BALQ vs. BUFQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and BUFQ (FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. BALQ is actively managed, while BUFQ is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for BUFQ.

Performance

BALQ vs. BUFQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BALQ achieves a 22.89% return, which is significantly higher than BUFQ's 9.53% return.

BALQ

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 11.15%
• YTD: 22.89%
• 6M: 22.29%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFQ

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 2.68%
• YTD: 9.53%
• 6M: 10.14%
• 1Y: 21.61%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BALQ vs. BUFQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	22.89%	-0.49%
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	9.53%	0.56%

Correlation

The correlation between BALQ and BUFQ is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

BALQ vs. BUFQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BUFQ

BUFQ Risk / Return Rank: 84
BUFQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
BUFQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
BUFQ Omega Ratio Rank: 85
BUFQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFQ Martin Ratio Rank: 89

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BALQ vs. BUFQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BALQ	BUFQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.81	1.42	+1.39

Drawdowns

BALQ vs. BUFQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, smaller than the maximum BUFQ drawdown of -15.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and BUFQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALQ	BUFQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-15.74%	+3.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.39%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.04%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-2.31%	-0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.06%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BALQ	BUFQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.17%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.42%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	8.31%	+9.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	13.35%	+4.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	13.35%	+4.68%

BALQ vs. BUFQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFQ's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALQ vs. BUFQ - Dividend Comparison

BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, while BUFQ has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.59%	0.95%
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALQ and BUFQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, BALQ and BUFQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, BALQ or BUFQ?

On fees, BALQ is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BALQ or BUFQ?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BUFQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BALQ or BUFQ?

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 0.00% for BUFQ.

What is the main difference between BALQ and BUFQ?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 1.10% for BUFQ.