LENS vs VOO
Sarmaya Thematic ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. LENS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LENS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $63M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.30% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.49% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Sarmaya Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 28, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
LENS vs VOO Performance
Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS) is a ETF from Sarmaya Partners and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LENS returned +54.49% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, LENS is up 15.30% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LENS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.8% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LENS charges 0.79% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LENS currently yields 1.53% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
LENS and VOO share 8 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LENS or VOO?
LENS has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LENS or VOO?
Over the past year LENS returned +54.49% vs +21.79% for VOO, so LENS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LENS annualized +45.53% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LENS or VOO?
LENS has been the more volatile fund at 25.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: LENS -24.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both LENS and VOO?
LENS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LENS and VOO?
LENS and VOO share 8 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LENS or VOO?
LENS yields 1.53% while VOO yields 1.08%, so LENS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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