MXLLX vs. PLTZX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MXLLX (Great-West Lifetime 2035 Fund) and PLTZX (Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, MXLLX returned 8.16%/yr vs 11.59%/yr for PLTZX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MXLLX charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PLTZX.

Performance

MXLLX vs. PLTZX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Great-West Lifetime 2035 Fund (MXLLX) and Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund (PLTZX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MXLLX achieves a 6.85% return, which is significantly lower than PLTZX's 7.49% return. Over the past 10 years, MXLLX has underperformed PLTZX with an annualized return of 8.16%, while PLTZX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.59% annualized return.

MXLLX

• 1D: 1.66%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 6.85%
• 6M: 7.13%
• 1Y: 15.73%
• 3Y*: 12.43%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 8.16%

PLTZX

• 1D: 2.17%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 8.17%
• 1Y: 18.58%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

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

MXLLX vs. PLTZX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MXLLX Great-West Lifetime 2035 Fund	6.85%	14.21%	8.80%	14.60%	-15.77%	13.55%	13.01%	23.02%	-8.76%	14.93%
PLTZX Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund	7.49%	17.76%	16.89%	20.36%	-18.81%	18.12%	16.60%	27.54%	-9.24%	22.68%

Correlation

The correlation between MXLLX and PLTZX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 4, 2013	0.86

The correlation between MXLLX and PLTZX shifts across timeframes, from 0.82 (10 years) to 0.92 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MXLLX vs. PLTZX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MXLLX

MXLLX Risk / Return Rank: 47
MXLLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MXLLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
MXLLX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
MXLLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
MXLLX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

PLTZX

PLTZX Risk / Return Rank: 47
PLTZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PLTZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
PLTZX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
PLTZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
PLTZX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

MXLLX vs. PLTZX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Great-West Lifetime 2035 Fund (MXLLX) and Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund (PLTZX). 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.

	MXLLX	PLTZX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.53	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	2.16	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.28	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	2.19	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.22	9.62	-0.40

MXLLX vs. PLTZX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MXLLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the PLTZX Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MXLLX and PLTZX, 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

MXLLX vs. PLTZX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MXLLX drawdown since its inception was -37.21%, which is greater than PLTZX's maximum drawdown of -34.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MXLLX and PLTZX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MXLLX	PLTZX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.21%	-34.01%	-3.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.22%	-8.70%	+1.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.43%	-15.73%	+4.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.28%	-26.79%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.09%	-34.01%	+4.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-1.99%	+0.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.53%	-4.62%	-4.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.75%	1.98%	-0.23%

Volatility

MXLLX vs. PLTZX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Great-West Lifetime 2035 Fund (MXLLX) is 3.55%, while Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund (PLTZX) has a volatility of 4.89%. This indicates that MXLLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PLTZX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MXLLX	PLTZX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.55%	4.89%	-1.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.61%	10.24%	-2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.03%	12.45%	-2.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.75%	15.56%	-2.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.63%	16.03%	-2.40%

MXLLX vs. PLTZX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MXLLX has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than PLTZX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

MXLLX vs. PLTZX - Dividend Comparison

MXLLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.83%, less than PLTZX's 7.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MXLLX Great-West Lifetime 2035 Fund	3.83%	4.09%	5.91%	4.17%	8.24%	9.48%	5.18%	9.14%	11.17%	3.48%	0.00%	0.00%
PLTZX Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund	7.75%	8.33%	7.85%	4.12%	8.44%	5.29%	3.60%	5.86%	5.75%	2.73%	3.48%	3.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MXLLX and PLTZX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, MXLLX and PLTZX 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, MXLLX or PLTZX?

PLTZX has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to MXLLX (3.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MXLLX dropped -37.21% vs PLTZX's -34.01%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MXLLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 1.53), 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.