PISMX vs. PSSMX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PISMX (Principal International Small Company Fund) and PSSMX (Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - PISMX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Principal, while PSSMX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, PISMX returned 6.76%/yr vs 10.83%/yr for PSSMX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PISMX charges 1.16%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for PSSMX.

Performance

PISMX vs. PSSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal International Small Company Fund (PISMX) and Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PISMX achieves a 5.20% return, which is significantly lower than PSSMX's 15.97% return. Over the past 10 years, PISMX has underperformed PSSMX with an annualized return of 6.76%, while PSSMX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.83% annualized return.

PISMX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 3.14%
• YTD: 5.20%
• 6M: 7.15%
• 1Y: 16.87%
• 3Y*: 14.51%
• 5Y*: 3.93%
• 10Y*: 6.76%

PSSMX

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 2.53%
• YTD: 15.97%
• 6M: 14.78%
• 1Y: 31.83%
• 3Y*: 16.96%
• 5Y*: 6.80%
• 10Y*: 10.83%

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

PISMX vs. PSSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PISMX Principal International Small Company Fund	5.20%	32.35%	1.09%	13.19%	-21.93%	8.18%	5.60%	26.71%	-20.26%	35.80%
PSSMX Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund	15.97%	5.34%	16.60%	15.18%	-16.69%	25.39%	10.65%	21.99%	-9.42%	12.46%

Correlation

The correlation between PISMX and PSSMX is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2015	0.67

The correlation between PISMX and PSSMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PISMX vs. PSSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PISMX

PISMX Risk / Return Rank: 14
PISMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
PISMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
PISMX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
PISMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
PISMX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

PSSMX

PSSMX Risk / Return Rank: 56
PSSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
PSSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
PSSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
PSSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PSSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

PISMX vs. PSSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal International Small Company Fund (PISMX) and Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX). 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.

	PISMX	PSSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	1.95	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	2.84	-1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.34	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.16	3.89	-2.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.99	13.00	-9.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PISMX vs. PSSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PISMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is lower than the PSSMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PISMX and PSSMX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PISMX	PSSMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.08	1.95	-0.88
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.31	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40	0.47	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.41	0.00

Drawdowns

PISMX vs. PSSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PISMX drawdown since its inception was -43.91%, smaller than the maximum PSSMX drawdown of -58.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PISMX and PSSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PISMX	PSSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.91%	-58.43%	+14.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.73%	-8.76%	-4.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.73%	-24.30%	+10.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.48%	-27.01%	-9.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.91%	-44.85%	+0.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.94%	-0.07%	-3.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.60%	-9.52%	-1.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.99%	2.62%	+1.37%

Volatility

PISMX vs. PSSMX - Volatility Comparison

Principal International Small Company Fund (PISMX) and Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX) have volatilities of 4.31% and 4.47%, 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

	PISMX	PSSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.47%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.23%	11.69%	+0.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.86%	17.46%	-2.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.57%	21.76%	-5.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.85%	22.92%	-6.07%

PISMX vs. PSSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PISMX has a 1.16% expense ratio, which is higher than PSSMX's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

PISMX vs. PSSMX - Dividend Comparison

PISMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, less than PSSMX's 8.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PISMX Principal International Small Company Fund	2.79%	2.93%	4.01%	1.97%	1.20%	9.45%	1.22%	2.83%	9.46%	4.93%	0.29%	1.25%
PSSMX Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund	8.61%	9.98%	15.91%	3.75%	10.45%	8.23%	1.67%	6.56%	13.08%	6.03%	6.15%	8.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PISMX and PSSMX in my portfolio?

PISMX and PSSMX have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PISMX or PSSMX?

PSSMX has higher volatility (4.47%) compared to PISMX (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PISMX dropped -43.91% vs PSSMX's -58.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSSMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.08), 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.