PHTJX vs. VTTHX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PHTJX (Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2035 Fund) and VTTHX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, PHTJX returned 9.65%/yr vs 9.81%/yr for VTTHX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PHTJX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTTHX.

Performance

PHTJX vs. VTTHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2035 Fund (PHTJX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PHTJX achieves a 7.67% return, which is significantly lower than VTTHX's 8.77% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PHTJX having a 9.65% annualized return and VTTHX not far ahead at 9.81%.

PHTJX

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 1.46%
• YTD: 7.67%
• 6M: 7.48%
• 1Y: 19.75%
• 3Y*: 14.14%
• 5Y*: 7.63%
• 10Y*: 9.65%

VTTHX

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 1.50%
• YTD: 8.77%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 21.33%
• 3Y*: 14.91%
• 5Y*: 8.01%
• 10Y*: 9.81%

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

PHTJX vs. VTTHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PHTJX Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2035 Fund	7.67%	15.57%	12.67%	16.45%	-17.37%	15.57%	15.13%	22.69%	-8.00%	18.13%
VTTHX Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund	8.77%	17.55%	11.56%	17.37%	-16.64%	12.96%	14.80%	22.44%	-6.57%	16.81%

Correlation

The correlation between PHTJX and VTTHX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2014	0.98

The correlation between PHTJX and VTTHX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PHTJX vs. VTTHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PHTJX

PHTJX Risk / Return Rank: 65
PHTJX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PHTJX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PHTJX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
PHTJX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PHTJX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VTTHX

VTTHX Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTTHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VTTHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VTTHX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VTTHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTTHX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

PHTJX vs. VTTHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2035 Fund (PHTJX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). 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.

	PHTJX	VTTHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.23	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	3.13	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.42	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	2.94	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.33	12.67	+0.66

PHTJX vs. VTTHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PHTJX Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the VTTHX Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PHTJX and VTTHX, 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

PHTJX vs. VTTHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PHTJX drawdown since its inception was -27.17%, smaller than the maximum VTTHX drawdown of -51.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PHTJX and VTTHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PHTJX	VTTHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.17%	-51.76%	+24.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-7.17%	+0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.58%	-10.87%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.12%	-23.53%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.17%	-27.15%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-0.33%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.17%	-6.08%	+1.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.46%	1.66%	-0.20%

Volatility

PHTJX vs. VTTHX - Volatility Comparison

Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2035 Fund (PHTJX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX) have volatilities of 3.80% and 3.84%, 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

	PHTJX	VTTHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.80%	3.84%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.67%	7.90%	-0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.23%	9.44%	-0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.87%	11.46%	+0.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.54%	12.49%	+0.05%

PHTJX vs. VTTHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PHTJX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VTTHX's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

PHTJX vs. VTTHX - Dividend Comparison

PHTJX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.35%, more than VTTHX's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PHTJX Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2035 Fund	4.35%	4.68%	4.09%	3.37%	8.44%	4.96%	3.98%	3.71%	4.01%	2.31%	1.99%	1.67%
VTTHX Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund	2.72%	2.96%	3.12%	2.47%	2.71%	19.52%	2.50%	2.33%	2.69%	0.16%	2.77%	4.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PHTJX and VTTHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, PHTJX and VTTHX 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, PHTJX or VTTHX?

VTTHX has higher volatility (3.84%) compared to PHTJX (3.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PHTJX dropped -27.17% vs VTTHX's -51.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTTHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 2.11), 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.