NWNSX vs. PLTZX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

NWNSX (Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund) and PLTZX (Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, NWNSX returned 9.76%/yr vs 11.52%/yr for PLTZX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NWNSX charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PLTZX.

Performance

NWNSX vs. PLTZX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund (NWNSX) 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, NWNSX achieves a 10.34% return, which is significantly higher than PLTZX's 9.19% return. Over the past 10 years, NWNSX has underperformed PLTZX with an annualized return of 9.76%, while PLTZX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.52% annualized return.

NWNSX

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 10.34%
• 6M: 11.02%
• 1Y: 24.21%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 8.40%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

PLTZX

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 9.19%
• 6M: 9.56%
• 1Y: 22.17%
• 3Y*: 18.63%
• 5Y*: 9.06%
• 10Y*: 11.52%

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

NWNSX vs. PLTZX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NWNSX Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund	10.34%	18.52%	12.32%	19.53%	-18.69%	16.11%	13.60%	20.36%	-8.80%	16.79%
PLTZX Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund	9.19%	17.76%	16.89%	20.36%	-18.81%	18.12%	16.60%	27.54%	-9.24%	22.68%

Correlation

The correlation between NWNSX and PLTZX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
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 Mar 5, 2013	0.97

The correlation between NWNSX and PLTZX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NWNSX vs. PLTZX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NWNSX

NWNSX Risk / Return Rank: 61
NWNSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
NWNSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
NWNSX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
NWNSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
NWNSX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

PLTZX

PLTZX Risk / Return Rank: 48
PLTZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
PLTZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
PLTZX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
PLTZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
PLTZX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

NWNSX vs. PLTZX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund (NWNSX) 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.

	NWNSX	PLTZX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	1.89	+0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.67	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.35	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.87	2.57	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.84	11.55	+1.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NWNSX vs. PLTZX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NWNSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the PLTZX Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NWNSX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NWNSX	PLTZX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.20	1.89	+0.32
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.59	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.72	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.70	-0.32

Drawdowns

NWNSX vs. PLTZX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NWNSX drawdown since its inception was -56.11%, which is greater than PLTZX's maximum drawdown of -34.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NWNSX and PLTZX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NWNSX	PLTZX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.11%	-34.01%	-22.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.38%	-8.70%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.77%	-15.73%	+1.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.65%	-26.79%	-4.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.02%	-34.01%	-0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.36%	-0.44%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.68%	-4.62%	-5.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.87%	1.93%	-0.06%

Volatility

NWNSX vs. PLTZX - Volatility Comparison

Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund (NWNSX) and Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund (PLTZX) have volatilities of 3.37% and 3.37%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NWNSX	PLTZX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.37%	3.37%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.79%	9.47%	-0.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.91%	11.84%	-0.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.33%	15.47%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.96%	15.99%	-0.03%

NWNSX vs. PLTZX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NWNSX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than PLTZX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

NWNSX vs. PLTZX - Dividend Comparison

NWNSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.97%, more than PLTZX's 7.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NWNSX Nationwide Destination 2045 Fund	8.97%	9.85%	15.59%	6.32%	2.63%	10.36%	6.60%	6.90%	12.02%	6.54%	7.40%	4.55%
PLTZX Principal LifeTime 2060 Fund	7.63%	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 NWNSX and PLTZX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, NWNSX 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, NWNSX or PLTZX?

PLTZX has higher volatility (3.37%) compared to NWNSX (3.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NWNSX dropped -56.11% vs PLTZX's -34.01%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NWNSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.89), 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.