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 | $5.2 billion | Copper miners | |
United States Copper Index ETF | $523.0 million | Copper futures | |
iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF | $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
Key Data Points
The Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX +2.86%) 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 +1.76%): 5.7%.
- Boliden: 5.2%
- Freeport-McMoRan (FCX +1.79%): 5.1%.
- Southern Copper (SCCO +3.25%): 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.
2. United States Copper Index ETF
NYSEMKT: CPER
Key Data Points
NASDAQ: ICOP
Key Data Points
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Investing in copper ETFs FAQ
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