TWSAX vs. PRPFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TWSAX (American Century Strategic Allocation: Aggressive Fund) and PRPFX (Permanent Portfolio Class I) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, TWSAX returned 10.62%/yr vs 10.50%/yr for PRPFX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TWSAX charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.81%/yr for PRPFX.

Performance

TWSAX vs. PRPFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Strategic Allocation: Aggressive Fund (TWSAX) and Permanent Portfolio Class I (PRPFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TWSAX achieves a 7.75% return, which is significantly higher than PRPFX's 2.90% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with TWSAX having a 10.62% annualized return and PRPFX not far behind at 10.50%.

TWSAX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 7.75%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 18.23%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

PRPFX

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -2.95%
• YTD: 2.90%
• 6M: 1.48%
• 1Y: 17.94%
• 3Y*: 20.08%
• 5Y*: 11.10%
• 10Y*: 10.50%

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

TWSAX vs. PRPFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TWSAX American Century Strategic Allocation: Aggressive Fund	7.75%	15.87%	13.12%	15.28%	-15.47%	14.92%	18.37%	24.38%	-6.59%	19.22%
PRPFX Permanent Portfolio Class I	2.90%	28.78%	19.36%	11.96%	-5.48%	10.87%	18.80%	19.20%	-7.02%	11.42%

Correlation

The correlation between TWSAX and PRPFX is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 1996	0.67

The correlation between TWSAX and PRPFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.74 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

TWSAX vs. PRPFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TWSAX

TWSAX Risk / Return Rank: 44
TWSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
TWSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
TWSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
TWSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
TWSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

PRPFX

PRPFX Risk / Return Rank: 29
PRPFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
PRPFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
PRPFX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
PRPFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
PRPFX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

TWSAX vs. PRPFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Strategic Allocation: Aggressive Fund (TWSAX) and Permanent Portfolio Class I (PRPFX). 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.

	TWSAX	PRPFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.43	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	1.79	+0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.29	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	2.19	+0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.77	5.60	+4.18

TWSAX vs. PRPFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TWSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the PRPFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TWSAX and PRPFX, 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

TWSAX vs. PRPFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TWSAX drawdown since its inception was -46.25%, which is greater than PRPFX's maximum drawdown of -27.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TWSAX and PRPFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TWSAX	PRPFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.25%	-27.16%	-19.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.27%	-8.40%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.75%	-8.40%	-6.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.64%	-15.49%	-8.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.07%	-20.84%	-9.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-7.95%	+7.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.77%	-3.52%	-4.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	3.28%	-1.32%

Volatility

TWSAX vs. PRPFX - Volatility Comparison

American Century Strategic Allocation: Aggressive Fund (TWSAX) has a higher volatility of 3.97% compared to Permanent Portfolio Class I (PRPFX) at 3.65%. This indicates that TWSAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PRPFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TWSAX	PRPFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	3.65%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.87%	11.64%	-2.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.79%	12.92%	-2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.52%	11.10%	+2.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.11%	10.67%	+3.44%

TWSAX vs. PRPFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TWSAX has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than PRPFX's 0.81% expense ratio.

Dividends

TWSAX vs. PRPFX - Dividend Comparison

TWSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.48%, more than PRPFX's 3.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PRPFX Permanent Portfolio Class I	3.17%	3.27%	1.86%	1.39%	1.58%	2.05%	5.38%	4.69%	6.90%	2.14%	0.95%	7.06%
TWSAX American Century Strategic Allocation: Aggressive Fund	6.48%	6.98%	6.92%	2.38%	5.51%	13.14%	6.54%	15.43%	14.22%	9.74%	1.54%	7.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TWSAX and PRPFX in my portfolio?

TWSAX and PRPFX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TWSAX or PRPFX?

TWSAX has higher volatility (3.97%) compared to PRPFX (3.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TWSAX dropped -46.25% vs PRPFX's -27.16%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TWSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.43), 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.