BRF vs VYM
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $22M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.58% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -6.50% | +15.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.83% | +23.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.34% | +19.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.50% | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BRF vs VYM Performance
VanEck Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRF returned +4.83% while VYM returned +23.95%. Year to date, BRF is down 6.50% versus a gain of 15.84% for VYM.
Over three years, BRF compounded at -1.34% per year against +19.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.50% and +12.19% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRF charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRF currently yields 5.58% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BRF and VYM share 1 holdings out of 691 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BRF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLVM | 2.36% | 0.01% | 2.35% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRF or VYM?
BRF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRF or VYM?
Over the past year BRF returned +4.83% vs +23.95% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BRF annualized +0.74% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRF or VYM?
BRF has been the more volatile fund at 32.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BRF -82.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BRF and VYM?
BRF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRF and VYM?
BRF and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 691 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRF or VYM?
BRF yields 5.58% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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