PLGIX vs. VUG
Compare and contrast key facts about Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG).
PLGIX is managed by Principal. It was launched on Dec 6, 2000. VUG is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. It was launched on Nov 13, 2000.
Performance
PLGIX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
PLGIX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLGIX Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I | -14.91% | 11.59% | 83.01% | 40.40% | -34.05% | 21.49% | 36.06% | 34.89% | 3.44% | 33.67% |
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF | -10.37% | 19.40% | 32.69% | 46.83% | -33.16% | 27.35% | 40.25% | 37.03% | -3.32% | 27.72% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PLGIX achieves a -14.91% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's -10.37% return. Over the past 10 years, PLGIX has outperformed VUG with an annualized return of 17.78%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively lower 16.03% annualized return.
PLGIX
- 1D
- -0.29%
- 1M
- -8.82%
- YTD
- -14.91%
- 6M
- -15.13%
- 1Y
- 3.34%
- 3Y*
- 29.30%
- 5Y*
- 14.11%
- 10Y*
- 17.78%
VUG
- 1D
- 4.00%
- 1M
- -5.12%
- YTD
- -10.37%
- 6M
- -8.73%
- 1Y
- 18.30%
- 3Y*
- 21.15%
- 5Y*
- 11.43%
- 10Y*
- 16.03%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
PLGIX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison
PLGIX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.
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.
| PLGIX | VUG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.16 | 0.81 | -0.65 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.40 | 1.31 | -0.91 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.05 | 1.18 | -0.13 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.04 | 1.11 | -1.07 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 0.14 | 3.96 | -3.82 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| PLGIX | VUG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.16 | 0.81 | -0.65 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.47 | 0.52 | -0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.70 | 0.75 | -0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.41 | 0.57 | -0.16 |
Correlation
The correlation between PLGIX and VUG is 0.96, 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
PLGIX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison
PLGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.99%, more than VUG's 0.46% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLGIX Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I | 16.99% | 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 | 0.46% | 0.41% | 0.47% | 0.58% | 0.70% | 0.48% | 0.66% | 0.95% | 1.32% | 1.14% | 1.39% | 1.30% |
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.
Loading graphics...
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 (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 | -18.32% | -13.20% | -5.12% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -13.31% | -7.13% | -6.18% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.45% | 4.66% | +0.79% |
Volatility
PLGIX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX) is 5.47%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 7.00%. This indicates that PLGIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| PLGIX | VUG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.47% | 7.00% | -1.53% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.68% | 12.65% | -0.97% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 21.30% | 22.68% | -1.38% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 30.09% | 22.23% | +7.86% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 25.38% | 21.38% | +4.00% |