The performance data quoted represents past performance, and is no guarantee of future results. Your returns and the principal value of your investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above.
The Fund is subject to interest rate risk and above-average credit risk.
| * | The net annual expense ratio represents expenses after reimbursement and waivers, while the gross annual expense ratio represents expenses without any reimbursements and waivers. The expense reimbursements and waiver agreements are contractual and are currently generally expected to continue through at least April 30, 2008, except that the expense reimbursements in place for the index funds will continue through at least April 30, 2010. Without these waivers and reimbursements, the Fund expenses would be higher and their performance would have been lower. |
| ‡ | You will be charged a 2.00% fee of the amount redeemed or exchanged out of the Fund within 60 calendar days of the initial purchase date. Please see the prospectus for details about this redemption fee and certain exemptions that may apply. The above performance data does not reflect the deduction of the redemption fee, and if reflected, the fee would reduce the performance quoted. |
| † | The Merrill Lynch BB/B Cash Pay Issuer Constrained Index measures the performance of securities that pay interest in cash and have a credit rating of BB or B. Merrill Lynch uses a composite of Fitch Ratings, Moody's and Standard and Poor's credit ratings in selecting bonds for this index. These ratings measure the risk that the bond issuer will fail to pay interest or to repay principal in full. You cannot invest directly in this index. |
TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC and Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc. distribute securities products. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Please click here or call 1 877 518-9161 for a prospectus that contains this and other information. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association) New York, NY issues annuities. Investment products are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and are not bank guaranteed.
© 2008 and prior years, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association - College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), New York, NY 10017