BALQ vs. QNXT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and QNXT (iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds from iShares. BALQ is actively managed, while QNXT is passively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for QNXT.

Performance

BALQ vs. QNXT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF (QNXT). 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 QNXT's 15.67% return.

BALQ

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

QNXT

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: 9.65%
• YTD: 15.67%
• 6M: 13.13%
• 1Y: 25.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BALQ vs. QNXT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	22.89%	-0.49%
QNXT iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF	15.67%	-2.19%

Correlation

The correlation between BALQ and QNXT is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

BALQ vs. QNXT — Risk / Return Rank

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

QNXT

QNXT Risk / Return Rank: 49
QNXT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
QNXT Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
QNXT Omega Ratio Rank: 47
QNXT Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QNXT Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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. QNXT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF (QNXT). 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	QNXT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.81	0.90	+1.91

Drawdowns

BALQ vs. QNXT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, smaller than the maximum QNXT drawdown of -22.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and QNXT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALQ	QNXT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-22.25%	+10.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.61%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-3.79%	+1.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.11%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BALQ	QNXT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.92%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	15.05%	+2.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	19.73%	-1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	19.73%	-1.70%

BALQ vs. QNXT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than QNXT's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALQ vs. QNXT - Dividend Comparison

BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, more than QNXT's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.59%	0.95%	0.00%
QNXT iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF	0.60%	0.64%	0.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALQ and QNXT in my portfolio?

BALQ and QNXT have a correlation of 0.77, 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 QNXT?

On fees, QNXT is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BALQ or QNXT?

QNXT is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for BALQ.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 0.60% for QNXT.

What is the main difference between BALQ and QNXT?

Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.20% for QNXT.