TFTIX vs. VINIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TFTIX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2050 Fund) and VINIX (Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - TFTIX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by TIAA Investments, while VINIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, TFTIX returned 11.71%/yr vs 15.85%/yr for VINIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TFTIX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VINIX.

Performance

TFTIX vs. VINIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2050 Fund (TFTIX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares (VINIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with TFTIX having a 9.50% return and VINIX slightly higher at 9.78%. Over the past 10 years, TFTIX has underperformed VINIX with an annualized return of 11.71%, while VINIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.85% annualized return.

TFTIX

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 2.08%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 8.89%
• 1Y: 23.55%
• 3Y*: 17.38%
• 5Y*: 8.94%
• 10Y*: 11.71%

VINIX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.78%
• 6M: 8.78%
• 1Y: 25.49%
• 3Y*: 21.79%
• 5Y*: 13.73%
• 10Y*: 15.85%

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

TFTIX vs. VINIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TFTIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2050 Fund	9.50%	18.80%	14.28%	20.02%	-17.71%	16.37%	17.42%	26.21%	-9.90%	20.54%
VINIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares	9.78%	17.85%	26.28%	25.77%	-18.15%	28.67%	18.40%	31.46%	-4.42%	21.79%

Correlation

The correlation between TFTIX and VINIX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2008	0.97

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

Return for Risk

TFTIX vs. VINIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TFTIX

TFTIX Risk / Return Rank: 55
TFTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
TFTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
TFTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
TFTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
TFTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VINIX

VINIX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VINIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VINIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VINIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VINIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VINIX 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.

TFTIX vs. VINIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2050 Fund (TFTIX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares (VINIX). 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.

	TFTIX	VINIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.15	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.91	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	3.01	-0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.39	13.61	-2.22

TFTIX vs. VINIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TFTIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the VINIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TFTIX and VINIX, 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

TFTIX vs. VINIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TFTIX drawdown since its inception was -51.99%, smaller than the maximum VINIX drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TFTIX and VINIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TFTIX	VINIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.99%	-55.19%	+3.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-8.90%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.58%	-18.75%	+3.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.68%	-24.51%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.44%	-33.79%	+1.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-1.72%	+1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.69%	-8.52%	+0.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	1.97%	+0.19%

Volatility

TFTIX vs. VINIX - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2050 Fund (TFTIX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares (VINIX) have volatilities of 4.73% and 4.67%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TFTIX	VINIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.73%	4.67%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.10%	9.84%	+0.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.31%	12.50%	-0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	16.98%	-2.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.02%	18.11%	-2.09%

TFTIX vs. VINIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TFTIX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VINIX'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

TFTIX vs. VINIX - Dividend Comparison

TFTIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.70%, more than VINIX's 2.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TFTIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2050 Fund	6.70%	7.34%	3.79%	2.01%	8.81%	11.71%	6.91%	5.63%	5.37%	0.84%	3.85%	3.53%
VINIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.44%	2.10%	3.64%	2.65%	3.38%	4.77%	3.06%	2.85%	2.43%	1.82%	2.36%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TFTIX and VINIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, TFTIX and VINIX 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, TFTIX or VINIX?

TFTIX has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to VINIX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TFTIX dropped -51.99% vs VINIX's -55.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VINIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 2.01), 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.