IVV vs LENS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Sarmaya Thematic ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. LENS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | LENS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $63M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 44 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +20.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +62.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 27.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -24.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Sarmaya Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 28, 2025 |
IVV vs LENS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS) is a ETF from Sarmaya Partners. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while LENS returned +62.25%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 20.89% for LENS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LENS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -24.6% for LENS. 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while LENS charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.53% for LENS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and LENS share 8 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or LENS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LENS charges 0.79%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or LENS?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +62.25% for LENS, so LENS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +49.44% for LENS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LENS?
LENS has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LENS -24.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and LENS?
IVV and LENS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and LENS?
IVV and LENS share 8 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LENS?
IVV yields 1.10% while LENS yields 1.53%, so LENS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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