PLFMX vs. VSMAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PLFMX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund) and VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - PLFMX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while VSMAX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PLFMX returned 14.90%/yr vs 11.29%/yr for VSMAX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PLFMX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSMAX.

Performance

PLFMX vs. VSMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLFMX achieves a 10.57% return, which is significantly lower than VSMAX's 14.16% return. Over the past 10 years, PLFMX has outperformed VSMAX with an annualized return of 14.90%, while VSMAX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.29% annualized return.

PLFMX

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.09%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 10.45%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 22.22%
• 5Y*: 13.43%
• 10Y*: 14.90%

VSMAX

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: 2.34%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 13.54%
• 1Y: 28.90%
• 3Y*: 17.04%
• 5Y*: 7.10%
• 10Y*: 11.29%

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

PLFMX vs. VSMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	10.57%	17.10%	26.06%	25.27%	-18.67%	27.57%	17.46%	30.58%	-5.14%	20.96%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.16%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%

Correlation

The correlation between PLFMX and VSMAX is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2000	0.88

The correlation between PLFMX and VSMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLFMX vs. VSMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLFMX

PLFMX Risk / Return Rank: 64
PLFMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
PLFMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
PLFMX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
PLFMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
PLFMX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. VSMAX - 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 Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX). 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	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.78	+0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.15	2.55	+0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.31	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	3.22	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.10	11.89	+2.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PLFMX vs. VSMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLFMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the VSMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLFMX and VSMAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PLFMX	VSMAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.30	1.78	+0.52
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80	0.34	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.53	+0.33
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.39	+0.04

Drawdowns

PLFMX vs. VSMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLFMX drawdown since its inception was -55.62%, smaller than the maximum VSMAX drawdown of -59.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLFMX and VSMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLFMX	VSMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.62%	-59.68%	+4.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.00%	-8.97%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.83%	-25.25%	+6.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.91%	-28.14%	+3.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.80%	-41.82%	+8.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-0.68%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.00%	-9.69%	-0.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	2.43%	-0.50%

Volatility

PLFMX vs. VSMAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) is 2.92%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) has a volatility of 4.43%. This indicates that PLFMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLFMX	VSMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.92%	4.43%	-1.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.01%	11.72%	-2.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.88%	16.29%	-4.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.92%	20.71%	-3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.49%	21.56%	-4.07%

PLFMX vs. VSMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLFMX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLFMX vs. VSMAX - Dividend Comparison

PLFMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.18%, more than VSMAX's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	2.18%	2.41%	3.77%	3.62%	2.28%	13.02%	7.02%	3.28%	6.80%	6.44%	2.66%	2.07%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLFMX and VSMAX in my portfolio?

PLFMX and VSMAX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PLFMX or VSMAX?

VSMAX has higher volatility (4.43%) compared to PLFMX (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLFMX dropped -55.62% vs VSMAX's -59.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLFMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.78), 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.