2.47%. This indicates that FTLSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TCLTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTLSX	TCLTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.31%	2.47%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.25%	5.18%	-0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.92%	6.23%	-1.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.50%	7.69%	-2.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.81%	8.36%	-3.55%

FTLSX vs. TCLTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTLSX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than TCLTX's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTLSX vs. TCLTX - Dividend Comparison

FTLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.51%, less than TCLTX's 4.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTLSX Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend Income Fund	3.51%	3.68%	3.37%	3.19%	5.28%	4.91%	3.06%	4.44%	4.26%	1.97%	0.00%	0.00%
TCLTX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund	4.27%	4.49%	3.33%	2.38%	5.36%	7.49%	4.91%	3.36%	6.53%	2.44%	5.09%	4.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTLSX and TCLTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, FTLSX and TCLTX 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, FTLSX or TCLTX?

TCLTX has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to FTLSX (2.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTLSX dropped -15.74% vs TCLTX's -44.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTLSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 2.18), 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.