VSMAX vs. PLFMX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VSMAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) and PLFMX (Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - VSMAX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while PLFMX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VSMAX returned 11.48%/yr vs 14.77%/yr for PLFMX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSMAX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for PLFMX.

Performance

VSMAX vs. PLFMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) 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, VSMAX achieves a 14.59% return, which is significantly higher than PLFMX's 8.29% return. Over the past 10 years, VSMAX has underperformed PLFMX with an annualized return of 11.48%, while PLFMX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.77% annualized return.

VSMAX

• 1D: 2.58%
• 1M: 3.08%
• YTD: 14.59%
• 6M: 12.93%
• 1Y: 27.91%
• 3Y*: 16.37%
• 5Y*: 6.83%
• 10Y*: 11.48%

PLFMX

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 8.29%
• 6M: 8.63%
• 1Y: 23.03%
• 3Y*: 20.84%
• 5Y*: 12.86%
• 10Y*: 14.77%

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

VSMAX vs. PLFMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.59%	8.83%	14.23%	18.17%	-17.61%	17.74%	19.06%	27.36%	-9.33%	16.24%
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	8.29%	17.10%	26.06%	25.27%	-18.67%	27.57%	17.46%	30.58%	-5.14%	20.96%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMAX and PLFMX is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2000	0.88

The correlation between VSMAX and PLFMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSMAX vs. PLFMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMAX

VSMAX Risk / Return Rank: 62
VSMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VSMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VSMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VSMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VSMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

PLFMX

PLFMX Risk / Return Rank: 65
PLFMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
PLFMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PLFMX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
PLFMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PLFMX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VSMAX vs. PLFMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) 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.

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.

	VSMAX	PLFMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.91	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.59	-0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.35	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	2.62	+0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.42	11.86	-0.44

VSMAX vs. PLFMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the PLFMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMAX 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.

Drawdowns

VSMAX vs. PLFMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMAX drawdown since its inception was -59.68%, which is greater than PLFMX's maximum drawdown of -55.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMAX and PLFMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMAX	PLFMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.68%	-55.62%	-4.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-9.00%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.25%	-18.83%	-6.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.14%	-24.91%	-3.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.82%	-33.80%	-8.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-2.79%	+2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.68%	-9.99%	+0.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	1.99%	+0.45%

Volatility

VSMAX vs. PLFMX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSMAX) has a higher volatility of 5.47% compared to Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund (PLFMX) at 4.44%. This indicates that VSMAX'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

	VSMAX	PLFMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.47%	4.44%	+1.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.32%	9.72%	+2.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.69%	12.37%	+4.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.77%	16.99%	+3.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.59%	17.52%	+4.07%

VSMAX vs. PLFMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMAX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than PLFMX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSMAX vs. PLFMX - Dividend Comparison

VSMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, less than PLFMX's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLFMX Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index Fund	2.22%	2.41%	3.77%	3.62%	2.28%	13.02%	7.02%	3.28%	6.80%	6.44%	2.66%	2.07%
VSMAX Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.56%	1.54%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.49%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSMAX and PLFMX in my portfolio?

VSMAX and PLFMX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSMAX or PLFMX?

VSMAX has higher volatility (5.47%) compared to PLFMX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMAX dropped -59.68% vs PLFMX's -55.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLFMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.67), 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.