NIKL vs. ICOP

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NIKL (Sprott Nickel Miners ETF) and ICOP (iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NIKL is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Sprott Nickel Miners Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while ICOP is a Copper fund tracking the STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, NIKL returned -6.92%/yr vs 30.39%/yr for ICOP. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NIKL charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for ICOP.

Performance

NIKL vs. ICOP - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NIKL achieves a -14.29% return, which is significantly lower than ICOP's 13.96% return.

NIKL

• 1D: -2.66%
• 1M: -13.24%
• YTD: -14.29%
• 6M: -11.77%
• 1Y: 26.52%
• 3Y*: -6.92%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ICOP

• 1D: -5.31%
• 1M: -3.15%
• YTD: 13.96%
• 6M: 12.44%
• 1Y: 82.41%
• 3Y*: 30.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NIKL vs. ICOP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NIKL Sprott Nickel Miners ETF	-14.29%	52.05%	-22.48%	-21.00%
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	13.96%	78.01%	1.10%	8.08%

Correlation

The correlation between NIKL and ICOP is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2023	0.64

The correlation between NIKL and ICOP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

NIKL vs. ICOP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NIKL	ICOP
Basic Materials	68.1%	100.0%
Industrials	3.5%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

NIKL vs. ICOP — Risk / Return Rank

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

NIKL

NIKL Risk / Return Rank: 20
NIKL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
NIKL Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
NIKL Omega Ratio Rank: 20
NIKL Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
NIKL Martin Ratio Rank: 18

ICOP

ICOP Risk / Return Rank: 61
ICOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
ICOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
ICOP Omega Ratio Rank: 56
ICOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
ICOP Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

NIKL vs. ICOP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) and iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP). 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.

	NIKL	ICOP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	2.09	-1.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.12	2.50	-1.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.33	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.75	3.17	-2.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.87	11.16	-9.29

NIKL vs. ICOP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NIKL Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is lower than the ICOP Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NIKL and ICOP, 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

NIKL vs. ICOP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NIKL drawdown since its inception was -60.23%, which is greater than ICOP's maximum drawdown of -38.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NIKL and ICOP.

Drawdown Indicators

	NIKL	ICOP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.23%	-38.67%	-21.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.36%	-26.13%	-9.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-60.23%	-38.67%	-21.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-34.52%	-13.41%	-21.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.64%	-11.61%	-15.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.23%	7.41%	+6.82%

Volatility

NIKL vs. ICOP - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) and iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) have volatilities of 15.69% and 16.27%, 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

	NIKL	ICOP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.69%	16.27%	-0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.96%	35.00%	+1.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.91%	39.67%	+3.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.97%	34.44%	-1.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.97%	34.44%	-1.47%

NIKL vs. ICOP - Expense Ratio Comparison

NIKL has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ICOP's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

NIKL vs. ICOP - Dividend Comparison

NIKL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.95%, more than ICOP's 1.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	1.78%	2.08%	1.87%	2.15%
NIKL Sprott Nickel Miners ETF	2.95%	2.53%	3.49%	19.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NIKL and ICOP in my portfolio?

NIKL and ICOP have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NIKL or ICOP?

ICOP has higher volatility (16.27%) compared to NIKL (15.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NIKL dropped -60.23% vs ICOP's -38.67%.

Which ETF is better, NIKL or ICOP?

On 3-year performance, ICOP leads with 30.39% vs -6.92% for NIKL. On fees, ICOP is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, NIKL has been the lower-risk option at 15.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NIKL or ICOP?

Over the 3-year period, ICOP has performed better with a 30.39% return vs -6.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NIKL or ICOP?

ICOP is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for NIKL.

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

NIKL has the higher dividend yield at 2.95%, compared with 1.78% for ICOP.

What is the main difference between NIKL and ICOP?

NIKL is categorized as Energy Equities, while ICOP is Copper. NIKL tracks Nasdaq Sprott Nickel Miners Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while ICOP tracks STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index. They also come from different issuers: Sprott and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for NIKL and 0.47% for ICOP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICOP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 0.62), 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.