TSGGX vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TSGGX (TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Growth Fund) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both funds - TSGGX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by TIAA Investments, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, TSGGX returned 10.12%/yr vs 15.77%/yr for VOO. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TSGGX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

TSGGX vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Growth Fund (TSGGX) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TSGGX achieves a 8.64% return, which is significantly lower than VOO's 9.75% return. Over the past 10 years, TSGGX has underperformed VOO with an annualized return of 10.12%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively higher 15.77% annualized return.

TSGGX

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: 8.64%
• 6M: 8.58%
• 1Y: 22.24%
• 3Y*: 15.46%
• 5Y*: 8.12%
• 10Y*: 10.12%

VOO

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 9.75%
• 6M: 9.30%
• 1Y: 26.77%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: 15.77%

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

TSGGX vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TSGGX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Growth Fund	8.64%	17.42%	12.98%	19.45%	-18.19%	13.49%	17.44%	23.66%	-9.29%	18.11%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	9.75%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%

Correlation

The correlation between TSGGX and VOO is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2011	0.95

The correlation between TSGGX and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TSGGX vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

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

TSGGX

TSGGX Risk / Return Rank: 53
TSGGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
TSGGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
TSGGX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
TSGGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
TSGGX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 68
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VOO 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.

TSGGX vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Growth Fund (TSGGX) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). 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.

	TSGGX	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.17	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	2.93	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.39	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	3.02	-0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.02	13.58	-2.56

TSGGX vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TSGGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TSGGX and VOO, 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

TSGGX vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TSGGX drawdown since its inception was -29.75%, smaller than the maximum VOO drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TSGGX and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	TSGGX	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.75%	-33.99%	+4.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.60%	-8.90%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.88%	-18.69%	+4.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.86%	-24.52%	-1.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.75%	-33.99%	+4.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	-1.74%	+1.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.16%	-3.68%	-0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	1.98%	+0.02%

Volatility

TSGGX vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Growth Fund (TSGGX) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) have volatilities of 4.42% and 4.60%, 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

	TSGGX	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	4.60%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.31%	9.73%	-0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.24%	12.39%	-1.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.33%	16.90%	-3.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.24%	18.05%	-3.81%

TSGGX vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

TSGGX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% 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

TSGGX vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

TSGGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.57%, more than VOO's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TSGGX TIAA-CREF Lifestyle Growth Fund	6.57%	7.14%	2.83%	2.34%	8.15%	11.10%	6.38%	4.81%	5.33%	0.63%	3.82%	5.13%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.04%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TSGGX and VOO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, TSGGX and VOO 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, TSGGX or VOO?

VOO has higher volatility (4.60%) compared to TSGGX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TSGGX dropped -29.75% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.97), 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.