LENS vs QQQ
Sarmaya Thematic ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. LENS delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LENS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $63M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +22.47% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.78% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Sarmaya Partners | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 28, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
LENS vs QQQ Performance
Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS) is a ETF from Sarmaya Partners and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year LENS returned +62.78% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, LENS is up 22.47% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 27.6% for LENS. 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 -24.6% for LENS and -83.0% for QQQ. 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
LENS charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LENS currently yields 1.53% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
LENS and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 145 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in LENS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKR | 1.69% | 0.27% | 1.42% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LENS or QQQ?
LENS has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LENS or QQQ?
Over the past year LENS returned +62.78% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so LENS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LENS annualized +50.58% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LENS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 27.6% for LENS. Worst drawdown: LENS -24.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both LENS and QQQ?
LENS and QQQ 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 LENS and QQQ?
LENS and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 145 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LENS or QQQ?
LENS yields 1.53% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so LENS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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