SWBRX vs. PLWIX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

SWBRX (Schwab Target 2010 Fund) and PLWIX (Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, SWBRX returned 5.61%/yr vs 7.12%/yr for PLWIX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SWBRX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PLWIX.

Performance

SWBRX vs. PLWIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Target 2010 Fund (SWBRX) and Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund (PLWIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWBRX achieves a 3.45% return, which is significantly lower than PLWIX's 3.71% return. Over the past 10 years, SWBRX has underperformed PLWIX with an annualized return of 5.61%, while PLWIX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.12% annualized return.

SWBRX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: -0.14%
• 6M: 2.45%
• YTD: 3.45%
• 1Y: 9.08%
• 3Y*: 8.69%
• 5Y*: 3.87%
• 10Y*: 5.61%

PLWIX

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -0.24%
• 6M: 2.44%
• YTD: 3.71%
• 1Y: 9.17%
• 3Y*: 10.51%
• 5Y*: 4.91%
• 10Y*: 7.12%

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

SWBRX vs. PLWIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWBRX Schwab Target 2010 Fund	3.45%	11.25%	7.36%	11.82%	-14.21%	6.98%	11.19%	14.52%	-3.45%	10.24%
PLWIX Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund	3.71%	11.32%	12.21%	12.23%	-14.36%	9.05%	12.70%	18.40%	-5.72%	14.96%

Correlation

The correlation between SWBRX and PLWIX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2005	0.95

The correlation between SWBRX and PLWIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SWBRX vs. PLWIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWBRX

SWBRX Risk / Return Rank: 56
SWBRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SWBRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SWBRX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SWBRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SWBRX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

PLWIX

PLWIX Risk / Return Rank: 45
PLWIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PLWIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
PLWIX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
PLWIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
PLWIX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

SWBRX vs. PLWIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Target 2010 Fund (SWBRX) and Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund (PLWIX). 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.

	SWBRX	PLWIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.46	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.10	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.27	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	1.94	+0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.16	8.43	+0.73

SWBRX vs. PLWIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWBRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the PLWIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWBRX and PLWIX, 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

SWBRX vs. PLWIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWBRX drawdown since its inception was -37.52%, smaller than the maximum PLWIX drawdown of -49.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWBRX and PLWIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWBRX	PLWIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.52%	-49.07%	+11.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.39%	-4.75%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.55%	-6.97%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.40%	-19.73%	-2.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.40%	-20.29%	-2.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.95%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.20%	-5.70%	+0.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	1.09%	-0.09%

Volatility

SWBRX vs. PLWIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Target 2010 Fund (SWBRX) is 1.86%, while Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund (PLWIX) has a volatility of 2.20%. This indicates that SWBRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PLWIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWBRX	PLWIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.86%	2.20%	-0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.60%	5.33%	-0.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.53%	6.31%	-0.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.84%	8.30%	+0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.68%	8.51%	-0.83%

SWBRX vs. PLWIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWBRX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than PLWIX's 0.01% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SWBRX vs. PLWIX - Dividend Comparison

SWBRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.28%, less than PLWIX's 9.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLWIX Principal LifeTime 2020 Fund	9.72%	10.08%	11.91%	5.12%	9.82%	9.40%	5.90%	8.69%	7.35%	5.74%	3.73%	8.75%
SWBRX Schwab Target 2010 Fund	7.28%	7.53%	6.88%	4.35%	4.59%	4.86%	2.64%	4.91%	6.25%	2.22%	1.79%	1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWBRX and PLWIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, SWBRX and PLWIX 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, SWBRX or PLWIX?

PLWIX has higher volatility (2.20%) compared to SWBRX (1.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWBRX dropped -37.52% vs PLWIX's -49.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWBRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.46), 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.