PBCKX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PBCKX (Principal Blue Chip Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PBCKX returned 16.34%/yr vs 18.02%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PBCKX charges 0.66%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

PBCKX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Blue Chip Fund (PBCKX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBCKX achieves a -5.15% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 3.52% return. Over the past 10 years, PBCKX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 16.34%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.02% annualized return.

PBCKX

• 1D: -2.20%
• 1M: -4.19%
• YTD: -5.15%
• 6M: -5.85%
• 1Y: -1.17%
• 3Y*: 15.79%
• 5Y*: 6.63%
• 10Y*: 16.34%

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

PBCKX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PBCKX Principal Blue Chip Fund	-5.15%	9.20%	26.90%	40.58%	-30.74%	25.05%	34.77%	45.22%	2.83%	28.85%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between PBCKX and VUG is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2012	0.93

The correlation between PBCKX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PBCKX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBCKX

PBCKX Risk / Return Rank: 3
PBCKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
PBCKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
PBCKX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
PBCKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
PBCKX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

PBCKX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Blue Chip Fund (PBCKX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	PBCKX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.02	1.19	-1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	1.67	-1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.21	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	1.22	-1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.05	4.15	-4.20

PBCKX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBCKX Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBCKX and VUG, 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

PBCKX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBCKX drawdown since its inception was -38.00%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBCKX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBCKX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.00%	-50.68%	+12.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.10%	-16.53%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.10%	-22.85%	+3.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.00%	-35.61%	-2.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.00%	-35.61%	-2.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.75%	-6.88%	-1.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.65%	-7.09%	+1.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.45%	4.84%	+1.61%

Volatility

PBCKX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal Blue Chip Fund (PBCKX) is 5.79%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.86%. This indicates that PBCKX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBCKX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.79%	6.86%	-1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.10%	13.44%	-0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.89%	16.91%	-1.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.45%	22.39%	-1.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.26%	21.51%	-1.25%

PBCKX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBCKX has a 0.66% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBCKX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

PBCKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.03%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PBCKX Principal Blue Chip Fund	21.03%	19.94%	9.01%	0.51%	0.71%	6.67%	3.28%	8.90%	7.86%	2.79%	1.01%	2.40%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBCKX and VUG in my portfolio?

PBCKX and VUG have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBCKX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to PBCKX (5.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBCKX dropped -38.00% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs -0.02), 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.