TILGX vs. TNSHX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TILGX (TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class) and TNSHX (TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both mutual funds - TILGX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by TIAA Investments, while TNSHX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by TIAA Investments. Over the past 10 years, TILGX returned 16.85%/yr vs 1.78%/yr for TNSHX. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. TILGX charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for TNSHX.

Performance

TILGX vs. TNSHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class (TILGX) and TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TILGX achieves a 3.61% return, which is significantly higher than TNSHX's 0.30% return. Over the past 10 years, TILGX has outperformed TNSHX with an annualized return of 16.85%, while TNSHX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.78% annualized return.

TILGX

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -2.33%
• YTD: 3.61%
• 6M: 2.45%
• 1Y: 18.34%
• 3Y*: 20.44%
• 5Y*: 9.65%
• 10Y*: 16.85%

TNSHX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 0.30%
• 6M: 0.75%
• 1Y: 3.20%
• 3Y*: 4.25%
• 5Y*: 1.81%
• 10Y*: 1.78%

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

TILGX vs. TNSHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TILGX TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class	3.61%	15.25%	29.23%	47.05%	-32.76%	16.84%	44.23%	30.76%	-0.38%	33.89%
TNSHX TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.30%	5.31%	4.03%	4.05%	-3.96%	-0.57%	3.26%	4.05%	1.31%	0.70%

Correlation

The correlation between TILGX and TNSHX is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.05
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	-0.02

The correlation between TILGX and TNSHX shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (all time) to 0.20 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

TILGX vs. TNSHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TILGX

TILGX Risk / Return Rank: 19
TILGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
TILGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
TILGX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
TILGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
TILGX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

TNSHX

TNSHX Risk / Return Rank: 61
TNSHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
TNSHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
TNSHX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
TNSHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
TNSHX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

TILGX vs. TNSHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class (TILGX) and TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX). 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.

	TILGX	TNSHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	1.75	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	3.23	-1.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.43	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	2.94	-1.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.30	10.83	-6.53

TILGX vs. TNSHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TILGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is lower than the TNSHX Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TILGX and TNSHX, 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

TILGX vs. TNSHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TILGX drawdown since its inception was -52.16%, which is greater than TNSHX's maximum drawdown of -5.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TILGX and TNSHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TILGX	TNSHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.16%	-5.99%	-46.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.19%	-1.13%	-14.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.94%	-1.13%	-22.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.86%	-5.99%	-31.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.86%	-5.99%	-31.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.25%	-0.46%	-3.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.83%	-0.89%	-7.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.58%	0.31%	+4.27%

Volatility

TILGX vs. TNSHX - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class (TILGX) has a higher volatility of 5.27% compared to TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX) at 0.70%. This indicates that TILGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TNSHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TILGX	TNSHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.27%	0.70%	+4.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.12%	1.41%	+10.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.18%	1.91%	+14.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.96%	2.26%	+19.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.66%	1.82%	+19.84%

TILGX vs. TNSHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TILGX has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than TNSHX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

TILGX vs. TNSHX - Dividend Comparison

TILGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.39%, more than TNSHX's 4.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TILGX TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class	13.39%	13.87%	6.41%	0.22%	0.42%	10.49%	37.04%	4.41%	14.12%	3.83%	1.82%	3.80%
TNSHX TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund	4.12%	4.22%	3.94%	2.68%	1.00%	1.03%	1.81%	2.45%	1.80%	1.31%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TILGX and TNSHX in my portfolio?

TILGX and TNSHX have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TILGX or TNSHX?

TILGX has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to TNSHX (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TILGX dropped -52.16% vs TNSHX's -5.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TNSHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.22), 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.