RNPGX vs. PMDIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

RNPGX (American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R-6) and PMDIX (Principal Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund) are both mutual funds - RNPGX is a Global Equities fund managed by American Funds, while PMDIX is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, RNPGX returned 14.11%/yr vs 10.49%/yr for PMDIX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RNPGX charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PMDIX.

Performance

RNPGX vs. PMDIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R-6 (RNPGX) and Principal Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund (PMDIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RNPGX achieves a 4.58% return, which is significantly lower than PMDIX's 16.15% return. Over the past 10 years, RNPGX has outperformed PMDIX with an annualized return of 14.11%, while PMDIX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.49% annualized return.

RNPGX

• 1D: -1.90%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 4.58%
• 6M: 3.82%
• 1Y: 15.13%
• 3Y*: 17.51%
• 5Y*: 8.07%
• 10Y*: 14.11%

PMDIX

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 3.73%
• YTD: 16.15%
• 6M: 14.15%
• 1Y: 25.53%
• 3Y*: 18.33%
• 5Y*: 10.74%
• 10Y*: 10.49%

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

RNPGX vs. PMDIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RNPGX American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R-6	4.58%	21.71%	17.13%	25.06%	-25.70%	18.00%	33.88%	31.22%	-5.71%	29.31%
PMDIX Principal Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund	16.15%	8.63%	14.56%	18.81%	-11.66%	30.41%	-6.40%	25.38%	-13.80%	13.30%

Correlation

The correlation between RNPGX and PMDIX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2011	0.76

The correlation between RNPGX and PMDIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.76 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RNPGX vs. PMDIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RNPGX

RNPGX Risk / Return Rank: 22
RNPGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
RNPGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
RNPGX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
RNPGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
RNPGX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

PMDIX

PMDIX Risk / Return Rank: 48
PMDIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
PMDIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
PMDIX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
PMDIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
PMDIX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

RNPGX vs. PMDIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R-6 (RNPGX) and Principal Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund (PMDIX). 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.

	RNPGX	PMDIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	1.77	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.69	2.68	-0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.31	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.48	2.52	-1.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.11	9.25	-3.14

RNPGX vs. PMDIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RNPGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is lower than the PMDIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RNPGX and PMDIX, 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

RNPGX vs. PMDIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RNPGX drawdown since its inception was -34.25%, smaller than the maximum PMDIX drawdown of -46.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RNPGX and PMDIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RNPGX	PMDIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.25%	-46.47%	+12.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.44%	-10.55%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.90%	-21.36%	+3.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.25%	-21.36%	-12.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.25%	-46.47%	+12.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.72%	-0.92%	-1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.54%	-5.28%	-0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	2.87%	-0.11%

Volatility

RNPGX vs. PMDIX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R-6 (RNPGX) has a higher volatility of 6.09% compared to Principal Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund (PMDIX) at 4.48%. This indicates that RNPGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PMDIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RNPGX	PMDIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.09%	4.48%	+1.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	11.14%	+0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.44%	15.04%	-0.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.38%	18.78%	-1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.82%	20.25%	-2.43%

RNPGX vs. PMDIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RNPGX has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than PMDIX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

RNPGX vs. PMDIX - Dividend Comparison

RNPGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.57%, more than PMDIX's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PMDIX Principal Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund	2.71%	3.14%	7.99%	2.37%	6.95%	0.98%	1.37%	2.82%	17.83%	5.77%	2.84%	4.78%
RNPGX American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R-6	6.57%	6.87%	5.45%	5.67%	4.53%	7.31%	4.41%	4.47%	7.95%	5.80%	4.20%	6.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RNPGX and PMDIX in my portfolio?

RNPGX and PMDIX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RNPGX or PMDIX?

RNPGX has higher volatility (6.09%) compared to PMDIX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RNPGX dropped -34.25% vs PMDIX's -46.47%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PMDIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.17), 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.