RUSC vs. RB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

RUSC (U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF) and RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RUSC is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Russell, while RB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Russell 2000. RUSC is actively managed, while RB is passively managed. Over the past year, RUSC returned 37.06% vs 18.24% for RB. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RUSC charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for RB.

Performance

RUSC vs. RB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RUSC achieves a 22.90% return, which is significantly higher than RB's 7.90% return.

RUSC

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 1.79%
• 6M: 14.80%
• YTD: 22.90%
• 1Y: 37.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RB

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.02%
• 6M: 5.39%
• YTD: 7.90%
• 1Y: 18.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RUSC vs. RB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	22.90%	15.20%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	7.90%	10.85%

Correlation

The correlation between RUSC and RB is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.76

The correlation between RUSC and RB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RUSC vs. RB — Risk / Return Rank

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

RUSC

RUSC Risk / Return Rank: 82
RUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
RUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
RUSC Omega Ratio Rank: 75
RUSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
RUSC Martin Ratio Rank: 87

RB

RB Risk / Return Rank: 96
RB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
RB Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
RB Omega Ratio Rank: 95
RB Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
RB Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

RUSC vs. RB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). 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	RB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.79	-0.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	4.74	-1.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.61	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.05	8.77	-4.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.32	28.21	-13.88

RUSC vs. RB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RUSC Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the RB Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RUSC and RB, 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

RUSC vs. RB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RUSC drawdown since its inception was -9.18%, which is greater than RB's maximum drawdown of -2.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RUSC and RB.

Drawdown Indicators

	RUSC	RB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.18%	-2.09%	-7.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.18%	-2.09%	-7.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.04%	-0.54%	-1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.69%	-0.44%	-1.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	0.65%	+1.94%

Volatility

RUSC vs. RB - Volatility Comparison

U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) has a higher volatility of 3.95% compared to ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) at 1.54%. This indicates that RUSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RUSC	RB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	1.54%	+2.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.72%	4.74%	+8.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.34%	6.57%	+11.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.04%	6.46%	+11.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.04%	6.46%	+11.58%

RUSC vs. RB - Expense Ratio Comparison

RUSC has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than RB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

RUSC vs. RB - Dividend Comparison

RUSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, less than RB's 2.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	2.27%	1.78%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	0.31%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RUSC and RB in my portfolio?

RUSC and RB have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RUSC or RB?

RUSC has higher volatility (3.95%) compared to RB (1.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RUSC dropped -9.18% vs RB's -2.09%.

Which ETF is better, RUSC or RB?

On 1-year performance, RUSC leads with 37.06% vs 18.24% for RB. On fees, RB is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, RB has been the lower-risk option at 1.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RUSC or RB?

Over the 1-year period, RUSC has performed better with a 37.06% return vs 18.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RUSC or RB?

RB is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for RUSC.

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

RB has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 0.31% for RUSC.

What is the main difference between RUSC and RB?

RUSC is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RB is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Russell and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for RUSC and 0.58% for RB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 2.03), 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.