ARFVX vs. LTSTX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ARFVX (American Century Investments One Choice 2050 Portfolio) and LTSTX (Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, ARFVX returned 9.57%/yr vs 8.09%/yr for LTSTX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ARFVX charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for LTSTX.

Performance

ARFVX vs. LTSTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Investments One Choice 2050 Portfolio (ARFVX) and Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund (LTSTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARFVX achieves a 7.22% return, which is significantly higher than LTSTX's 4.92% return. Over the past 10 years, ARFVX has outperformed LTSTX with an annualized return of 9.57%, while LTSTX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.09% annualized return.

ARFVX

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: 1.09%
• YTD: 7.22%
• 6M: 7.00%
• 1Y: 18.35%
• 3Y*: 12.88%
• 5Y*: 6.56%
• 10Y*: 9.57%

LTSTX

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 1.14%
• YTD: 4.92%
• 6M: 4.88%
• 1Y: 13.15%
• 3Y*: 11.63%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 8.09%

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

ARFVX vs. LTSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ARFVX American Century Investments One Choice 2050 Portfolio	7.22%	14.75%	11.30%	15.16%	-17.44%	13.36%	17.43%	24.02%	-5.24%	16.43%
LTSTX Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund	4.92%	12.16%	11.91%	13.30%	-15.23%	10.91%	13.70%	20.50%	-6.41%	16.75%

Correlation

The correlation between ARFVX and LTSTX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
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 30, 2008	0.97

The correlation between ARFVX and LTSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ARFVX vs. LTSTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARFVX

ARFVX Risk / Return Rank: 47
ARFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
ARFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
ARFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
ARFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
ARFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

LTSTX

LTSTX Risk / Return Rank: 50
LTSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
LTSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
LTSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
LTSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
LTSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

ARFVX vs. LTSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Investments One Choice 2050 Portfolio (ARFVX) and Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund (LTSTX). 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.

	ARFVX	LTSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.86	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	2.67	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	2.50	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.90	11.09	-1.18

ARFVX vs. LTSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARFVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the LTSTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARFVX and LTSTX, 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

ARFVX vs. LTSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARFVX drawdown since its inception was -47.41%, roughly equal to the maximum LTSTX drawdown of -48.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARFVX and LTSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARFVX	LTSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.41%	-48.17%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.82%	-5.24%	-2.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.64%	-8.12%	-4.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.12%	-21.01%	-4.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.55%	-23.33%	-6.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.38%	-0.26%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.53%	-6.14%	-0.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	1.18%	+0.65%

Volatility

ARFVX vs. LTSTX - Volatility Comparison

American Century Investments One Choice 2050 Portfolio (ARFVX) has a higher volatility of 3.64% compared to Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund (LTSTX) at 2.81%. This indicates that ARFVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LTSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARFVX	LTSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.64%	2.81%	+0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.98%	5.88%	+2.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.70%	7.03%	+2.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.56%	9.23%	+3.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.63%	9.84%	+3.79%

ARFVX vs. LTSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARFVX has a 0.88% expense ratio, which is higher than LTSTX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARFVX vs. LTSTX - Dividend Comparison

ARFVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.44%, more than LTSTX's 11.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARFVX American Century Investments One Choice 2050 Portfolio	13.44%	14.41%	4.91%	1.96%	6.71%	7.57%	6.52%	8.66%	10.95%	1.22%	3.88%	6.89%
LTSTX Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund	11.62%	12.19%	9.74%	4.26%	8.00%	7.66%	5.25%	6.91%	6.39%	4.75%	3.65%	8.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARFVX and LTSTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ARFVX and LTSTX 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, ARFVX or LTSTX?

ARFVX has higher volatility (3.64%) compared to LTSTX (2.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARFVX dropped -47.41% vs LTSTX's -48.17%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARFVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.86), 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.