Performance: Time Weighted Return vs. Internal Rate of Return
If you happen to ask me, “what is my rate of return?” I’ll probably answer your question with another question, “which return and why?” This response usually results in a very cross look shot in my direction. But, actually there are different measures of return and many investors are unaware of their subtle, and some times not so subtle, differences. Understanding what each of these returns is designed to measure and how they differ will help you make better informed financial decisions.
In the financial industry today there are three measures of return that are frequently used; Simple Rate of Return (SRR), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Time Weighted Return (TWR). These measures of return may sound interchangeable but they are actually very different in how they calculate performance. (more…)
