RSSL vs. SPSM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

RSSL (Global X Russell 2000 ETF) and SPSM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - RSSL tracks the Russell 2000 RIC Capped Index while SPSM tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, RSSL returned 43.38% vs 34.92% for SPSM. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RSSL charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for SPSM.

Performance

RSSL vs. SPSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSSL achieves a 18.48% return, which is significantly higher than SPSM's 16.35% return.

RSSL

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 18.48%
• 6M: 19.47%
• 1Y: 43.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPSM

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 1.59%
• YTD: 16.35%
• 6M: 16.90%
• 1Y: 34.92%
• 3Y*: 14.77%
• 5Y*: 5.95%
• 10Y*: 10.87%

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

RSSL vs. SPSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	18.48%	12.87%	8.83%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	16.35%	6.11%	7.66%

Correlation

The correlation between RSSL and SPSM is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2024	0.95

The correlation between RSSL and SPSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

RSSL vs. SPSM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSSL	SPSM
Industrials	17.6%	15.5%
Technology	17.0%	15.5%
Healthcare	16.5%	11.0%
Financial Services	15.8%	16.9%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	13.4%
Real Estate	6.1%	7.7%
Energy	6.1%	5.9%
Basic Materials	4.8%	5.1%
Utilities	2.9%	2.0%
Communication Services	2.4%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	3.5%

Return for Risk

RSSL vs. SPSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSSL

RSSL Risk / Return Rank: 68
RSSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
RSSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
RSSL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
RSSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
RSSL Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SPSM

SPSM Risk / Return Rank: 64
SPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
SPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. SPSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). 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.

	RSSL	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	2.01	+0.27
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.88	+0.24
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.35	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.96	3.95	+0.01
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.98	13.24	+0.74
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSSL vs. SPSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSSL Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the SPSM Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSSL and SPSM, 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

	RSSL	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28	2.01	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.28	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	0.45	+0.48

Drawdowns

RSSL vs. SPSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSSL drawdown since its inception was -27.79%, smaller than the maximum SPSM drawdown of -42.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSSL and SPSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSSL	SPSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.79%	-42.89%	+15.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.93%	-8.72%	-2.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.06%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.71%	-7.93%	+2.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	2.60%	+0.50%

Volatility

RSSL vs. SPSM - Volatility Comparison

Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) has a higher volatility of 5.62% compared to SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) at 4.45%. This indicates that RSSL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSSL	SPSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.62%	4.45%	+1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.49%	11.61%	+1.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.11%	17.45%	+1.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.46%	21.43%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.46%	22.99%	-0.53%

RSSL vs. SPSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSSL has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than SPSM's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

RSSL vs. SPSM - Dividend Comparison

RSSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%, less than SPSM's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	1.27%	1.35%	0.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	1.41%	1.62%	1.85%	1.61%	1.38%	1.40%	1.34%	1.58%	1.82%	1.51%	1.49%	2.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSSL and SPSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, RSSL and SPSM 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, RSSL or SPSM?

RSSL has higher volatility (5.62%) compared to SPSM (4.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSSL dropped -27.79% vs SPSM's -42.89%.

Which ETF is better, RSSL or SPSM?

On 1-year performance, RSSL leads with 43.38% vs 34.92% for SPSM. On fees, SPSM is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, SPSM has been the lower-risk option at 4.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSSL or SPSM?

Over the 1-year period, RSSL has performed better with a 43.38% return vs 34.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSSL or SPSM?

SPSM is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for RSSL.

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

SPSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 1.27% for RSSL.

What is the main difference between RSSL and SPSM?

RSSL tracks Russell 2000 RIC Capped Index, while SPSM tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for RSSL and 0.05% for SPSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.01), 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.