NTKI vs RUSC
Nationwide Russell 2000 Risk-Managed Income ETF vs Russell Investments US Small Cap Equity ETF
Which is better, NTKI or RUSC?
RUSC has been ahead.
RUSC has a lower expense ratio. RUSC led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NTKI | RUSC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.64%Best |
| AUM | $12M | $81M |
| Dividend Yield | 6.01% | 0.33% |
| Holdings | 13 | 491 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2%Best | 15.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -9.8%Best |
| Fund Family | Nationwide | Russell Investments |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2021 | May 13, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 712 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. NTKI has data through Nov 1, 2024 and RUSC through Oct 14, 2026.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.2% for NTKI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -19.9% for NTKI and -9.8% for RUSC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NTKI charges 0.70% per year while RUSC charges 0.64%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $64 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NTKI currently yields 6.01% against 0.33% for RUSC.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NTKI and RUSC you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NTKI or RUSC?
NTKI has an expense ratio of 0.70% while RUSC charges 0.64%. RUSC is the cheaper option, by $6 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, NTKI or RUSC?
RUSC has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.2% for NTKI. Worst drawdown: NTKI -19.9% vs RUSC -9.8%.
Which pays a higher dividend, NTKI or RUSC?
NTKI yields 6.01% while RUSC yields 0.33%, so NTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is RUSC better than NTKI?
RUSC has a lower expense ratio. RUSC led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.