COPJ vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. COPJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: COPJMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCOPJSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.76%0.09%
AUM$146M$789.1B
Dividend Yield11.42%1.01%
Holdings50505
YTD Return+12.23%+13.79%
1Y Return+99.70%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+47.58%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)30.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-32.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilySprott ETFSState Street Investment Management
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionFeb 1, 2023Jan 22, 1993

COPJ vs SPY Performance

Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF (COPJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year COPJ returned +99.70% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, COPJ is up 12.23% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, COPJ compounded at +47.58% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, COPJ has the edge at +39.47% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

COPJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -32.3% for COPJ and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

COPJ charges 0.76% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $9 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COPJ currently yields 11.42% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

COPJ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 552 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, COPJ or SPY?

COPJ has an expense ratio of 0.76% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.

Which performed better, COPJ or SPY?

Over the past year COPJ returned +99.70% vs +23.66% for SPY, so COPJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), COPJ annualized +39.47% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, COPJ or SPY?

COPJ has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: COPJ -32.3% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both COPJ and SPY?

COPJ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between COPJ and SPY?

COPJ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, COPJ or SPY?

COPJ yields 11.42% while SPY yields 1.01%, so COPJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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