EPSB vs. RUSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EPSB (Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF) and RUSC (U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EPSB returned 29.37% vs 38.22% for RUSC. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPSB charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for RUSC.

Performance

EPSB vs. RUSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with EPSB having a 18.61% return and RUSC slightly lower at 18.04%.

EPSB

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 18.61%
• 6M: 19.57%
• 1Y: 29.37%
• 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)

EPSB vs. RUSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPSB Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF	18.61%	10.07%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	18.04%	17.50%

Correlation

The correlation between EPSB and RUSC is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2025	0.88

The correlation between EPSB and RUSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EPSB vs. RUSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPSB

EPSB Risk / Return Rank: 64
EPSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
EPSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
EPSB Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EPSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EPSB Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

EPSB vs. RUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) 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.

	EPSB	RUSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.12	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	3.01	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.37	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	4.18	-0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.84	14.94	-3.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EPSB vs. RUSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the RUSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPSB and RUSC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EPSB	RUSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	2.12	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.08	2.03	+0.05

Drawdowns

EPSB vs. RUSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPSB drawdown since its inception was -8.46%, smaller than the maximum RUSC drawdown of -9.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPSB and RUSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPSB	RUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.46%	-9.18%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.46%	-9.18%	+0.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-1.27%	+0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.58%	-1.75%	+0.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	2.57%	-0.08%

Volatility

EPSB vs. RUSC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) is 4.44%, while U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) has a volatility of 5.36%. This indicates that EPSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RUSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPSB	RUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	5.36%	-0.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.87%	12.99%	-2.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	18.14%	-3.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.38%	18.09%	-2.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.38%	18.09%	-2.71%

EPSB vs. RUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPSB has a 0.88% expense ratio, which is higher than RUSC's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPSB vs. RUSC - Dividend Comparison

EPSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, more than RUSC's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
EPSB Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF	1.15%	1.36%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	0.32%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPSB and RUSC in my portfolio?

EPSB and RUSC have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPSB or RUSC?

RUSC has higher volatility (5.36%) compared to EPSB (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPSB dropped -8.46% vs RUSC's -9.18%.

Which ETF is better, EPSB or RUSC?

On 1-year performance, RUSC leads with 38.22% vs 29.37% for EPSB. On fees, RUSC is cheaper at 0.64% per year. On volatility, EPSB has been the lower-risk option at 4.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPSB or RUSC?

Over the 1-year period, RUSC has performed better with a 38.22% return vs 29.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPSB or RUSC?

RUSC is cheaper with a 0.64% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for EPSB.

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

EPSB has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.32% for RUSC.

What is the main difference between EPSB and RUSC?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and Russell. Their fees differ too: 0.88% for EPSB and 0.64% for RUSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RUSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.98), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.