FLIFX vs. PLWIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLIFX (Fidelity Freedom Index 2015 Fund Investor Class) and PLWIX (Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, FLIFX returned 6.45%/yr vs 7.37%/yr for PLWIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FLIFX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PLWIX.

Performance

FLIFX vs. PLWIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Freedom Index 2015 Fund Investor Class (FLIFX) and Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund (PLWIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLIFX achieves a 5.39% return, which is significantly higher than PLWIX's 4.62% return. Over the past 10 years, FLIFX has underperformed PLWIX with an annualized return of 6.45%, while PLWIX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.37% annualized return.

FLIFX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.27%
• YTD: 5.39%
• 6M: 5.58%
• 1Y: 13.49%
• 3Y*: 9.90%
• 5Y*: 4.31%
• 10Y*: 6.45%

PLWIX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 4.62%
• 6M: 4.75%
• 1Y: 12.52%
• 3Y*: 11.76%
• 5Y*: 5.37%
• 10Y*: 7.37%

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

FLIFX vs. PLWIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLIFX Fidelity Freedom Index 2015 Fund Investor Class	5.39%	11.69%	6.72%	11.26%	-14.40%	6.74%	11.56%	17.03%	-3.43%	12.60%
PLWIX Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund	4.62%	11.32%	12.21%	12.23%	-14.36%	9.05%	12.70%	18.40%	-5.72%	14.96%

Correlation

The correlation between FLIFX and PLWIX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2010	0.96

The correlation between FLIFX and PLWIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FLIFX vs. PLWIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLIFX

FLIFX Risk / Return Rank: 75
FLIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
FLIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
FLIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FLIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
FLIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

PLWIX

PLWIX Risk / Return Rank: 55
PLWIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
PLWIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
PLWIX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
PLWIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
PLWIX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

FLIFX vs. PLWIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Freedom Index 2015 Fund Investor Class (FLIFX) and Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund (PLWIX). 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.

	FLIFX	PLWIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.58	2.17	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.77	3.13	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.42	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	2.69	+0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.93	11.98	+1.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLIFX vs. PLWIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLIFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.58, which is comparable to the PLWIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLIFX and PLWIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FLIFX	PLWIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.58	2.17	+0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.65	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86	0.86	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.53	+0.28

Drawdowns

FLIFX vs. PLWIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLIFX drawdown since its inception was -19.54%, smaller than the maximum PLWIX drawdown of -49.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLIFX and PLWIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLIFX	PLWIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.54%	-49.07%	+29.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.37%	-4.75%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.72%	-6.97%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.54%	-19.73%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.54%	-20.29%	+0.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-5.72%	+2.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.98%	1.06%	-0.08%

Volatility

FLIFX vs. PLWIX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Freedom Index 2015 Fund Investor Class (FLIFX) and Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund (PLWIX) have volatilities of 1.92% and 1.92%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLIFX	PLWIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.92%	1.92%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.34%	4.79%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.28%	5.89%	-0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.28%	8.24%	-0.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.49%	8.57%	-1.08%

FLIFX vs. PLWIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLIFX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than PLWIX's 0.01% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLIFX vs. PLWIX - Dividend Comparison

FLIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.82%, less than PLWIX's 9.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLIFX Fidelity Freedom Index 2015 Fund Investor Class	4.82%	5.42%	5.17%	2.56%	3.09%	2.80%	2.63%	18.76%	3.14%	1.94%	1.84%	1.91%
PLWIX Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund	9.63%	10.08%	11.91%	5.12%	9.82%	9.40%	5.90%	8.69%	7.35%	5.74%	3.73%	8.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLIFX and PLWIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FLIFX and PLWIX 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, FLIFX or PLWIX?

PLWIX has higher volatility (1.92%) compared to FLIFX (1.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLIFX dropped -19.54% vs PLWIX's -49.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLIFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 2.17), 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.