PCRAX vs. PCRIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PCRAX (PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund Class A) and PCRIX (PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund) are both Commodities funds from PIMCO. Over the past 10 years, PCRAX returned 7.19%/yr vs 7.66%/yr for PCRIX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PCRAX charges 1.30%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for PCRIX.

Performance

PCRAX vs. PCRIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund Class A (PCRAX) and PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund (PCRIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PCRAX having a 15.72% return and PCRIX slightly higher at 15.90%. Over the past 10 years, PCRAX has underperformed PCRIX with an annualized return of 7.19%, while PCRIX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.66% annualized return.

PCRAX

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: -8.82%
• YTD: 15.72%
• 6M: 12.25%
• 1Y: 23.24%
• 3Y*: 14.08%
• 5Y*: 10.55%
• 10Y*: 7.19%

PCRIX

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: -8.84%
• YTD: 15.90%
• 6M: 12.49%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 14.57%
• 5Y*: 11.02%
• 10Y*: 7.66%

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

PCRAX vs. PCRIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PCRAX PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund Class A	15.72%	16.56%	10.08%	-6.38%	8.54%	32.65%	0.39%	11.77%	-14.24%	2.35%
PCRIX PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund	15.90%	17.05%	10.59%	-5.91%	8.94%	33.35%	0.79%	12.29%	-13.77%	2.71%

Correlation

The correlation between PCRAX and PCRIX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2002	0.99

The correlation between PCRAX and PCRIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PCRAX vs. PCRIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PCRAX

PCRAX Risk / Return Rank: 27
PCRAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
PCRAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
PCRAX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
PCRAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
PCRAX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

PCRIX

PCRIX Risk / Return Rank: 28
PCRIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
PCRIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
PCRIX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
PCRIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
PCRIX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

PCRAX vs. PCRIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund Class A (PCRAX) and PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund (PCRIX). 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.

	PCRAX	PCRIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.35	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.81	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.24	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	1.87	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.62	7.81	-0.19

PCRAX vs. PCRIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PCRAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the PCRIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PCRAX and PCRIX, 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

PCRAX vs. PCRIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCRAX drawdown since its inception was -82.98%, roughly equal to the maximum PCRIX drawdown of -82.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCRAX and PCRIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCRAX	PCRIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.98%	-82.24%	-0.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.83%	-11.85%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.83%	-11.85%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.95%	-34.44%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.45%	-39.07%	-0.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-48.12%	-44.32%	-3.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-48.86%	-47.95%	-0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	2.99%	+0.02%

Volatility

PCRAX vs. PCRIX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund Class A (PCRAX) and PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund (PCRIX) have volatilities of 3.72% and 3.75%, 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

	PCRAX	PCRIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.72%	3.75%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.31%	14.25%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.57%	16.52%	+0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.76%	19.60%	+0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.21%	17.10%	+0.11%

PCRAX vs. PCRIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCRAX has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is higher than PCRIX's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCRAX vs. PCRIX - Dividend Comparison

PCRAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.05%, more than PCRIX's 10.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PCRAX PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund Class A	11.05%	5.72%	8.12%	6.65%	48.19%	23.28%	1.23%	3.70%	5.69%	7.90%	0.60%	5.07%
PCRIX PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy Fund	10.45%	5.61%	8.34%	6.57%	46.23%	22.74%	1.56%	4.00%	5.94%	8.14%	0.91%	5.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCRAX and PCRIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, PCRAX and PCRIX 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, PCRAX or PCRIX?

PCRIX has higher volatility (3.75%) compared to PCRAX (3.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PCRAX dropped -82.98% vs PCRIX's -82.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PCRIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 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.