LENS vs VTI
Sarmaya Thematic ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. LENS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LENS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $63M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +22.47% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.78% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Sarmaya Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 28, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
LENS vs VTI Performance
Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS) is a ETF from Sarmaya Partners and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LENS returned +62.78% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, LENS is up 22.47% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LENS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LENS and VTI share 13 holdings out of 2818 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LENS or VTI?
LENS has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LENS or VTI?
Over the past year LENS returned +62.78% vs +22.35% for VTI, so LENS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LENS annualized +50.58% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LENS or VTI?
LENS has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: LENS -24.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LENS and VTI?
LENS and VTI 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 VTI?
LENS and VTI share 13 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2818 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LENS or VTI?
LENS yields 1.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LENS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.