PLFMX vs. VIGRX
Compare and contrast key facts about Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGRX).
PLFMX is a passively managed fund by Principal that tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index. It was launched on Dec 6, 2000. VIGRX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Nov 2, 1992.
Performance
PLFMX vs. VIGRX - Performance Comparison
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PLFMX vs. VIGRX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund | -4.50% | 17.10% | 26.06% | 25.27% | -18.67% | 27.57% | 17.46% | 30.58% | -5.14% | 20.96% |
VIGRX Vanguard Growth Index Fund | -10.42% | 19.18% | 32.51% | 46.59% | -33.22% | 27.10% | 40.01% | 37.08% | -3.47% | 27.64% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PLFMX achieves a -4.50% return, which is significantly higher than VIGRX's -10.42% return. Over the past 10 years, PLFMX has underperformed VIGRX with an annualized return of 13.41%, while VIGRX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.87% annualized return.
PLFMX
- 1D
- 2.92%
- 1M
- -5.08%
- YTD
- -4.50%
- 6M
- -2.43%
- 1Y
- 16.59%
- 3Y*
- 18.07%
- 5Y*
- 11.31%
- 10Y*
- 13.41%
VIGRX
- 1D
- 3.99%
- 1M
- -5.48%
- YTD
- -10.42%
- 6M
- -9.25%
- 1Y
- 17.04%
- 3Y*
- 20.94%
- 5Y*
- 11.26%
- 10Y*
- 15.87%
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PLFMX vs. VIGRX - Expense Ratio Comparison
PLFMX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than VIGRX's 0.17% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
PLFMX vs. VIGRX — Risk / Return Rank
PLFMX
VIGRX
PLFMX vs. VIGRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGRX). 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.
| PLFMX | VIGRX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.95 | 0.79 | +0.16 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.48 | 1.30 | +0.18 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.22 | 1.18 | +0.04 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.46 | 1.10 | +0.35 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.97 | 3.92 | +3.05 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| PLFMX | VIGRX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.95 | 0.79 | +0.16 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.67 | 0.51 | +0.17 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.77 | 0.74 | +0.03 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.40 | 0.55 | -0.15 |
Correlation
The correlation between PLFMX and VIGRX is 0.95, 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
PLFMX vs. VIGRX - Dividend Comparison
PLFMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, more than VIGRX's 0.32% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund | 2.52% | 2.41% | 3.77% | 3.62% | 2.28% | 13.02% | 7.02% | 3.28% | 6.80% | 6.44% | 2.66% | 2.07% |
VIGRX Vanguard Growth Index Fund | 0.32% | 0.22% | 0.35% | 0.47% | 0.54% | 0.36% | 0.56% | 0.83% | 1.18% | 1.03% | 1.27% | 1.16% |
Drawdowns
PLFMX vs. VIGRX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PLFMX drawdown since its inception was -55.62%, roughly equal to the maximum VIGRX drawdown of -57.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLFMX and VIGRX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| PLFMX | VIGRX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -55.62% | -57.47% | +1.85% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.14% | -16.55% | +4.41% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.91% | -35.70% | +10.79% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -33.80% | -35.70% | +1.90% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.34% | -13.22% | +6.88% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.06% | -14.26% | +4.20% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.53% | 4.66% | -2.13% |
Volatility
PLFMX vs. VIGRX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) is 5.35%, while Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGRX) has a volatility of 7.01%. This indicates that PLFMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIGRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| PLFMX | VIGRX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.35% | 7.01% | -1.66% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.55% | 12.73% | -3.18% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.07% | 22.99% | -4.92% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.93% | 22.36% | -5.43% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.47% | 21.53% | -4.06% |