TRLIX vs. VCSAX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

TRLIX (TIAA-CREF Large Cap Value Fund) and VCSAX (Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - TRLIX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by TIAA Investments, while VCSAX is a Consumer Staples Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, TRLIX returned 11.07%/yr vs 7.65%/yr for VCSAX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TRLIX charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VCSAX.

Performance

TRLIX vs. VCSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Large Cap Value Fund (TRLIX) and Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund Admiral Shares (VCSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRLIX achieves a 9.86% return, which is significantly higher than VCSAX's 5.42% return. Over the past 10 years, TRLIX has outperformed VCSAX with an annualized return of 11.07%, while VCSAX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.65% annualized return.

TRLIX

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 1.04%
• YTD: 9.86%
• 6M: 11.84%
• 1Y: 24.94%
• 3Y*: 18.25%
• 5Y*: 10.87%
• 10Y*: 11.07%

VCSAX

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -4.46%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 4.20%
• 1Y: 0.72%
• 3Y*: 7.31%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 7.65%

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

TRLIX vs. VCSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TRLIX TIAA-CREF Large Cap Value Fund	9.86%	17.44%	14.79%	14.35%	-7.03%	27.10%	3.59%	28.83%	-14.29%	10.89%
VCSAX Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.42%	2.11%	13.29%	2.38%	-1.75%	18.56%	10.90%	26.08%	-7.72%	11.79%

Correlation

The correlation between TRLIX and VCSAX is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.70

Over the past year, the correlation between TRLIX and VCSAX has dropped to 0.37 - well below their long-term average of 0.70, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

TRLIX vs. VCSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRLIX

TRLIX Risk / Return Rank: 68
TRLIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
TRLIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
TRLIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
TRLIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
TRLIX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VCSAX

VCSAX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VCSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VCSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VCSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VCSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VCSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

TRLIX vs. VCSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Large Cap Value Fund (TRLIX) and Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund Admiral Shares (VCSAX). 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.

	TRLIX	VCSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	0.06	+2.29
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	0.18	+3.15
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.02	+0.41
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.53	0.20	+3.33
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	14.27	0.42	+13.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TRLIX vs. VCSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRLIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is higher than the VCSAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRLIX and VCSAX, 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

	TRLIX	VCSAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	0.06	+2.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	0.48	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.52	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.65	-0.16

Drawdowns

TRLIX vs. VCSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRLIX drawdown since its inception was -61.94%, which is greater than VCSAX's maximum drawdown of -34.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRLIX and VCSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRLIX	VCSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.94%	-34.34%	-27.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.35%	-9.28%	+1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.69%	-11.76%	-2.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.13%	-16.56%	-3.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.54%	-25.08%	-13.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	-8.86%	+8.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-3.74%	-5.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.82%	4.45%	-2.63%

Volatility

TRLIX vs. VCSAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TIAA-CREF Large Cap Value Fund (TRLIX) is 2.97%, while Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund Admiral Shares (VCSAX) has a volatility of 4.05%. This indicates that TRLIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRLIX	VCSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	4.05%	-1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	9.76%	-1.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.83%	12.38%	-1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.92%	13.16%	+1.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	14.65%	+3.40%

TRLIX vs. VCSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRLIX has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than VCSAX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRLIX vs. VCSAX - Dividend Comparison

TRLIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.03%, more than VCSAX's 2.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TRLIX TIAA-CREF Large Cap Value Fund	8.03%	8.82%	4.01%	8.58%	6.13%	9.19%	1.89%	2.08%	12.82%	5.19%	4.29%	1.11%
VCSAX Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.18%	2.26%	2.33%	2.65%	2.37%	2.99%	2.50%	2.44%	2.78%	2.52%	2.40%	2.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRLIX and VCSAX in my portfolio?

TRLIX and VCSAX have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TRLIX or VCSAX?

VCSAX has higher volatility (4.05%) compared to TRLIX (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRLIX dropped -61.94% vs VCSAX's -34.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRLIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 0.06), 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.