STBFX vs. TNSHX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STBFX (Sextant Short Term Bond Fund) and TNSHX (TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STBFX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for TNSHX.

Performance

STBFX vs. TNSHX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

STBFX

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

TNSHX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 0.30%
• 6M: 0.75%
• 1Y: 3.20%
• 3Y*: 4.25%
• 5Y*: 1.81%
• 10Y*: 1.78%

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

STBFX vs. TNSHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
STBFX Sextant Short Term Bond Fund	0.28%	4.92%	3.87%	3.79%	-4.16%	-1.09%	3.42%	4.03%	1.09%	0.50%
TNSHX TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.30%	5.31%	4.03%	4.05%	-3.96%	-0.57%	3.26%	4.05%	1.31%	0.70%

Correlation

The correlation between STBFX and TNSHX is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between STBFX and TNSHX has dropped to 0.36 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

STBFX vs. TNSHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

STBFX

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

TNSHX

TNSHX Risk / Return Rank: 61
TNSHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
TNSHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
TNSHX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
TNSHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
TNSHX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

STBFX vs. TNSHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sextant Short Term Bond Fund (STBFX) 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.

	STBFX	TNSHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.75	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.23	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.43	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.94	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	10.83	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	STBFX	TNSHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-5.99%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.13%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-5.99%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-5.99%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.46%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-0.89%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.31%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STBFX	TNSHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.70%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.41%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.91%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	2.26%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	1.82%	—

STBFX vs. TNSHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

STBFX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than TNSHX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

STBFX vs. TNSHX - Dividend Comparison

STBFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, less than TNSHX's 4.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
STBFX Sextant Short Term Bond Fund	2.61%	3.17%	2.77%	1.84%	1.04%	1.07%	1.60%	1.75%	1.47%	1.30%	1.06%	1.07%
TNSHX TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund	4.12%	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 STBFX and TNSHX in my portfolio?

STBFX and TNSHX have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.