TCSIX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

TCSIX (TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Conservative Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, TCSIX returned 6.09%/yr vs 9.88%/yr for VBAIX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TCSIX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

TCSIX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Conservative Fund (TCSIX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TCSIX achieves a 3.77% return, which is significantly lower than VBAIX's 7.19% return. Over the past 10 years, TCSIX has underperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 6.09%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.88% annualized return.

TCSIX

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.47%
• 6M: 2.39%
• YTD: 3.77%
• 1Y: 10.05%
• 3Y*: 9.98%
• 5Y*: 4.33%
• 10Y*: 6.09%

VBAIX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 1.12%
• 6M: 5.62%
• YTD: 7.19%
• 1Y: 15.19%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 7.91%
• 10Y*: 9.88%

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

TCSIX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TCSIX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Conservative Fund	3.77%	12.00%	8.33%	12.70%	-13.68%	6.46%	12.14%	15.49%	-4.45%	10.60%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.19%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between TCSIX and VBAIX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012	0.95

The correlation between TCSIX and VBAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TCSIX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TCSIX

TCSIX Risk / Return Rank: 44
TCSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
TCSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
TCSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
TCSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
TCSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 46

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

TCSIX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Conservative Fund (TCSIX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	TCSIX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.77	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	2.51	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	2.53	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.62	11.09	-3.47

TCSIX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TCSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TCSIX and VBAIX, 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

TCSIX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TCSIX drawdown since its inception was -19.12%, smaller than the maximum VBAIX drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TCSIX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TCSIX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.12%	-35.82%	+16.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.73%	-5.84%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.81%	-11.57%	+4.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.12%	-21.52%	+2.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.12%	-22.77%	+3.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.19%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-4.41%	+1.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.27%	1.33%	-0.06%

Volatility

TCSIX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Conservative Fund (TCSIX) is 2.31%, while Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) has a volatility of 2.83%. This indicates that TCSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TCSIX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.31%	2.83%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.50%	6.74%	-1.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.44%	8.36%	-1.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.46%	11.18%	-3.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.48%	11.24%	-3.76%

TCSIX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TCSIX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

TCSIX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

TCSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.84%, less than VBAIX's 5.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TCSIX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Conservative Fund	4.84%	5.59%	3.28%	2.96%	6.28%	7.32%	4.75%	3.57%	4.36%	1.77%	3.57%	2.56%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.32%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TCSIX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, TCSIX and VBAIX 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, TCSIX or VBAIX?

VBAIX has higher volatility (2.83%) compared to TCSIX (2.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TCSIX dropped -19.12% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.51), 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.