SCHA vs. RUSC

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) and RUSC (U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SCHA is passively managed, while RUSC is actively managed. Over the past year, SCHA returned 40.05% vs 39.65% for RUSC. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SCHA charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for RUSC.

Performance

SCHA vs. RUSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) and U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with SCHA having a 22.67% return and RUSC slightly lower at 22.58%.

SCHA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 22.67%
• 6M: 19.77%
• 1Y: 40.05%
• 3Y*: 19.89%
• 5Y*: 7.22%
• 10Y*: 11.73%

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)

SCHA vs. RUSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	22.67%	17.00%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	22.58%	16.87%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHA and RUSC 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	0.97

The correlation between SCHA and RUSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SCHA vs. RUSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHA

SCHA Risk / Return Rank: 77
SCHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
SCHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SCHA Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SCHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
SCHA Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

SCHA vs. RUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) 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.

	SCHA	RUSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	2.15	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	3.02	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.37	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.23	4.34	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.49	15.47	+0.02

SCHA vs. RUSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

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

SCHA vs. RUSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHA drawdown since its inception was -42.41%, which is greater than RUSC's maximum drawdown of -9.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHA and RUSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHA	RUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.41%	-9.18%	-33.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-9.18%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.29%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.79%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.61%	-0.39%	-1.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.56%	-1.70%	-5.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	2.57%	+0.02%

Volatility

SCHA vs. RUSC - Volatility Comparison

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) has a higher volatility of 6.71% compared to U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF (RUSC) at 5.93%. This indicates that SCHA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RUSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHA	RUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.71%	5.93%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.91%	13.67%	+0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.75%	18.55%	+0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.04%	18.30%	+3.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.75%	18.30%	+4.45%

SCHA vs. RUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHA has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than RUSC's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHA vs. RUSC - Dividend Comparison

SCHA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, more than RUSC's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF	0.98%	1.26%	1.51%	1.42%	1.37%	1.19%	1.05%	1.39%	1.58%	1.24%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHA and RUSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SCHA 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, SCHA or RUSC?

SCHA has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to RUSC (5.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHA dropped -42.41% vs RUSC's -9.18%.

Which ETF is better, SCHA or RUSC?

On 1-year performance, SCHA leads with 40.05% vs 39.65% for RUSC. On fees, SCHA is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, RUSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHA or RUSC?

Over the 1-year period, SCHA has performed better with a 40.05% return vs 39.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHA or RUSC?

SCHA is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for RUSC.

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

SCHA has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.31% for RUSC.

What is the main difference between SCHA and RUSC?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Russell. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for SCHA and 0.64% for RUSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

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