SWYMX vs. PPLIX
SWYMX (Schwab Target 2050 Index Fund) and PPLIX (Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 5 years, SWYMX returned 9.40%/yr vs 8.96%/yr for PPLIX. Their 0.97 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. SWYMX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for PPLIX.
Performance
SWYMX vs. PPLIX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, SWYMX achieves a 10.70% return, which is significantly higher than PPLIX's 8.51% return.
SWYMX
- 1D
- 1.69%
- 1M
- -0.41%
- 6M
- 7.73%
- YTD
- 10.70%
- 1Y
- 21.61%
- 3Y*
- 16.31%
- 5Y*
- 9.40%
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 11.30%
PPLIX
- 1D
- 1.66%
- 1M
- 0.41%
- 6M
- 5.71%
- YTD
- 8.51%
- 1Y
- 17.70%
- 3Y*
- 16.52%
- 5Y*
- 8.96%
- 10Y*
- 11.26%
- ALL TIME*
- 7.57%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
SWYMX vs. PPLIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SWYMX Schwab Target 2050 Index Fund | 10.70% | 19.42% | 14.24% | 20.92% | -17.65% | 17.80% | 14.66% | 25.34% | -7.58% | 20.48% |
PPLIX Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund | 8.51% | 17.55% | 19.12% | 20.36% | -18.78% | 17.04% | 16.56% | 26.67% | -8.74% | 22.12% |
Correlation
The correlation between SWYMX and PPLIX is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.96 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2016 | 0.97 |
The correlation between SWYMX and PPLIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
SWYMX vs. PPLIX — Risk / Return Rank
SWYMX
PPLIX
SWYMX vs. PPLIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Target 2050 Index Fund (SWYMX) and Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund (PPLIX). 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.
| SWYMX | PPLIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.38 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.49 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.23 | +0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.32 | 1.83 | +0.49 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.96 | 7.85 | +2.11 |
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Drawdowns
SWYMX vs. PPLIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SWYMX drawdown since its inception was -30.48%, smaller than the maximum PPLIX drawdown of -55.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWYMX and PPLIX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| SWYMX | PPLIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -30.48% | -55.61% | +25.13% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.55% | -8.57% | +0.02% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.95% | -15.59% | +0.64% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.37% | -26.85% | +1.48% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -32.67% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.31% | -0.86% | -0.45% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.45% | -8.26% | +3.81% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.99% | 2.00% | -0.01% |
Volatility
SWYMX vs. PPLIX - Volatility Comparison
Schwab Target 2050 Index Fund (SWYMX) and Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund (PPLIX) have volatilities of 3.33% and 3.39%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| SWYMX | PPLIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.33% | 3.39% | -0.06% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.08% | 10.35% | -0.27% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.19% | 12.57% | -0.38% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.85% | 15.60% | -0.75% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 15.60% | 15.55% | +0.05% |
SWYMX vs. PPLIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
SWYMX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than PPLIX's 0.01% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
SWYMX vs. PPLIX - Dividend Comparison
SWYMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.81%, less than PPLIX's 9.17% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PPLIX Principal LifeTime 2050 Fund | 9.17% | 9.95% | 11.56% | 4.41% | 9.40% | 8.04% | 5.23% | 7.16% | 8.64% | 5.12% | 4.82% | 6.07% |
SWYMX Schwab Target 2050 Index Fund | 1.81% | 2.00% | 2.03% | 1.99% | 1.96% | 1.78% | 1.65% | 1.96% | 2.15% | 1.43% | 1.22% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, SWYMX and PPLIX 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.
PPLIX has higher volatility (3.39%) compared to SWYMX (3.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWYMX dropped -30.48% vs PPLIX's -55.61%.
SWYMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 1.25), 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.
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