TWN vs VXUS
Taiwan Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. TWN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TWN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $311M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.55% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +71.92% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +118.06% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +60.88% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +30.89% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | The Taiwan Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 1986 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TWN vs VXUS Performance
Taiwan Fund Inc. (TWN) is a ETF from The Taiwan Fund and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TWN returned +118.06% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, TWN is up 71.92% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, TWN compounded at +60.88% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +30.89% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, TWN has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TWN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.1% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TWN charges 0.96% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $5 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TWN currently yields 6.55% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TWN and VXUS share 24 holdings out of 7865 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TWN or VXUS?
TWN has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TWN or VXUS?
Over the past year TWN returned +118.06% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so TWN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TWN annualized +13.08% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TWN or VXUS?
TWN has been the more volatile fund at 36.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TWN -70.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TWN and VXUS?
TWN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TWN and VXUS?
TWN and VXUS share 24 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TWN or VXUS?
TWN yields 6.55% while VXUS yields 2.60%, 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.