FAQTX vs. PPLIX

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

FAQTX (American Funds 2035 Target Date Retirement Fund Class F-1) and PPLIX (Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, FAQTX returned 9.93%/yr vs 11.14%/yr for PPLIX. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. FAQTX charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PPLIX.

Performance

FAQTX vs. PPLIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds 2035 Target Date Retirement Fund Class F-1 (FAQTX) and Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund (PPLIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAQTX achieves a 5.75% return, which is significantly lower than PPLIX's 7.74% return. Over the past 10 years, FAQTX has underperformed PPLIX with an annualized return of 9.93%, while PPLIX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.14% annualized return.

FAQTX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: -0.36%
• 6M: 2.96%
• YTD: 5.75%
• 1Y: 11.86%
• 3Y*: 13.08%
• 5Y*: 7.05%
• 10Y*: 9.93%
• ALL TIME*: 8.94%

PPLIX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.72%
• 6M: 3.89%
• YTD: 7.74%
• 1Y: 14.43%
• 3Y*: 16.31%
• 5Y*: 8.81%
• 10Y*: 11.14%
• ALL TIME*: 7.54%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FAQTX American Funds 2035 Target Date Retirement Fund Class F-1	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
PPLIX Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

FAQTX vs. PPLIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAQTX American Funds 2035 Target Date Retirement Fund Class F-1	5.75%	16.70%	12.40%	16.47%	-16.54%	15.16%	17.15%	22.78%	-5.50%	20.65%
PPLIX Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund	7.74%	17.55%	19.12%	20.36%	-18.78%	17.04%	16.56%	26.67%	-8.74%	22.12%

Correlation

The correlation between FAQTX and PPLIX is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2014	0.96

The correlation between FAQTX and PPLIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FAQTX vs. PPLIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAQTX

FAQTX Risk / Return Rank: 45
FAQTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FAQTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
FAQTX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
FAQTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
FAQTX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

PPLIX

PPLIX Risk / Return Rank: 39
PPLIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
PPLIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PPLIX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
PPLIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
PPLIX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

FAQTX vs. PPLIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds 2035 Target Date Retirement Fund Class F-1 (FAQTX) and Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund (PPLIX). 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.

	FAQTX	PPLIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	1.13	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	1.63	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.21	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.65	1.63	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.17	7.01	+0.16

FAQTX vs. PPLIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAQTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is comparable to the PPLIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAQTX and PPLIX, 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

FAQTX vs. PPLIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAQTX drawdown since its inception was -26.70%, smaller than the maximum PPLIX drawdown of -55.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAQTX and PPLIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAQTX	PPLIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.70%	-55.61%	+28.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.01%	-8.57%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.56%	-15.59%	+5.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.34%	-26.85%	+3.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.70%	-32.67%	+5.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.53%	-1.57%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-8.26%	+4.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.61%	2.00%	-0.39%

Volatility

FAQTX vs. PPLIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Funds 2035 Target Date Retirement Fund Class F-1 (FAQTX) is 1.98%, while Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund (PPLIX) has a volatility of 2.95%. This indicates that FAQTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PPLIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FAQTX	PPLIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.98%	2.95%	-0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.24%	10.20%	-2.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.03%	12.46%	-3.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.51%	15.58%	-4.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.66%	15.55%	-2.89%

FAQTX vs. PPLIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAQTX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than PPLIX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAQTX vs. PPLIX - Dividend Comparison

FAQTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.67%, less than PPLIX's 9.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAQTX American Funds 2035 Target Date Retirement Fund Class F-1	5.67%	6.00%	4.26%	2.61%	5.41%	5.26%	3.56%	4.23%	4.82%	2.43%	3.73%	5.68%
PPLIX Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund	9.23%	9.95%	11.56%	4.41%	9.40%	8.04%	5.23%	7.16%	8.64%	5.12%	4.82%	6.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAQTX and PPLIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FAQTX and PPLIX 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, FAQTX or PPLIX?

PPLIX has higher volatility (2.95%) compared to FAQTX (1.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAQTX dropped -26.70% vs PPLIX's -55.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAQTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.28 vs 1.13), 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.