FICS vs. LENS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FICS (First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF) and LENS (Sarmaya Thematic ETF) are both Global Equities funds. FICS is passively managed, while LENS is actively managed. Over the past year, FICS returned 3.46% vs 61.82% for LENS. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FICS charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for LENS.

Performance

FICS vs. LENS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) and Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FICS achieves a 0.83% return, which is significantly lower than LENS's 13.33% return.

FICS

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 1.05%
• YTD: 0.83%
• 6M: 3.51%
• 1Y: 3.46%
• 3Y*: 9.67%
• 5Y*: 4.92%
• 10Y*: —

LENS

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: -1.68%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 18.33%
• 1Y: 61.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FICS vs. LENS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FICS First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF	0.83%	15.37%
LENS Sarmaya Thematic ETF	13.33%	56.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FICS and LENS is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2025	0.39

Return for Risk

FICS vs. LENS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FICS

FICS Risk / Return Rank: 12
FICS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
FICS Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
FICS Omega Ratio Rank: 12
FICS Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
FICS Martin Ratio Rank: 13

LENS

LENS Risk / Return Rank: 67
LENS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
LENS Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
LENS Omega Ratio Rank: 68
LENS Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
LENS Martin Ratio Rank: 58

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FICS vs. LENS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) and Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	FICS	LENS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	2.34	-2.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.47	2.70	-2.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.41	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.34	4.02	-3.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.97	10.02	-9.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FICS vs. LENS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FICS Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the LENS Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FICS and LENS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FICS	LENS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	2.34	-2.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	2.09	-1.68

Drawdowns

FICS vs. LENS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FICS drawdown since its inception was -29.16%, which is greater than LENS's maximum drawdown of -15.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FICS and LENS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FICS	LENS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.16%	-15.47%	-13.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.32%	-15.47%	+5.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.66%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.79%	-13.64%	+8.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.21%	-3.71%	-3.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.60%	6.19%	-2.59%

Volatility

FICS vs. LENS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) is 4.53%, while Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS) has a volatility of 6.16%. This indicates that FICS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LENS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FICS	LENS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.53%	6.16%	-1.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.73%	22.07%	-11.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.26%	26.54%	-13.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.20%	25.49%	-8.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.94%	25.49%	-8.55%

FICS vs. LENS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FICS has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than LENS's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

FICS vs. LENS - Dividend Comparison

FICS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.96%, more than LENS's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FICS First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF	1.96%	1.85%	2.01%	1.02%	1.89%	1.26%
LENS Sarmaya Thematic ETF	1.41%	1.60%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FICS and LENS in my portfolio?

FICS and LENS have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FICS or LENS?

LENS has higher volatility (6.16%) compared to FICS (4.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FICS dropped -29.16% vs LENS's -15.47%.

Which ETF is better, FICS or LENS?

On 1-year performance, LENS leads with 61.82% vs 3.46% for FICS. On fees, FICS is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FICS has been the lower-risk option at 4.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FICS or LENS?

Over the 1-year period, LENS has performed better with a 61.82% return vs 3.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FICS or LENS?

FICS is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for LENS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FICS or LENS?

FICS has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 1.41% for LENS.

What is the main difference between FICS and LENS?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Sarmaya Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FICS and 0.79% for LENS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LENS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 0.26), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.