SMTRX vs. PBMPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMTRX (ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund) and PBMPX (Principal Core Plus Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMTRX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for PBMPX.

Performance

SMTRX vs. PBMPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX) and Principal Core Plus Bond Fund (PBMPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SMTRX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBMPX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.73%
• YTD: 0.19%
• 6M: 0.28%
• 1Y: 4.24%
• 3Y*: 3.67%
• 5Y*: -0.51%
• 10Y*: 1.64%

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

SMTRX vs. PBMPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.00%
PBMPX Principal Core Plus Bond Fund	0.34%

Correlation

The correlation between SMTRX and PBMPX is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2026	0.88

Return for Risk

SMTRX vs. PBMPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMTRX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

PBMPX

PBMPX Risk / Return Rank: 18
PBMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
PBMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
PBMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
PBMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
PBMPX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

SMTRX vs. PBMPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX) and Principal Core Plus Bond Fund (PBMPX). 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.

	SMTRX	PBMPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.13	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.64	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.21	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.42	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.38	—

Drawdowns

SMTRX vs. PBMPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMTRX drawdown since its inception was -0.62%, smaller than the maximum PBMPX drawdown of -19.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMTRX and PBMPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMTRX	PBMPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.62%	-19.69%	+19.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.16%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-7.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.48%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-3.88%	+3.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-3.46%	+3.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.02%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMTRX	PBMPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.16%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.11%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.64%	3.99%	-0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.64%	5.89%	-2.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.64%	4.83%	-1.19%

SMTRX vs. PBMPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMTRX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than PBMPX's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMTRX vs. PBMPX - Dividend Comparison

SMTRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than PBMPX's 4.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PBMPX Principal Core Plus Bond Fund	4.20%	4.42%	4.10%	3.04%	2.06%	3.12%	7.16%	3.44%	3.36%	2.78%	2.30%	2.21%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMTRX and PBMPX in my portfolio?

SMTRX and PBMPX have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.