SMTRX vs. TIBDX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMTRX (ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund) and TIBDX (TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMTRX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for TIBDX.

Performance

SMTRX vs. TIBDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX) and TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund (TIBDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SMTRX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TIBDX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 0.34%
• 6M: 0.71%
• 1Y: 4.87%
• 3Y*: 4.18%
• 5Y*: 0.09%
• 10Y*: 1.91%

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

SMTRX vs. TIBDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.00%
TIBDX TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund	0.27%

Correlation

The correlation between SMTRX and TIBDX is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2026	0.92

Return for Risk

SMTRX vs. TIBDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMTRX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

TIBDX

TIBDX Risk / Return Rank: 25
TIBDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
TIBDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
TIBDX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
TIBDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
TIBDX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

SMTRX vs. TIBDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX) 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.

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.

	SMTRX	TIBDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.33	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.98	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.24	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.72	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	5.09	—

Drawdowns

SMTRX vs. TIBDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMTRX drawdown since its inception was -0.62%, smaller than the maximum TIBDX drawdown of -18.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMTRX and TIBDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMTRX	TIBDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.62%	-18.82%	+18.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.98%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.29%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.82%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-1.54%	+1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-2.30%	+2.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMTRX	TIBDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.10%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.95%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.64%	3.88%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.64%	5.64%	-2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.64%	4.74%	-1.10%

SMTRX vs. TIBDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMTRX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than TIBDX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMTRX vs. TIBDX - Dividend Comparison

SMTRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than TIBDX's 4.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TIBDX TIAA-CREF Core Bond Fund	4.46%	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 SMTRX and TIBDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, SMTRX and TIBDX 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.