GMSMX vs. TISBX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

GMSMX (GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund) and TISBX (TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, GMSMX returned 11.50%/yr vs 10.77%/yr for TISBX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GMSMX charges 1.17%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TISBX.

Performance

GMSMX vs. TISBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (GMSMX) and TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with GMSMX having a 19.75% return and TISBX slightly lower at 19.74%. Over the past 10 years, GMSMX has outperformed TISBX with an annualized return of 11.50%, while TISBX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.77% annualized return.

GMSMX

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 1.66%
• 6M: 14.95%
• YTD: 19.75%
• 1Y: 27.05%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 8.06%
• 10Y*: 11.50%

TISBX

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 0.42%
• 6M: 12.88%
• YTD: 19.74%
• 1Y: 32.85%
• 3Y*: 16.83%
• 5Y*: 7.57%
• 10Y*: 10.77%

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

GMSMX vs. TISBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GMSMX GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund	19.75%	8.76%	11.29%	17.73%	-18.23%	24.45%	21.98%	23.25%	-9.38%	14.46%
TISBX TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund	19.74%	12.72%	11.60%	17.07%	-20.31%	14.85%	20.14%	25.61%	-10.99%	13.14%

Correlation

The correlation between GMSMX and TISBX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2002	0.96

The correlation between GMSMX and TISBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GMSMX vs. TISBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GMSMX

GMSMX Risk / Return Rank: 61
GMSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
GMSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
GMSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
GMSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
GMSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

TISBX

TISBX Risk / Return Rank: 67
TISBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
TISBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
TISBX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
TISBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
TISBX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

GMSMX vs. TISBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (GMSMX) and TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX). 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.

	GMSMX	TISBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.75	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.48	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.29	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	3.11	-0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.83	10.97	-1.13

GMSMX vs. TISBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GMSMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the TISBX Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GMSMX and TISBX, 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

GMSMX vs. TISBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GMSMX drawdown since its inception was -70.55%, which is greater than TISBX's maximum drawdown of -56.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GMSMX and TISBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GMSMX	TISBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.55%	-56.50%	-14.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.22%	-10.95%	+1.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.90%	-27.44%	+2.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.90%	-31.89%	+2.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.31%	-41.69%	+0.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.97%	-2.31%	+0.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.77%	-9.64%	-5.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	3.10%	-0.28%

Volatility

GMSMX vs. TISBX - Volatility Comparison

GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (GMSMX) has a higher volatility of 5.09% compared to TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX) at 4.79%. This indicates that GMSMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TISBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GMSMX	TISBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.09%	4.79%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.06%	14.15%	-1.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.49%	19.54%	-2.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.89%	22.59%	-1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.71%	23.40%	-1.69%

GMSMX vs. TISBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GMSMX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is higher than TISBX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

GMSMX vs. TISBX - Dividend Comparison

GMSMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.77%, more than TISBX's 3.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GMSMX GuideMark Small/Mid Cap Core Fund	5.77%	6.91%	9.08%	0.67%	2.29%	11.71%	2.06%	1.43%	6.72%	34.90%	0.28%	2.83%
TISBX TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund	3.44%	4.12%	6.82%	3.09%	1.97%	8.96%	2.65%	5.16%	9.29%	4.49%	4.03%	4.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GMSMX and TISBX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, GMSMX and TISBX 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, GMSMX or TISBX?

GMSMX has higher volatility (5.09%) compared to TISBX (4.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GMSMX dropped -70.55% vs TISBX's -56.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TISBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.59), 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.