RUSC vs SPY
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RUSC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $82M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 494 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.50% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.51% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RUSC vs SPY Performance
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF (RUSC) is a ETF from Russell Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RUSC returned +33.51% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, RUSC is up 23.50% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -9.2% for RUSC and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RUSC charges 0.64% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $9 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RUSC currently yields 0.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RUSC and SPY share 6 holdings out of 985 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, RUSC or SPY?
RUSC has an expense ratio of 0.64% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RUSC or SPY?
Over the past year RUSC returned +33.51% vs +20.62% for SPY, so RUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RUSC annualized +35.04% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RUSC or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for RUSC. Worst drawdown: RUSC -9.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RUSC and SPY?
RUSC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RUSC and SPY?
RUSC and SPY share 6 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 985 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RUSC or SPY?
RUSC yields 0.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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