PDRDX vs. EFA
PDRDX (Principal Diversified Real Asset Fund) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both funds - PDRDX is a Global Allocation fund managed by Principal, while EFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Over the past 10 years, PDRDX returned 6.35%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for EFA. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PDRDX charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.
Performance
PDRDX vs. EFA - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PDRDX achieves a 10.40% return, which is significantly higher than EFA's 8.38% return. Over the past 10 years, PDRDX has underperformed EFA with an annualized return of 6.35%, while EFA has yielded a comparatively higher 9.87% annualized return.
PDRDX
- 1D
- 0.15%
- 1M
- -2.80%
- YTD
- 10.40%
- 6M
- 9.97%
- 1Y
- 18.00%
- 3Y*
- 10.78%
- 5Y*
- 6.08%
- 10Y*
- 6.35%
EFA
- 1D
- -2.03%
- 1M
- 0.10%
- YTD
- 8.38%
- 6M
- 8.09%
- 1Y
- 21.83%
- 3Y*
- 16.63%
- 5Y*
- 8.49%
- 10Y*
- 9.87%
PDRDX vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PDRDX Principal Diversified Real Asset Fund | 10.40% | 14.63% | 3.09% | 3.22% | -6.19% | 17.30% | 3.97% | 15.02% | -7.90% | 10.18% |
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | 8.38% | 31.55% | 3.49% | 18.36% | -14.39% | 11.45% | 7.60% | 22.04% | -13.82% | 25.07% |
Correlation
The correlation between PDRDX and EFA is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.62 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.72 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.75 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.76 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 17, 2010 | 0.75 |
The correlation between PDRDX and EFA shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.76 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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
PDRDX vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank
PDRDX
EFA
PDRDX vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Diversified Real Asset Fund (PDRDX) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). 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.
| PDRDX | EFA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.56 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.66 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.36 | 1.26 | +0.10 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.14 | 1.92 | +1.22 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 12.18 | 7.16 | +5.02 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
PDRDX vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PDRDX drawdown since its inception was -28.55%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PDRDX and EFA.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| PDRDX | EFA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -28.55% | -61.04% | +32.49% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.88% | -11.42% | +5.54% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -10.94% | -14.05% | +3.11% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -19.35% | -29.53% | +10.18% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -28.55% | -34.19% | +5.64% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.84% | -2.03% | -1.81% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.97% | -11.91% | +5.94% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.51% | 3.05% | -1.54% |
Volatility
PDRDX vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Principal Diversified Real Asset Fund (PDRDX) is 2.83%, while iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) has a volatility of 5.30%. This indicates that PDRDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| PDRDX | EFA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.83% | 5.30% | -2.47% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 7.92% | 13.31% | -5.39% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 9.45% | 15.65% | -6.20% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 11.00% | 16.58% | -5.58% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 10.82% | 17.03% | -6.21% |
PDRDX vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison
PDRDX has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.
Dividends
PDRDX vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison
PDRDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.75%, more than EFA's 3.28% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | 3.28% | 3.38% | 3.24% | 2.98% | 2.69% | 3.33% | 2.13% | 3.10% | 3.39% | 2.57% | 3.07% | 2.76% |
PDRDX Principal Diversified Real Asset Fund | 3.75% | 4.19% | 2.43% | 2.52% | 12.88% | 6.56% | 0.52% | 2.36% | 3.47% | 2.21% | 2.61% | 0.99% |
Frequently Asked Questions
PDRDX and EFA have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
EFA has higher volatility (5.30%) compared to PDRDX (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PDRDX dropped -28.55% vs EFA's -61.04%.
PDRDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.40), 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 PDRDX and EFA
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