TISBX vs. VSCIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TISBX (TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund) and VSCIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, TISBX returned 11.09%/yr vs 11.38%/yr for VSCIX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TISBX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VSCIX.

Performance

TISBX vs. VSCIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TISBX achieves a 18.69% return, which is significantly higher than VSCIX's 14.94% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with TISBX having a 11.09% annualized return and VSCIX not far ahead at 11.38%.

TISBX

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 5.00%
• YTD: 18.69%
• 6M: 17.39%
• 1Y: 41.07%
• 3Y*: 18.65%
• 5Y*: 6.67%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

VSCIX

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 4.24%
• YTD: 14.94%
• 6M: 14.90%
• 1Y: 29.67%
• 3Y*: 17.32%
• 5Y*: 7.35%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

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

TISBX vs. VSCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TISBX TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund	18.69%	12.72%	11.60%	17.07%	-20.31%	14.85%	20.14%	25.61%	-10.99%	13.14%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	14.94%	8.85%	12.96%	19.52%	-17.60%	17.74%	19.07%	27.40%	-9.33%	16.25%

Correlation

The correlation between TISBX and VSCIX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2002	0.98

The correlation between TISBX and VSCIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TISBX vs. VSCIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TISBX

TISBX Risk / Return Rank: 64
TISBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
TISBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
TISBX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
TISBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
TISBX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

VSCIX

VSCIX Risk / Return Rank: 54
VSCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VSCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VSCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VSCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VSCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

TISBX vs. VSCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX). 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.

	TISBX	VSCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	1.94	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.75	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.33	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.99	3.51	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.14	12.98	+1.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TISBX vs. VSCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TISBX Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the VSCIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TISBX and VSCIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TISBX	VSCIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28	1.94	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	0.36	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.53	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.41	-0.02

Drawdowns

TISBX vs. VSCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TISBX drawdown since its inception was -56.50%, smaller than the maximum VSCIX drawdown of -59.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TISBX and VSCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TISBX	VSCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.50%	-59.66%	+3.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.95%	-8.97%	-1.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.44%	-25.25%	-2.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.89%	-28.13%	-3.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.69%	-41.81%	+0.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	0.00%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.69%	-10.12%	+0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	2.42%	+0.66%

Volatility

TISBX vs. VSCIX - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX) has a higher volatility of 5.59% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSCIX) at 4.40%. This indicates that TISBX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TISBX	VSCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	4.40%	+1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.58%	11.72%	+1.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.16%	16.27%	+2.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.55%	20.72%	+1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.44%	21.57%	+1.87%

TISBX vs. VSCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TISBX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VSCIX'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

TISBX vs. VSCIX - Dividend Comparison

TISBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than VSCIX's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TISBX TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund	3.47%	4.12%	6.82%	3.09%	1.97%	8.96%	2.65%	5.16%	9.29%	4.49%	4.03%	4.77%
VSCIX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.19%	1.34%	1.31%	1.55%	1.55%	1.25%	1.15%	1.40%	1.68%	1.36%	1.50%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TISBX and VSCIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, TISBX and VSCIX 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, TISBX or VSCIX?

TISBX has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to VSCIX (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TISBX dropped -56.50% vs VSCIX's -59.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TISBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.94), 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.