Best Copper ETFs for 2026 and How to Invest

Best Copper ETFs for 2026 and How to Invest in Them

By Matthew DiLallo – Updated Jan 19, 2026 at 12:07 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Copper ETFs invest in mining stocks or futures, tracking copper's broad usage growth.
Top copper ETFs include Global X Miners, US Copper Index, and iShares Copper & Metals Mining.
Investing in copper ETFs targets future copper demand increases, influenced by renewable energy.

Copper exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple way to invest in one of the world’s most important industrial metals. These funds typically hold shares of copper mining companies or track copper prices through futures contracts, giving investors broad exposure without picking individual stocks.

Copper’s role in the global economy is only growing. It’s a top-tier conductor of electricity and a critical input for power grids, wind energy, electric vehicles, and other technologies tied to electrification and emissions reduction. As more of the economy shifts toward electricity, demand for copper is expected to rise.

For investors looking to tap into that trend with diversification built in, copper-focused ETFs can be an accessible option.

Types of copper ETFs

Not all copper ETFs work the same way. Broadly, they fall into two categories:

Copper miners ETFs: These funds hold shares of companies that mine copper, often alongside other metals and minerals.
Copper futures ETFs: These funds aim to track the price of copper by investing in futures contracts linked to copper prices.

Mining ETFs tend to suit long-term investors, while futures ETFs are typically used for short-term price exposure.

Three top copper ETFs

A few ETFs provide investors with direct exposure to the copper market. Here are three top copper-focused ETFs to consider:

Copper ETF	Ticker symbol	Assets under management	Focus
Global X Copper Miners ETF	(NYSEMKT:COPX)	$5.2 billion	Copper miners
United States Copper Index ETF	(NYSEMKT:CPER)	$523.0 million	Copper futures
iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF	(NYSEMKT:ICOP)	$232.9 million	Copper and metals mining companies

Data source: ETF Database. Data as of Jan. 13, 2026.

1. Global X Copper Miners ETF

NYSEMKT: COPX

Global X Funds - Global X Copper Miners ETF

Today's Change

(-10.00%) $-9.42

Current Price

$84.81

Key Data Points

Day's Range

$82.43 - $88.49

52wk Range

$30.77 - $99.99

Volume

15M

The Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX -10.00%) provides investors with access to a range of copper mining companies. The ETF held more than 40 copper stocks in early 2026, led by the following five:

KGHM Polska Miedz: 5.8% of the fund's assets.
Lundin Mining (LUNMF -8.52%): 5.7%.
Boliden: 5.2%
Freeport-McMoRan (FCX -7.52%): 5.1%.
Southern Copper (SCCO -8.47%): 4.9%.

The ETF gives investors targeted exposure to the entire copper mining industry. It allows investors to hold a broad basket of copper mining stocks for a modest ETF expense ratio of 0.65%.

One drawback to investing in copper mining stocks is that they can underperform the price of copper due to cost overruns, mismanagement, or other issues. Many also produce other metals such as iron ore, aluminum, and gold, which can dilute the impact of higher copper prices.

However, copper mining stocks can also potentially outperform copper if they can expand production amid rising copper prices. They also offer the potential to collect dividend income.

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2. United States Copper Index ETF

NYSEMKT: CPER

United States Commodity Index Funds Trust - United States Copper Index Fund

Today's Change

(-5.89%) $-2.28

Current Price

$36.43

Key Data Points

Day's Range

$35.38 - $37.28

52wk Range

$25.65 - $40.44

Volume

4.5M

The United States Copper Index (CPER -5.89%) is an ETF that invests in copper futures contracts. The ETF's objective is to reflect the return of an index benchmark for copper futures minus its expenses. The ETF’s holdings include copper futures contracts, and an equal amount of cash and equivalents serving as collateral.

The ETF has a rather high expense ratio of 1.06%; it costs the ETF money to roll its futures contracts forward at expiration. The expenses have caused the fund to underperform its benchmark and the price of copper over the long term.

However, the United States Copper Index ETF isn't supposed to be a long-term holding. It aims to match the daily returns of its index. It's best used to make a short-term trade on the belief that the price of copper will make a significant near-term move.

3. iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF

NASDAQ: ICOP

iShares Trust - iShares Copper And Metals Mining ETF

Today's Change

(-8.95%) $-5.02

Current Price

$51.05

Key Data Points

Day's Range

$50.26 - $53.28

52wk Range

$21.09 - $60.08

Volume

948K

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FAQ

Investing in copper ETFs FAQ

About the Author

Matt DiLallo has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst specializing in covering dividend-paying companies, particularly in the energy and REIT sectors, since 2012. He also covers pre-IPO companies, ETFs, and other investing topics. He holds an MBA from Liberty University.

TMFmd19

@MatthewDiLallo

Matt DiLallo has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool recommends BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Pros and cons of investing in copper ETFs

Investing in copper ETFs has its benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

Broad exposure: Mining ETFs provide diversified access to the copper sector.

Income potential: Many copper miners pay dividends, which mining ETFs pass along to investors.

Leverage to demand growth: Rising copper demand can support higher prices and stronger company performance.

Cons

Not pure plays: Most miners produce multiple metals, diluting direct exposure to copper.

Tracking differences: Mining ETFs may lag copper prices, while futures ETFs can underperform due to contract roll costs.

Volatility: Copper prices can swing sharply with economic conditions and supply changes.

How to use copper ETFs in a portfolio

Copper ETFs are best viewed as a way to express a long-term view on electrification, infrastructure spending, and global industrial growth. However, they aren’t perfect proxies for copper prices.

Between the two approaches, mining-focused ETFs generally offer a better risk–reward profile for many long-term investors, as company earnings and dividends can add returns beyond commodity price moves. Futures-based ETFs are typically better suited for shorter-term positioning.

Future outlook for copper ETFs

Most forecasters expect copper demand to rise over the coming decade. Under Wood Mackenzie’s base-case scenario, global copper demand could increase 24% by 2035, driven by economic growth and the accelerating shift toward electrification.

If that demand materializes, higher copper prices should support both mining profits and copper-focused ETFs over the long run, making them a compelling, though volatile, way to gain exposure to this critical metal.

Best Copper ETFs for 2026 and How to Invest in Them

Key Points

Types of copper ETFs

Three top copper ETFs

1. Global X Copper Miners ETF

NYSEMKT: COPX

Key Data Points

2. United States Copper Index ETF

NYSEMKT: CPER

Key Data Points

3. iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF

NASDAQ: ICOP

Key Data Points

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FAQ

Investing in copper ETFs FAQ

What is the best way to invest in copper?

What is the best way to invest in copper?

Is there a copper commodity in ETF?

Is there a copper commodity in ETF?

What is the dividend on copper ETFs?

What is the dividend on copper ETFs?

Does copper do well in a recession?

Does copper do well in a recession?

How do copper ETFs fit into a diversified portfolio?

How do copper ETFs fit into a diversified portfolio?

Is investing in copper ETFs a good idea?

Is investing in copper ETFs a good idea?

Which copper ETF has the lowest expense ratio?

Which copper ETF has the lowest expense ratio?

About the Author

Stocks Mentioned

Freeport-McMoRan

iShares Trust - iShares Copper And Metals Mining ETF

Lundin Mining

United States Commodity Index Funds Trust - United States Copper Index Fund

Southern Copper

BHP Group

Newmont

Anglo American Plc

Global X Funds - Global X Copper Miners ETF

Premium Investing Services

Pros and cons of investing in copper ETFs

Pros

Cons

How to use copper ETFs in a portfolio

Future outlook for copper ETFs