PEMGX vs. VSEQX

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

PEMGX (Principal MidCap Fund Class A) and VSEQX (Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PEMGX returned 12.40%/yr vs 14.13%/yr for VSEQX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PEMGX charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for VSEQX.

Performance

PEMGX vs. VSEQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal MidCap Fund Class A (PEMGX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PEMGX achieves a -6.16% return, which is significantly lower than VSEQX's 18.53% return. Over the past 10 years, PEMGX has underperformed VSEQX with an annualized return of 12.40%, while VSEQX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.13% annualized return.

PEMGX

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 2.69%
• YTD: -6.16%
• 6M: -7.75%
• 1Y: -8.82%
• 3Y*: 9.81%
• 5Y*: 4.39%
• 10Y*: 12.40%

VSEQX

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 18.53%
• 6M: 16.36%
• 1Y: 34.64%
• 3Y*: 21.59%
• 5Y*: 12.22%
• 10Y*: 14.13%

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

PEMGX vs. VSEQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PEMGX Principal MidCap Fund Class A	-6.16%	1.39%	23.50%	25.60%	-23.35%	24.87%	17.95%	49.15%	-7.10%	24.93%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	18.53%	15.32%	16.67%	19.31%	-11.90%	30.83%	10.26%	26.76%	-11.86%	12.36%

Correlation

The correlation between PEMGX and VSEQX is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 1996	0.90

The correlation between PEMGX and VSEQX shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.90 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PEMGX vs. VSEQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEMGX

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

VSEQX

VSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 87
VSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

PEMGX vs. VSEQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal MidCap Fund Class A (PEMGX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX). 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.

	PEMGX	VSEQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.55	2.40	-2.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.70	3.31	-4.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	1.41	-0.49
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.41	4.81	-5.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.86	18.45	-19.31

PEMGX vs. VSEQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEMGX Sharpe Ratio is -0.55, which is lower than the VSEQX Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEMGX and VSEQX, 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

PEMGX vs. VSEQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEMGX drawdown since its inception was -84.41%, which is greater than VSEQX's maximum drawdown of -63.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEMGX and VSEQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEMGX	VSEQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.41%	-63.55%	-20.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.38%	-7.60%	-11.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.38%	-24.73%	+5.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.34%	-24.73%	-6.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.58%	-44.08%	+3.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.36%	0.00%	-12.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.24%	-9.05%	-24.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.35%	1.98%	+7.37%

Volatility

PEMGX vs. VSEQX - Volatility Comparison

Principal MidCap Fund Class A (PEMGX) and Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund (VSEQX) have volatilities of 4.43% and 4.29%, 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

	PEMGX	VSEQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	4.29%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.64%	11.07%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.62%	15.26%	-0.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.71%	19.97%	-1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	21.40%	-2.26%

PEMGX vs. VSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEMGX has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than VSEQX's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEMGX vs. VSEQX - Dividend Comparison

PEMGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.51%, less than VSEQX's 9.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PEMGX Principal MidCap Fund Class A	6.51%	6.11%	6.55%	2.58%	3.31%	8.24%	1.12%	9.02%	12.48%	3.32%	2.25%	6.28%
VSEQX Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund	9.41%	11.16%	11.36%	6.11%	11.77%	21.36%	1.77%	2.92%	10.34%	7.05%	3.13%	12.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PEMGX and VSEQX in my portfolio?

PEMGX and VSEQX have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PEMGX or VSEQX?

PEMGX has higher volatility (4.43%) compared to VSEQX (4.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEMGX dropped -84.41% vs VSEQX's -63.55%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs -0.55), 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.