LENS vs VYM
Sarmaya Thematic ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LENS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LENS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $63M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +15.30% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.49% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sarmaya Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 28, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LENS vs VYM Performance
Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS) is a ETF from Sarmaya Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LENS returned +54.49% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, LENS is up 15.30% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LENS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.8% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LENS currently yields 1.53% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LENS and VYM share 10 holdings out of 637 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LENS or VYM?
LENS has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LENS or VYM?
Over the past year LENS returned +54.49% vs +24.22% for VYM, so LENS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LENS annualized +45.53% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LENS or VYM?
LENS has been the more volatile fund at 25.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: LENS -24.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LENS and VYM?
LENS and VYM 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 VYM?
LENS and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 4.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 637 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LENS or VYM?
LENS yields 1.53% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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