PLTNX vs. FXAIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PLTNX (Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund) and FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - PLTNX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Principal, while FXAIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, PLTNX returned 11.97%/yr vs 15.58%/yr for FXAIX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PLTNX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for FXAIX.

Performance

PLTNX vs. FXAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund (PLTNX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLTNX achieves a 10.92% return, which is significantly higher than FXAIX's 10.19% return. Over the past 10 years, PLTNX has underperformed FXAIX with an annualized return of 11.97%, while FXAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.58% annualized return.

PLTNX

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: 1.81%
• YTD: 10.92%
• 6M: 10.71%
• 1Y: 27.31%
• 3Y*: 18.61%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: 11.97%

FXAIX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 10.19%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 20.98%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 15.58%

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

PLTNX vs. FXAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLTNX Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund	10.92%	19.89%	17.25%	20.33%	-18.49%	19.70%	15.78%	26.17%	-9.84%	21.03%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	10.19%	17.84%	25.01%	26.29%	-18.14%	28.71%	18.42%	31.48%	-4.43%	21.82%

Correlation

The correlation between PLTNX and FXAIX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2014	0.95

The correlation between PLTNX and FXAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLTNX vs. FXAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLTNX

PLTNX Risk / Return Rank: 66
PLTNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PLTNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
PLTNX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
PLTNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
PLTNX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

FXAIX

FXAIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
FXAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FXAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FXAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FXAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FXAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

PLTNX vs. FXAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund (PLTNX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). 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.

	PLTNX	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.17	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.93	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.39	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	3.04	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.91	13.75	+0.16

PLTNX vs. FXAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLTNX Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the FXAIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLTNX and FXAIX, 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

PLTNX vs. FXAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLTNX drawdown since its inception was -32.71%, roughly equal to the maximum FXAIX drawdown of -33.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLTNX and FXAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLTNX	FXAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.71%	-33.79%	+1.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.66%	-8.89%	+0.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.66%	-18.76%	+2.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.48%	-24.50%	-0.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.71%	-33.79%	+1.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	-1.36%	+0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.76%	-3.79%	-0.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.96%	-0.02%

Volatility

PLTNX vs. FXAIX - Volatility Comparison

Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund (PLTNX) has a higher volatility of 5.13% compared to Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) at 4.77%. This indicates that PLTNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FXAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLTNX	FXAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	4.77%	+0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.49%	9.91%	+0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.72%	12.47%	+0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.61%	17.01%	-1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.89%	18.11%	-2.22%

PLTNX vs. FXAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLTNX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than FXAIX's 0.02% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

PLTNX vs. FXAIX - Dividend Comparison

PLTNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.14%, more than FXAIX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	1.04%	1.11%	1.25%	1.45%	1.69%	1.22%	1.60%	2.06%	2.72%	1.97%	2.52%	2.83%
PLTNX Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund	4.14%	4.59%	4.40%	2.84%	9.11%	4.23%	3.11%	3.47%	4.68%	2.21%	1.99%	1.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLTNX and FXAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PLTNX and FXAIX 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.

Which is riskier, PLTNX or FXAIX?

PLTNX has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to FXAIX (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLTNX dropped -32.71% vs FXAIX's -33.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 2.12), 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.