TWN vs VOO
Taiwan Fund Inc. vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. TWN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TWN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $311M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.87% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +78.96% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +123.86% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +62.95% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +32.93% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | The Taiwan Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 1986 | Sep 7, 2010 |
TWN vs VOO Performance
Taiwan Fund Inc. (TWN) is a ETF from The Taiwan Fund and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TWN returned +123.86% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, TWN is up 78.96% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, TWN compounded at +62.95% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +32.93% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +13.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TWN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.2% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -70.2% for TWN and -34.3% for VOO. 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
TWN charges 0.96% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $3 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TWN currently yields 6.87% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
TWN and VOO share 0 holdings out of 533 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, TWN or VOO?
TWN has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TWN or VOO?
Over the past year TWN returned +123.86% vs +21.87% for VOO, so TWN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TWN annualized +13.22% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TWN or VOO?
TWN has been the more volatile fund at 36.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: TWN -70.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both TWN and VOO?
TWN and VOO 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 TWN and VOO?
TWN and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TWN or VOO?
TWN yields 6.87% while VOO yields 1.08%, so TWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.