RUSC vs SCHD
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. RUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. RUSC offers more diversification with 494 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RUSC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $82M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.32% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 494 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +25.10% | +25.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.24% | +30.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RUSC vs SCHD Performance
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF (RUSC) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year RUSC returned +35.24% while SCHD returned +30.41%. Year to date, RUSC is up 25.10% versus a gain of 25.69% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -9.2% for RUSC and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RUSC charges 0.64% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $6 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RUSC currently yields 0.32% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RUSC and SCHD share 12 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RUSC or SCHD?
RUSC has an expense ratio of 0.64% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RUSC or SCHD?
Over the past year RUSC returned +35.24% vs +30.41% for SCHD, so RUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RUSC annualized +36.51% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RUSC or SCHD?
RUSC has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RUSC -9.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RUSC and SCHD?
RUSC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RUSC and SCHD?
RUSC and SCHD share 12 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RUSC or SCHD?
RUSC yields 0.32% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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