TLLRX vs. TIEIX

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

TLLRX (Nuveen Lifecycle Index 2050 Fund Retirement Class) and TIEIX (Nuveen Equity Index Fund Class I) are both mutual funds - TLLRX is a Target Retirement Date fund tracking the Nuveen Lifecycle Index 2050 strategic allocation, while TIEIX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 3000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, TLLRX returned 12.26%/yr vs 15.16%/yr for TIEIX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TLLRX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for TIEIX.

Performance

TLLRX vs. TIEIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Lifecycle Index 2050 Fund Retirement Class (TLLRX) and Nuveen Equity Index Fund Class I (TIEIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TLLRX achieves a 9.63% return, which is significantly higher than TIEIX's 8.66% return. Over the past 10 years, TLLRX has underperformed TIEIX with an annualized return of 12.26%, while TIEIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.16% annualized return.

TLLRX

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -0.77%
• YTD: 9.63%
• 6M: 8.76%
• 1Y: 21.52%
• 3Y*: 18.26%
• 5Y*: 9.43%
• 10Y*: 12.26%

TIEIX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -1.47%
• YTD: 8.66%
• 6M: 7.22%
• 1Y: 21.52%
• 3Y*: 20.65%
• 5Y*: 11.86%
• 10Y*: 15.16%

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

TLLRX vs. TIEIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TLLRX Nuveen Lifecycle Index 2050 Fund Retirement Class	9.63%	20.46%	14.87%	20.25%	-17.73%	16.86%	16.87%	25.77%	-7.29%	19.11%
TIEIX Nuveen Equity Index Fund Class I	8.66%	17.04%	23.71%	25.92%	-19.18%	25.64%	20.82%	30.89%	-5.27%	19.05%

Correlation

The correlation between TLLRX and TIEIX 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	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2009	0.98

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

Return for Risk

TLLRX vs. TIEIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TLLRX

TLLRX Risk / Return Rank: 60
TLLRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
TLLRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
TLLRX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
TLLRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
TLLRX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

TIEIX

TIEIX Risk / Return Rank: 60
TIEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
TIEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
TIEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
TIEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
TIEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

TLLRX vs. TIEIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Lifecycle Index 2050 Fund Retirement Class (TLLRX) and Nuveen Equity Index Fund Class I (TIEIX). 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.

	TLLRX	TIEIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.78	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.44	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.32	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	2.58	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.14	11.35	-0.22

TLLRX vs. TIEIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TLLRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the TIEIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TLLRX and TIEIX, 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

TLLRX vs. TIEIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TLLRX drawdown since its inception was -31.43%, smaller than the maximum TIEIX drawdown of -55.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TLLRX and TIEIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TLLRX	TIEIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.43%	-55.55%	+24.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.81%	-8.84%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.91%	-19.29%	+4.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.56%	-25.06%	-0.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.43%	-34.90%	+3.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.03%	-2.73%	+0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.22%	-10.28%	+6.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	2.00%	+0.04%

Volatility

TLLRX vs. TIEIX - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen Lifecycle Index 2050 Fund Retirement Class (TLLRX) and Nuveen Equity Index Fund Class I (TIEIX) have volatilities of 5.04% and 4.84%, 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

	TLLRX	TIEIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	4.84%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.10%	10.04%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.16%	12.79%	-0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.60%	17.41%	-2.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.49%	18.41%	-2.92%

TLLRX vs. TIEIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TLLRX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than TIEIX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

TLLRX vs. TIEIX - Dividend Comparison

TLLRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.65%, more than TIEIX's 2.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TIEIX Nuveen Equity Index Fund Class I	2.20%	2.39%	1.63%	1.47%	1.83%	2.08%	1.43%	1.99%	2.45%	0.52%	2.45%	1.27%
TLLRX Nuveen Lifecycle Index 2050 Fund Retirement Class	2.65%	2.91%	2.02%	1.96%	2.11%	2.08%	1.51%	2.04%	2.42%	0.15%	2.41%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TLLRX and TIEIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, TLLRX and TIEIX 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, TLLRX or TIEIX?

TLLRX has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to TIEIX (4.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TLLRX dropped -31.43% vs TIEIX's -55.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TLLRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.78), 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.