PLFIX vs. PTDIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PLFIX (Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional) and PTDIX (Principal LifeTime 2040 Fund) are both mutual funds - PLFIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while PTDIX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, PLFIX returned 15.77%/yr vs 10.85%/yr for PTDIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PLFIX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PTDIX.

Performance

PLFIX vs. PTDIX - 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 LifeTime 2040 Fund (PTDIX). 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 PTDIX's 6.96% return. Over the past 10 years, PLFIX has outperformed PTDIX with an annualized return of 15.77%, while PTDIX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.85% 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%

PTDIX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 1.19%
• YTD: 6.96%
• 6M: 6.54%
• 1Y: 17.41%
• 3Y*: 16.53%
• 5Y*: 8.04%
• 10Y*: 10.85%

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

PLFIX vs. PTDIX - 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%
PTDIX Principal LifeTime 2040 Fund	6.96%	15.59%	17.43%	18.33%	-18.13%	15.35%	16.04%	24.91%	-7.95%	20.69%

Correlation

The correlation between PLFIX and PTDIX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2001	0.96

The correlation between PLFIX and PTDIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLFIX vs. PTDIX — 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

PTDIX

PTDIX Risk / Return Rank: 46
PTDIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PTDIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
PTDIX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
PTDIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
PTDIX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. PTDIX - 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 LifeTime 2040 Fund (PTDIX). 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	PTDIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.77	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.50	+0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.33	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	2.51	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.56	10.92	+2.65

PLFIX vs. PTDIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLFIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the PTDIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLFIX and PTDIX, 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. PTDIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLFIX drawdown since its inception was -55.28%, roughly equal to the maximum PTDIX drawdown of -54.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLFIX and PTDIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLFIX	PTDIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.28%	-54.38%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-7.32%	-1.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.77%	-13.05%	-5.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.58%	-25.43%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.77%	-30.02%	-3.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.74%	-0.78%	-0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-7.48%	-1.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	1.68%	+0.29%

Volatility

PLFIX vs. PTDIX - Volatility Comparison

Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional (PLFIX) has a higher volatility of 4.69% compared to Principal LifeTime 2040 Fund (PTDIX) at 3.96%. This indicates that PLFIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PTDIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLFIX	PTDIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.69%	3.96%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.84%	8.55%	+1.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.48%	10.39%	+2.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.00%	13.58%	+3.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.56%	13.86%	+3.70%

PLFIX vs. PTDIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLFIX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is higher than PTDIX's 0.01% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

PLFIX vs. PTDIX - Dividend Comparison

PLFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, less than PTDIX's 9.16% 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%
PTDIX Principal LifeTime 2040 Fund	9.16%	9.80%	12.28%	4.40%	8.61%	8.92%	6.01%	7.26%	9.28%	6.07%	4.86%	6.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLFIX and PTDIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, PLFIX and PTDIX 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, PLFIX or PTDIX?

PLFIX has higher volatility (4.69%) compared to PTDIX (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLFIX dropped -55.28% vs PTDIX's -54.38%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.77), 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.