SACAX vs. TSAIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SACAX (Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio) and TSAIX (TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, SACAX returned 12.25%/yr vs 12.03%/yr for TSAIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SACAX charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for TSAIX.

Performance

SACAX vs. TSAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX) and TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund (TSAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SACAX achieves a 11.70% return, which is significantly higher than TSAIX's 10.64% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SACAX having a 12.25% annualized return and TSAIX not far behind at 12.03%.

SACAX

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 4.86%
• YTD: 11.70%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 25.25%
• 3Y*: 21.69%
• 5Y*: 11.11%
• 10Y*: 12.25%

TSAIX

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 10.64%
• 6M: 11.38%
• 1Y: 26.69%
• 3Y*: 19.37%
• 5Y*: 9.70%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

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

SACAX vs. TSAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SACAX Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio	11.70%	16.56%	24.20%	21.42%	-19.06%	19.34%	15.11%	26.87%	-9.13%	21.68%
TSAIX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund	10.64%	20.04%	15.46%	22.72%	-19.57%	17.10%	19.69%	27.97%	-11.27%	22.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SACAX and TSAIX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2011	0.97

The correlation between SACAX and TSAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SACAX vs. TSAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SACAX

SACAX Risk / Return Rank: 58
SACAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SACAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SACAX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SACAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
SACAX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

TSAIX

TSAIX Risk / Return Rank: 51
TSAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
TSAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
TSAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
TSAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
TSAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

SACAX vs. TSAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX) and TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund (TSAIX). 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.

	SACAX	TSAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.11	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	2.93	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.38	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	2.65	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.07	11.60	+1.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SACAX vs. TSAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SACAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the TSAIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SACAX and TSAIX, 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

	SACAX	TSAIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.22	2.11	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.60	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77	0.68	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.72	-0.24

Drawdowns

SACAX vs. TSAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SACAX drawdown since its inception was -54.31%, which is greater than TSAIX's maximum drawdown of -34.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SACAX and TSAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SACAX	TSAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.31%	-34.58%	-19.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-10.28%	+1.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.88%	-17.29%	+1.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.96%	-28.28%	+1.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.90%	-34.58%	-0.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.79%	-4.92%	-4.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	2.34%	-0.37%

Volatility

SACAX vs. TSAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX) is 3.34%, while TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund (TSAIX) has a volatility of 3.72%. This indicates that SACAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TSAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SACAX	TSAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.34%	3.72%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.29%	10.26%	-0.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.60%	12.92%	-1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.63%	16.25%	-0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.05%	17.65%	-1.60%

SACAX vs. TSAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SACAX has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than TSAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SACAX vs. TSAIX - Dividend Comparison

SACAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.74%, more than TSAIX's 6.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SACAX Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio	10.74%	11.99%	13.37%	1.16%	9.30%	7.53%	4.02%	4.47%	20.79%	6.82%	3.68%	14.08%
TSAIX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund	6.67%	7.38%	2.94%	1.81%	9.27%	11.82%	5.59%	5.71%	5.71%	1.13%	4.12%	7.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SACAX and TSAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, SACAX and TSAIX 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, SACAX or TSAIX?

TSAIX has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to SACAX (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SACAX dropped -54.31% vs TSAIX's -34.58%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SACAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 2.11), 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.