RUSC vs VXUS
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RUSC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $82M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.32% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 494 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +25.40% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.18% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RUSC vs VXUS Performance
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF (RUSC) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RUSC returned +35.18% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, RUSC is up 25.40% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.7% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RUSC charges 0.64% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $5 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RUSC currently yields 0.32% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RUSC and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 8334 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RUSC or VXUS?
RUSC has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RUSC or VXUS?
Over the past year RUSC returned +35.18% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so RUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RUSC annualized +37.05% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RUSC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.7% for RUSC. Worst drawdown: RUSC -9.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RUSC and VXUS?
RUSC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RUSC and VXUS?
RUSC and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8334 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RUSC or VXUS?
RUSC yields 0.32% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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