SMQFX vs. TEQLX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SMQFX (SEI Institutional Investments Trust Emerging Markets Equity Fund) and TEQLX (TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, SMQFX returned 12.03%/yr vs 10.56%/yr for TEQLX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMQFX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for TEQLX.

Performance

SMQFX vs. TEQLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Institutional Investments Trust Emerging Markets Equity Fund (SMQFX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMQFX achieves a 25.91% return, which is significantly lower than TEQLX's 29.20% return. Over the past 10 years, SMQFX has outperformed TEQLX with an annualized return of 12.03%, while TEQLX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.56% annualized return.

SMQFX

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 6.03%
• YTD: 25.91%
• 6M: 29.41%
• 1Y: 57.78%
• 3Y*: 27.53%
• 5Y*: 11.66%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

TEQLX

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 8.36%
• YTD: 29.20%
• 6M: 32.06%
• 1Y: 56.15%
• 3Y*: 24.65%
• 5Y*: 7.60%
• 10Y*: 10.56%

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

SMQFX vs. TEQLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMQFX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Emerging Markets Equity Fund	25.91%	40.14%	9.19%	16.67%	-19.31%	8.09%	17.33%	18.91%	-17.67%	33.53%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	29.20%	34.10%	6.71%	9.23%	-20.22%	-3.07%	17.67%	18.59%	-14.60%	37.47%

Correlation

The correlation between SMQFX and TEQLX 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	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2014	0.93

The correlation between SMQFX and TEQLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMQFX vs. TEQLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMQFX

SMQFX Risk / Return Rank: 92
SMQFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMQFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SMQFX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SMQFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SMQFX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

TEQLX

TEQLX Risk / Return Rank: 89
TEQLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
TEQLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
TEQLX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
TEQLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
TEQLX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

SMQFX vs. TEQLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Institutional Investments Trust Emerging Markets Equity Fund (SMQFX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX). 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.

	SMQFX	TEQLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.62	3.26	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.54	4.10	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.69	1.60	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	4.40	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.56	17.41	+0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMQFX vs. TEQLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMQFX Sharpe Ratio is 3.62, which is comparable to the TEQLX Sharpe Ratio of 3.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMQFX and TEQLX, 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

	SMQFX	TEQLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.62	3.26	+0.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	0.45	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71	0.60	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.35	+0.21

Drawdowns

SMQFX vs. TEQLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMQFX drawdown since its inception was -40.14%, roughly equal to the maximum TEQLX drawdown of -39.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMQFX and TEQLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMQFX	TEQLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.14%	-39.33%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.62%	-13.32%	-0.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.03%	-15.97%	+0.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.37%	-37.05%	+0.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.14%	-39.33%	-0.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-0.71%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.05%	-14.60%	+2.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	3.35%	+0.05%

Volatility

SMQFX vs. TEQLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Institutional Investments Trust Emerging Markets Equity Fund (SMQFX) is 7.01%, while TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX) has a volatility of 7.82%. This indicates that SMQFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TEQLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMQFX	TEQLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.01%	7.82%	-0.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.09%	15.45%	-1.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.50%	17.99%	-1.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.77%	16.98%	+0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.92%	17.68%	-0.76%

SMQFX vs. TEQLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMQFX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than TEQLX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMQFX vs. TEQLX - Dividend Comparison

SMQFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 24.01%, more than TEQLX's 2.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMQFX SEI Institutional Investments Trust Emerging Markets Equity Fund	24.01%	30.23%	6.43%	3.24%	5.32%	17.70%	1.80%	1.89%	11.55%	2.70%	2.15%	1.69%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	2.19%	2.83%	2.93%	3.08%	2.51%	2.27%	2.04%	2.77%	2.43%	1.98%	1.88%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMQFX and TEQLX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, SMQFX and TEQLX 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, SMQFX or TEQLX?

TEQLX has higher volatility (7.82%) compared to SMQFX (7.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMQFX dropped -40.14% vs TEQLX's -39.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMQFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.62 vs 3.26), 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.