TLSTX vs. SWPPX
TLSTX (TIAA-CREF Life Funds Stock Index Fund) and SWPPX (Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, TLSTX returned 11.94%/yr vs 13.03%/yr for SWPPX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TLSTX charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for SWPPX.
Performance
TLSTX vs. SWPPX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, TLSTX achieves a 10.56% return, which is significantly higher than SWPPX's 9.92% return.
TLSTX
- 1D
- -0.22%
- 1M
- -1.00%
- 6M
- 10.56%
- YTD
- 10.56%
- 1Y
- 21.88%
- 3Y*
- 20.17%
- 5Y*
- 11.94%
- 10Y*
- —
SWPPX
- 1D
- -0.21%
- 1M
- -1.58%
- 6M
- 9.92%
- YTD
- 9.92%
- 1Y
- 21.56%
- 3Y*
- 20.49%
- 5Y*
- 13.03%
- 10Y*
- 15.41%
TLSTX vs. SWPPX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TLSTX TIAA-CREF Life Funds Stock Index Fund | 10.56% | 17.08% | 23.66% | 25.90% | -19.24% | 25.61% | 20.74% | 15.48% |
SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund | 9.92% | 17.87% | 24.96% | 26.26% | -18.14% | 28.67% | 18.38% | 13.55% |
Correlation
The correlation between TLSTX and SWPPX 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 | 0.99 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2019 | 0.98 |
The correlation between TLSTX and SWPPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
TLSTX vs. SWPPX — Risk / Return Rank
TLSTX
SWPPX
TLSTX vs. SWPPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Life Funds Stock Index Fund (TLSTX) and Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX). 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.
| TLSTX | SWPPX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.00 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.02 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.32 | 1.32 | 0.00 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.56 | 2.50 | +0.05 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.25 | 11.00 | +0.25 |
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Drawdowns
TLSTX vs. SWPPX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum TLSTX drawdown since its inception was -34.91%, smaller than the maximum SWPPX drawdown of -55.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TLSTX and SWPPX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| TLSTX | SWPPX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -34.91% | -55.06% | +20.15% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.86% | -8.89% | +0.03% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.30% | -18.74% | -0.56% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.12% | -24.51% | -0.61% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -33.80% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.00% | -1.58% | +0.58% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.46% | -9.92% | +4.46% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.01% | 2.02% | -0.01% |
Volatility
TLSTX vs. SWPPX - Volatility Comparison
TIAA-CREF Life Funds Stock Index Fund (TLSTX) and Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX) have volatilities of 4.98% and 5.04%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| TLSTX | SWPPX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.98% | 5.04% | -0.06% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.07% | 9.98% | +0.09% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.76% | 12.56% | +0.20% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.05% | 17.04% | +0.01% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.04% | 18.22% | +1.82% |
TLSTX vs. SWPPX - Expense Ratio Comparison
TLSTX has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than SWPPX's 0.02% 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
TLSTX vs. SWPPX - Dividend Comparison
TLSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.96%, more than SWPPX's 1.01% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund | 1.01% | 1.11% | 1.23% | 1.43% | 1.67% | 1.27% | 1.81% | 1.95% | 2.67% | 1.79% | 2.55% | 3.17% |
TLSTX TIAA-CREF Life Funds Stock Index Fund | 4.96% | 5.48% | 2.73% | 2.22% | 3.82% | 1.38% | 1.84% | 2.24% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, TLSTX and SWPPX 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.
SWPPX has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to TLSTX (4.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TLSTX dropped -34.91% vs SWPPX's -55.06%.
TLSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.77), 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.
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