MFFIX vs. LTFIX
MFFIX (MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund) and LTFIX (Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, MFFIX returned 11.57%/yr vs 11.93%/yr for LTFIX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MFFIX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for LTFIX.
Performance
MFFIX vs. LTFIX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MFFIX achieves a 10.62% return, which is significantly higher than LTFIX's 8.64% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MFFIX having a 11.57% annualized return and LTFIX not far ahead at 11.93%.
MFFIX
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- 1.91%
- YTD
- 10.62%
- 6M
- 9.79%
- 1Y
- 20.68%
- 3Y*
- 16.73%
- 5Y*
- 8.97%
- 10Y*
- 11.57%
LTFIX
- 1D
- -0.31%
- 1M
- 1.44%
- YTD
- 8.64%
- 6M
- 8.07%
- 1Y
- 20.87%
- 3Y*
- 18.13%
- 5Y*
- 9.07%
- 10Y*
- 11.93%
MFFIX vs. LTFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MFFIX MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund | 10.62% | 16.35% | 13.21% | 16.81% | -15.69% | 20.44% | 13.24% | 26.79% | -7.94% | 21.21% |
LTFIX Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund | 8.64% | 17.80% | 17.28% | 20.33% | -18.84% | 17.73% | 16.47% | 27.27% | -9.03% | 22.52% |
Correlation
The correlation between MFFIX and LTFIX is 0.96 - 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 | 0.96 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2010 | 0.98 |
The correlation between MFFIX and LTFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
MFFIX vs. LTFIX — Risk / Return Rank
MFFIX
LTFIX
MFFIX vs. LTFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund (MFFIX) and Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund (LTFIX). 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.
| MFFIX | LTFIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.20 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.30 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.36 | 1.32 | +0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.58 | 2.52 | +0.06 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.87 | 11.09 | -0.21 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
MFFIX vs. LTFIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MFFIX drawdown since its inception was -32.80%, smaller than the maximum LTFIX drawdown of -52.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFFIX and LTFIX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| MFFIX | LTFIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -32.80% | -52.73% | +19.93% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.31% | -8.71% | +0.40% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.51% | -15.70% | +1.19% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -23.17% | -26.80% | +3.63% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -32.80% | -33.50% | +0.70% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.40% | -0.94% | +0.54% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.95% | -7.62% | +3.67% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.97% | 1.98% | -0.01% |
Volatility
MFFIX vs. LTFIX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund (MFFIX) is 3.91%, while Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund (LTFIX) has a volatility of 4.84%. This indicates that MFFIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LTFIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| MFFIX | LTFIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.91% | 4.84% | -0.93% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.82% | 10.34% | -1.52% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 10.99% | 12.55% | -1.56% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.04% | 15.57% | -1.53% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 14.98% | 15.88% | -0.90% |
MFFIX vs. LTFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
MFFIX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than LTFIX's 0.01% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
MFFIX vs. LTFIX - Dividend Comparison
MFFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.83%, less than LTFIX's 8.03% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LTFIX Principal LifeTime 2055 Fund | 8.03% | 8.73% | 8.47% | 4.17% | 8.60% | 5.83% | 3.91% | 6.03% | 6.60% | 3.51% | 3.99% | 4.51% |
MFFIX MFS Lifetime 2050 Fund | 6.83% | 7.56% | 4.81% | 3.51% | 6.38% | 9.06% | 2.37% | 4.34% | 3.88% | 3.10% | 3.90% | 1.76% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.96, MFFIX and LTFIX 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.
LTFIX has higher volatility (4.84%) compared to MFFIX (3.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFFIX dropped -32.80% vs LTFIX's -52.73%.
MFFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.75), 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.
Find the right allocation for MFFIX and LTFIX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer