TGRNX vs. PTSAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TGRNX (TIAA-CREF Green Bond Fund) and PTSAX (PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, TGRNX returned 0.29%/yr vs -0.26%/yr for PTSAX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TGRNX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for PTSAX.

Performance

TGRNX vs. PTSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Green Bond Fund (TGRNX) and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund (PTSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TGRNX achieves a 0.46% return, which is significantly higher than PTSAX's 0.25% return.

TGRNX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 0.46%
• 6M: 0.81%
• 1Y: 4.47%
• 3Y*: 4.73%
• 5Y*: 0.29%
• 10Y*: —

PTSAX

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 6M: 0.71%
• 1Y: 5.51%
• 3Y*: 4.89%
• 5Y*: -0.26%
• 10Y*: 1.81%

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

TGRNX vs. PTSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
TGRNX TIAA-CREF Green Bond Fund	0.46%	6.76%	3.08%	5.73%	-13.43%	-0.60%	8.57%	9.15%	1.43%
PTSAX PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund	0.25%	8.56%	2.31%	5.50%	-16.17%	-1.07%	8.98%	8.97%	1.41%

Correlation

The correlation between TGRNX and PTSAX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2018	0.92

The correlation between TGRNX and PTSAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TGRNX vs. PTSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TGRNX

TGRNX Risk / Return Rank: 32
TGRNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
TGRNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
TGRNX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
TGRNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
TGRNX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

PTSAX

PTSAX Risk / Return Rank: 23
PTSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
PTSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
PTSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
PTSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
PTSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

TGRNX vs. PTSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Green Bond Fund (TGRNX) and PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund (PTSAX). 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.

	TGRNX	PTSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.31	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	1.91	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.24	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	1.57	+0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.05	4.50	+1.56

TGRNX vs. PTSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TGRNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the PTSAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TGRNX and PTSAX, 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

TGRNX vs. PTSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TGRNX drawdown since its inception was -17.85%, smaller than the maximum PTSAX drawdown of -21.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TGRNX and PTSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TGRNX	PTSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.85%	-21.12%	+3.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.47%	-3.63%	+1.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.99%	-6.23%	+2.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.85%	-21.12%	+3.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-21.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-2.86%	+1.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.19%	-2.47%	-2.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.78%	1.26%	-0.48%

Volatility

TGRNX vs. PTSAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TIAA-CREF Green Bond Fund (TGRNX) is 0.97%, while PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund (PTSAX) has a volatility of 1.33%. This indicates that TGRNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PTSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TGRNX	PTSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	1.33%	-0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.36%	3.46%	-1.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.14%	4.36%	-1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.85%	6.12%	-1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.81%	5.10%	-0.29%

TGRNX vs. PTSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TGRNX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than PTSAX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

TGRNX vs. PTSAX - Dividend Comparison

TGRNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.30%, more than PTSAX's 3.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PTSAX PIMCO Total Return ESG Fund	3.96%	3.87%	3.89%	3.32%	3.68%	2.96%	4.60%	3.48%	2.56%	2.03%	2.96%	4.71%
TGRNX TIAA-CREF Green Bond Fund	4.30%	4.31%	4.48%	3.30%	2.69%	2.76%	4.20%	4.38%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TGRNX and PTSAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, TGRNX and PTSAX 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, TGRNX or PTSAX?

PTSAX has higher volatility (1.33%) compared to TGRNX (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TGRNX dropped -17.85% vs PTSAX's -21.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TGRNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.31), 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.