PCBIX vs. MGK

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PCBIX (Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class) and MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) are both funds - PCBIX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Principal, while MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, PCBIX returned 11.98%/yr vs 18.56%/yr for MGK. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PCBIX charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for MGK.

Performance

PCBIX vs. MGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX) and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PCBIX achieves a -4.18% return, which is significantly lower than MGK's 6.42% return. Over the past 10 years, PCBIX has underperformed MGK with an annualized return of 11.98%, while MGK has yielded a comparatively higher 18.56% annualized return.

PCBIX

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 2.27%
• 6M: -7.22%
• YTD: -4.18%
• 1Y: -7.90%
• 3Y*: 9.45%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

MGK

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: 1.03%
• 6M: 5.69%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 1Y: 19.19%
• 3Y*: 22.73%
• 5Y*: 13.50%
• 10Y*: 18.56%

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

PCBIX vs. MGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PCBIX Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class	-4.18%	1.62%	23.63%	25.92%	-23.16%	25.22%	18.25%	49.40%	-6.86%	25.32%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	6.42%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-2.91%	29.49%

Correlation

The correlation between PCBIX and MGK is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2007	0.82

Over the past year, the correlation between PCBIX and MGK has dropped to 0.44 - well below their long-term average of 0.82, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PCBIX vs. MGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

PCBIX

PCBIX Risk / Return Rank: 1
PCBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 34
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 35
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

PCBIX vs. MGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX) and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK). 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.

	PCBIX	MGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.60	1.09	-1.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.76	1.57	-2.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	1.20	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.45	1.14	-1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.92	3.71	-4.63

PCBIX vs. MGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PCBIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.60, which is lower than the MGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PCBIX and MGK, 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

PCBIX vs. MGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCBIX drawdown since its inception was -50.25%, roughly equal to the maximum MGK drawdown of -48.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCBIX and MGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCBIX	MGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.25%	-48.43%	-1.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.29%	-16.85%	-2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.29%	-23.36%	+4.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.17%	-36.01%	+4.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	-36.01%	-4.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.44%	-4.65%	-5.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.58%	-7.57%	+0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.51%	5.18%	+4.33%

Volatility

PCBIX vs. MGK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX) is 4.07%, while Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) has a volatility of 6.65%. This indicates that PCBIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PCBIX	MGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.07%	6.65%	-2.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.70%	14.24%	-2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.70%	17.65%	-2.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.70%	22.87%	-4.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.10%	21.97%	-2.87%

PCBIX vs. MGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCBIX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than MGK's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCBIX vs. MGK - Dividend Comparison

PCBIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.07%, more than MGK's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	0.33%	0.35%	0.43%	0.50%	0.70%	0.41%	0.65%	0.85%	1.12%	1.23%	1.53%	1.43%
PCBIX Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class	6.07%	5.81%	6.40%	2.51%	3.18%	7.96%	1.08%	9.02%	12.24%	3.31%	2.49%	6.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCBIX and MGK in my portfolio?

PCBIX and MGK have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PCBIX or MGK?

MGK has higher volatility (6.65%) compared to PCBIX (4.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PCBIX dropped -50.25% vs MGK's -48.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.09 vs -0.60), 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.