PLFMX vs. SCHG

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

PLFMX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund) and SCHG (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF) are both funds - PLFMX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while SCHG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Growth Total Stock Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PLFMX returned 14.77%/yr vs 18.50%/yr for SCHG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PLFMX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SCHG.

Performance

PLFMX vs. SCHG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLFMX achieves a 8.29% return, which is significantly higher than SCHG's 2.58% return. Over the past 10 years, PLFMX has underperformed SCHG with an annualized return of 14.77%, while SCHG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.50% annualized return.

PLFMX

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 8.29%
• 6M: 8.63%
• 1Y: 23.03%
• 3Y*: 20.84%
• 5Y*: 12.86%
• 10Y*: 14.77%

SCHG

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -2.62%
• YTD: 2.58%
• 6M: 2.96%
• 1Y: 18.71%
• 3Y*: 22.68%
• 5Y*: 14.33%
• 10Y*: 18.50%

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

PLFMX vs. SCHG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	8.29%	17.10%	26.06%	25.27%	-18.67%	27.57%	17.46%	30.58%	-5.14%	20.96%
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF	2.58%	17.50%	34.95%	50.10%	-31.80%	28.11%	39.14%	36.02%	-1.36%	28.05%

Correlation

The correlation between PLFMX and SCHG is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2009	0.94

The correlation between PLFMX and SCHG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLFMX vs. SCHG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLFMX

PLFMX Risk / Return Rank: 65
PLFMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
PLFMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PLFMX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
PLFMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PLFMX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

SCHG

SCHG Risk / Return Rank: 33
SCHG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SCHG Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
SCHG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SCHG Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
SCHG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

PLFMX vs. SCHG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG). 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.

	PLFMX	SCHG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	1.18	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	1.64	+0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.21	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	1.14	+1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.86	3.78	+8.08

PLFMX vs. SCHG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLFMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is higher than the SCHG Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLFMX and SCHG, 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

PLFMX vs. SCHG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLFMX drawdown since its inception was -55.62%, which is greater than SCHG's maximum drawdown of -34.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLFMX and SCHG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLFMX	SCHG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.62%	-34.59%	-21.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.00%	-16.41%	+7.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.83%	-23.39%	+4.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.91%	-34.59%	+9.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.80%	-34.59%	+0.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.79%	-5.33%	+2.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.99%	-5.20%	-4.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	4.96%	-2.97%

Volatility

PLFMX vs. SCHG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) is 4.44%, while Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) has a volatility of 5.14%. This indicates that PLFMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLFMX	SCHG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	5.14%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.72%	12.30%	-2.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.37%	15.95%	-3.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.99%	22.33%	-5.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.52%	21.58%	-4.06%

PLFMX vs. SCHG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLFMX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLFMX vs. SCHG - Dividend Comparison

PLFMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, more than SCHG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	2.22%	2.41%	3.77%	3.62%	2.28%	13.02%	7.02%	3.28%	6.80%	6.44%	2.66%	2.07%
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF	0.38%	0.36%	0.39%	0.46%	0.55%	0.42%	0.52%	0.82%	1.27%	1.01%	1.04%	1.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLFMX and SCHG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, PLFMX and SCHG 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, PLFMX or SCHG?

SCHG has higher volatility (5.14%) compared to PLFMX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLFMX dropped -55.62% vs SCHG's -34.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLFMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.18), 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.