BALQ vs. QB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and QB (ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BALQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by iShares, while QB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Nasdaq-100. BALQ is actively managed, while QB is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for QB.

Performance

BALQ vs. QB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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 QB's 10.47% return.

BALQ

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

QB

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 2.95%
• YTD: 10.47%
• 6M: 9.91%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BALQ vs. QB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	22.89%	-0.49%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	10.47%	-0.51%

Correlation

The correlation between BALQ and QB is 0.81, 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	0.81

Return for Risk

BALQ vs. QB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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	QB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.81	3.17	-0.36

Drawdowns

BALQ vs. QB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, which is greater than QB's maximum drawdown of -1.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and QB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALQ	QB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-1.83%	-9.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.30%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-0.34%	-2.03%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BALQ	QB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	5.75%	+12.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	5.75%	+12.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	5.75%	+12.28%

BALQ vs. QB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than QB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALQ vs. QB - Dividend Comparison

BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, more than QB's 0.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.59%	0.95%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	0.62%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALQ and QB in my portfolio?

BALQ and QB have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BALQ or QB?

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 QB?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for QB.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 0.62% for QB.

What is the main difference between BALQ and QB?

BALQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while QB is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: iShares and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.58% for QB.