TTRIX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TTRIX (TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2055 Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - TTRIX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by TIAA Investments, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, TTRIX returned 11.85%/yr vs 15.76%/yr for VFIAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TTRIX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

TTRIX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2055 Fund (TTRIX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with TTRIX having a 9.70% return and VFIAX slightly higher at 9.77%. Over the past 10 years, TTRIX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 11.85%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.76% annualized return.

TTRIX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 2.12%
• YTD: 9.70%
• 6M: 9.08%
• 1Y: 23.94%
• 3Y*: 17.55%
• 5Y*: 9.07%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

TTRIX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TTRIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2055 Fund	9.70%	18.93%	14.46%	20.24%	-17.79%	16.55%	17.51%	26.37%	-9.93%	20.90%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.77%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between TTRIX and VFIAX 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	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 2, 2011	0.96

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

Return for Risk

TTRIX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TTRIX

TTRIX Risk / Return Rank: 54
TTRIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
TTRIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
TTRIX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
TTRIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
TTRIX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

TTRIX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2055 Fund (TTRIX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	TTRIX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	2.15	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	2.91	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	3.01	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.41	13.60	-2.19

TTRIX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TTRIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TTRIX and VFIAX, 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

TTRIX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TTRIX drawdown since its inception was -32.75%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TTRIX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TTRIX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.75%	-55.20%	+22.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	-8.90%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.81%	-18.75%	+2.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.87%	-24.53%	-1.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.75%	-33.83%	+1.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-1.72%	+1.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.79%	-9.38%	+4.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.18%	1.97%	+0.21%

Volatility

TTRIX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2055 Fund (TTRIX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) have volatilities of 4.78% and 4.67%, 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

	TTRIX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.78%	4.67%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.29%	9.84%	+0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.54%	12.50%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.97%	16.99%	-2.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.23%	18.11%	-1.88%

TTRIX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TTRIX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% 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

TTRIX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

TTRIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.94%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TTRIX TIAA-CREF Lifecycle 2055 Fund	5.94%	6.52%	3.91%	1.88%	8.28%	10.18%	5.68%	5.23%	4.77%	0.79%	3.41%	3.02%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TTRIX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, TTRIX and VFIAX 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, TTRIX or VFIAX?

TTRIX has higher volatility (4.78%) compared to VFIAX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TTRIX dropped -32.75% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 2.00), 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.