RUSC vs VTI
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RUSC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $82M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.32% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 494 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.53% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.02% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
RUSC vs VTI Performance
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF (RUSC) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RUSC returned +34.02% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, RUSC is up 23.53% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RUSC charges 0.64% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RUSC and VTI share 286 holdings out of 2988 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RUSC or VTI?
RUSC has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RUSC or VTI?
Over the past year RUSC returned +34.02% vs +22.17% for VTI, so RUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RUSC annualized +34.97% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RUSC or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for RUSC. Worst drawdown: RUSC -9.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RUSC and VTI?
RUSC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RUSC and VTI?
RUSC and VTI share 286 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2988 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RUSC or VTI?
RUSC yields 0.32% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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