RUSC vs VYM
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RUSC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $82M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.32% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 494 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +23.50% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.51% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RUSC vs VYM Performance
Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF (RUSC) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RUSC returned +33.51% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, RUSC is up 23.50% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RUSC charges 0.64% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $4 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RUSC currently yields 0.32% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RUSC and VYM share 75 holdings out of 1015 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RUSC or VYM?
RUSC has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RUSC or VYM?
Over the past year RUSC returned +33.51% vs +23.85% for VYM, so RUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RUSC annualized +35.04% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RUSC or VYM?
RUSC has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RUSC -9.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RUSC and VYM?
RUSC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RUSC and VYM?
RUSC and VYM share 75 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1015 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RUSC or VYM?
RUSC yields 0.32% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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