BKF vs. VB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BKF (iShares MSCI BRIC ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BKF is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI BRIC Index, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BKF returned 5.23%/yr vs 11.38%/yr for VB. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BKF charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

BKF vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BKF achieves a -6.31% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 14.91% return. Over the past 10 years, BKF has underperformed VB with an annualized return of 5.23%, while VB has yielded a comparatively higher 11.38% annualized return.

BKF

• 1D: 1.95%
• 1M: -2.97%
• YTD: -6.31%
• 6M: -7.27%
• 1Y: 4.01%
• 3Y*: 8.64%
• 5Y*: -3.53%
• 10Y*: 5.23%

VB

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 14.91%
• 6M: 16.03%
• 1Y: 31.39%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 7.35%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BKF vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BKF iShares MSCI BRIC ETF	-6.31%	22.30%	9.24%	1.27%	-21.78%	-11.87%	16.52%	22.93%	-13.80%	41.80%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.91%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between BKF and VB is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2007	0.64

The correlation between BKF and VB shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (3 years) to 0.64 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BKF vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKF	VB
Financial Services	23.7%	12.6%
Consumer Cyclical	19.5%	11.3%
Communication Services	12.6%	3.1%
Technology	7.9%	17.2%
Basic Materials	7.3%	4.8%
Energy	7.2%	4.7%
Industrials	7.2%	20.8%
Healthcare	5.2%	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	3.4%
Utilities	3.9%	3.3%
Real Estate	1.3%	7.6%

Return for Risk

BKF vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BKF

BKF Risk / Return Rank: 12
BKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
BKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
BKF Omega Ratio Rank: 12
BKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
BKF Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 61
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BKF vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	BKF	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	1.94	-1.68
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.49	2.75	-2.27
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.34	-0.28
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.32	3.48	-3.16
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.84	12.82	-11.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BKF vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKF Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKF and VB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BKF	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	1.94	-1.68
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.16	0.36	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.24	0.53	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.01	0.44	-0.44

Drawdowns

BKF vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKF drawdown since its inception was -70.29%, which is greater than VB's maximum drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKF and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKF	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.29%	-59.56%	-10.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.43%	-8.98%	-4.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.60%	-25.36%	+6.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.94%	-28.15%	-16.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.20%	-42.05%	-7.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.12%	0.00%	-24.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.11%	-8.44%	-19.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.05%	2.43%	+2.62%

Volatility

BKF vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) has a higher volatility of 5.25% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.40%. This indicates that BKF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKF	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.25%	4.40%	+0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.28%	11.73%	+0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.43%	16.27%	-0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.52%	20.75%	+0.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.77%	21.43%	+0.34%

BKF vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKF has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKF vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

BKF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, more than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKF iShares MSCI BRIC ETF	1.91%	1.79%	2.37%	1.68%	2.04%	2.93%	1.02%	1.66%	2.33%	1.51%	1.82%	3.15%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKF and VB in my portfolio?

BKF and VB have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BKF or VB?

BKF has higher volatility (5.25%) compared to VB (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKF dropped -70.29% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, BKF or VB?

On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.38% vs 5.23% for BKF. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKF or VB?

Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.38% return vs 5.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKF or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BKF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKF or VB?

BKF has the higher dividend yield at 1.91%, compared with 1.19% for VB.

What is the main difference between BKF and VB?

BKF is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while VB is Small Cap Blend Equities. BKF tracks MSCI BRIC Index, while VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BKF and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 0.26), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.