LENS vs VXUS
Sarmaya Thematic ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. LENS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LENS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $55M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.59% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.85% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +52.11% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sarmaya Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 28, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
LENS vs VXUS Performance
Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS) is a ETF from Sarmaya Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LENS returned +52.11% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, LENS is up 13.85% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LENS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LENS charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LENS currently yields 1.59% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
LENS and VXUS share 12 holdings out of 7893 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LENS or VXUS?
LENS has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LENS or VXUS?
Over the past year LENS returned +52.11% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so LENS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LENS annualized +44.43% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LENS or VXUS?
LENS has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: LENS -24.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both LENS and VXUS?
LENS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LENS and VXUS?
LENS and VXUS share 12 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7893 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LENS or VXUS?
LENS yields 1.59% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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