PLFIX vs. CMNWX
Compare and contrast key facts about Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional (PLFIX) and Principal Capital Appreciation Fund (CMNWX).
PLFIX is a passively managed fund by Principal that tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index. It was launched on Mar 1, 2001. CMNWX is managed by Principal. It was launched on Nov 24, 1986.
Performance
PLFIX vs. CMNWX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
PLFIX vs. CMNWX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLFIX Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional | -4.36% | 17.77% | 26.77% | 26.00% | -18.21% | 28.25% | 18.11% | 31.35% | -4.66% | 21.65% |
CMNWX Principal Capital Appreciation Fund | -3.89% | 13.27% | 32.14% | 25.01% | -16.37% | 27.45% | 18.36% | 32.21% | -4.12% | 20.64% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PLFIX achieves a -4.36% return, which is significantly lower than CMNWX's -3.89% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PLFIX having a 14.05% annualized return and CMNWX not far ahead at 14.07%.
PLFIX
- 1D
- 2.93%
- 1M
- -5.03%
- YTD
- -4.36%
- 6M
- -2.15%
- 1Y
- 17.24%
- 3Y*
- 18.74%
- 5Y*
- 11.94%
- 10Y*
- 14.05%
CMNWX
- 1D
- 2.99%
- 1M
- -5.37%
- YTD
- -3.89%
- 6M
- -3.05%
- 1Y
- 14.87%
- 3Y*
- 19.32%
- 5Y*
- 12.60%
- 10Y*
- 14.07%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
PLFIX vs. CMNWX - Expense Ratio Comparison
PLFIX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than CMNWX's 0.80% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
PLFIX vs. CMNWX — Risk / Return Rank
PLFIX
CMNWX
PLFIX vs. CMNWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional (PLFIX) and Principal Capital Appreciation Fund (CMNWX). 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.
| PLFIX | CMNWX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.99 | 0.88 | +0.10 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.54 | 1.39 | +0.15 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.19 | +0.04 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.51 | 1.40 | +0.12 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.32 | 6.59 | +0.73 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| PLFIX | CMNWX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.99 | 0.88 | +0.10 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.71 | 0.75 | -0.04 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.81 | 0.82 | -0.02 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.45 | 0.69 | -0.24 |
Correlation
The correlation between PLFIX and CMNWX is 0.96, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
PLFIX vs. CMNWX - Dividend Comparison
PLFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, less than CMNWX's 9.10% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLFIX Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional | 3.08% | 2.95% | 4.28% | 4.13% | 2.96% | 13.60% | 7.57% | 3.83% | 7.52% | 7.01% | 3.23% | 2.69% |
CMNWX Principal Capital Appreciation Fund | 9.10% | 8.75% | 10.03% | 0.71% | 0.69% | 9.52% | 5.33% | 8.37% | 46.60% | 7.72% | 10.32% | 5.42% |
Drawdowns
PLFIX vs. CMNWX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PLFIX drawdown since its inception was -55.28%, which is greater than CMNWX's maximum drawdown of -50.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLFIX and CMNWX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| PLFIX | CMNWX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -55.28% | -50.43% | -4.85% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.13% | -11.50% | -0.63% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.58% | -23.35% | -1.23% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -33.77% | -33.26% | -0.51% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.24% | -6.19% | -0.05% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.91% | -6.99% | -1.92% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.51% | 2.44% | +0.07% |
Volatility
PLFIX vs. CMNWX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional (PLFIX) is 5.35%, while Principal Capital Appreciation Fund (CMNWX) has a volatility of 5.65%. This indicates that PLFIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CMNWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| PLFIX | CMNWX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.35% | 5.65% | -0.30% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.51% | 10.00% | -0.49% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.05% | 17.54% | +0.51% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.92% | 16.81% | +0.11% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.50% | 17.17% | +0.33% |