TNSHX vs. VBISX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TNSHX (TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund) and VBISX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, TNSHX returned 1.83%/yr vs 1.79%/yr for VBISX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TNSHX charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VBISX.

Performance

TNSHX vs. VBISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TNSHX achieves a 0.61% return, which is significantly higher than VBISX's 0.26% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with TNSHX having a 1.83% annualized return and VBISX not far behind at 1.79%.

TNSHX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.61%
• 6M: 0.96%
• 1Y: 3.74%
• 3Y*: 4.25%
• 5Y*: 1.83%
• 10Y*: 1.83%

VBISX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.50%
• 1Y: 3.64%
• 3Y*: 4.14%
• 5Y*: 1.44%
• 10Y*: 1.79%

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

TNSHX vs. VBISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TNSHX TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.61%	5.31%	4.03%	4.05%	-3.96%	-0.57%	3.26%	4.05%	1.31%	0.70%
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.26%	5.67%	3.66%	4.54%	-5.61%	-1.35%	4.63%	4.78%	1.27%	1.10%

Correlation

The correlation between TNSHX and VBISX is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2016	0.81

The correlation between TNSHX and VBISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TNSHX vs. VBISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TNSHX

TNSHX Risk / Return Rank: 68
TNSHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
TNSHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
TNSHX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
TNSHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
TNSHX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

VBISX

VBISX Risk / Return Rank: 37
VBISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
VBISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VBISX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VBISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VBISX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

TNSHX vs. VBISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX). 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.

	TNSHX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	1.64	+0.37
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.86	2.75	+1.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.33	+0.18
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	2.37	+0.96
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.42	7.61	+4.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TNSHX vs. VBISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TNSHX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the VBISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TNSHX and VBISX, 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

	TNSHX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01	1.64	+0.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82	0.49	+0.33
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.01	0.75	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.04	1.34	-0.30

Drawdowns

TNSHX vs. VBISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TNSHX drawdown since its inception was -5.99%, smaller than the maximum VBISX drawdown of -8.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TNSHX and VBISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TNSHX	VBISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.99%	-8.79%	+2.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.13%	-1.54%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.13%	-1.55%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.99%	-8.72%	+2.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-5.99%	-8.79%	+2.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.66%	+0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-0.87%	-0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.30%	0.48%	-0.18%

Volatility

TNSHX vs. VBISX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund (TNSHX) is 0.63%, while Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) has a volatility of 0.69%. This indicates that TNSHX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TNSHX	VBISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.63%	0.69%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.38%	1.59%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.88%	2.24%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.25%	2.94%	-0.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.82%	2.38%	-0.56%

TNSHX vs. VBISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TNSHX has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than VBISX's 0.15% 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

TNSHX vs. VBISX - Dividend Comparison

TNSHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.10%, more than VBISX's 3.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TNSHX TIAA-CREF Short-Term Bond Index Fund	4.10%	4.22%	3.94%	2.68%	1.00%	1.03%	1.81%	2.45%	1.80%	1.31%	0.98%	0.00%
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	3.90%	3.44%	3.29%	2.10%	1.38%	1.16%	1.72%	2.16%	1.92%	1.58%	1.42%	1.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TNSHX and VBISX in my portfolio?

TNSHX and VBISX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TNSHX or VBISX?

VBISX has higher volatility (0.69%) compared to TNSHX (0.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TNSHX dropped -5.99% vs VBISX's -8.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TNSHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.64), 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.