PLGIX vs. PSSMX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PLGIX (Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I) and PSSMX (Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - PLGIX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Principal, while PSSMX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, PLGIX returned 20.00%/yr vs 11.38%/yr for PSSMX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PLGIX charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for PSSMX.

Performance

PLGIX vs. PSSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX) and Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLGIX achieves a -0.69% return, which is significantly lower than PSSMX's 18.95% return. Over the past 10 years, PLGIX has outperformed PSSMX with an annualized return of 20.00%, while PSSMX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.38% annualized return.

PLGIX

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: -3.34%
• YTD: -0.69%
• 6M: -1.79%
• 1Y: 5.88%
• 3Y*: 31.72%
• 5Y*: 14.93%
• 10Y*: 20.00%

PSSMX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 4.16%
• YTD: 18.95%
• 6M: 16.08%
• 1Y: 32.43%
• 3Y*: 18.44%
• 5Y*: 7.23%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

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

PLGIX vs. PSSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLGIX Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I	-0.69%	11.59%	83.01%	40.40%	-34.05%	21.49%	36.06%	34.89%	3.44%	33.67%
PSSMX Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund	18.95%	5.34%	16.60%	15.18%	-16.69%	25.39%	10.65%	21.99%	-9.42%	12.46%

Correlation

The correlation between PLGIX and PSSMX is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2001	0.79

Over the past year, the correlation between PLGIX and PSSMX has dropped to 0.57 - well below their long-term average of 0.79, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PLGIX vs. PSSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLGIX

PLGIX Risk / Return Rank: 6
PLGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
PLGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
PLGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
PLGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
PLGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

PSSMX

PSSMX Risk / Return Rank: 64
PSSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
PSSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
PSSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
PSSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
PSSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

PLGIX vs. PSSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX) and Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX). 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.

	PLGIX	PSSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.47	1.92	-1.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.75	2.81	-2.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.33	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.42	3.88	-3.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.27	13.06	-11.79

PLGIX vs. PSSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLGIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.47, which is lower than the PSSMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLGIX and PSSMX, 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

PLGIX vs. PSSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLGIX drawdown since its inception was -55.43%, smaller than the maximum PSSMX drawdown of -58.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLGIX and PSSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLGIX	PSSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.43%	-58.43%	+3.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.32%	-8.76%	-9.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.39%	-24.30%	+2.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.63%	-27.01%	-13.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.63%	-44.85%	+4.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.68%	-0.36%	-6.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.24%	-9.50%	-3.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.01%	2.60%	+3.41%

Volatility

PLGIX vs. PSSMX - Volatility Comparison

Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX) has a higher volatility of 6.42% compared to Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund (PSSMX) at 4.92%. This indicates that PLGIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PSSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLGIX	PSSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.42%	4.92%	+1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.16%	12.11%	+1.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.19%	17.69%	-1.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.22%	21.76%	+8.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.47%	22.91%	+2.56%

PLGIX vs. PSSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLGIX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is lower than PSSMX's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLGIX vs. PSSMX - Dividend Comparison

PLGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.55%, more than PSSMX's 8.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLGIX Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I	14.55%	14.45%	63.77%	5.99%	11.57%	11.34%	7.03%	8.01%	16.41%	7.05%	4.64%	12.51%
PSSMX Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index Fund	8.39%	9.98%	15.91%	3.75%	10.45%	8.23%	1.67%	6.56%	13.08%	6.03%	6.15%	8.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLGIX and PSSMX in my portfolio?

PLGIX and PSSMX have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PLGIX or PSSMX?

PLGIX has higher volatility (6.42%) compared to PSSMX (4.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLGIX dropped -55.43% vs PSSMX's -58.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSSMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 0.47), 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.