TTFIX vs. LTFIX
TTFIX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund) and LTFIX (Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, TTFIX returned 10.58%/yr vs 11.24%/yr for LTFIX. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. TTFIX charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for LTFIX.
Performance
TTFIX vs. LTFIX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, TTFIX achieves a 7.66% return, which is significantly lower than LTFIX's 8.75% return. Over the past 10 years, TTFIX has underperformed LTFIX with an annualized return of 10.58%, while LTFIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.24% annualized return.
TTFIX
- 1D
- 2.03%
- 1M
- -0.36%
- 6M
- 5.13%
- YTD
- 7.66%
- 1Y
- 17.94%
- 3Y*
- 14.33%
- 5Y*
- 8.01%
- 10Y*
- 10.58%
- ALL TIME*
- 7.46%
LTFIX
- 1D
- 1.71%
- 1M
- 0.48%
- 6M
- 5.91%
- YTD
- 8.75%
- 1Y
- 18.10%
- 3Y*
- 16.06%
- 5Y*
- 8.75%
- 10Y*
- 11.24%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.34%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
TTFIX vs. LTFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TTFIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund | 7.66% | 18.19% | 13.81% | 19.47% | -17.38% | 15.83% | 17.29% | 25.88% | -9.67% | 20.10% |
LTFIX Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund | 8.75% | 17.80% | 17.28% | 20.33% | -18.84% | 17.73% | 16.47% | 27.27% | -9.03% | 22.52% |
Correlation
The correlation between TTFIX and LTFIX is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.97 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.98 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 29, 2008 | 0.98 |
The correlation between TTFIX and LTFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
TTFIX vs. LTFIX — Risk / Return Rank
TTFIX
LTFIX
TTFIX vs. LTFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund (TTFIX) and Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund (LTFIX). 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.
| TTFIX | LTFIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.11 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.15 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.23 | +0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.86 | 1.84 | +0.02 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.83 | 7.90 | -0.07 |
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Drawdowns
TTFIX vs. LTFIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum TTFIX drawdown since its inception was -53.24%, roughly equal to the maximum LTFIX drawdown of -52.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TTFIX and LTFIX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| TTFIX | LTFIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -53.24% | -52.73% | -0.51% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.84% | -8.71% | -0.13% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.79% | -15.70% | +0.91% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.25% | -26.80% | +1.55% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -32.21% | -33.50% | +1.29% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.37% | -0.83% | -0.54% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.18% | -7.58% | -0.60% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.10% | 2.03% | +0.07% |
Volatility
TTFIX vs. LTFIX - Volatility Comparison
TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund (TTFIX) and Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund (LTFIX) have volatilities of 3.65% and 3.49%, 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
| TTFIX | LTFIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.65% | 3.49% | +0.16% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.02% | 10.64% | -0.62% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.14% | 12.88% | -0.74% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.22% | 15.60% | -1.38% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 15.51% | 15.80% | -0.29% |
TTFIX vs. LTFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
TTFIX has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than LTFIX's 0.01% 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
TTFIX vs. LTFIX - Dividend Comparison
TTFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.26%, less than LTFIX's 8.02% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LTFIX Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund | 8.02% | 8.73% | 8.47% | 4.17% | 8.60% | 5.83% | 3.91% | 6.03% | 6.60% | 3.51% | 3.99% | 4.51% |
TTFIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2045 Fund | 7.26% | 7.82% | 3.97% | 2.13% | 9.04% | 12.44% | 7.49% | 5.70% | 5.45% | 0.84% | 4.01% | 3.66% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, TTFIX and LTFIX 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.
TTFIX has higher volatility (3.65%) compared to LTFIX (3.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TTFIX dropped -53.24% vs LTFIX's -52.73%.
TTFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.36 vs 1.25), 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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