PLGIX vs. VUG
PLGIX (Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PLGIX returned 18.96%/yr vs 17.38%/yr for VUG. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. PLGIX charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.
Performance
PLGIX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PLGIX achieves a -1.62% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 5.02% return. Over the past 10 years, PLGIX has outperformed VUG with an annualized return of 18.96%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively lower 17.38% annualized return.
PLGIX
- 1D
- 3.14%
- 1M
- -2.17%
- 6M
- 1.55%
- YTD
- -1.62%
- 1Y
- 2.16%
- 3Y*
- 29.13%
- 5Y*
- 13.82%
- 10Y*
- 18.96%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.97%
VUG
- 1D
- 1.10%
- 1M
- -0.35%
- 6M
- 6.39%
- YTD
- 5.02%
- 1Y
- 15.36%
- 3Y*
- 21.19%
- 5Y*
- 12.16%
- 10Y*
- 17.38%
- ALL TIME*
- 12.08%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $556.11M | $661.72M | $650.91M |
PLGIX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLGIX Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I | -1.62% | 11.59% | 83.01% | 40.40% | -34.05% | 21.49% | 36.06% | 34.89% | 3.44% | 33.67% |
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF | 5.02% | 19.40% | 32.69% | 46.83% | -33.16% | 27.35% | 40.25% | 37.03% | -3.32% | 27.72% |
Correlation
The correlation between PLGIX and VUG is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.96 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.96 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.97 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.96 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004 | 0.96 |
The correlation between PLGIX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
PLGIX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank
PLGIX
VUG
PLGIX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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 | VUG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.73 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.98 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.01 | 1.13 | -0.12 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.00 | 0.78 | -0.78 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -0.01 | 2.47 | -2.47 |
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Drawdowns
PLGIX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PLGIX drawdown since its inception was -55.43%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLGIX and VUG.
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Drawdown Indicators
| PLGIX | VUG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -55.43% | -50.68% | -4.75% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -18.32% | -16.53% | -1.79% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -21.39% | -22.85% | +1.46% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -40.63% | -35.61% | -5.02% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -40.63% | -35.61% | -5.02% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -7.56% | -5.53% | -2.03% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -13.21% | -7.08% | -6.13% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 6.32% | 5.20% | +1.12% |
Volatility
PLGIX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison
Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX) has a higher volatility of 5.94% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 5.58%. This indicates that PLGIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| PLGIX | VUG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.94% | 5.58% | +0.36% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.18% | 14.24% | -0.06% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.18% | 17.74% | -0.56% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 30.32% | 22.49% | +7.83% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 25.51% | 21.55% | +3.96% |
PLGIX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison
PLGIX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.
Dividends
PLGIX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison
PLGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.69%, more than VUG's 0.40% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLGIX Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I | 14.69% | 14.45% | 63.77% | 5.99% | 11.57% | 11.34% | 7.03% | 8.01% | 16.41% | 7.05% | 4.64% | 12.51% |
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF | 0.40% | 0.41% | 0.47% | 0.58% | 0.70% | 0.48% | 0.66% | 0.95% | 1.32% | 1.14% | 1.39% | 1.30% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.96, PLGIX and VUG 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.
PLGIX has higher volatility (5.94%) compared to VUG (5.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLGIX dropped -55.43% vs VUG's -50.68%.
VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.72 vs -0.00), 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.
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