PTLAX vs. TNSHX

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

PTLAX (PIMCO Low Duration Fund Class A) and TNSHX (TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, PTLAX returned 1.72%/yr vs 1.80%/yr for TNSHX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PTLAX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for TNSHX.

Performance

PTLAX vs. TNSHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO Low Duration Fund Class A (PTLAX) and TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PTLAX achieves a 0.50% return, which is significantly lower than TNSHX's 0.73% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PTLAX having a 1.72% annualized return and TNSHX not far ahead at 1.80%.

PTLAX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.50%
• YTD: 0.50%
• 1Y: 2.98%
• 3Y*: 4.69%
• 5Y*: 1.57%
• 10Y*: 1.72%

TNSHX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.12%
• 6M: 0.73%
• YTD: 0.73%
• 1Y: 3.17%
• 3Y*: 4.38%
• 5Y*: 1.89%
• 10Y*: 1.80%

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

PTLAX vs. TNSHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PTLAX PIMCO Low Duration Fund Class A	0.50%	5.27%	4.53%	4.72%	-5.87%	-0.96%	3.11%	4.19%	0.21%	1.50%
TNSHX TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.73%	5.31%	4.03%	4.05%	-3.96%	-0.57%	3.26%	4.05%	1.31%	0.70%

Correlation

The correlation between PTLAX and TNSHX is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.72

The correlation between PTLAX and TNSHX shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (all time) to 0.83 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PTLAX vs. TNSHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTLAX

PTLAX Risk / Return Rank: 42
PTLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
PTLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
PTLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
PTLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
PTLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

TNSHX

TNSHX Risk / Return Rank: 67
TNSHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
TNSHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
TNSHX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
TNSHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
TNSHX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

PTLAX vs. TNSHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO Low Duration Fund Class A (PTLAX) and TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX). 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.

	PTLAX	TNSHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.66	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	3.02	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.40	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.81	2.72	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.75	10.14	-3.39

PTLAX vs. TNSHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTLAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the TNSHX Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTLAX and TNSHX, 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

PTLAX vs. TNSHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTLAX drawdown since its inception was -8.48%, which is greater than TNSHX's maximum drawdown of -5.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTLAX and TNSHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTLAX	TNSHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.48%	-5.99%	-2.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.60%	-1.13%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.60%	-1.13%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.35%	-5.99%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.48%	-5.99%	-2.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.03%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.88%	-0.89%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.43%	0.31%	+0.12%

Volatility

PTLAX vs. TNSHX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO Low Duration Fund Class A (PTLAX) has a higher volatility of 0.68% compared to TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX) at 0.59%. This indicates that PTLAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TNSHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTLAX	TNSHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.68%	0.59%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.60%	1.43%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.13%	1.91%	+0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.46%	2.26%	+0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.07%	1.82%	+0.25%

PTLAX vs. TNSHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTLAX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than TNSHX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTLAX vs. TNSHX - Dividend Comparison

PTLAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.94%, less than TNSHX's 4.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PTLAX PIMCO Low Duration Fund Class A	3.94%	3.93%	3.86%	3.48%	1.37%	0.56%	1.53%	3.07%	1.86%	1.39%	1.66%	2.16%
TNSHX TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund	4.08%	4.22%	3.94%	2.68%	1.00%	1.03%	1.81%	2.45%	1.80%	1.31%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTLAX and TNSHX in my portfolio?

PTLAX and TNSHX have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PTLAX or TNSHX?

PTLAX has higher volatility (0.68%) compared to TNSHX (0.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTLAX dropped -8.48% vs TNSHX's -5.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TNSHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.38), 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.