ICOP vs. SCOP

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ICOP (iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF) and SCOP (Sprott Physical Copper Trust) are both Copper funds. ICOP is passively managed, while SCOP is actively managed. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ICOP charges 0.47%/yr vs 1.30%/yr for SCOP.

Performance

ICOP vs. SCOP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) and Sprott Physical Copper Trust (SCOP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ICOP

• 1D: -2.44%
• 1M: -11.83%
• 6M: -2.13%
• YTD: 7.87%
• 1Y: 60.49%
• 3Y*: 24.91%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCOP

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -13.50%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ICOP vs. SCOP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	-3.22%
SCOP Sprott Physical Copper Trust	-14.00%

Correlation

The correlation between ICOP and SCOP is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 4, 2026	0.43

Return for Risk

ICOP vs. SCOP — Risk / Return Rank

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

ICOP

ICOP Risk / Return Rank: 54
ICOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
ICOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
ICOP Omega Ratio Rank: 51
ICOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
ICOP Martin Ratio Rank: 54

SCOP

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

ICOP vs. SCOP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) and Sprott Physical Copper Trust (SCOP). 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.

	ICOP	SCOP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.33	—	—

Drawdowns

ICOP vs. SCOP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICOP drawdown since its inception was -38.67%, which is greater than SCOP's maximum drawdown of -21.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICOP and SCOP.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICOP	SCOP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.67%	-21.04%	-17.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.13%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-38.67%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.04%	-21.04%	+3.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.69%	-8.46%	-3.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.27%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ICOP	SCOP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.59%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	35.19%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.03%	38.52%	+1.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.50%	38.52%	-4.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.50%	38.52%	-4.02%

ICOP vs. SCOP - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICOP has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than SCOP's 1.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICOP vs. SCOP - Dividend Comparison

ICOP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.88%, while SCOP has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	1.88%	2.08%	1.87%	2.15%
SCOP Sprott Physical Copper Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICOP and SCOP in my portfolio?

ICOP and SCOP have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ICOP or SCOP?

On fees, ICOP is cheaper at 0.47% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICOP or SCOP?

ICOP is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 1.30% for SCOP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ICOP or SCOP?

ICOP has the higher dividend yield at 1.88%, compared with 0.00% for SCOP.

What is the main difference between ICOP and SCOP?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for ICOP and 1.30% for SCOP.