VIGRX vs. PLFMX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VIGRX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund) and PLFMX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - VIGRX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while PLFMX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VIGRX returned 18.24%/yr vs 14.99%/yr for PLFMX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VIGRX charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for PLFMX.

Performance

VIGRX vs. PLFMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGRX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIGRX achieves a 10.76% return, which is significantly lower than PLFMX's 11.40% return. Over the past 10 years, VIGRX has outperformed PLFMX with an annualized return of 18.24%, while PLFMX has yielded a comparatively lower 14.99% annualized return.

VIGRX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 7.53%
• YTD: 10.76%
• 6M: 10.05%
• 1Y: 29.29%
• 3Y*: 26.26%
• 5Y*: 15.55%
• 10Y*: 18.24%

PLFMX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 5.73%
• YTD: 11.40%
• 6M: 11.42%
• 1Y: 28.14%
• 3Y*: 22.52%
• 5Y*: 13.80%
• 10Y*: 14.99%

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

VIGRX vs. PLFMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIGRX Vanguard Growth Index Fund	10.76%	19.18%	32.51%	46.59%	-33.22%	27.10%	40.01%	37.08%	-3.47%	27.64%
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	11.40%	17.10%	26.06%	25.27%	-18.67%	27.57%	17.46%	30.58%	-5.14%	20.96%

Correlation

The correlation between VIGRX and PLFMX is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2000	0.95

The correlation between VIGRX and PLFMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VIGRX vs. PLFMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIGRX

VIGRX Risk / Return Rank: 34
VIGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VIGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VIGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VIGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VIGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

PLFMX

PLFMX Risk / Return Rank: 69
PLFMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
PLFMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
PLFMX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
PLFMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
PLFMX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

VIGRX vs. PLFMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGRX) and Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX). 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.

	VIGRX	PLFMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.45	-0.54
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	3.33	-0.76
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.45	-0.12
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	3.22	-1.39
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.43	14.99	-8.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIGRX vs. PLFMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIGRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the PLFMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIGRX and PLFMX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VIGRX	PLFMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.91	2.45	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	0.82	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.86	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.44	+0.15

Drawdowns

VIGRX vs. PLFMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIGRX drawdown since its inception was -57.47%, roughly equal to the maximum PLFMX drawdown of -55.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIGRX and PLFMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIGRX	PLFMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.47%	-55.62%	-1.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.55%	-9.00%	-7.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.13%	-18.83%	-4.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.70%	-24.91%	-10.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.70%	-33.80%	-1.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	0.00%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.21%	-10.00%	-4.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.70%	1.93%	+2.77%

Volatility

VIGRX vs. PLFMX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGRX) has a higher volatility of 3.62% compared to Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) at 2.82%. This indicates that VIGRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PLFMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIGRX	PLFMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.62%	2.82%	+0.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	8.99%	+3.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.87%	11.86%	+4.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.35%	16.91%	+5.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.59%	17.49%	+4.10%

VIGRX vs. PLFMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIGRX has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than PLFMX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIGRX vs. PLFMX - Dividend Comparison

VIGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.26%, less than PLFMX's 2.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	2.16%	2.41%	3.77%	3.62%	2.28%	13.02%	7.02%	3.28%	6.80%	6.44%	2.66%	2.07%
VIGRX Vanguard Growth Index Fund	0.26%	0.22%	0.35%	0.47%	0.54%	0.36%	0.56%	0.83%	1.18%	1.03%	1.27%	1.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIGRX and PLFMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VIGRX and PLFMX 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, VIGRX or PLFMX?

VIGRX has higher volatility (3.62%) compared to PLFMX (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIGRX dropped -57.47% vs PLFMX's -55.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLFMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.91), 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.