SNXFX vs. PLSAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SNXFX (Schwab 1000 Index Fund) and PLSAX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A) are both mutual funds - SNXFX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Schwab 1000 Index, while PLSAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SNXFX returned 15.29%/yr vs 15.31%/yr for PLSAX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SNXFX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for PLSAX.

Performance

SNXFX vs. PLSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab 1000 Index Fund (SNXFX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A (PLSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SNXFX achieves a 8.59% return, which is significantly higher than PLSAX's 8.07% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SNXFX having a 15.29% annualized return and PLSAX not far ahead at 15.31%.

SNXFX

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: -0.94%
• YTD: 8.59%
• 6M: 7.12%
• 1Y: 22.22%
• 3Y*: 20.75%
• 5Y*: 12.32%
• 10Y*: 15.29%

PLSAX

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -1.38%
• YTD: 8.07%
• 6M: 6.71%
• 1Y: 21.98%
• 3Y*: 21.00%
• 5Y*: 13.04%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

SNXFX vs. PLSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SNXFX Schwab 1000 Index Fund	8.59%	17.23%	24.46%	26.53%	-19.46%	26.10%	20.71%	31.43%	-5.04%	21.71%
PLSAX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A	8.07%	17.50%	26.46%	25.70%	-18.41%	27.93%	17.85%	30.97%	-4.93%	21.23%

Correlation

The correlation between SNXFX and PLSAX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2001	0.99

The correlation between SNXFX and PLSAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SNXFX vs. PLSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SNXFX

SNXFX Risk / Return Rank: 50
SNXFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SNXFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SNXFX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
SNXFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SNXFX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

PLSAX

PLSAX Risk / Return Rank: 52
PLSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
PLSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
PLSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
PLSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
PLSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

SNXFX vs. PLSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab 1000 Index Fund (SNXFX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A (PLSAX). 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.

	SNXFX	PLSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	1.88	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	2.56	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.34	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	2.63	+0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.81	11.78	+0.02

SNXFX vs. PLSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SNXFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the PLSAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SNXFX and PLSAX, 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

SNXFX vs. PLSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SNXFX drawdown since its inception was -55.08%, roughly equal to the maximum PLSAX drawdown of -55.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SNXFX and PLSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SNXFX	PLSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.08%	-55.67%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-8.94%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	-18.78%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-24.69%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.58%	-33.79%	-0.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.95%	-3.16%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.75%	-10.13%	+1.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	1.99%	+0.02%

Volatility

SNXFX vs. PLSAX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab 1000 Index Fund (SNXFX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A (PLSAX) have volatilities of 5.03% and 4.88%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SNXFX	PLSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.03%	4.88%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.11%	9.91%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.85%	12.54%	+0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.42%	17.02%	+0.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.75%	17.52%	+1.23%

SNXFX vs. PLSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SNXFX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than PLSAX's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

SNXFX vs. PLSAX - Dividend Comparison

SNXFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than PLSAX's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLSAX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund Class A	2.55%	2.75%	4.07%	3.90%	2.70%	13.38%	7.35%	3.57%	7.19%	6.72%	2.93%	2.36%
SNXFX Schwab 1000 Index Fund	1.34%	1.45%	1.23%	1.41%	1.61%	1.74%	2.76%	3.01%	6.49%	4.23%	3.41%	6.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SNXFX and PLSAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, SNXFX and PLSAX 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, SNXFX or PLSAX?

SNXFX has higher volatility (5.03%) compared to PLSAX (4.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SNXFX dropped -55.08% vs PLSAX's -55.67%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.85), 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.