PSC vs. RUSC

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PSC (Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF) and RUSC (U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. PSC is passively managed, while RUSC is actively managed. Over the past year, PSC returned 33.12% vs 39.65% for RUSC. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSC charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for RUSC.

Performance

PSC vs. RUSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) 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, PSC achieves a 19.41% return, which is significantly lower than RUSC's 22.58% return.

PSC

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 4.53%
• YTD: 19.41%
• 6M: 16.62%
• 1Y: 33.12%
• 3Y*: 19.88%
• 5Y*: 9.01%
• 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)

PSC vs. RUSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	19.41%	11.96%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	22.58%	16.87%

Correlation

The correlation between PSC and RUSC is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2025	0.94

The correlation between PSC and RUSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSC vs. RUSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSC

PSC Risk / Return Rank: 65
PSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
PSC Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
PSC Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

PSC vs. RUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) 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.

	PSC	RUSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.15	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	3.02	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.37	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.34	4.34	-1.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.67	15.47	-3.80

PSC vs. RUSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the RUSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSC 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

PSC vs. RUSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSC drawdown since its inception was -46.69%, which is greater than RUSC's maximum drawdown of -9.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSC and RUSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSC	RUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.69%	-9.18%	-37.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.95%	-9.18%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.39%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.23%	-1.70%	-6.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.57%	+0.27%

Volatility

PSC vs. RUSC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) is 5.07%, while U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) has a volatility of 5.93%. This indicates that PSC 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

	PSC	RUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.07%	5.93%	-0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.31%	13.67%	-0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.92%	18.55%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.02%	18.30%	+2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.27%	18.30%	+4.97%

PSC vs. RUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSC has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than RUSC's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSC vs. RUSC - Dividend Comparison

PSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, more than RUSC's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	0.56%	0.67%	0.75%	0.73%	1.92%	1.45%	1.25%	1.47%	1.30%	0.95%	0.35%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	0.31%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSC and RUSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, PSC 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 is riskier, PSC or RUSC?

RUSC has higher volatility (5.93%) compared to PSC (5.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSC dropped -46.69% vs RUSC's -9.18%.

Which ETF is better, PSC or RUSC?

On 1-year performance, RUSC leads with 39.65% vs 33.12% for PSC. On fees, PSC is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, PSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSC or RUSC?

Over the 1-year period, RUSC has performed better with a 39.65% return vs 33.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSC or RUSC?

PSC is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for RUSC.

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

PSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.31% for RUSC.

What is the main difference between PSC and RUSC?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and Russell. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for PSC and 0.64% for RUSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RUSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.76), 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.