PMAQX vs. PLSAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PMAQX (Principal MidCap R6) and PLSAX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A) are both mutual funds - PMAQX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Principal Funds, while PLSAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 5 years, PMAQX returned 4.62%/yr vs 13.04%/yr for PLSAX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PMAQX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for PLSAX.

Performance

PMAQX vs. PLSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal MidCap R6 (PMAQX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A (PLSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMAQX achieves a -7.06% return, which is significantly lower than PLSAX's 8.07% return.

PMAQX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 2.49%
• YTD: -7.06%
• 6M: -8.57%
• 1Y: -9.78%
• 3Y*: 9.67%
• 5Y*: 4.62%
• 10Y*: —

PLSAX

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -1.38%
• YTD: 8.07%
• 6M: 6.71%
• 1Y: 21.98%
• 3Y*: 21.00%
• 5Y*: 13.04%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

PMAQX vs. PLSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PMAQX Principal MidCap R6	-7.06%	1.71%	23.74%	26.02%	-23.09%	25.29%	18.38%	49.59%	-6.79%	24.68%
PLSAX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A	8.07%	17.50%	26.46%	25.70%	-18.41%	27.93%	17.85%	30.97%	-4.93%	21.23%

Correlation

The correlation between PMAQX and PLSAX is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.86

Over the past year, the correlation between PMAQX and PLSAX has dropped to 0.65 - well below their long-term average of 0.86, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PMAQX vs. PLSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMAQX

PMAQX Risk / Return Rank: 1
PMAQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
PMAQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
PMAQX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
PMAQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
PMAQX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

PLSAX

PLSAX Risk / Return Rank: 52
PLSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
PLSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
PLSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
PLSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
PLSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

PMAQX vs. PLSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal MidCap R6 (PMAQX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A (PLSAX). 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.

	PMAQX	PLSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.62	1.88	-2.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.80	2.56	-3.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.34	-0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.47	2.63	-3.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.98	11.78	-12.76

PMAQX vs. PLSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PMAQX Sharpe Ratio is -0.62, which is lower than the PLSAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PMAQX and PLSAX, 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

PMAQX vs. PLSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMAQX drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, smaller than the maximum PLSAX drawdown of -55.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMAQX and PLSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMAQX	PLSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-55.67%	+15.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.25%	-8.94%	-10.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.25%	-18.78%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.10%	-24.69%	-6.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.11%	-3.16%	-9.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.85%	-10.13%	+3.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.17%	1.99%	+7.18%

Volatility

PMAQX vs. PLSAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal MidCap R6 (PMAQX) is 4.42%, while Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A (PLSAX) has a volatility of 4.88%. This indicates that PMAQX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PLSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PMAQX	PLSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	4.88%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.67%	9.91%	+1.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.65%	12.54%	+2.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.69%	17.02%	+1.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.46%	17.52%	+1.94%

PMAQX vs. PLSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMAQX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than PLSAX's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMAQX vs. PLSAX - Dividend Comparison

PMAQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.24%, more than PLSAX's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLSAX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A	2.55%	2.75%	4.07%	3.90%	2.70%	13.38%	7.35%	3.57%	7.19%	6.72%	2.93%	2.36%
PMAQX Principal MidCap R6	6.24%	5.80%	6.46%	2.58%	3.18%	7.96%	1.08%	9.14%	12.39%	3.39%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMAQX and PLSAX in my portfolio?

PMAQX and PLSAX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PMAQX or PLSAX?

PLSAX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to PMAQX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PMAQX dropped -40.56% vs PLSAX's -55.67%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs -0.62), 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.