PSBMX vs. AUERX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PSBMX (Principal SmallCap Fund) and AUERX (Auer Growth Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PSBMX returned 10.33%/yr vs 15.55%/yr for AUERX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSBMX charges 1.31%/yr vs 2.37%/yr for AUERX.

Performance

PSBMX vs. AUERX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal SmallCap Fund (PSBMX) and Auer Growth Fund (AUERX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSBMX achieves a 15.59% return, which is significantly higher than AUERX's 13.71% return. Over the past 10 years, PSBMX has underperformed AUERX with an annualized return of 10.33%, while AUERX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.55% annualized return.

PSBMX

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 1.27%
• 6M: 11.58%
• YTD: 15.59%
• 1Y: 29.78%
• 3Y*: 13.84%
• 5Y*: 5.73%
• 10Y*: 10.33%

AUERX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -1.99%
• 6M: 11.99%
• YTD: 13.71%
• 1Y: 37.43%
• 3Y*: 23.15%
• 5Y*: 20.30%
• 10Y*: 15.55%

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

PSBMX vs. AUERX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSBMX Principal SmallCap Fund	15.59%	14.58%	8.53%	15.11%	-20.51%	19.21%	21.44%	26.97%	-11.42%	12.35%
AUERX Auer Growth Fund	13.71%	30.10%	11.12%	21.42%	9.95%	45.11%	-1.85%	27.96%	-25.63%	28.75%

Correlation

The correlation between PSBMX and AUERX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 26, 2007	0.84

The correlation between PSBMX and AUERX shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (1 year) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PSBMX vs. AUERX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSBMX

PSBMX Risk / Return Rank: 54
PSBMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
PSBMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
PSBMX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
PSBMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
PSBMX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

AUERX

AUERX Risk / Return Rank: 85
AUERX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
AUERX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
AUERX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
AUERX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
AUERX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PSBMX vs. AUERX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal SmallCap Fund (PSBMX) and Auer Growth Fund (AUERX). 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.

	PSBMX	AUERX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	2.23	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.93	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.39	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.39	3.69	-1.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.33	14.64	-5.30

PSBMX vs. AUERX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSBMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the AUERX Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSBMX and AUERX, 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

PSBMX vs. AUERX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSBMX drawdown since its inception was -60.15%, smaller than the maximum AUERX drawdown of -67.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSBMX and AUERX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSBMX	AUERX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.15%	-67.23%	+7.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.10%	-10.06%	-2.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.13%	-34.80%	+9.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.32%	-34.80%	+3.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.04%	-51.89%	+9.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-3.22%	+0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.75%	-24.75%	+14.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	2.53%	+0.57%

Volatility

PSBMX vs. AUERX - Volatility Comparison

Principal SmallCap Fund (PSBMX) has a higher volatility of 5.20% compared to Auer Growth Fund (AUERX) at 4.47%. This indicates that PSBMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AUERX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSBMX	AUERX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.20%	4.47%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.11%	12.48%	+1.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.15%	16.66%	+1.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.08%	24.81%	-2.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.35%	24.34%	-1.99%

PSBMX vs. AUERX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSBMX has a 1.31% expense ratio, which is lower than AUERX's 2.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSBMX vs. AUERX - Dividend Comparison

PSBMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.83%, less than AUERX's 10.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AUERX Auer Growth Fund	10.02%	11.39%	24.55%	4.54%	5.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PSBMX Principal SmallCap Fund	4.83%	5.58%	3.66%	2.91%	0.00%	7.82%	2.28%	5.83%	16.72%	8.65%	2.29%	3.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSBMX and AUERX in my portfolio?

PSBMX and AUERX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSBMX or AUERX?

PSBMX has higher volatility (5.20%) compared to AUERX (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSBMX dropped -60.15% vs AUERX's -67.23%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AUERX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 1.60), 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.