BRF vs VXUS
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $22M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.58% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -6.95% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.76% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.77% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.98% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BRF vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRF returned +5.76% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BRF is down 6.95% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BRF compounded at -1.77% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.98% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRF charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRF currently yields 5.58% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BRF and VXUS share 53 holdings out of 7905 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 VXUS?
BRF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRF or VXUS?
Over the past year BRF returned +5.76% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BRF annualized +0.72% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRF or VXUS?
BRF has been the more volatile fund at 32.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BRF -82.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BRF and VXUS?
BRF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRF and VXUS?
BRF and VXUS share 53 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRF or VXUS?
BRF yields 5.58% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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