FBGRX vs. PLFMX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FBGRX (Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund) and PLFMX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - FBGRX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Fidelity, while PLFMX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, FBGRX returned 21.66%/yr vs 14.77%/yr for PLFMX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FBGRX charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for PLFMX.

Performance

FBGRX vs. PLFMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund (FBGRX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FBGRX achieves a 13.86% return, which is significantly higher than PLFMX's 8.29% return. Over the past 10 years, FBGRX has outperformed PLFMX with an annualized return of 21.66%, while PLFMX has yielded a comparatively lower 14.77% annualized return.

FBGRX

• 1D: 2.59%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 6M: 15.39%
• 1Y: 36.93%
• 3Y*: 30.04%
• 5Y*: 15.33%
• 10Y*: 21.66%

PLFMX

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 8.29%
• 6M: 8.63%
• 1Y: 23.03%
• 3Y*: 20.84%
• 5Y*: 12.86%
• 10Y*: 14.77%

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

FBGRX vs. PLFMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FBGRX Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund	13.86%	19.91%	39.77%	55.61%	-38.45%	22.64%	62.20%	33.43%	1.02%	36.01%
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	8.29%	17.10%	26.06%	25.27%	-18.67%	27.57%	17.46%	30.58%	-5.14%	20.96%

Correlation

The correlation between FBGRX and PLFMX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2000	0.93

The correlation between FBGRX and PLFMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FBGRX vs. PLFMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FBGRX

FBGRX Risk / Return Rank: 74
FBGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FBGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
FBGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FBGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FBGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

PLFMX

PLFMX Risk / Return Rank: 65
PLFMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
PLFMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PLFMX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
PLFMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PLFMX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

FBGRX vs. PLFMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund (FBGRX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX). 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.

	FBGRX	PLFMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.91	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	2.59	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.35	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	2.62	+0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.23	11.86	+0.37

FBGRX vs. PLFMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FBGRX Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the PLFMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FBGRX and PLFMX, 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

FBGRX vs. PLFMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FBGRX drawdown since its inception was -58.64%, which is greater than PLFMX's maximum drawdown of -55.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FBGRX and PLFMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FBGRX	PLFMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.64%	-55.62%	-3.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.65%	-9.00%	-3.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.07%	-18.83%	-8.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.08%	-24.91%	-18.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.08%	-33.80%	-9.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.97%	-2.79%	-1.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.52%	-9.99%	-2.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	1.99%	+1.06%

Volatility

FBGRX vs. PLFMX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund (FBGRX) has a higher volatility of 6.86% compared to Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) at 4.44%. This indicates that FBGRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PLFMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FBGRX	PLFMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.86%	4.44%	+2.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.15%	9.72%	+4.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.25%	12.37%	+5.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.99%	16.99%	+8.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.74%	17.52%	+6.22%

FBGRX vs. PLFMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FBGRX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than PLFMX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

FBGRX vs. PLFMX - Dividend Comparison

FBGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%, less than PLFMX's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FBGRX Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund	1.67%	1.90%	5.95%	0.93%	0.57%	8.73%	6.40%	3.70%	6.32%	4.23%	4.05%	5.30%
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	2.22%	2.41%	3.77%	3.62%	2.28%	13.02%	7.02%	3.28%	6.80%	6.44%	2.66%	2.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FBGRX and PLFMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FBGRX and PLFMX 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, FBGRX or PLFMX?

FBGRX has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to PLFMX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FBGRX dropped -58.64% vs PLFMX's -55.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FBGRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.91), 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.