BALQ vs. QBUF
BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. BALQ is actively managed, while QBUF is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for QBUF.
Performance
BALQ vs. QBUF - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BALQ achieves a 17.54% return, which is significantly higher than QBUF's 3.62% return.
BALQ
- 1D
- -1.81%
- 1M
- -2.86%
- 6M
- 15.73%
- YTD
- 17.54%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
QBUF
- 1D
- -0.75%
- 1M
- -1.07%
- 6M
- 3.15%
- YTD
- 3.62%
- 1Y
- 9.37%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
BALQ vs. QBUF - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 17.54% | 0.04% |
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly | 3.62% | 0.01% |
Correlation
The correlation between BALQ and QBUF is 0.80, 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 3, 2025 | 0.80 |
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. QBUF — Risk / Return Rank
BALQ
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
QBUF
BALQ vs. QBUF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF). 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 | QBUF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.34 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 4.07 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 13.51 | — |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
BALQ vs. QBUF - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, which is greater than QBUF's maximum drawdown of -8.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and QBUF.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| BALQ | QBUF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -11.79% | -8.84% | -2.95% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -2.31% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.56% | -1.30% | -3.26% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.47% | -0.79% | -1.68% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 0.69% | — |
Volatility
BALQ vs. QBUF - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| BALQ | QBUF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 2.06% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 4.00% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 20.86% | 5.58% | +15.28% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.86% | 8.34% | +12.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.86% | 8.34% | +12.52% |
BALQ vs. QBUF - Expense Ratio Comparison
BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than QBUF's 0.79% expense ratio.
Dividends
BALQ vs. QBUF - Dividend Comparison
BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.12%, while QBUF has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 6.12% | 0.95% |
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
BALQ and QBUF have a correlation of 0.80, 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 0.79% for QBUF.
BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 6.12%, compared with 0.00% for QBUF.
They also come from different issuers: iShares and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.79% for QBUF.
Find the right allocation for BALQ and QBUF
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