NWLSX vs. LTSTX
NWLSX (Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund) and LTSTX (Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, NWLSX returned 8.09%/yr vs 7.73%/yr for LTSTX. Their 0.97 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. NWLSX charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for LTSTX.
Performance
NWLSX vs. LTSTX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, NWLSX achieves a 7.50% return, which is significantly higher than LTSTX's 4.47% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with NWLSX having a 8.09% annualized return and LTSTX not far behind at 7.73%.
NWLSX
- 1D
- 1.51%
- 1M
- -0.10%
- 6M
- 5.48%
- YTD
- 7.50%
- 1Y
- 16.19%
- 3Y*
- 12.64%
- 5Y*
- 6.39%
- 10Y*
- 8.09%
- ALL TIME*
- 6.26%
LTSTX
- 1D
- 0.79%
- 1M
- -0.17%
- 6M
- 2.78%
- YTD
- 4.47%
- 1Y
- 10.06%
- 3Y*
- 10.75%
- 5Y*
- 5.16%
- 10Y*
- 7.73%
- ALL TIME*
- 6.35%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
NWLSX vs. LTSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NWLSX Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund | 7.50% | 16.16% | 10.17% | 17.00% | -17.70% | 13.33% | 12.81% | 18.63% | -8.01% | 15.06% |
LTSTX Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund | 4.47% | 12.16% | 11.91% | 13.30% | -15.23% | 10.91% | 13.70% | 20.50% | -6.41% | 16.75% |
Correlation
The correlation between NWLSX and LTSTX is 0.97 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.97 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.96 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.97 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.96 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 29, 2008 | 0.97 |
The correlation between NWLSX and LTSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - 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
NWLSX vs. LTSTX — Risk / Return Rank
NWLSX
LTSTX
NWLSX vs. LTSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund (NWLSX) and Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund (LTSTX). 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.
| NWLSX | LTSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.26 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.37 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.24 | +0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.17 | 1.80 | +0.37 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.41 | 7.79 | +1.62 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
NWLSX vs. LTSTX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NWLSX drawdown since its inception was -52.58%, which is greater than LTSTX's maximum drawdown of -48.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NWLSX and LTSTX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| NWLSX | LTSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -52.58% | -48.17% | -4.41% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -6.97% | -5.24% | -1.73% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -10.73% | -8.12% | -2.61% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -29.54% | -21.01% | -8.53% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -30.59% | -23.33% | -7.26% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.82% | -0.78% | -0.04% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.51% | -6.11% | -2.40% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.61% | 1.21% | +0.40% |
Volatility
NWLSX vs. LTSTX - Volatility Comparison
Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund (NWLSX) has a higher volatility of 2.87% compared to Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund (LTSTX) at 1.95%. This indicates that NWLSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LTSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| NWLSX | LTSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.87% | 1.95% | +0.92% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.12% | 5.99% | +2.13% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 9.66% | 7.19% | +2.47% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 13.04% | 9.23% | +3.81% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.64% | 9.76% | +3.88% |
NWLSX vs. LTSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison
NWLSX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than LTSTX's 0.01% expense ratio.
Dividends
NWLSX vs. LTSTX - Dividend Comparison
NWLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.80%, less than LTSTX's 11.67% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LTSTX Principal LifeTime 2025 Fund | 11.67% | 12.19% | 9.74% | 4.26% | 8.00% | 7.66% | 5.25% | 6.91% | 6.39% | 4.75% | 3.65% | 8.91% |
NWLSX Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund | 7.80% | 8.36% | 14.07% | 7.04% | 2.15% | 9.62% | 5.85% | 6.95% | 11.27% | 7.78% | 6.64% | 5.43% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.97, NWLSX and LTSTX 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.
NWLSX has higher volatility (2.87%) compared to LTSTX (1.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NWLSX dropped -52.58% vs LTSTX's -48.17%.
NWLSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 1.32), 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 NWLSX and LTSTX
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