IVV vs RUSC
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. RUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RUSC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.64% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $82M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.32% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 494 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | +23.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +33.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -9.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Russell Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 13, 2025 |
IVV vs RUSC Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF (RUSC) is a ETF from Russell Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while RUSC returned +33.51%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a gain of 23.50% for RUSC.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.6% for RUSC. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -9.2% for RUSC. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RUSC charges 0.64%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $64 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.32% for RUSC.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RUSC share 6 holdings out of 986 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RUSC?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RUSC charges 0.64%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RUSC?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +33.51% for RUSC, so RUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +35.04% for RUSC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RUSC?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for RUSC. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RUSC -9.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and RUSC?
IVV and RUSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RUSC?
IVV and RUSC share 6 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 986 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RUSC?
IVV yields 1.10% while RUSC yields 0.32%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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