DSCGX vs. PCBIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DSCGX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio) and PCBIX (Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class) are both mutual funds - DSCGX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while PCBIX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, DSCGX returned 11.02%/yr vs 12.24%/yr for PCBIX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DSCGX charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.67%/yr for PCBIX.

Performance

DSCGX vs. PCBIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DSCGX) and Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSCGX achieves a 10.57% return, which is significantly higher than PCBIX's -7.10% return. Over the past 10 years, DSCGX has underperformed PCBIX with an annualized return of 11.02%, while PCBIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.24% annualized return.

DSCGX

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 3.02%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 7.83%
• 1Y: 17.63%
• 3Y*: 13.95%
• 5Y*: 6.44%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

PCBIX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: -7.10%
• 6M: -8.62%
• 1Y: -9.88%
• 3Y*: 9.58%
• 5Y*: 4.53%
• 10Y*: 12.24%

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

DSCGX vs. PCBIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSCGX DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio	10.57%	5.94%	13.86%	21.25%	-17.79%	20.37%	19.35%	26.17%	-12.33%	15.99%
PCBIX Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class	-7.10%	1.62%	23.63%	25.92%	-23.16%	25.22%	18.25%	49.40%	-6.86%	25.32%

Correlation

The correlation between DSCGX and PCBIX is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.86

The correlation between DSCGX and PCBIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DSCGX vs. PCBIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSCGX

DSCGX Risk / Return Rank: 24
DSCGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
DSCGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DSCGX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
DSCGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
DSCGX Martin Ratio Rank: 29

PCBIX

PCBIX Risk / Return Rank: 1
PCBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

DSCGX vs. PCBIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DSCGX) and Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX). 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.

	DSCGX	PCBIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	-0.63	+1.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	-0.81	+2.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	0.91	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.76	-0.47	+2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.14	-0.99	+7.13

DSCGX vs. PCBIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSCGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is higher than the PCBIX Sharpe Ratio of -0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSCGX and PCBIX, 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

DSCGX vs. PCBIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSCGX drawdown since its inception was -41.44%, smaller than the maximum PCBIX drawdown of -50.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSCGX and PCBIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSCGX	PCBIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.44%	-50.25%	+8.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.99%	-19.29%	+8.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.46%	-19.29%	-5.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.32%	-31.17%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.44%	-40.56%	-0.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.98%	-13.17%	+12.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.18%	-6.57%	-0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	9.20%	-6.07%

Volatility

DSCGX vs. PCBIX - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio (DSCGX) has a higher volatility of 4.80% compared to Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX) at 4.42%. This indicates that DSCGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PCBIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSCGX	PCBIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.80%	4.42%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.17%	11.64%	+0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.91%	14.64%	+2.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.44%	18.69%	+1.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.76%	19.14%	+2.62%

DSCGX vs. PCBIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSCGX has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than PCBIX's 0.67% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSCGX vs. PCBIX - Dividend Comparison

DSCGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.54%, less than PCBIX's 6.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSCGX DFA U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio	0.54%	0.60%	0.62%	0.72%	4.08%	3.27%	0.58%	1.28%	5.44%	1.50%	1.12%	1.20%
PCBIX Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class	6.26%	5.81%	6.40%	2.51%	3.18%	7.96%	1.08%	9.02%	12.24%	3.31%	2.49%	6.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSCGX and PCBIX in my portfolio?

DSCGX and PCBIX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSCGX or PCBIX?

DSCGX has higher volatility (4.80%) compared to PCBIX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSCGX dropped -41.44% vs PCBIX's -50.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DSCGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs -0.63), 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.