TSAIX vs. SMIFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TSAIX (TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund) and SMIFX (Sound Mind Investing Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, TSAIX returned 12.53%/yr vs 9.72%/yr for SMIFX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TSAIX charges 0.04%/yr vs 1.19%/yr for SMIFX.

Performance

TSAIX vs. SMIFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund (TSAIX) and Sound Mind Investing Fund (SMIFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TSAIX achieves a 10.46% return, which is significantly lower than SMIFX's 15.84% return. Over the past 10 years, TSAIX has outperformed SMIFX with an annualized return of 12.53%, while SMIFX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.72% annualized return.

TSAIX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 2.25%
• YTD: 10.46%
• 6M: 9.77%
• 1Y: 25.69%
• 3Y*: 18.90%
• 5Y*: 9.54%
• 10Y*: 12.53%

SMIFX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 15.84%
• 6M: 14.50%
• 1Y: 20.23%
• 3Y*: 12.61%
• 5Y*: 6.19%
• 10Y*: 9.72%

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

TSAIX vs. SMIFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TSAIX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund	10.46%	20.04%	15.46%	22.72%	-19.57%	17.10%	19.69%	27.97%	-11.27%	22.35%
SMIFX Sound Mind Investing Fund	15.84%	3.16%	16.65%	5.17%	-8.93%	11.15%	20.76%	19.28%	-8.56%	17.49%

Correlation

The correlation between TSAIX and SMIFX is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2011	0.90

The correlation between TSAIX and SMIFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TSAIX vs. SMIFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TSAIX

TSAIX Risk / Return Rank: 53
TSAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
TSAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
TSAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
TSAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
TSAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

SMIFX

SMIFX Risk / Return Rank: 44
SMIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SMIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SMIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SMIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
SMIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

TSAIX vs. SMIFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund (TSAIX) and Sound Mind Investing Fund (SMIFX). 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.

	TSAIX	SMIFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.71	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.32	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.31	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	2.87	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.24	9.07	+2.17

TSAIX vs. SMIFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TSAIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the SMIFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TSAIX and SMIFX, 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

TSAIX vs. SMIFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TSAIX drawdown since its inception was -34.58%, smaller than the maximum SMIFX drawdown of -54.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TSAIX and SMIFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TSAIX	SMIFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.58%	-54.33%	+19.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.28%	-7.42%	-2.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.29%	-19.98%	+2.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.28%	-41.36%	+13.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.58%	-41.36%	+6.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-9.55%	+9.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.90%	-14.27%	+9.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.38%	2.34%	+0.04%

Volatility

TSAIX vs. SMIFX - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund (TSAIX) and Sound Mind Investing Fund (SMIFX) have volatilities of 5.28% and 5.19%, 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

	TSAIX	SMIFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	5.19%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.27%	9.92%	+1.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.71%	12.45%	+1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.37%	29.06%	-12.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.70%	24.22%	-6.52%

TSAIX vs. SMIFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TSAIX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than SMIFX's 1.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

TSAIX vs. SMIFX - Dividend Comparison

TSAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.68%, more than SMIFX's 4.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMIFX Sound Mind Investing Fund	4.60%	5.33%	1.28%	1.73%	0.97%	46.86%	0.00%	0.48%	26.02%	10.06%	0.00%	14.94%
TSAIX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Aggressive Growth Fund	6.68%	7.38%	2.94%	1.81%	9.27%	11.82%	5.59%	5.71%	5.71%	1.13%	4.12%	7.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TSAIX and SMIFX in my portfolio?

TSAIX and SMIFX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TSAIX or SMIFX?

TSAIX has higher volatility (5.28%) compared to SMIFX (5.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TSAIX dropped -34.58% vs SMIFX's -54.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TSAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.71), 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.