PPQZX vs. FQLSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PPQZX (PIMCO RealPath Blend 2050 Fund) and FQLSX (Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2055 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 5 years, PPQZX returned 10.27%/yr vs 11.34%/yr for FQLSX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PPQZX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for FQLSX.

Performance

PPQZX vs. FQLSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RealPath Blend 2050 Fund (PPQZX) and Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2055 Fund (FQLSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PPQZX achieves a 12.28% return, which is significantly lower than FQLSX's 14.07% return.

PPQZX

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 12.28%
• 6M: 13.13%
• 1Y: 27.90%
• 3Y*: 19.10%
• 5Y*: 10.27%
• 10Y*: 11.63%

FQLSX

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 5.43%
• YTD: 14.07%
• 6M: 15.67%
• 1Y: 31.25%
• 3Y*: 22.00%
• 5Y*: 11.34%
• 10Y*: —

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

PPQZX vs. FQLSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PPQZX PIMCO RealPath Blend 2050 Fund	12.28%	20.62%	13.93%	19.69%	-17.27%	18.50%	13.70%	25.09%	-7.75%	9.79%
FQLSX Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2055 Fund	14.07%	22.80%	18.08%	21.04%	-18.58%	16.89%	18.43%	25.96%	-8.31%	10.12%

Correlation

The correlation between PPQZX and FQLSX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2017	0.98

The correlation between PPQZX and FQLSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PPQZX vs. FQLSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PPQZX

PPQZX Risk / Return Rank: 75
PPQZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
PPQZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
PPQZX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
PPQZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
PPQZX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

FQLSX

FQLSX Risk / Return Rank: 74
FQLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FQLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FQLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
FQLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FQLSX 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.

PPQZX vs. FQLSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RealPath Blend 2050 Fund (PPQZX) and Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2055 Fund (FQLSX). 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.

	PPQZX	FQLSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.59	2.54	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	3.50	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.47	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.25	3.36	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.65	14.85	-0.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PPQZX vs. FQLSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PPQZX Sharpe Ratio is 2.59, which is comparable to the FQLSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PPQZX and FQLSX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PPQZX	FQLSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.59	2.54	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	0.75	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.78	-0.08

Drawdowns

PPQZX vs. FQLSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PPQZX drawdown since its inception was -31.59%, roughly equal to the maximum FQLSX drawdown of -31.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PPQZX and FQLSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PPQZX	FQLSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.59%	-31.26%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.74%	-9.48%	+0.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.46%	-15.37%	+0.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.57%	-27.41%	+1.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.59%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.66%	-5.43%	+0.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	2.14%	-0.21%

Volatility

PPQZX vs. FQLSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PIMCO RealPath Blend 2050 Fund (PPQZX) is 3.28%, while Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2055 Fund (FQLSX) has a volatility of 4.13%. This indicates that PPQZX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FQLSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PPQZX	FQLSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	4.13%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.70%	10.29%	-1.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.95%	12.54%	-1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.15%	15.12%	-0.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.80%	16.08%	-1.28%

PPQZX vs. FQLSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PPQZX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than FQLSX's 0.00% 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

PPQZX vs. FQLSX - Dividend Comparison

PPQZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.55%, less than FQLSX's 4.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FQLSX Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2055 Fund	4.59%	3.32%	7.20%	2.08%	5.79%	8.05%	5.76%	7.02%	8.18%	3.10%	0.00%	0.00%
PPQZX PIMCO RealPath Blend 2050 Fund	3.55%	3.82%	4.55%	2.29%	2.43%	5.31%	1.28%	3.79%	6.75%	2.09%	2.40%	2.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PPQZX and FQLSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, PPQZX and FQLSX 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, PPQZX or FQLSX?

FQLSX has higher volatility (4.13%) compared to PPQZX (3.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PPQZX dropped -31.59% vs FQLSX's -31.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PPQZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 2.54), 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.