TIBFX vs. VCPAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TIBFX (TIAA-CREF Core Plus Bond Fund Institutional Class) and VCPAX (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares) are both Total Bond Market funds. Over the past 3 years, TIBFX returned 4.67%/yr vs 5.28%/yr for VCPAX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TIBFX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VCPAX.

Performance

TIBFX vs. VCPAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Core Plus Bond Fund Institutional Class (TIBFX) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TIBFX achieves a 0.58% return, which is significantly lower than VCPAX's 0.72% return.

TIBFX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: 0.58%
• 6M: 0.97%
• 1Y: 5.03%
• 3Y*: 4.67%
• 5Y*: 0.40%
• 10Y*: 2.26%

VCPAX

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.69%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 0.89%
• 1Y: 5.03%
• 3Y*: 5.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TIBFX vs. VCPAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
TIBFX TIAA-CREF Core Plus Bond Fund Institutional Class	0.58%	7.36%	2.34%	6.66%	-13.84%	0.13%
VCPAX Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares	0.72%	8.06%	2.95%	6.80%	-12.60%	0.32%

Correlation

The correlation between TIBFX and VCPAX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2021	0.95

The correlation between TIBFX and VCPAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TIBFX vs. VCPAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TIBFX

TIBFX Risk / Return Rank: 29
TIBFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
TIBFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
TIBFX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
TIBFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
TIBFX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VCPAX

VCPAX Risk / Return Rank: 31
VCPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VCPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VCPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VCPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VCPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

TIBFX vs. VCPAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Core Plus Bond Fund Institutional Class (TIBFX) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX). 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.

	TIBFX	VCPAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.50	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	2.24	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.00	-0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.65	6.11	-0.46

TIBFX vs. VCPAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TIBFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the VCPAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TIBFX and VCPAX, 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

TIBFX vs. VCPAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TIBFX drawdown since its inception was -18.92%, which is greater than VCPAX's maximum drawdown of -17.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TIBFX and VCPAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TIBFX	VCPAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.92%	-17.25%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.98%	-2.65%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.67%	-5.71%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.92%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	-1.09%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-6.39%	+3.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.87%	+0.06%

Volatility

TIBFX vs. VCPAX - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF Core Plus Bond Fund Institutional Class (TIBFX) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) have volatilities of 1.08% and 1.07%, 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

	TIBFX	VCPAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.08%	1.07%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.79%	2.69%	+0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.68%	3.54%	+0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.44%	5.62%	-0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.58%	5.62%	-1.04%

TIBFX vs. VCPAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TIBFX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VCPAX's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

TIBFX vs. VCPAX - Dividend Comparison

TIBFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, less than VCPAX's 4.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TIBFX TIAA-CREF Core Plus Bond Fund Institutional Class	4.72%	4.55%	3.87%	3.84%	2.85%	3.76%	3.71%	3.24%	3.08%	3.16%	4.14%	3.95%
VCPAX Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares	4.84%	4.86%	5.19%	4.55%	3.26%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TIBFX and VCPAX in my portfolio?

TIBFX and VCPAX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TIBFX or VCPAX?

TIBFX has higher volatility (1.08%) compared to VCPAX (1.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TIBFX dropped -18.92% vs VCPAX's -17.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.44), 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.