BRF vs IVV
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $22M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.58% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -6.50% | +13.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.83% | +21.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.34% | +22.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.50% | +13.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2009 | May 15, 2000 |
BRF vs IVV Performance
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) is a ETF from VanEck and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BRF returned +4.83% while IVV returned +21.54%. Year to date, BRF is down 6.50% versus a gain of 13.74% for IVV.
Over three years, BRF compounded at -1.34% per year against +22.61% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -2.50% and +13.31% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +0.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BRF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.7% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -82.3% for BRF and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRF charges 0.60% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRF currently yields 5.58% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BRF and IVV share 0 holdings out of 594 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRF or IVV?
BRF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRF or IVV?
Over the past year BRF returned +4.83% vs +21.54% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BRF annualized +0.74% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRF or IVV?
BRF has been the more volatile fund at 32.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: BRF -82.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BRF and IVV?
BRF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRF and IVV?
BRF and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 594 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRF or IVV?
BRF yields 5.58% while IVV yields 1.10%, so BRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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