PLFIX vs. PSMIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PLFIX (Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional) and PSMIX (Principal Global Multi-Strategy Fund) are both mutual funds - PLFIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while PSMIX is a Multistrategy fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, PLFIX returned 15.77%/yr vs 5.28%/yr for PSMIX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PLFIX charges 0.11%/yr vs 1.63%/yr for PSMIX.

Performance

PLFIX vs. PSMIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional (PLFIX) and Principal Global Multi-Strategy Fund (PSMIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLFIX achieves a 9.73% return, which is significantly higher than PSMIX's 5.41% return. Over the past 10 years, PLFIX has outperformed PSMIX with an annualized return of 15.77%, while PSMIX has yielded a comparatively lower 5.28% annualized return.

PLFIX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 9.73%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 25.42%
• 3Y*: 21.84%
• 5Y*: 13.76%
• 10Y*: 15.77%

PSMIX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 5.41%
• 6M: 5.28%
• 1Y: 14.08%
• 3Y*: 9.56%
• 5Y*: 6.12%
• 10Y*: 5.28%

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

PLFIX vs. PSMIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLFIX Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional	9.73%	17.77%	26.77%	26.00%	-18.21%	28.25%	18.11%	31.35%	-4.66%	21.65%
PSMIX Principal Global Multi-Strategy Fund	5.41%	10.47%	8.90%	6.59%	-1.80%	5.62%	5.11%	8.18%	-4.34%	6.60%

Correlation

The correlation between PLFIX and PSMIX is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2011	0.83

The correlation between PLFIX and PSMIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLFIX vs. PSMIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLFIX

PLFIX Risk / Return Rank: 65
PLFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
PLFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
PLFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
PLFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
PLFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

PSMIX

PSMIX Risk / Return Rank: 96
PSMIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
PSMIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PSMIX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
PSMIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
PSMIX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

PLFIX vs. PSMIX - 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 Global Multi-Strategy Fund (PSMIX). 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.

	PLFIX	PSMIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	3.57	-1.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	5.29	-2.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.71	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	5.98	-2.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.56	24.25	-10.68

PLFIX vs. PSMIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLFIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is lower than the PSMIX Sharpe Ratio of 3.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLFIX and PSMIX, 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

PLFIX vs. PSMIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLFIX drawdown since its inception was -55.28%, roughly equal to the maximum PSMIX drawdown of -55.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLFIX and PSMIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLFIX	PSMIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.28%	-55.50%	+0.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-2.41%	-6.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.77%	-5.01%	-13.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.58%	-6.39%	-18.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.77%	-55.50%	+21.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.74%	-24.76%	+23.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-26.58%	+17.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	0.59%	+1.38%

Volatility

PLFIX vs. PSMIX - Volatility Comparison

Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional (PLFIX) has a higher volatility of 4.69% compared to Principal Global Multi-Strategy Fund (PSMIX) at 1.51%. This indicates that PLFIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PSMIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLFIX	PSMIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.69%	1.51%	+3.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.84%	3.17%	+6.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.48%	4.06%	+8.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.00%	4.54%	+12.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.56%	38.11%	-20.55%

PLFIX vs. PSMIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLFIX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than PSMIX's 1.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLFIX vs. PSMIX - Dividend Comparison

PLFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, less than PSMIX's 5.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLFIX Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional	2.69%	2.95%	4.28%	4.13%	2.96%	13.60%	7.57%	3.83%	7.52%	7.01%	3.23%	2.69%
PSMIX Principal Global Multi-Strategy Fund	5.24%	5.53%	1.66%	3.51%	12.10%	4.04%	1.68%	0.00%	6.52%	2.91%	0.15%	3.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLFIX and PSMIX in my portfolio?

PLFIX and PSMIX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PLFIX or PSMIX?

PLFIX has higher volatility (4.69%) compared to PSMIX (1.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLFIX dropped -55.28% vs PSMIX's -55.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSMIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.57 vs 2.15), 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.