SCHD vs. PLFMX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) and PLFMX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund) are both funds - SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, while PLFMX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHD returned 12.91%/yr vs 14.77%/yr for PLFMX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCHD charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for PLFMX.

Performance

SCHD vs. PLFMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHD achieves a 20.66% return, which is significantly higher than PLFMX's 8.29% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHD has underperformed PLFMX with an annualized return of 12.91%, while PLFMX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.77% annualized return.

SCHD

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 20.66%
• 6M: 19.57%
• 1Y: 26.16%
• 3Y*: 14.90%
• 5Y*: 8.75%
• 10Y*: 12.91%

PLFMX

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 8.29%
• 6M: 8.63%
• 1Y: 23.03%
• 3Y*: 20.84%
• 5Y*: 12.86%
• 10Y*: 14.77%

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

SCHD vs. PLFMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	20.66%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	8.29%	17.10%	26.06%	25.27%	-18.67%	27.57%	17.46%	30.58%	-5.14%	20.96%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHD and PLFMX is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2011	0.81

Over the past year, the correlation between SCHD and PLFMX has dropped to 0.35 - well below their long-term average of 0.81, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

SCHD vs. PLFMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 87
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 81

PLFMX

PLFMX Risk / Return Rank: 65
PLFMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
PLFMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PLFMX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
PLFMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PLFMX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

SCHD vs. PLFMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX). 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.

	SCHD	PLFMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	1.91	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.72	2.59	+1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.35	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.70	2.62	+3.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.97	11.86	+2.10

SCHD vs. PLFMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHD Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is comparable to the PLFMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHD and PLFMX, 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

SCHD vs. PLFMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHD drawdown since its inception was -33.37%, smaller than the maximum PLFMX drawdown of -55.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHD and PLFMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHD	PLFMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.37%	-55.62%	+22.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-9.00%	+4.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.13%	-18.83%	+2.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.85%	-24.91%	+8.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.37%	-33.80%	+0.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-2.79%	+2.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.31%	-9.99%	+6.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	1.99%	-0.10%

Volatility

SCHD vs. PLFMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is 3.05%, while Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) has a volatility of 4.44%. This indicates that SCHD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PLFMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHD	PLFMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.05%	4.44%	-1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.53%	9.72%	-2.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.93%	12.37%	-1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.38%	16.99%	-2.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.72%	17.52%	-0.80%

SCHD vs. PLFMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHD has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than PLFMX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHD vs. PLFMX - Dividend Comparison

SCHD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than PLFMX's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	2.22%	2.41%	3.77%	3.62%	2.28%	13.02%	7.02%	3.28%	6.80%	6.44%	2.66%	2.07%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.22%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHD and PLFMX in my portfolio?

SCHD and PLFMX have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHD or PLFMX?

PLFMX has higher volatility (4.44%) compared to SCHD (3.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHD dropped -33.37% vs PLFMX's -55.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.91), 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.