BRF vs VTI
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $22M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -7.47% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.74% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.50% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.39% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
BRF vs VTI Performance
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRF returned +3.74% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, BRF is down 7.47% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, BRF compounded at -1.50% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.39% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRF charges 0.60% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BRF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2876 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 VTI?
BRF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRF or VTI?
Over the past year BRF returned +3.74% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BRF annualized +0.68% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRF or VTI?
BRF has been the more volatile fund at 32.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BRF -82.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BRF and VTI?
BRF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRF and VTI?
BRF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRF or VTI?
BRF yields 5.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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