BRF vs SCHD
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $22M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.58% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -6.95% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.76% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.77% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.98% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BRF vs SCHD Performance
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) is a ETF from VanEck and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BRF returned +5.76% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, BRF is down 6.95% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, BRF compounded at -1.77% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -2.98% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +0.72%. 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 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRF charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRF currently yields 5.58% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BRF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 189 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 SCHD?
BRF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRF or SCHD?
Over the past year BRF returned +5.76% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BRF annualized +0.72% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRF or SCHD?
BRF has been the more volatile fund at 32.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: BRF -82.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BRF and SCHD?
BRF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRF and SCHD?
BRF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 189 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRF or SCHD?
BRF yields 5.58% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so BRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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