AUERX vs. PSSMX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AUERX (Auer Growth Fund) and PSSMX (Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, AUERX returned 16.17%/yr vs 11.50%/yr for PSSMX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AUERX charges 2.37%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for PSSMX.

Performance

AUERX vs. PSSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Auer Growth Fund (AUERX) and Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AUERX achieves a 12.17% return, which is significantly lower than PSSMX's 20.20% return. Over the past 10 years, AUERX has outperformed PSSMX with an annualized return of 16.17%, while PSSMX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.50% annualized return.

AUERX

• 1D: -2.18%
• 1M: -1.19%
• YTD: 12.17%
• 6M: 10.33%
• 1Y: 40.16%
• 3Y*: 25.57%
• 5Y*: 19.69%
• 10Y*: 16.17%

PSSMX

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: 3.69%
• YTD: 20.20%
• 6M: 17.30%
• 1Y: 35.17%
• 3Y*: 18.85%
• 5Y*: 7.44%
• 10Y*: 11.50%

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

AUERX vs. PSSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AUERX Auer Growth Fund	12.17%	30.10%	11.12%	21.42%	9.95%	45.11%	-1.85%	27.96%	-25.63%	28.75%
PSSMX Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund	20.20%	5.34%	16.60%	15.18%	-16.69%	25.39%	10.65%	21.99%	-9.42%	12.46%

Correlation

The correlation between AUERX and PSSMX is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 26, 2007	0.84

The correlation between AUERX and PSSMX shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

AUERX vs. PSSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AUERX

AUERX Risk / Return Rank: 83
AUERX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
AUERX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
AUERX Omega Ratio Rank: 75
AUERX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
AUERX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

PSSMX

PSSMX Risk / Return Rank: 72
PSSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
PSSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
PSSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
PSSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
PSSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

AUERX vs. PSSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Auer Growth Fund (AUERX) and Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX). 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.

	AUERX	PSSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	1.93	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	2.81	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.33	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.88	3.88	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.12	13.07	+3.06

AUERX vs. PSSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AUERX Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the PSSMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AUERX and PSSMX, 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

AUERX vs. PSSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AUERX drawdown since its inception was -67.23%, which is greater than PSSMX's maximum drawdown of -58.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AUERX and PSSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AUERX	PSSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.23%	-58.43%	-8.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.06%	-8.76%	-1.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.80%	-24.30%	-10.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.80%	-27.01%	-7.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.89%	-44.85%	-7.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.53%	0.00%	-4.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.80%	-9.50%	-15.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	2.60%	-0.18%

Volatility

AUERX vs. PSSMX - Volatility Comparison

Auer Growth Fund (AUERX) has a higher volatility of 6.25% compared to Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX) at 4.95%. This indicates that AUERX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PSSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AUERX	PSSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.25%	4.95%	+1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.43%	12.14%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.72%	17.68%	-0.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.87%	21.76%	+3.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.40%	22.91%	+1.49%

AUERX vs. PSSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AUERX has a 2.37% expense ratio, which is higher than PSSMX's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

AUERX vs. PSSMX - Dividend Comparison

AUERX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.15%, more than PSSMX's 8.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AUERX Auer Growth Fund	10.15%	11.39%	24.55%	4.54%	5.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PSSMX Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund	8.30%	9.98%	15.91%	3.75%	10.45%	8.23%	1.67%	6.56%	13.08%	6.03%	6.15%	8.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AUERX and PSSMX in my portfolio?

AUERX and PSSMX have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AUERX or PSSMX?

AUERX has higher volatility (6.25%) compared to PSSMX (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AUERX dropped -67.23% vs PSSMX's -58.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AUERX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.93), 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.