MJ vs. RUSC

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MJ (ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF) and RUSC (U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. MJ is passively managed, while RUSC is actively managed. Over the past year, MJ returned 45.02% vs 39.65% for RUSC. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MJ charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for RUSC.

Performance

MJ vs. RUSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MJ achieves a -19.27% return, which is significantly lower than RUSC's 22.58% return.

MJ

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: -3.72%
• YTD: -19.27%
• 6M: -22.79%
• 1Y: 45.02%
• 3Y*: -8.85%
• 5Y*: -35.95%
• 10Y*: —

RUSC

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 5.00%
• YTD: 22.58%
• 6M: 19.89%
• 1Y: 39.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MJ vs. RUSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MJ ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF	-19.27%	51.21%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	22.58%	16.87%

Correlation

The correlation between MJ and RUSC is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2025	0.38

Return for Risk

MJ vs. RUSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

MJ

MJ Risk / Return Rank: 23
MJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
MJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
MJ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
MJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
MJ Martin Ratio Rank: 17

RUSC

RUSC Risk / Return Rank: 80
RUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
RUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
RUSC Omega Ratio Rank: 72
RUSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
RUSC Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

MJ vs. RUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	MJ	RUSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.52	2.15	-1.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	3.02	-1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.37	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.93	4.34	-3.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.59	15.47	-13.88

MJ vs. RUSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MJ Sharpe Ratio is 0.52, which is lower than the RUSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MJ 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.

Drawdowns

MJ vs. RUSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MJ drawdown since its inception was -96.55%, which is greater than RUSC's maximum drawdown of -9.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MJ and RUSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MJ	RUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.55%	-9.18%	-87.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.66%	-9.18%	-39.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-69.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-94.79%	-0.39%	-94.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-69.35%	-1.70%	-67.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	28.42%	2.57%	+25.85%

Volatility

MJ vs. RUSC - Volatility Comparison

ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ) has a higher volatility of 12.02% compared to U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) at 5.93%. This indicates that MJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RUSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MJ	RUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.02%	5.93%	+6.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.09%	13.67%	+26.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	86.90%	18.55%	+68.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	59.95%	18.30%	+41.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.64%	18.30%	+37.34%

MJ vs. RUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MJ has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than RUSC's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

MJ vs. RUSC - Dividend Comparison

MJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.46%, more than RUSC's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MJ ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF	2.46%	1.98%	13.80%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	0.31%	0.38%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MJ and RUSC in my portfolio?

MJ and RUSC have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MJ or RUSC?

MJ has higher volatility (12.02%) compared to RUSC (5.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MJ dropped -96.55% vs RUSC's -9.18%.

Which ETF is better, MJ or RUSC?

On 1-year performance, MJ leads with 45.02% vs 39.65% for RUSC. On fees, RUSC is cheaper at 0.64% per year. On volatility, RUSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MJ or RUSC?

Over the 1-year period, MJ has performed better with a 45.02% return vs 39.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MJ or RUSC?

RUSC is cheaper with a 0.64% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for MJ.

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

MJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.46%, compared with 0.31% for RUSC.

What is the main difference between MJ and RUSC?

They also come from different issuers: ETFMG and Russell. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for MJ and 0.64% for RUSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RUSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.52), 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.