MXLZX vs. PLWIX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MXLZX (Great-West Lifetime 2015 Fund) and PLWIX (Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, MXLZX returned 5.48%/yr vs 7.32%/yr for PLWIX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MXLZX charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PLWIX.

Performance

MXLZX vs. PLWIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Great-West Lifetime 2015 Fund (MXLZX) 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, MXLZX achieves a 4.44% return, which is significantly higher than PLWIX's 4.13% return. Over the past 10 years, MXLZX has underperformed PLWIX with an annualized return of 5.48%, while PLWIX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.32% annualized return.

MXLZX

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: 1.20%
• YTD: 4.44%
• 6M: 4.62%
• 1Y: 11.02%
• 3Y*: 8.92%
• 5Y*: 3.92%
• 10Y*: 5.48%

PLWIX

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 1.28%
• YTD: 4.13%
• 6M: 4.34%
• 1Y: 11.72%
• 3Y*: 11.58%
• 5Y*: 5.16%
• 10Y*: 7.32%

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

MXLZX vs. PLWIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MXLZX Great-West Lifetime 2015 Fund	4.44%	9.92%	6.22%	10.36%	-12.33%	8.53%	10.83%	15.41%	-7.03%	11.09%
PLWIX Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund	4.13%	11.32%	12.21%	12.23%	-14.36%	9.05%	12.70%	18.40%	-5.72%	14.96%

Correlation

The correlation between MXLZX and PLWIX 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	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2009	0.89

The correlation between MXLZX and PLWIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MXLZX vs. PLWIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MXLZX

MXLZX Risk / Return Rank: 51
MXLZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
MXLZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
MXLZX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
MXLZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
MXLZX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

PLWIX

PLWIX Risk / Return Rank: 52
PLWIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
PLWIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
PLWIX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
PLWIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
PLWIX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

MXLZX vs. PLWIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Great-West Lifetime 2015 Fund (MXLZX) 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.

	MXLZX	PLWIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	2.04	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	2.95	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.39	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	2.53	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.80	11.31	-0.51
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MXLZX vs. PLWIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MXLZX Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the PLWIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MXLZX 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

	MXLZX	PLWIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.99	2.04	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.63	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65	0.86	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.53	-0.04

Drawdowns

MXLZX vs. PLWIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MXLZX drawdown since its inception was -20.60%, smaller than the maximum PLWIX drawdown of -49.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MXLZX and PLWIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MXLZX	PLWIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.60%	-49.07%	+28.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.60%	-4.75%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.49%	-6.97%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.60%	-19.73%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.60%	-20.29%	-0.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-0.47%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.76%	-5.72%	+0.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	1.06%	-0.01%

Volatility

MXLZX vs. PLWIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Great-West Lifetime 2015 Fund (MXLZX) is 1.78%, while Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund (PLWIX) has a volatility of 1.96%. This indicates that MXLZX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PLWIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MXLZX	PLWIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.78%	1.96%	-0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.37%	4.80%	-0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.72%	5.91%	-0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.43%	8.24%	+0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.41%	8.57%	-0.16%

MXLZX vs. PLWIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MXLZX has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is higher than PLWIX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

MXLZX vs. PLWIX - Dividend Comparison

MXLZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.29%, less than PLWIX's 9.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MXLZX Great-West Lifetime 2015 Fund	3.29%	3.43%	4.50%	4.14%	7.81%	7.85%	2.96%	6.00%	5.91%	2.12%	0.00%	0.00%
PLWIX Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund	9.68%	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 MXLZX and PLWIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, MXLZX 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, MXLZX or PLWIX?

PLWIX has higher volatility (1.96%) compared to MXLZX (1.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MXLZX dropped -20.60% vs PLWIX's -49.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLWIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.99), 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.