RUSC vs. IWM
RUSC (U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. RUSC is actively managed, while IWM is passively managed. Over the past year, RUSC returned 40.64% vs 40.90% for IWM. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. RUSC charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.
Performance
RUSC vs. IWM - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, RUSC achieves a 21.96% return, which is significantly higher than IWM's 20.47% return.
RUSC
- 1D
- -0.90%
- 1M
- 4.46%
- YTD
- 21.96%
- 6M
- 19.71%
- 1Y
- 40.64%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IWM
- 1D
- -0.96%
- 1M
- 3.82%
- YTD
- 20.47%
- 6M
- 17.64%
- 1Y
- 40.90%
- 3Y*
- 19.22%
- 5Y*
- 6.27%
- 10Y*
- 11.58%
RUSC vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF | 21.96% | 16.87% |
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 20.47% | 19.05% |
Correlation
The correlation between RUSC and IWM is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2025 | 0.98 |
The correlation between RUSC and IWM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
RUSC vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank
RUSC
IWM
RUSC vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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.
| RUSC | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.12 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.22 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.38 | 1.34 | +0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.45 | 3.73 | +0.72 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 15.85 | 13.18 | +2.67 |
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Drawdowns
RUSC vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum RUSC drawdown since its inception was -9.18%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RUSC and IWM.
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Drawdown Indicators
| RUSC | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -9.18% | -59.05% | +49.87% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.18% | -11.03% | +1.85% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -27.50% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -31.91% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -41.13% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.90% | -0.96% | +0.06% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.70% | -10.75% | +9.05% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.57% | 3.11% | -0.54% |
Volatility
RUSC vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) is 5.94%, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a volatility of 6.56%. This indicates that RUSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| RUSC | IWM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.94% | 6.56% | -0.62% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.66% | 14.31% | -0.65% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.59% | 19.74% | -1.15% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.33% | 22.61% | -4.28% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 18.33% | 23.06% | -4.73% |
RUSC vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison
RUSC has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.
Dividends
RUSC vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison
RUSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, less than IWM's 0.90% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 0.90% | 1.04% | 1.15% | 1.35% | 1.48% | 0.94% | 1.04% | 1.26% | 1.40% | 1.26% | 1.38% | 1.54% |
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% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.97, RUSC and IWM 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.
IWM has higher volatility (6.56%) compared to RUSC (5.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RUSC dropped -9.18% vs IWM's -59.05%.
On 1-year performance, IWM leads with 40.90% vs 40.64% for RUSC. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, RUSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, IWM has performed better with a 40.90% return vs 40.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for RUSC.
IWM has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.31% for RUSC.
They also come from different issuers: Russell and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for RUSC and 0.19% for IWM.
RUSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 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.
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