RUSC vs VOO
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. RUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RUSC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $82M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.32% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 494 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +23.50% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.51% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RUSC vs VOO Performance
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF (RUSC) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RUSC returned +33.51% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, RUSC is up 23.50% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $3 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RUSC currently yields 0.32% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RUSC and VOO 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, RUSC or VOO?
RUSC has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RUSC or VOO?
Over the past year RUSC returned +33.51% vs +20.69% for VOO, so RUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RUSC annualized +35.04% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RUSC or VOO?
RUSC has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RUSC -9.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RUSC and VOO?
RUSC and VOO 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 VOO?
RUSC and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 986 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RUSC or VOO?
RUSC yields 0.32% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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