RSSL vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RSSL (Global X Russell 2000 ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - RSSL tracks the Russell 2000 RIC Capped Index while ISMD tracks the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, RSSL returned 41.18% vs 38.78% for ISMD. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RSSL charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

RSSL vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSSL achieves a 20.32% return, which is significantly lower than ISMD's 25.15% return.

RSSL

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 3.83%
• YTD: 20.32%
• 6M: 17.70%
• 1Y: 41.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISMD

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 4.38%
• YTD: 25.15%
• 6M: 22.92%
• 1Y: 38.78%
• 3Y*: 17.34%
• 5Y*: 8.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

RSSL vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	20.32%	12.87%	10.21%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	25.15%	4.14%	8.79%

Correlation

The correlation between RSSL and ISMD is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2024	0.91

The correlation between RSSL and ISMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

RSSL vs. ISMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSSL	ISMD
Technology	19.1%	17.6%
Industrials	17.8%	16.7%
Healthcare	16.3%	10.4%
Financial Services	15.5%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	11.0%
Real Estate	5.9%	8.1%
Energy	5.4%	3.7%
Basic Materials	4.7%	4.8%
Utilities	2.7%	3.1%
Communication Services	2.5%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	5.3%

Return for Risk

RSSL vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSSL

RSSL Risk / Return Rank: 72
RSSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
RSSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
RSSL Omega Ratio Rank: 62
RSSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
RSSL Martin Ratio Rank: 77

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 71
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 63
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

RSSL vs. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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.

	RSSL	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.08	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	2.92	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.35	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.78	4.04	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.29	12.71	+0.58

RSSL vs. ISMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSSL Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the ISMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSSL and ISMD, 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

RSSL vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSSL drawdown since its inception was -27.79%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSSL and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSSL	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.79%	-44.60%	+16.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.93%	-9.64%	-1.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.64%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-0.64%	-0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.58%	-8.13%	+2.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	3.06%	+0.05%

Volatility

RSSL vs. ISMD - Volatility Comparison

Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) has a higher volatility of 6.41% compared to Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) at 5.66%. This indicates that RSSL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ISMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSSL	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.41%	5.66%	+0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.20%	13.05%	+1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.69%	18.76%	+0.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.51%	20.88%	+1.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.51%	23.72%	-1.21%

RSSL vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSSL has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSSL vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

RSSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%, more than ISMD's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.92%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	1.25%	1.35%	0.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSSL and ISMD in my portfolio?

RSSL and ISMD have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSSL or ISMD?

RSSL has higher volatility (6.41%) compared to ISMD (5.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSSL dropped -27.79% vs ISMD's -44.60%.

Which ETF is better, RSSL or ISMD?

On 1-year performance, RSSL leads with 41.18% vs 38.78% for ISMD. On fees, RSSL is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, ISMD has been the lower-risk option at 5.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSSL or ISMD?

Over the 1-year period, RSSL has performed better with a 41.18% return vs 38.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSSL or ISMD?

RSSL is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for ISMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSSL or ISMD?

RSSL has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.92% for ISMD.

What is the main difference between RSSL and ISMD?

RSSL tracks Russell 2000 RIC Capped Index, while ISMD tracks Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Inspire. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for RSSL and 0.57% for ISMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 2.08), 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.