Copper miners ETF outperformed copper futures by over 3x in the past year, offering stronger returns and dividends.

Investors choosing between copper exposure via the Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX) and the United States Copper Index Fund (CPER) saw a stark performance difference: COPX returned 104.46% over the past year, while CPER returned 28.04%. COPX invests in mining companies, benefiting from operating leverage that amplifies earnings when copper prices rise, but carries risks like labor disputes and market volatility. CPER offers direct exposure to copper futures, with less equity risk but faces roll yield drag and higher fees. For bullish investors, COPX is generally the better choice due to higher returns, dividends, and simpler tax reporting, while CPER suits those seeking pure copper price exposure and separation from equity market fluctuations.