BRF vs. EWZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BRF (VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF) and EWZ (iShares MSCI Brazil ETF) are both Latin America Equities funds - BRF tracks the MVIS Brazil Small-Cap Index while EWZ tracks the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BRF returned 5.57%/yr vs 7.48%/yr for EWZ. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BRF charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EWZ.

Performance

BRF vs. EWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) and iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRF achieves a 1.35% return, which is significantly lower than EWZ's 8.51% return. Over the past 10 years, BRF has underperformed EWZ with an annualized return of 5.57%, while EWZ has yielded a comparatively higher 7.48% annualized return.

BRF

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -7.29%
• YTD: 1.35%
• 6M: 2.21%
• 1Y: 14.35%
• 3Y*: 0.89%
• 5Y*: -4.70%
• 10Y*: 5.57%

EWZ

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -5.21%
• YTD: 8.51%
• 6M: 9.29%
• 1Y: 29.01%
• 3Y*: 7.56%
• 5Y*: 3.74%
• 10Y*: 7.48%

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

BRF vs. EWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRF VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF	1.35%	54.17%	-35.02%	37.21%	-14.38%	-20.40%	-21.07%	40.66%	-12.07%	54.63%
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	8.51%	48.81%	-30.41%	32.62%	12.09%	-17.32%	-20.35%	27.67%	-2.52%	23.62%

Correlation

The correlation between BRF and EWZ is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2009	0.90

The correlation between BRF and EWZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

BRF vs. EWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BRF	EWZ
Real Estate	14.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	13.9%	1.4%
Basic Materials	13.4%	14.8%
Industrials	13.2%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	9.8%	4.6%
Utilities	9.5%	13.4%
Financial Services	9.0%	35.5%
Healthcare	5.7%	2.1%
Energy	5.4%	15.5%
Technology	4.4%	0.4%
Communication Services	-	2.0%

Return for Risk

BRF vs. EWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRF

BRF Risk / Return Rank: 17
BRF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
BRF Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
BRF Omega Ratio Rank: 17
BRF Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
BRF Martin Ratio Rank: 19

EWZ

EWZ Risk / Return Rank: 32
EWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
EWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
EWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 32
EWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
EWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

BRF vs. EWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) and iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BRF	EWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	1.16	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.87	1.65	-0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.21	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.75	1.51	-0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.09	4.37	-2.28

BRF vs. EWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRF Sharpe Ratio is 0.50, which is lower than the EWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRF and EWZ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BRF vs. EWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRF drawdown since its inception was -82.26%, which is greater than EWZ's maximum drawdown of -77.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRF and EWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRF	EWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.26%	-77.25%	-5.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.29%	-19.27%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.81%	-31.36%	-6.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.24%	-32.24%	-17.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-60.43%	-56.99%	-3.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-50.59%	-24.43%	-26.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-35.92%	-9.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.89%	6.65%	+0.24%

Volatility

BRF vs. EWZ - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF (BRF) has a higher volatility of 8.03% compared to iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) at 6.05%. This indicates that BRF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRF	EWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.03%	6.05%	+1.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.43%	19.72%	+3.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.85%	25.14%	+3.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.72%	27.72%	+4.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.88%	34.00%	-0.12%

BRF vs. EWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRF has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than EWZ's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRF vs. EWZ - Dividend Comparison

BRF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.47%, more than EWZ's 4.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRF VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF	5.47%	5.54%	4.08%	5.02%	4.13%	2.96%	1.66%	2.54%	2.89%	4.53%	4.25%	3.84%
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	4.29%	5.19%	8.91%	5.66%	12.59%	9.87%	1.71%	2.54%	2.89%	1.71%	1.81%	4.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRF and EWZ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BRF and EWZ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BRF or EWZ?

BRF has higher volatility (8.03%) compared to EWZ (6.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRF dropped -82.26% vs EWZ's -77.25%.

Which ETF is better, BRF or EWZ?

On 10-year performance, EWZ leads with 7.48% vs 5.57% for BRF. On fees, EWZ is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, EWZ has been the lower-risk option at 6.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BRF or EWZ?

Over the 10-year period, EWZ has performed better with a 7.48% return vs 5.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRF or EWZ?

EWZ is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for BRF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BRF or EWZ?

BRF has the higher dividend yield at 5.47%, compared with 4.29% for EWZ.

What is the main difference between BRF and EWZ?

BRF tracks MVIS Brazil Small-Cap Index, while EWZ tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for BRF and 0.59% for EWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.16 vs 0.50), 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.