SYZ vs. RUSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) and RUSC (U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SYZ charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for RUSC.

Performance

SYZ vs. RUSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) 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 investments are quite close, with SYZ having a 17.30% return and RUSC slightly higher at 18.04%.

SYZ

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 2.63%
• YTD: 17.30%
• 6M: 17.99%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RUSC

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 2.94%
• YTD: 18.04%
• 6M: 17.30%
• 1Y: 38.22%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SYZ vs. RUSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	17.30%	0.89%
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	18.04%	2.60%

Correlation

The correlation between SYZ and RUSC is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

SYZ vs. RUSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

RUSC

RUSC Risk / Return Rank: 70
RUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
RUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
RUSC Omega Ratio Rank: 61
RUSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
RUSC Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

SYZ vs. RUSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SYZ	RUSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.12	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.60	2.03	-0.43

Drawdowns

SYZ vs. RUSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SYZ drawdown since its inception was -8.00%, smaller than the maximum RUSC drawdown of -9.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SYZ and RUSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SYZ	RUSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.00%	-9.18%	+1.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-1.27%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-1.75%	-0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.57%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SYZ	RUSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.99%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	18.14%	-1.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.65%	18.09%	-1.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.65%	18.09%	-1.44%

SYZ vs. RUSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SYZ has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than RUSC's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

SYZ vs. RUSC - Dividend Comparison

SYZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than RUSC's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
RUSC U.S. Small Cap Equity Active ETF	0.32%	0.38%
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF	0.14%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SYZ and RUSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, SYZ 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 ETF is better, SYZ or RUSC?

On fees, SYZ is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SYZ or RUSC?

SYZ is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for RUSC.

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

RUSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.14% for SYZ.

What is the main difference between SYZ and RUSC?

They also come from different issuers: Lazard and Russell. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SYZ and 0.64% for RUSC.