QQQ vs RUSC
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. RUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. RUSC offers more diversification with 494 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RUSC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.64% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $82M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.32% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 494 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +21.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +32.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -9.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Russell Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 13, 2025 |
QQQ vs RUSC Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF (RUSC) is a ETF from Russell Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while RUSC returned +32.60%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 21.97% for RUSC.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% 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 -83.0% for QQQ 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RUSC charges 0.64%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $64 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.32% for RUSC.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RUSC share 1 holdings out of 588 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in RUSC | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LITE | 0.28% | 0.14% | 0.14% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RUSC?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RUSC charges 0.64%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RUSC?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +32.60% for RUSC, so RUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +33.54% for RUSC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RUSC?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.6% for RUSC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RUSC -9.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RUSC?
QQQ and RUSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RUSC?
QQQ and RUSC share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 588 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RUSC?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RUSC yields 0.32%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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