CPER vs SPY
United States Copper Index Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CPER delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CPER | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $738M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.20% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.52% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CPER vs SPY Performance
United States Copper Index Fund (CPER) is a ETF from USCF Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CPER returned +45.20% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, CPER is up 14.07% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, CPER compounded at +19.52% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.77% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CPER has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -54.0% for CPER 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPER charges 0.88% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $9 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPER currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CPER and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, CPER or SPY?
CPER has an expense ratio of 0.88% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CPER or SPY?
Over the past year CPER returned +45.20% vs +23.66% for SPY, so CPER leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CPER annualized +3.18% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CPER or SPY?
CPER has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CPER -54.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CPER and SPY?
CPER and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CPER and SPY?
CPER and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPER or SPY?
CPER yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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