IMCG vs. PLFMX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IMCG (iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and PLFMX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund) are both funds - IMCG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Growth Index, while PLFMX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IMCG returned 14.48%/yr vs 14.77%/yr for PLFMX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IMCG charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for PLFMX.

Performance

IMCG vs. PLFMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) 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, IMCG achieves a 18.63% return, which is significantly higher than PLFMX's 8.29% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IMCG having a 14.48% annualized return and PLFMX not far ahead at 14.77%.

IMCG

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 18.63%
• 6M: 17.29%
• 1Y: 21.82%
• 3Y*: 17.50%
• 5Y*: 7.95%
• 10Y*: 14.48%

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)

IMCG vs. PLFMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMCG iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF	18.63%	6.55%	18.14%	20.73%	-25.79%	15.39%	45.64%	35.70%	-3.68%	25.57%
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 IMCG and PLFMX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2004	0.86

The correlation between IMCG and PLFMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IMCG vs. PLFMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMCG

IMCG Risk / Return Rank: 46
IMCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
IMCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
IMCG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
IMCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
IMCG Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

IMCG vs. PLFMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) 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.

	IMCG	PLFMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.91	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	2.59	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.35	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	2.62	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.22	11.86	-3.64

IMCG vs. PLFMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is lower than the PLFMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMCG 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

IMCG vs. PLFMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMCG drawdown since its inception was -58.96%, which is greater than PLFMX's maximum drawdown of -55.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMCG and PLFMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMCG	PLFMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.96%	-55.62%	-3.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.17%	-9.00%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.92%	-18.83%	-3.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.08%	-24.91%	-10.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.08%	-33.80%	-1.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	-2.79%	+1.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.21%	-9.99%	+0.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	1.99%	+0.67%

Volatility

IMCG vs. PLFMX - Volatility Comparison

iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) has a higher volatility of 7.07% compared to Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) at 4.44%. This indicates that IMCG'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

	IMCG	PLFMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.07%	4.44%	+2.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.73%	9.72%	+4.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.49%	12.37%	+4.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.31%	16.99%	+3.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.58%	17.52%	+3.06%

IMCG vs. PLFMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMCG has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than PLFMX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMCG vs. PLFMX - Dividend Comparison

IMCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%, less than PLFMX's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMCG iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.66%	0.78%	0.78%	0.85%	0.91%	0.41%	0.09%	0.30%	0.35%	0.45%	0.52%	0.38%
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 IMCG and PLFMX in my portfolio?

IMCG and PLFMX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IMCG or PLFMX?

IMCG has higher volatility (7.07%) compared to PLFMX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMCG dropped -58.96% vs PLFMX's -55.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLFMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.33), 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.