TWN vs VYM
Taiwan Fund Inc. vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. TWN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TWN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $311M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.87% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +77.03% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +122.41% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +62.27% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +33.38% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | The Taiwan Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 1986 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TWN vs VYM Performance
Taiwan Fund Inc. (TWN) is a ETF from The Taiwan Fund and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TWN returned +122.41% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, TWN is up 77.03% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, TWN compounded at +62.27% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +33.38% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, TWN has the edge at +13.18% annualized vs +7.01%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TWN charges 0.96% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $4 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TWN currently yields 6.87% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TWN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 631 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 VYM?
TWN has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TWN or VYM?
Over the past year TWN returned +122.41% vs +22.16% for VYM, so TWN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), TWN annualized +13.18% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TWN or VYM?
TWN has been the more volatile fund at 36.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: TWN -70.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TWN and VYM?
TWN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TWN and VYM?
TWN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 631 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TWN or VYM?
TWN yields 6.87% while VYM yields 2.24%, so TWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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