COPP vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

COPP (Sprott Copper Miners ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - COPP is a Copper fund tracking the Nasdaq Sprott Copper Miners Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, COPP returned 83.48% vs 138.23% for SMH. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. COPP charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

COPP vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sprott Copper Miners ETF (COPP) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, COPP achieves a 11.86% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 72.73% return.

COPP

• 1D: -6.21%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: 11.86%
• 6M: 10.91%
• 1Y: 83.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -7.01%
• 1M: 7.93%
• YTD: 72.73%
• 6M: 71.29%
• 1Y: 138.23%
• 3Y*: 62.28%
• 5Y*: 38.18%
• 10Y*: 37.85%

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

COPP vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
COPP Sprott Copper Miners ETF	11.86%	74.02%	4.25%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.73%	49.17%	10.23%

Correlation

The correlation between COPP and SMH is 0.56, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2024	0.49

The correlation between COPP and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

COPP vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	COPP	SMH
Basic Materials	99.1%	-
Financial Services	0.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Industrials	0.1%	-
Energy	0.1%	-
Technology	0.1%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	-
Healthcare	0.1%	-
Communication Services	0.1%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

COPP vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

COPP

COPP Risk / Return Rank: 54
COPP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
COPP Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
COPP Omega Ratio Rank: 49
COPP Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
COPP Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 94
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

COPP vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Copper Miners ETF (COPP) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	COPP	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	3.99	-2.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	4.05	-1.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.58	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	9.31	-6.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.67	33.88	-24.21

COPP vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current COPP Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 3.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of COPP and SMH, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

COPP vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum COPP drawdown since its inception was -44.37%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for COPP and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	COPP	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.37%	-84.96%	+40.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.91%	-14.93%	-13.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-35.74%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.30%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.79%	-7.01%	-7.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.90%	-41.01%	+27.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.66%	4.10%	+4.56%

Volatility

COPP vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Copper Miners ETF (COPP) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) have volatilities of 18.53% and 19.08%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	COPP	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.53%	19.08%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.30%	29.18%	+10.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.29%	34.87%	+10.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.61%	35.83%	+5.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.61%	32.97%	+8.64%

COPP vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

COPP has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

COPP vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

COPP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.12%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
COPP Sprott Copper Miners ETF	2.12%	2.37%	2.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.18%	0.31%	0.44%	0.60%	1.18%	0.51%	0.69%	1.50%	1.88%	1.43%	0.80%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both COPP and SMH in my portfolio?

COPP and SMH have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, COPP or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (19.08%) compared to COPP (18.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, COPP dropped -44.37% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, COPP or SMH?

On 1-year performance, SMH leads with 138.23% vs 83.48% for COPP. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, COPP has been the lower-risk option at 18.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, COPP or SMH?

Over the 1-year period, SMH has performed better with a 138.23% return vs 83.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, COPP or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for COPP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, COPP or SMH?

COPP has the higher dividend yield at 2.12%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between COPP and SMH?

COPP is categorized as Copper, while SMH is Semiconductors. COPP tracks Nasdaq Sprott Copper Miners Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Sprott and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for COPP and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.99 vs 1.85), 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.