VEGA vs. LENS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEGA (AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF) and LENS (Sarmaya Thematic ETF) are both Global Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VEGA returned 18.86% vs 61.82% for LENS. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VEGA charges 2.02%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for LENS.

Performance

VEGA vs. LENS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) 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, VEGA achieves a 7.10% return, which is significantly lower than LENS's 13.33% return.

VEGA

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 7.10%
• 6M: 6.87%
• 1Y: 18.86%
• 3Y*: 13.94%
• 5Y*: 7.25%
• 10Y*: 7.95%

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)

VEGA vs. LENS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VEGA AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF	7.10%	12.43%
LENS Sarmaya Thematic ETF	13.33%	56.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VEGA and LENS is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2025	0.38

Return for Risk

VEGA vs. LENS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEGA

VEGA Risk / Return Rank: 63
VEGA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEGA Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VEGA Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VEGA Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VEGA Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

VEGA vs. LENS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) 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.

	VEGA	LENS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.34	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	2.70	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.41	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	4.02	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.41	10.02	+2.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VEGA vs. LENS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEGA Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the LENS Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEGA 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

	VEGA	LENS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.09	2.34	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	2.09	-1.57

Drawdowns

VEGA vs. LENS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEGA drawdown since its inception was -28.37%, which is greater than LENS's maximum drawdown of -15.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEGA and LENS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEGA	LENS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.37%	-15.47%	-12.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.86%	-15.47%	+8.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.78%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-13.64%	+13.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.79%	-3.71%	-0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.52%	6.19%	-4.67%

Volatility

VEGA vs. LENS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) is 2.71%, while Sarmaya Thematic ETF (LENS) has a volatility of 6.16%. This indicates that VEGA 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

	VEGA	LENS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	6.16%	-3.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.45%	22.07%	-14.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.06%	26.54%	-17.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.29%	25.49%	-13.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.70%	25.49%	-12.79%

VEGA vs. LENS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEGA has a 2.02% expense ratio, which is higher than LENS's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEGA vs. LENS - Dividend Comparison

VEGA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%, less than LENS's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
LENS Sarmaya Thematic ETF	1.41%	1.60%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEGA AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF	1.25%	1.34%	1.05%	1.12%	1.89%	0.55%	0.28%	0.44%	0.45%	0.00%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEGA and LENS in my portfolio?

VEGA and LENS have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEGA or LENS?

LENS has higher volatility (6.16%) compared to VEGA (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEGA dropped -28.37% vs LENS's -15.47%.

Which ETF is better, VEGA or LENS?

On 1-year performance, LENS leads with 61.82% vs 18.86% for VEGA. On fees, LENS is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, VEGA has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEGA or LENS?

Over the 1-year period, LENS has performed better with a 61.82% return vs 18.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEGA or LENS?

LENS is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 2.02% for VEGA.

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

LENS has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 1.25% for VEGA.

What is the main difference between VEGA and LENS?

They also come from different issuers: AdvisorShares and Sarmaya Partners. Their fees differ too: 2.02% for VEGA and 0.79% for LENS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LENS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 2.09), 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.