BALQ vs. QQQG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and QQQG (Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for QQQG.

Performance

BALQ vs. QQQG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (QQQG). 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 lower than QQQG's 32.43% return.

BALQ

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

QQQG

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 17.75%
• YTD: 32.43%
• 6M: 30.01%
• 1Y: 42.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BALQ vs. QQQG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	22.89%	-0.49%
QQQG Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	32.43%	-1.82%

Correlation

The correlation between BALQ and QQQG is 0.90, 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	0.90

Return for Risk

BALQ vs. QQQG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQG

QQQG Risk / Return Rank: 62
QQQG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
QQQG Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
QQQG Omega Ratio Rank: 59
QQQG Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
QQQG Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. QQQG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (QQQG). 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	QQQG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.18	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.81	1.20	+1.61

Drawdowns

BALQ vs. QQQG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, smaller than the maximum QQQG drawdown of -23.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and QQQG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALQ	QQQG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-23.61%	+11.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	0.00%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-3.60%	+1.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.83%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BALQ	QQQG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.26%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.03%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	19.65%	-1.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	23.41%	-5.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	23.41%	-5.38%

BALQ vs. QQQG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQG's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALQ vs. QQQG - Dividend Comparison

BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, more than QQQG's 0.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.59%	0.95%	0.00%
QQQG Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	0.04%	0.06%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALQ and QQQG in my portfolio?

BALQ and QQQG have a correlation of 0.90, 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 QQQG?

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 QQQG?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for QQQG.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 0.04% for QQQG.

What is the main difference between BALQ and QQQG?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.49% for QQQG.