GUGAX vs. TIBDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GUGAX (GMO Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund) and TIBDX (TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, GUGAX returned 1.52%/yr vs 1.99%/yr for TIBDX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GUGAX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for TIBDX.

Performance

GUGAX vs. TIBDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GMO Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund (GUGAX) and TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund (TIBDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GUGAX achieves a 0.96% return, which is significantly higher than TIBDX's 0.67% return. Over the past 10 years, GUGAX has underperformed TIBDX with an annualized return of 1.52%, while TIBDX has yielded a comparatively higher 1.99% annualized return.

GUGAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.96%
• 6M: 0.82%
• 1Y: 5.93%
• 3Y*: 4.32%
• 5Y*: -0.35%
• 10Y*: 1.52%

TIBDX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 0.67%
• 6M: 0.72%
• 1Y: 6.03%
• 3Y*: 4.33%
• 5Y*: 0.25%
• 10Y*: 1.99%

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

GUGAX vs. TIBDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GUGAX GMO Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund	0.96%	7.29%	0.96%	6.02%	-14.52%	-3.17%	4.91%	9.66%	2.13%	4.44%
TIBDX TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund	0.67%	7.38%	1.95%	5.63%	-13.68%	-0.95%	8.10%	9.57%	-0.64%	4.48%

Correlation

The correlation between GUGAX and TIBDX is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 1999	0.78

The correlation between GUGAX and TIBDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.88 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GUGAX vs. TIBDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GUGAX

GUGAX Risk / Return Rank: 74
GUGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
GUGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
GUGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
GUGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
GUGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

TIBDX

TIBDX Risk / Return Rank: 30
TIBDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
TIBDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
TIBDX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
TIBDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
TIBDX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

GUGAX vs. TIBDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GMO Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund (GUGAX) and TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund (TIBDX). 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.

	GUGAX	TIBDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	1.56	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	2.34	+1.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.29	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.57	2.04	+3.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.20	6.36	+9.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GUGAX vs. TIBDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GUGAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is higher than the TIBDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GUGAX and TIBDX, 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

	GUGAX	TIBDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.13	1.56	+0.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.05	0.05	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28	0.42	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.08	0.95	-0.87

Drawdowns

GUGAX vs. TIBDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GUGAX drawdown since its inception was -38.57%, which is greater than TIBDX's maximum drawdown of -18.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GUGAX and TIBDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GUGAX	TIBDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.57%	-18.82%	-19.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.16%	-2.98%	+1.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.12%	-6.29%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.53%	-18.82%	-1.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.06%	-18.82%	-4.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.72%	-1.22%	-5.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.27%	-2.30%	-8.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.43%	0.95%	-0.52%

Volatility

GUGAX vs. TIBDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for GMO Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund (GUGAX) is 0.00%, while TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund (TIBDX) has a volatility of 1.39%. This indicates that GUGAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TIBDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GUGAX	TIBDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.00%	1.39%	-1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.43%	2.88%	-1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.05%	3.90%	-0.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.57%	5.63%	+0.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.43%	4.73%	+0.70%

GUGAX vs. TIBDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GUGAX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than TIBDX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

GUGAX vs. TIBDX - Dividend Comparison

GUGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.52%, more than TIBDX's 4.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GUGAX GMO Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund	4.52%	3.69%	4.34%	0.00%	1.94%	2.90%	7.96%	5.74%	5.08%	2.43%	3.29%	1.76%
TIBDX TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund	4.45%	4.34%	3.60%	3.22%	2.44%	2.39%	4.45%	3.09%	2.88%	2.93%	3.80%	4.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GUGAX and TIBDX in my portfolio?

GUGAX and TIBDX have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GUGAX or TIBDX?

TIBDX has higher volatility (1.39%) compared to GUGAX (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GUGAX dropped -38.57% vs TIBDX's -18.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GUGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.56), 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.