ICOP vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

ICOP (iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ICOP is a Copper fund tracking the STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index, while VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. ICOP is passively managed, while VPLS is actively managed. Over the past year, ICOP returned 98.32% vs 5.74% for VPLS. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ICOP charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

ICOP vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ICOP achieves a 27.00% return, which is significantly higher than VPLS's 0.99% return.

ICOP

• 1D: 3.80%
• 1M: 8.46%
• YTD: 27.00%
• 6M: 33.16%
• 1Y: 98.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.20%
• YTD: 0.99%
• 6M: 1.33%
• 1Y: 5.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ICOP vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	27.00%	78.01%	1.10%	12.72%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.99%	7.86%	2.72%	2.83%

Correlation

The correlation between ICOP and VPLS is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.20

The correlation between ICOP and VPLS shifts across timeframes, from 0.20 (all time) to 0.32 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ICOP vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

ICOP

ICOP Risk / Return Rank: 77
ICOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
ICOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
ICOP Omega Ratio Rank: 73
ICOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
ICOP Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 50
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	1.61	+0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	2.39	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.29	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.78	2.12	+1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.47	6.68	+6.79

ICOP vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ICOP Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is higher than the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ICOP and VPLS, 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

ICOP vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICOP drawdown since its inception was -38.67%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICOP and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICOP	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.67%	-4.17%	-34.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.13%	-2.72%	-23.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.51%	-0.87%	-2.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-1.01%	-10.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.33%	0.86%	+6.47%

Volatility

ICOP vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) has a higher volatility of 17.02% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 1.28%. This indicates that ICOP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ICOP	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.02%	1.28%	+15.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.42%	2.75%	+31.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.31%	3.59%	+35.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.34%	4.60%	+29.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.34%	4.60%	+29.74%

ICOP vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICOP has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICOP vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

ICOP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%, less than VPLS's 4.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	2.13%	2.08%	1.87%	2.15%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.74%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICOP and VPLS in my portfolio?

ICOP and VPLS have a correlation of 0.32, 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 VPLS?

ICOP has higher volatility (17.02%) compared to VPLS (1.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ICOP dropped -38.67% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, ICOP or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, ICOP leads with 98.32% vs 5.74% for VPLS. On fees, VPLS is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 1.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ICOP or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, ICOP has performed better with a 98.32% return vs 5.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICOP or VPLS?

VPLS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for ICOP.

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

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.74%, compared with 2.13% for ICOP.

What is the main difference between ICOP and VPLS?

ICOP is categorized as Copper, while VPLS is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for ICOP and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICOP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.61), 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.