SMILX vs. TSAIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SMILX (SMI Multi-Strategy Fund) and TSAIX (TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, SMILX returned 6.31%/yr vs 12.29%/yr for TSAIX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMILX charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for TSAIX.

Performance

SMILX vs. TSAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SMI Multi-Strategy Fund (SMILX) 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, SMILX achieves a 10.56% return, which is significantly higher than TSAIX's 8.12% return. Over the past 10 years, SMILX has underperformed TSAIX with an annualized return of 6.31%, while TSAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.29% annualized return.

SMILX

• 1D: -2.29%
• 1M: -1.81%
• YTD: 10.56%
• 6M: 8.91%
• 1Y: 22.07%
• 3Y*: 13.48%
• 5Y*: 6.41%
• 10Y*: 6.31%

TSAIX

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 8.12%
• 6M: 7.25%
• 1Y: 21.35%
• 3Y*: 18.05%
• 5Y*: 8.89%
• 10Y*: 12.29%

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

SMILX vs. TSAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMILX SMI Multi-Strategy Fund	10.56%	13.97%	13.23%	6.59%	-11.85%	9.72%	17.35%	12.77%	-10.36%	9.51%
TSAIX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund	8.12%	20.04%	15.46%	22.72%	-19.57%	17.10%	19.69%	27.97%	-11.27%	22.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SMILX and TSAIX 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	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2011	0.81

The correlation between SMILX and TSAIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.81 (all time) to 0.93 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SMILX vs. TSAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMILX

SMILX Risk / Return Rank: 53
SMILX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
SMILX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
SMILX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SMILX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
SMILX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

TSAIX

TSAIX Risk / Return Rank: 42
TSAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
TSAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
TSAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
TSAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
TSAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

SMILX vs. TSAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SMI Multi-Strategy Fund (SMILX) 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.

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.

	SMILX	TSAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	1.68	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.33	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.31	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	2.26	+0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.84	9.69	+1.15

SMILX vs. TSAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMILX Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the TSAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMILX 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.

Drawdowns

SMILX vs. TSAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMILX drawdown since its inception was -29.75%, smaller than the maximum TSAIX drawdown of -34.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMILX and TSAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMILX	TSAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.75%	-34.58%	+4.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.14%	-10.28%	+2.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.09%	-17.29%	+2.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.75%	-28.28%	-1.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.75%	-34.58%	+4.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.71%	-2.28%	-1.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.09%	-4.90%	-4.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.10%	2.39%	-0.29%

Volatility

SMILX vs. TSAIX - Volatility Comparison

SMI Multi-Strategy Fund (SMILX) has a higher volatility of 6.29% compared to TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund (TSAIX) at 5.74%. This indicates that SMILX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TSAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMILX	TSAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	5.74%	+0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.41%	11.44%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.42%	13.86%	-0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.87%	16.40%	+0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.73%	17.63%	-2.90%

SMILX vs. TSAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMILX has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than TSAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMILX vs. TSAIX - Dividend Comparison

SMILX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.53%, more than TSAIX's 6.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMILX SMI Multi-Strategy Fund	7.53%	8.33%	6.24%	0.83%	0.36%	19.10%	0.33%	0.45%	3.55%	1.20%	0.89%	3.24%
TSAIX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund	6.83%	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 SMILX and TSAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, SMILX 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, SMILX or TSAIX?

SMILX has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to TSAIX (5.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMILX dropped -29.75% vs TSAIX's -34.58%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMILX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.68), 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.