BALQ vs. MLPX
BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BALQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by iShares, while MLPX is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index. BALQ is actively managed, while MLPX is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.22, they often move in opposite directions. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for MLPX.
Performance
BALQ vs. MLPX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BALQ achieves a 17.95% return, which is significantly lower than MLPX's 23.61% return.
BALQ
- 1D
- -0.54%
- 1M
- -0.66%
- YTD
- 17.95%
- 6M
- 16.38%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
MLPX
- 1D
- -1.39%
- 1M
- -5.31%
- YTD
- 23.61%
- 6M
- 23.85%
- 1Y
- 23.77%
- 3Y*
- 28.96%
- 5Y*
- 20.92%
- 10Y*
- 12.30%
BALQ vs. MLPX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 17.95% | 0.04% |
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF | 23.61% | 0.95% |
Correlation
The correlation between BALQ and MLPX is -0.22, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2025 | -0.22 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
BALQ vs. MLPX — Risk / Return Rank
BALQ
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
MLPX
BALQ vs. MLPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX). 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.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| BALQ | MLPX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.27 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 2.92 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 6.98 | — |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
BALQ vs. MLPX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, smaller than the maximum MLPX drawdown of -70.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and MLPX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| BALQ | MLPX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -11.79% | -70.67% | +58.88% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -8.18% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -16.77% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -19.72% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -64.70% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.23% | -5.67% | +1.44% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.42% | -16.58% | +14.16% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 3.42% | — |
Volatility
BALQ vs. MLPX - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| BALQ | MLPX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 5.79% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 11.89% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 20.56% | 15.42% | +5.14% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.56% | 20.00% | +0.56% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.56% | 26.47% | -5.91% |
BALQ vs. MLPX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPX's 0.45% expense ratio.
Dividends
BALQ vs. MLPX - Dividend Comparison
BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.78%, more than MLPX's 4.15% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 4.78% | 0.95% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF | 4.15% | 4.88% | 4.30% | 5.22% | 5.23% | 5.98% | 8.32% | 5.78% | 5.77% | 4.36% | 5.50% | 4.81% |
Frequently Asked Questions
BALQ and MLPX have a correlation of -0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
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.
BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for MLPX.
BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.78%, compared with 4.15% for MLPX.
BALQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while MLPX is MLPs. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.45% for MLPX.
Find the right allocation for BALQ and MLPX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer