PMBMX vs. VNQ
PMBMX (Principal MidCap Fund) and VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) are both funds - PMBMX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Principal, while VNQ is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. Over the past 10 years, PMBMX returned 11.86%/yr vs 5.46%/yr for VNQ. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMBMX charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VNQ.
Performance
PMBMX vs. VNQ - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PMBMX achieves a -6.62% return, which is significantly lower than VNQ's 11.98% return. Over the past 10 years, PMBMX has outperformed VNQ with an annualized return of 11.86%, while VNQ has yielded a comparatively lower 5.46% annualized return.
PMBMX
- 1D
- 0.75%
- 1M
- 2.57%
- YTD
- -6.62%
- 6M
- -8.15%
- 1Y
- -8.56%
- 3Y*
- 9.44%
- 5Y*
- 4.11%
- 10Y*
- 11.86%
VNQ
- 1D
- 0.19%
- 1M
- 0.85%
- YTD
- 11.98%
- 6M
- 11.64%
- 1Y
- 14.26%
- 3Y*
- 10.52%
- 5Y*
- 2.74%
- 10Y*
- 5.46%
PMBMX vs. VNQ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PMBMX Principal MidCap Fund | -6.62% | 1.16% | 23.38% | 25.36% | -23.52% | 24.63% | 17.69% | 49.09% | -7.28% | 24.73% |
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF | 11.98% | 3.24% | 4.81% | 11.85% | -26.25% | 40.54% | -4.61% | 28.91% | -6.03% | 4.90% |
Correlation
The correlation between PMBMX and VNQ is 0.52, 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 | 0.52 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.63 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.69 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.64 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2004 | 0.67 |
The correlation between PMBMX and VNQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.52 (1 year) to 0.69 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
PMBMX vs. VNQ — Risk / Return Rank
PMBMX
VNQ
PMBMX vs. VNQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal MidCap Fund (PMBMX) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). 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.
| PMBMX | VNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.72 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.38 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 0.91 | 1.19 | -0.28 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.49 | 1.72 | -2.21 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -1.02 | 5.42 | -6.44 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
PMBMX vs. VNQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PMBMX drawdown since its inception was -50.69%, smaller than the maximum VNQ drawdown of -73.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMBMX and VNQ.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| PMBMX | VNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -50.69% | -73.07% | +22.38% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -19.53% | -8.34% | -11.19% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.53% | -17.46% | -2.07% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -31.48% | -34.48% | +3.00% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -40.60% | -42.40% | +1.80% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -12.87% | -0.47% | -12.40% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.74% | -13.59% | +6.85% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 9.42% | 2.64% | +6.78% |
Volatility
PMBMX vs. VNQ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Principal MidCap Fund (PMBMX) is 4.46%, while Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has a volatility of 5.18%. This indicates that PMBMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| PMBMX | VNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.46% | 5.18% | -0.72% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.69% | 10.18% | +1.51% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.64% | 13.76% | +0.88% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.71% | 18.86% | -0.15% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.16% | 20.74% | -1.58% |
PMBMX vs. VNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison
PMBMX has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VNQ's 0.13% expense ratio.
Dividends
PMBMX vs. VNQ - Dividend Comparison
PMBMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.86%, more than VNQ's 4.47% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PMBMX Principal MidCap Fund | 6.86% | 6.41% | 6.86% | 2.68% | 3.43% | 8.51% | 1.15% | 9.00% | 12.79% | 3.39% | 2.16% | 6.38% |
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF | 4.47% | 3.92% | 3.85% | 3.95% | 3.91% | 2.56% | 3.93% | 3.39% | 4.74% | 4.23% | 4.82% | 3.92% |
Frequently Asked Questions
PMBMX and VNQ have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VNQ has higher volatility (5.18%) compared to PMBMX (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PMBMX dropped -50.69% vs VNQ's -73.07%.
VNQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.06 vs -0.66), 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.
Find the right allocation for PMBMX and VNQ
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer