ICOP vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ICOP (iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ICOP is a Commodity Producers Equities fund tracking the STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ICOP returned 102.60% vs 190.05% for SOXX. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ICOP charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

ICOP vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ICOP achieves a 27.29% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 104.57% return.

ICOP

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: 17.09%
• YTD: 27.29%
• 6M: 37.08%
• 1Y: 102.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXX

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 33.25%
• YTD: 104.57%
• 6M: 99.43%
• 1Y: 190.05%
• 3Y*: 57.39%
• 5Y*: 34.50%
• 10Y*: 35.79%

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

ICOP vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	27.29%	78.01%	1.10%	8.08%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	104.57%	40.74%	12.92%	19.51%

Correlation

The correlation between ICOP and SOXX is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2023	0.47

The correlation between ICOP and SOXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

ICOP vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ICOP	SOXX
Basic Materials	100.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	100.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ICOP vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ICOP

ICOP Risk / Return Rank: 74
ICOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
ICOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
ICOP Omega Ratio Rank: 68
ICOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
ICOP Martin Ratio Rank: 75

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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.

	ICOP	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.77	5.61	-2.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	5.36	-2.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.74	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.95	12.13	-8.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.50	46.43	-31.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ICOP vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ICOP Sharpe Ratio is 2.77, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 5.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ICOP and SOXX, 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

	ICOP	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.77	5.61	-2.84
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.96	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.08	0.45	+0.63

Drawdowns

ICOP vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICOP drawdown since its inception was -38.67%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICOP and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICOP	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.67%	-70.21%	+31.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.13%	-15.77%	-10.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.75%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.29%	0.00%	-3.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.67%	-19.97%	+8.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.10%	4.11%	+2.99%

Volatility

ICOP vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) have volatilities of 13.69% and 14.03%, 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

	ICOP	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.69%	14.03%	-0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.28%	27.35%	+4.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.29%	34.18%	+3.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.77%	36.11%	-2.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.77%	33.43%	+0.34%

ICOP vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICOP has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICOP vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

ICOP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than SOXX's 0.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	1.63%	2.08%	1.87%	2.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.27%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICOP and SOXX in my portfolio?

ICOP and SOXX have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ICOP or SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (14.03%) compared to ICOP (13.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ICOP dropped -38.67% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, ICOP or SOXX?

On 1-year performance, SOXX leads with 190.05% vs 102.60% for ICOP. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, ICOP has been the lower-risk option at 13.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ICOP or SOXX?

Over the 1-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 190.05% return vs 102.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICOP or SOXX?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for ICOP.

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

ICOP has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.27% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between ICOP and SOXX?

ICOP is categorized as Commodity Producers Equities, while SOXX is Semiconductors. ICOP tracks STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index, while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for ICOP and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.61 vs 2.77), 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.