TLHIX vs. TFITX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TLHIX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2030 Fund) and TFITX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds from TIAA Investments. Over the past 5 years, TLHIX returned 7.13%/yr vs 11.06%/yr for TFITX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TLHIX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for TFITX.

Performance

TLHIX vs. TFITX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2030 Fund (TLHIX) and TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund (TFITX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TLHIX achieves a 7.64% return, which is significantly lower than TFITX's 12.03% return.

TLHIX

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 7.64%
• 6M: 7.60%
• 1Y: 18.71%
• 3Y*: 13.32%
• 5Y*: 7.13%
• 10Y*: 9.10%

TFITX

• 1D: 1.29%
• 1M: 1.90%
• YTD: 12.03%
• 6M: 11.83%
• 1Y: 28.15%
• 3Y*: 18.92%
• 5Y*: 11.06%
• 10Y*: —

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

TLHIX vs. TFITX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
TLHIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2030 Fund	7.64%	15.76%	10.59%	15.54%	-15.72%	11.65%	6.99%
TFITX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund	12.03%	21.24%	15.76%	21.16%	-17.62%	18.06%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between TLHIX and TFITX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2020	0.98

The correlation between TLHIX and TFITX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TLHIX vs. TFITX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TLHIX

TLHIX Risk / Return Rank: 71
TLHIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
TLHIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
TLHIX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
TLHIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
TLHIX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

TFITX

TFITX Risk / Return Rank: 68
TFITX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
TFITX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
TFITX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
TFITX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
TFITX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

TLHIX vs. TFITX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2030 Fund (TLHIX) and TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund (TFITX). 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.

	TLHIX	TFITX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.22	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	3.04	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.41	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	3.07	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.02	13.38	-0.36

TLHIX vs. TFITX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TLHIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the TFITX Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TLHIX and TFITX, 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

TLHIX vs. TFITX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TLHIX drawdown since its inception was -23.86%, smaller than the maximum TFITX drawdown of -25.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TLHIX and TFITX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TLHIX	TFITX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.86%	-25.64%	+1.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.15%	-9.12%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.46%	-15.56%	+6.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.15%	-25.64%	+3.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-0.48%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.49%	-5.24%	+1.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.43%	2.08%	-0.65%

Volatility

TLHIX vs. TFITX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2030 Fund (TLHIX) is 3.40%, while TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund (TFITX) has a volatility of 5.14%. This indicates that TLHIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TFITX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TLHIX	TFITX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.40%	5.14%	-1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.89%	10.46%	-3.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.25%	12.61%	-4.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.33%	15.11%	-4.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.13%	14.90%	-3.77%

TLHIX vs. TFITX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TLHIX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than TFITX's 0.11% 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

TLHIX vs. TFITX - Dividend Comparison

TLHIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.90%, more than TFITX's 2.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TFITX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2065 Fund	2.18%	2.44%	2.12%	2.05%	2.09%	1.84%	1.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TLHIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2030 Fund	3.90%	4.20%	3.62%	2.44%	2.82%	3.21%	2.06%	2.25%	2.68%	0.14%	2.49%	0.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TLHIX and TFITX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, TLHIX and TFITX 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, TLHIX or TFITX?

TFITX has higher volatility (5.14%) compared to TLHIX (3.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TLHIX dropped -23.86% vs TFITX's -25.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TLHIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 2.22), 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.