ICOP vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

ICOP (iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ICOP is a Copper fund tracking the STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ICOP returned 98.32% vs 26.29% for VUG. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ICOP charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

ICOP vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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 VUG's 7.94% return.

ICOP

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

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

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

ICOP vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	27.00%	78.01%	1.10%	8.08%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	11.87%

Correlation

The correlation between ICOP and VUG is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2023	0.43

The correlation between ICOP and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.43 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

ICOP vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ICOP	VUG
Basic Materials	100.0%	0.6%
Communication Services	-	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Energy	-	0.4%
Financial Services	-	4.3%
Healthcare	-	4.6%
Industrials	-	3.6%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Technology	-	53.5%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

ICOP vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	1.59	+0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	2.16	+0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.28	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.78	1.60	+2.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.47	5.50	+7.97

ICOP vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ICOP Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ICOP and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICOP drawdown since its inception was -38.67%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICOP and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICOP	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.67%	-50.68%	+12.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.13%	-16.53%	-9.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.51%	-2.90%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-7.09%	-4.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.33%	4.79%	+2.54%

Volatility

ICOP vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) has a higher volatility of 17.02% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.32%. This indicates that ICOP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ICOP	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.02%	6.32%	+10.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.42%	13.28%	+21.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.31%	16.65%	+22.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.34%	22.34%	+12.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.34%	21.51%	+12.83%

ICOP vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICOP has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICOP vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

ICOP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	2.13%	2.08%	1.87%	2.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICOP and VUG in my portfolio?

ICOP and VUG have a correlation of 0.52, 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 VUG?

ICOP has higher volatility (17.02%) compared to VUG (6.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ICOP dropped -38.67% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, ICOP or VUG?

On 1-year performance, ICOP leads with 98.32% vs 26.29% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ICOP or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, ICOP has performed better with a 98.32% return vs 26.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICOP or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for ICOP.

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

ICOP has the higher dividend yield at 2.13%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between ICOP and VUG?

ICOP is categorized as Copper, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. ICOP tracks STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for ICOP and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICOP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.59), 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.