TWN vs VTI
Taiwan Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TWN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TWN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $311M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.87% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +78.96% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +123.86% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +62.95% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +32.93% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | The Taiwan Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 1986 | May 24, 2001 |
TWN vs VTI Performance
Taiwan Fund Inc. (TWN) is a ETF from The Taiwan Fund and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TWN returned +123.86% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, TWN is up 78.96% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, TWN compounded at +62.95% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +32.93% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, TWN has the edge at +13.22% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TWN charges 0.96% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TWN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2815 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 VTI?
TWN has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TWN or VTI?
Over the past year TWN returned +123.86% vs +22.35% for VTI, so TWN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), TWN annualized +13.22% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TWN or VTI?
TWN has been the more volatile fund at 36.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TWN -70.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TWN and VTI?
TWN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TWN and VTI?
TWN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2815 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TWN or VTI?
TWN yields 6.87% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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