CMPIX vs. PTEAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

CMPIX (Principal Core Fixed Income) and PTEAX (Principal Tax-Exempt Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - CMPIX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Principal, while PTEAX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, CMPIX returned 1.60%/yr vs 1.89%/yr for PTEAX. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CMPIX charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for PTEAX.

Performance

CMPIX vs. PTEAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Core Fixed Income (CMPIX) and Principal Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (PTEAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CMPIX achieves a 0.03% return, which is significantly lower than PTEAX's 1.38% return. Over the past 10 years, CMPIX has underperformed PTEAX with an annualized return of 1.60%, while PTEAX has yielded a comparatively higher 1.89% annualized return.

CMPIX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: 0.03%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: 3.71%
• 3Y*: 3.56%
• 5Y*: -0.36%
• 10Y*: 1.60%

PTEAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 1.38%
• 6M: 1.86%
• 1Y: 6.48%
• 3Y*: 3.73%
• 5Y*: 0.31%
• 10Y*: 1.89%

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

CMPIX vs. PTEAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CMPIX Principal Core Fixed Income	0.03%	6.76%	1.26%	4.89%	-13.34%	-2.03%	7.84%	8.59%	-0.24%	4.16%
PTEAX Principal Tax-Exempt Bond Fund	1.38%	4.68%	2.10%	6.35%	-12.18%	2.71%	4.80%	9.05%	0.44%	6.44%

Correlation

The correlation between CMPIX and PTEAX is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 1996	0.55

The correlation between CMPIX and PTEAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CMPIX vs. PTEAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CMPIX

CMPIX Risk / Return Rank: 17
CMPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
CMPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
CMPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 16
CMPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
CMPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

PTEAX

PTEAX Risk / Return Rank: 62
PTEAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
PTEAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
PTEAX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
PTEAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
PTEAX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

CMPIX vs. PTEAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Core Fixed Income (CMPIX) and Principal Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (PTEAX). 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.

	CMPIX	PTEAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	2.18	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.49	3.54	-2.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.57	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	2.05	-0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.76	6.83	-3.07

CMPIX vs. PTEAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CMPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is lower than the PTEAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CMPIX and PTEAX, 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

CMPIX vs. PTEAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CMPIX drawdown since its inception was -18.80%, smaller than the maximum PTEAX drawdown of -38.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CMPIX and PTEAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CMPIX	PTEAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.80%	-38.72%	+19.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.97%	-3.10%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.58%	-5.31%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.51%	-17.37%	-1.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.80%	-17.37%	-1.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.71%	-0.55%	-3.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.48%	-5.92%	+3.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.06%	0.93%	+0.13%

Volatility

CMPIX vs. PTEAX - Volatility Comparison

Principal Core Fixed Income (CMPIX) has a higher volatility of 1.23% compared to Principal Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (PTEAX) at 0.75%. This indicates that CMPIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PTEAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CMPIX	PTEAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.23%	0.75%	+0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.01%	2.08%	+0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.92%	2.91%	+1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.82%	4.00%	+1.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.83%	4.40%	+0.43%

CMPIX vs. PTEAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CMPIX has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than PTEAX's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

CMPIX vs. PTEAX - Dividend Comparison

CMPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.44%, less than PTEAX's 3.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CMPIX Principal Core Fixed Income	3.44%	3.35%	3.27%	2.37%	2.10%	1.94%	2.11%	2.71%	3.19%	2.91%	3.17%	3.29%
PTEAX Principal Tax-Exempt Bond Fund	3.82%	4.66%	3.73%	2.81%	2.27%	2.15%	2.23%	3.09%	3.68%	3.69%	3.91%	3.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CMPIX and PTEAX in my portfolio?

CMPIX and PTEAX have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CMPIX or PTEAX?

CMPIX has higher volatility (1.23%) compared to PTEAX (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CMPIX dropped -18.80% vs PTEAX's -38.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PTEAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.01), 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.