VGT vs. ICOP

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and ICOP (iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while ICOP is a Copper fund tracking the STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, VGT returned 26.48%/yr vs 26.30%/yr for ICOP. Their 0.46 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. VGT charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for ICOP.

Performance

VGT vs. ICOP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) 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, VGT achieves a 20.36% return, which is significantly higher than ICOP's 13.30% return.

VGT

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -3.47%
• 6M: 21.30%
• YTD: 20.36%
• 1Y: 31.68%
• 3Y*: 26.48%
• 5Y*: 17.81%
• 10Y*: 24.06%
• ALL TIME*: 14.84%

ICOP

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 2.90%
• 6M: -1.66%
• YTD: 13.30%
• 1Y: 74.78%
• 3Y*: 26.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 28.98%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	$3.24M	$3.32M	$5.52M
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	$440.89M	$515.41M	$573.34M

VGT vs. ICOP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	20.36%	21.77%	29.30%	12.16%
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	13.30%	78.01%	1.10%	8.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and ICOP is 0.58, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2023	0.46

The correlation between VGT and ICOP shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (all time) to 0.58 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGT vs. ICOP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	ICOP
Technology	98.6%	-
Communication Services	0.5%	-
Financial Services	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.4%	-
Energy	0.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	100.0%
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VGT vs. ICOP — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 52
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 46

ICOP

ICOP Risk / Return Rank: 75
ICOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
ICOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
ICOP Omega Ratio Rank: 73
ICOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
ICOP Martin Ratio Rank: 69

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VGT vs. ICOP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) 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.

	VGT	ICOP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.85	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	2.29	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.30	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	2.88	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.23	8.34	-3.11

VGT vs. ICOP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the ICOP Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT 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

VGT vs. ICOP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, which is greater than ICOP's maximum drawdown of -38.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and ICOP.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	ICOP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-38.67%	-15.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-26.13%	+9.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	-38.67%	+11.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.93%	-13.92%	+3.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-11.76%	+3.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.07%	8.99%	-2.92%

Volatility

VGT vs. ICOP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) is 8.42%, while iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP) has a volatility of 12.26%. This indicates that VGT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ICOP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGT	ICOP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.42%	12.26%	-3.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.14%	35.69%	-15.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.28%	40.68%	-16.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.83%	34.64%	-8.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.89%	34.64%	-9.75%

VGT vs. ICOP - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than ICOP's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGT vs. ICOP - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than ICOP's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICOP iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	1.79%	2.08%	1.87%	2.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.38%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGT and ICOP in my portfolio?

VGT and ICOP have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGT or ICOP?

ICOP has higher volatility (12.26%) compared to VGT (8.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs ICOP's -38.67%.

Which ETF is better, VGT or ICOP?

On 3-year performance, VGT leads with 26.48% vs 26.30% for ICOP. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 8.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGT or ICOP?

Over the 3-year period, VGT has performed better with a 26.48% return vs 26.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGT or ICOP?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for ICOP.

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

ICOP has the higher dividend yield at 1.79%, compared with 0.38% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VGT and ICOP?

VGT is categorized as Technology Equities, while ICOP is Copper. VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while ICOP tracks STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VGT and 0.47% for ICOP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICOP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.31), 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.