What Is Time-Weighted Rate of Return (TWR)?

A comprehensive guide to the Time-Weighted Rate of Return (TWR), its calculation, significance, and applications in portfolio performance measurement.

The Time-Weighted Rate of Return (TWR) is a crucial financial metric used to measure the performance of investment portfolios. This measure eliminates the distorting effects of changes in cash flows, providing a clearer picture of portfolio returns attributable to the investment decisions made by the portfolio manager.

Calculation of Time-Weighted Rate of Return (TWR)

To calculate the Time-Weighted Rate of Return, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Procedures

• Divide the Investment Periods: Break down the entire investment period into sub-periods based on the dates of significant cash inflows and outflows.
• Calculate the Rate of Return for Each Sub-Period:
  $$ R_{i} = \frac{V_{e} - V_{b} + CF}{V_{b}} $$
  • \( R_{i} \): Rate of return for sub-period \(i\).
  • \( V_{e} \): Ending value of the portfolio at the end of sub-period \(i\).
  • \( V_{b} \): Beginning value of the portfolio at the start of sub-period \(i\).
  • \( CF \): Cash flows (contributions or withdrawals) during sub-period \(i\).
• Chain the Returns Together:
  $$ (1 + TWR) = (1 + R_{1}) \times (1 + R_{2}) \times ... \times (1 + R_{n}) $$
  • Multiply the sub-period returns together to obtain the cumulative return over the entire investment period.
• Convert to Percentage:
  $$ TWR = (1 + TWR)^{1/n} - 1 $$
  • If needed, annualize the rate for comparisons over different time frames.

Types and Special Considerations

Geometric vs. Arithmetic TWR

• Geometric TWR: More commonly used as it accurately reflects the compound nature of investment returns.
• Arithmetic TWR: Simplified average which does not reflect compounding and is rarely used in performance measurement.

Special Considerations

• Cash Flow Timing: Accurate tracking of cash flow dates is crucial as incorrect dates can skew results.
• Market Value Adjustments: Ensure accurate and timely valuations of portfolio assets to reflect true performance.

Examples of TWR Calculation

Consider an investment portfolio with the following details:

• Initial value: $100,000
• End of Year 1: $110,000 (no cash flows)
• Contribution of $20,000 at the beginning of Year 2
• End of Year 2 value: $135,000

Year 1 TWR:

$$ R_{1} = \frac{110,000 - 100,000}{100,000} = 0.10 $$

Year 2 TWR:

$$ R_{2} = \frac{135,000 - (110,000 + 20,000) + 20,000}{110,000 + 20,000} \approx 0.045 $$

Annual TWR:

$$ TWR = (1 + 0.10) \times (1 + 0.045) - 1 \approx 0.1465 $$

Historical Context and Development

The Time-Weighted Rate of Return became a standard in the finance industry to offer a more unbiased assessment of an investment manager’s performance, particularly in cases where substantial contributions and withdrawals are made over time.

Applicability and Industry Usage

TWR is widely applied in:

• Performance Reporting: By mutual funds, hedge funds, and other investment vehicles.
• Benchmark Comparisons: To evaluate and compare performance against benchmarks and peers.
• Client Reporting: Providing clients with a true representation of returns devoid of cash flow impacts.

Comparisons with Related Terms

• Money-Weighted Rate of Return (MWR): Reflects the return on an investment portfolio considering the timing and amount of cash inflows and outflows, potentially offering a differing perspective from TWR.
• Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Another form of performance measurement that equates net present value (NPV) of cash flows to zero.

FAQs

What is the key difference between TWR and MWR?

• TWR: Eliminates the impact of cash flows, focusing solely on the investment performance.
• MWR: Reflects the actual experience of the investor, including the timing and amount of cash flows.

Why is TWR preferred for performance reporting?

• TWR is preferred because it provides a clearer measure of the portfolio manager’s effectiveness by removing cash flow effects beyond their control.

References

1. CFA Institute, “Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS)”.
2. Bodie, Z., Kane, A., & Marcus, A. J. (2014). “Investments”. McGraw-Hill Education.
3. Morningstar, “Understanding Time-Weighted vs. Money-Weighted Returns”.

Summary

The Time-Weighted Rate of Return (TWR) is an essential tool in the measurement of investment performance, offering a transparent view free from cash flow distortions. Understanding and accurately applying TWR enables investors and portfolio managers to better evaluate and compare investment strategies.