PLFIX vs. SACAX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

PLFIX (Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional) and SACAX (Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio) are both mutual funds - PLFIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while SACAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, PLFIX returned 15.14%/yr vs 11.93%/yr for SACAX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PLFIX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.61%/yr for SACAX.

Performance

PLFIX vs. SACAX - 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 SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with PLFIX at 10.41% and SACAX at 10.41%. Over the past 10 years, PLFIX has outperformed SACAX with an annualized return of 15.14%, while SACAX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.93% annualized return.

PLFIX

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 1.19%
• 6M: 8.50%
• YTD: 10.41%
• 1Y: 21.21%
• 3Y*: 20.65%
• 5Y*: 13.19%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

SACAX

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 0.35%
• 6M: 7.75%
• YTD: 10.41%
• 1Y: 19.17%
• 3Y*: 19.24%
• 5Y*: 10.34%
• 10Y*: 11.93%

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

PLFIX vs. SACAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLFIX Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional	10.41%	17.77%	26.77%	26.00%	-18.21%	28.25%	18.11%	31.35%	-4.66%	21.65%
SACAX Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio	10.41%	16.56%	24.20%	21.42%	-19.06%	19.34%	15.11%	26.87%	-9.13%	21.68%

Correlation

The correlation between PLFIX and SACAX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2001	0.97

The correlation between PLFIX and SACAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLFIX vs. SACAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLFIX

PLFIX Risk / Return Rank: 63
PLFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PLFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
PLFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
PLFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
PLFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

SACAX

SACAX Risk / Return Rank: 52
SACAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SACAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
SACAX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SACAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
SACAX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. SACAX - 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 SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX). 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	SACAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.57	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	2.19	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	2.19	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.59	9.54	+1.05

PLFIX vs. SACAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLFIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the SACAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLFIX and SACAX, 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. SACAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLFIX drawdown since its inception was -55.28%, roughly equal to the maximum SACAX drawdown of -54.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLFIX and SACAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLFIX	SACAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.28%	-54.31%	-0.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-8.85%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.77%	-15.88%	-2.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.58%	-26.96%	+2.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.77%	-34.90%	+1.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-1.35%	+0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.83%	-9.75%	+0.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	2.03%	0.00%

Volatility

PLFIX vs. SACAX - Volatility Comparison

Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional (PLFIX) and Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX) have volatilities of 3.99% and 4.09%, 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

	PLFIX	SACAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.99%	4.09%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	10.34%	-0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.55%	12.39%	+0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.02%	15.75%	+1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.50%	16.01%	+1.49%

PLFIX vs. SACAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLFIX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than SACAX's 0.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLFIX vs. SACAX - Dividend Comparison

PLFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, less than SACAX's 10.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLFIX Principal Large Cap S&P 500 Index Fund Institutional	2.67%	2.95%	4.28%	4.13%	2.96%	13.60%	7.57%	3.83%	7.52%	7.01%	3.23%	2.69%
SACAX Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio	10.86%	11.99%	13.37%	1.16%	9.30%	7.53%	4.02%	4.47%	20.79%	6.82%	3.68%	14.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLFIX and SACAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PLFIX and SACAX 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 SACAX?

SACAX has higher volatility (4.09%) compared to PLFIX (3.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLFIX dropped -55.28% vs SACAX's -54.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.57), 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.