DFMC vs. RUSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFMC (Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF) and RUSC (U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFMC charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for RUSC.

Performance

DFMC vs. RUSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DFMC

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RUSC

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 2.94%
• YTD: 18.04%
• 6M: 17.30%
• 1Y: 38.22%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DFMC vs. RUSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	11.97%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	15.33%

Correlation

The correlation between DFMC and RUSC is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2026	0.92

Return for Risk

DFMC vs. RUSC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

RUSC

RUSC Risk / Return Rank: 70
RUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
RUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
RUSC Omega Ratio Rank: 61
RUSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
RUSC Martin Ratio Rank: 78

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DFMC vs. RUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFMC	RUSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.12	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.79	2.03	+2.76

Drawdowns

DFMC vs. RUSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFMC drawdown since its inception was -4.29%, smaller than the maximum RUSC drawdown of -9.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFMC and RUSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFMC	RUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-9.18%	+4.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-1.27%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-1.75%	+0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.57%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFMC	RUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.99%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.19%	18.14%	-1.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.19%	18.09%	-1.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.19%	18.09%	-1.90%

DFMC vs. RUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFMC has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than RUSC's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFMC vs. RUSC - Dividend Comparison

DFMC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while RUSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%.

Position	TTM	2025
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	0.00%	0.00%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	0.32%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFMC and RUSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DFMC and RUSC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, DFMC or RUSC?

On fees, DFMC is cheaper at 0.41% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFMC or RUSC?

DFMC is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for RUSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFMC or RUSC?

RUSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.00% for DFMC.

What is the main difference between DFMC and RUSC?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and Russell. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFMC and 0.64% for RUSC.