BALQ vs. QNDX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and QNDX (SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. BALQ is actively managed, while QNDX is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for QNDX.

Performance

BALQ vs. QNDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BALQ

• 1D: -1.81%
• 1M: -2.86%
• 6M: 15.73%
• YTD: 17.54%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QNDX

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BALQ vs. QNDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	-0.89%
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	-1.16%

Correlation

The correlation between BALQ and QNDX 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 Jun 24, 2026	0.94

Return for Risk

BALQ vs. QNDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX). 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.

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

Drawdowns

BALQ vs. QNDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, which is greater than QNDX's maximum drawdown of -4.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and QNDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALQ	QNDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-4.09%	-7.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.56%	-4.09%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.47%	-1.91%	-0.56%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BALQ	QNDX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.86%	22.37%	-1.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.86%	22.37%	-1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.86%	22.37%	-1.51%

BALQ vs. QNDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than QNDX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALQ vs. QNDX - Dividend Comparison

BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.12%, while QNDX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	6.12%	0.95%
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALQ and QNDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, BALQ and QNDX 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 QNDX?

On fees, QNDX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BALQ or QNDX?

QNDX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for BALQ.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 6.12%, compared with 0.00% for QNDX.

What is the main difference between BALQ and QNDX?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.10% for QNDX.