TISPX vs. TTFIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TISPX (TIAA-CREF S&P 500 Index Fund) and TTFIX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund) are both mutual funds - TISPX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by TIAA Investments, while TTFIX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by TIAA Investments. Over the past 10 years, TISPX returned 15.32%/yr vs 11.10%/yr for TTFIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TISPX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for TTFIX.

Performance

TISPX vs. TTFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF S&P 500 Index Fund (TISPX) and TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund (TTFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TISPX achieves a 10.18% return, which is significantly higher than TTFIX's 9.09% return. Over the past 10 years, TISPX has outperformed TTFIX with an annualized return of 15.32%, while TTFIX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.10% annualized return.

TISPX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 27.10%
• 3Y*: 20.92%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: 15.32%

TTFIX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 2.06%
• YTD: 9.09%
• 6M: 9.01%
• 1Y: 23.41%
• 3Y*: 16.10%
• 5Y*: 8.92%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

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

TISPX vs. TTFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TISPX TIAA-CREF S&P 500 Index Fund	10.18%	17.79%	24.94%	26.22%	-18.13%	28.66%	18.34%	31.44%	-4.52%	19.58%
TTFIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund	9.09%	18.19%	13.81%	19.47%	-17.38%	15.83%	17.29%	25.88%	-9.67%	20.10%

Correlation

The correlation between TISPX and TTFIX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
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 Dec 3, 2007	0.96

The correlation between TISPX and TTFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TISPX vs. TTFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TISPX

TISPX Risk / Return Rank: 66
TISPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
TISPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
TISPX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
TISPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
TISPX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

TTFIX

TTFIX Risk / Return Rank: 54
TTFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
TTFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
TTFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
TTFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
TTFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

TISPX vs. TTFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF S&P 500 Index Fund (TISPX) and TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund (TTFIX). 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.

	TISPX	TTFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	1.99	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	2.78	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.37	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	2.62	+0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.72	11.26	+2.46

TISPX vs. TTFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TISPX Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the TTFIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TISPX and TTFIX, 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

TISPX vs. TTFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TISPX drawdown since its inception was -55.16%, roughly equal to the maximum TTFIX drawdown of -53.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TISPX and TTFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TISPX	TTFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.16%	-53.24%	-1.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-8.84%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.74%	-14.79%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.48%	-25.25%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.75%	-32.21%	-1.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.35%	-0.06%	-1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.71%	-8.22%	+1.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	2.05%	-0.09%

Volatility

TISPX vs. TTFIX - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF S&P 500 Index Fund (TISPX) and TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund (TTFIX) have volatilities of 4.76% and 4.58%, 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

	TISPX	TTFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.76%	4.58%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.91%	9.58%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.49%	11.65%	+0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.99%	14.18%	+2.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.11%	15.61%	+2.50%

TISPX vs. TTFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TISPX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than TTFIX's 0.23% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

TISPX vs. TTFIX - Dividend Comparison

TISPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%, less than TTFIX's 7.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TISPX TIAA-CREF S&P 500 Index Fund	2.13%	2.35%	1.52%	1.48%	1.91%	1.77%	1.53%	2.16%	2.94%	0.36%	2.39%	0.65%
TTFIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund	7.17%	7.82%	3.97%	2.13%	9.04%	12.44%	7.49%	5.70%	5.45%	0.84%	4.01%	3.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TISPX and TTFIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, TISPX and TTFIX 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, TISPX or TTFIX?

TISPX has higher volatility (4.76%) compared to TTFIX (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TISPX dropped -55.16% vs TTFIX's -53.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TISPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.99), 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.