TCLTX vs. SWYDX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TCLTX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund) and SWYDX (Schwab Target 2025 Index Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 5 years, TCLTX returned 4.85%/yr vs 5.78%/yr for SWYDX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TCLTX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SWYDX.

Performance

TCLTX vs. SWYDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund (TCLTX) and Schwab Target 2025 Index Fund (SWYDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TCLTX achieves a 5.00% return, which is significantly lower than SWYDX's 5.86% return.

TCLTX

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 1.36%
• YTD: 5.00%
• 6M: 5.07%
• 1Y: 13.58%
• 3Y*: 10.09%
• 5Y*: 4.85%
• 10Y*: 6.83%

SWYDX

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 5.86%
• 6M: 5.73%
• 1Y: 14.58%
• 3Y*: 11.04%
• 5Y*: 5.78%
• 10Y*: —

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

TCLTX vs. SWYDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TCLTX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund	5.00%	12.09%	8.17%	11.68%	-13.76%	8.19%	12.11%	17.49%	-5.43%	12.89%
SWYDX Schwab Target 2025 Index Fund	5.86%	12.60%	8.62%	14.47%	-14.78%	10.24%	12.37%	18.89%	-6.38%	14.53%

Correlation

The correlation between TCLTX and SWYDX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2016	0.96

The correlation between TCLTX and SWYDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TCLTX vs. SWYDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TCLTX

TCLTX Risk / Return Rank: 65
TCLTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
TCLTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
TCLTX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
TCLTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
TCLTX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

SWYDX

SWYDX Risk / Return Rank: 70
SWYDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SWYDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
SWYDX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SWYDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SWYDX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

TCLTX vs. SWYDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund (TCLTX) and Schwab Target 2025 Index Fund (SWYDX). 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.

	TCLTX	SWYDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	2.23	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	3.21	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.43	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	2.93	-0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.81	13.00	-1.19

TCLTX vs. SWYDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TCLTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the SWYDX Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TCLTX and SWYDX, 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

TCLTX vs. SWYDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TCLTX drawdown since its inception was -44.15%, which is greater than SWYDX's maximum drawdown of -20.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TCLTX and SWYDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TCLTX	SWYDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.15%	-20.49%	-23.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.01%	-4.94%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.99%	-7.56%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.99%	-20.43%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.00%	-0.25%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.19%	-3.41%	-1.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.15%	1.11%	+0.04%

Volatility

TCLTX vs. SWYDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund (TCLTX) is 2.47%, while Schwab Target 2025 Index Fund (SWYDX) has a volatility of 2.64%. This indicates that TCLTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SWYDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TCLTX	SWYDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.47%	2.64%	-0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.18%	5.39%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.23%	6.51%	-0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.69%	9.24%	-1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.36%	9.83%	-1.47%

TCLTX vs. SWYDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TCLTX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than SWYDX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

TCLTX vs. SWYDX - Dividend Comparison

TCLTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.27%, less than SWYDX's 5.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWYDX Schwab Target 2025 Index Fund	5.07%	5.37%	3.41%	2.58%	2.32%	1.92%	1.79%	1.91%	0.00%	1.33%	0.79%	0.00%
TCLTX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2020 Fund	4.27%	4.49%	3.33%	2.38%	5.36%	7.49%	4.91%	3.36%	6.53%	2.44%	5.09%	4.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TCLTX and SWYDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, TCLTX and SWYDX 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, TCLTX or SWYDX?

SWYDX has higher volatility (2.64%) compared to TCLTX (2.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TCLTX dropped -44.15% vs SWYDX's -20.49%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWYDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 2.18), 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.