BRF vs QQQ
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $22M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.58% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -7.47% | +17.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.74% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.50% | +26.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.39% | +15.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BRF vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BRF returned +3.74% while QQQ returned +24.93%. Year to date, BRF is down 7.47% versus a gain of 17.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, BRF compounded at -1.50% per year against +26.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -2.39% and +15.34% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +0.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BRF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.8% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRF charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRF currently yields 5.58% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BRF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 191 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 QQQ?
BRF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRF or QQQ?
Over the past year BRF returned +3.74% vs +24.93% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BRF annualized +0.68% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRF or QQQ?
BRF has been the more volatile fund at 32.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: BRF -82.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BRF and QQQ?
BRF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRF and QQQ?
BRF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRF or QQQ?
BRF yields 5.58% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so BRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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