PMFMX vs. PLGIX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PMFMX (Principal MidCap S&P 400 Index Fund) and PLGIX (Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I) are both mutual funds - PMFMX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Principal, while PLGIX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, PMFMX returned 12.36%/yr vs 20.00%/yr for PLGIX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PMFMX charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.67%/yr for PLGIX.

Performance

PMFMX vs. PLGIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal MidCap S&P 400 Index Fund (PMFMX) and Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMFMX achieves a 14.94% return, which is significantly higher than PLGIX's -0.69% return. Over the past 10 years, PMFMX has underperformed PLGIX with an annualized return of 12.36%, while PLGIX has yielded a comparatively higher 20.00% annualized return.

PMFMX

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 1.70%
• YTD: 14.94%
• 6M: 12.68%
• 1Y: 24.93%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 10.47%
• 10Y*: 12.36%

PLGIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -3.86%
• YTD: -0.69%
• 6M: -1.79%
• 1Y: 5.70%
• 3Y*: 31.72%
• 5Y*: 14.89%
• 10Y*: 20.00%

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

PMFMX vs. PLGIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PMFMX Principal MidCap S&P 400 Index Fund	14.94%	6.77%	28.52%	15.61%	-13.60%	23.61%	12.90%	25.34%	-11.89%	15.35%
PLGIX Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I	-0.69%	11.59%	83.01%	40.40%	-34.05%	21.49%	36.06%	34.89%	3.44%	33.67%

Correlation

The correlation between PMFMX and PLGIX is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2000	0.84

Over the past year, the correlation between PMFMX and PLGIX has dropped to 0.61 - well below their long-term average of 0.84, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PMFMX vs. PLGIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMFMX

PMFMX Risk / Return Rank: 50
PMFMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
PMFMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
PMFMX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
PMFMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PMFMX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

PLGIX

PLGIX Risk / Return Rank: 6
PLGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
PLGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
PLGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
PLGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
PLGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

PMFMX vs. PLGIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal MidCap S&P 400 Index Fund (PMFMX) and Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX). 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.

	PMFMX	PLGIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	0.37	+1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	0.61	+1.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.08	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	0.32	+2.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.83	0.98	+8.85

PMFMX vs. PLGIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PMFMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is higher than the PLGIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PMFMX and PLGIX, 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

PMFMX vs. PLGIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMFMX drawdown since its inception was -55.43%, roughly equal to the maximum PLGIX drawdown of -55.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMFMX and PLGIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMFMX	PLGIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.43%	-55.43%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.89%	-18.32%	+9.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.09%	-21.39%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.08%	-40.63%	+16.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.02%	-40.63%	-1.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.50%	-6.68%	+6.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.80%	-13.23%	+5.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	6.03%	-3.59%

Volatility

PMFMX vs. PLGIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal MidCap S&P 400 Index Fund (PMFMX) is 4.70%, while Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I (PLGIX) has a volatility of 6.41%. This indicates that PMFMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PLGIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PMFMX	PLGIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.70%	6.41%	-1.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.71%	13.10%	-1.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.71%	16.16%	-0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.59%	30.22%	-9.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	25.46%	-4.48%

PMFMX vs. PLGIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMFMX has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than PLGIX's 0.67% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMFMX vs. PLGIX - Dividend Comparison

PMFMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.13%, less than PLGIX's 14.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLGIX Principal LargeCap Growth Fund I	14.55%	14.45%	63.77%	5.99%	11.57%	11.34%	7.03%	8.01%	16.41%	7.05%	4.64%	12.51%
PMFMX Principal MidCap S&P 400 Index Fund	7.13%	8.20%	25.27%	3.11%	6.69%	7.76%	6.63%	5.52%	10.65%	6.61%	5.85%	7.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMFMX and PLGIX in my portfolio?

PMFMX and PLGIX have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PMFMX or PLGIX?

PLGIX has higher volatility (6.41%) compared to PMFMX (4.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PMFMX dropped -55.43% vs PLGIX's -55.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PMFMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 0.37), 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.