TFITX vs. TLZIX
TFITX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund) and TLZIX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2040 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds from TIAA Investments. Over the past 5 years, TFITX returned 10.72%/yr vs 9.07%/yr for TLZIX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TFITX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for TLZIX.
Performance
TFITX vs. TLZIX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, TFITX achieves a 11.85% return, which is significantly higher than TLZIX's 9.82% return.
TFITX
- 1D
- -0.16%
- 1M
- 1.73%
- YTD
- 11.85%
- 6M
- 11.19%
- 1Y
- 26.93%
- 3Y*
- 19.69%
- 5Y*
- 10.72%
- 10Y*
- —
TLZIX
- 1D
- -0.14%
- 1M
- 1.52%
- YTD
- 9.82%
- 6M
- 9.26%
- 1Y
- 22.81%
- 3Y*
- 17.10%
- 5Y*
- 9.07%
- 10Y*
- 11.43%
TFITX vs. TLZIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TFITX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund | 11.85% | 21.24% | 15.76% | 21.16% | -17.62% | 18.06% | 10.38% |
TLZIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2040 Fund | 9.82% | 18.86% | 13.52% | 18.98% | -16.69% | 14.86% | 8.51% |
Correlation
The correlation between TFITX and TLZIX is 1.00 - 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 | 1.00 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2020 | 1.00 |
The correlation between TFITX and TLZIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
TFITX vs. TLZIX — Risk / Return Rank
TFITX
TLZIX
TFITX vs. TLZIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund (TFITX) and TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2040 Fund (TLZIX). 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.
| TFITX | TLZIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.01 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.06 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.41 | 1.42 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.09 | 3.07 | +0.02 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 13.48 | 13.28 | +0.20 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
TFITX vs. TLZIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum TFITX drawdown since its inception was -25.64%, smaller than the maximum TLZIX drawdown of -28.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TFITX and TLZIX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| TFITX | TLZIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -25.64% | -28.82% | +3.18% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.12% | -7.77% | -1.35% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -15.56% | -12.92% | -2.64% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.64% | -24.21% | -1.43% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -28.82% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.63% | -0.51% | -0.12% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.23% | -4.00% | -1.23% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.08% | 1.79% | +0.29% |
Volatility
TFITX vs. TLZIX - Volatility Comparison
TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund (TFITX) has a higher volatility of 5.04% compared to TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2040 Fund (TLZIX) at 4.20%. This indicates that TFITX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TLZIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| TFITX | TLZIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.04% | 4.20% | +0.84% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.45% | 8.79% | +1.66% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.63% | 10.62% | +2.01% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.11% | 12.97% | +2.14% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 14.90% | 13.97% | +0.93% |
TFITX vs. TLZIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
TFITX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is higher than TLZIX's 0.10% 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
TFITX vs. TLZIX - Dividend Comparison
TFITX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.18%, less than TLZIX's 3.48% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TFITX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund | 2.18% | 2.44% | 2.12% | 2.05% | 2.09% | 1.84% | 1.55% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
TLZIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2040 Fund | 3.48% | 3.82% | 2.49% | 2.11% | 2.62% | 2.93% | 1.95% | 2.26% | 2.68% | 0.18% | 2.64% | 0.31% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 1.00, TFITX and TLZIX 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.
TFITX has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to TLZIX (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TFITX dropped -25.64% vs TLZIX's -28.82%.
TLZIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 2.24), 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.
Find the right allocation for TFITX and TLZIX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer