BRK-B vs. VNQI

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BRK-B (Berkshire Hathaway Inc.) is a stock, while VNQI (Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF) is REIT fund tracking the S&P Global ex-U.S. Property Index. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B returned 13.22%/yr vs 2.74%/yr for VNQI. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

BRK-B vs. VNQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF (VNQI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRK-B achieves a -2.67% return, which is significantly lower than VNQI's -0.33% return. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B has outperformed VNQI with an annualized return of 13.22%, while VNQI has yielded a comparatively lower 2.74% annualized return.

BRK-B

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 0.77%
• YTD: -2.67%
• 6M: -2.06%
• 1Y: -0.22%
• 3Y*: 13.30%
• 5Y*: 11.27%
• 10Y*: 13.22%

VNQI

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: -3.12%
• YTD: -0.33%
• 6M: 0.85%
• 1Y: 5.87%
• 3Y*: 8.59%
• 5Y*: -1.50%
• 10Y*: 2.74%

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

BRK-B vs. VNQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRK-B Berkshire Hathaway Inc.	-2.67%	10.89%	27.09%	15.46%	3.31%	28.95%	2.37%	10.93%	3.01%	21.62%
VNQI Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF	-0.33%	21.38%	-2.22%	6.99%	-22.94%	5.93%	-7.22%	21.59%	-9.44%	26.91%

Correlation

The correlation between BRK-B and VNQI is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2010	0.51

Over the past year, the correlation between BRK-B and VNQI has dropped to 0.22 - well below their long-term average of 0.51, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BRK-B vs. VNQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRK-B

BRK-B Risk / Return Rank: 39
BRK-B Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
BRK-B Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
BRK-B Omega Ratio Rank: 33
BRK-B Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
BRK-B Martin Ratio Rank: 42

VNQI

VNQI Risk / Return Rank: 16
VNQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
VNQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
VNQI Omega Ratio Rank: 16
VNQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VNQI Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

BRK-B vs. VNQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF (VNQI). 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.

	BRK-B	VNQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.02	0.43	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	0.70	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.09	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	0.40	-0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.05	1.13	-1.18

BRK-B vs. VNQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRK-B Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the VNQI Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRK-B and VNQI, 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

BRK-B vs. VNQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRK-B drawdown since its inception was -53.86%, which is greater than VNQI's maximum drawdown of -38.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRK-B and VNQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRK-B	VNQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.86%	-38.35%	-15.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.42%	-14.78%	+5.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-16.35%	+1.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.58%	-35.55%	+8.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.57%	-38.35%	+8.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.36%	-9.99%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.07%	-10.89%	-0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.53%	5.19%	-0.66%

Volatility

BRK-B vs. VNQI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) is 3.95%, while Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF (VNQI) has a volatility of 4.62%. This indicates that BRK-B experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRK-B	VNQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	4.62%	-0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.78%	11.75%	-0.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.38%	13.73%	+0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	15.54%	+1.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.44%	16.07%	+3.37%

Dividends

BRK-B vs. VNQI - Dividend Comparison

BRK-B has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VNQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRK-B Berkshire Hathaway Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VNQI Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF	4.72%	4.70%	5.16%	3.74%	0.57%	6.48%	0.93%	7.58%	4.62%	3.86%	5.18%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRK-B and VNQI in my portfolio?

BRK-B and VNQI have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRK-B or VNQI?

VNQI has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to BRK-B (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRK-B dropped -53.86% vs VNQI's -38.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VNQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.43 vs -0.02), 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.