BALQ vs. QQQI
BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for QQQI.
Performance
BALQ vs. QQQI - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BALQ achieves a 18.59% return, which is significantly higher than QQQI's 9.86% return.
BALQ
- 1D
- -3.11%
- 1M
- -0.12%
- YTD
- 18.59%
- 6M
- 17.39%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
QQQI
- 1D
- -2.87%
- 1M
- -0.93%
- YTD
- 9.86%
- 6M
- 8.75%
- 1Y
- 24.88%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
BALQ vs. QQQI - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 18.59% | 0.04% |
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF | 9.86% | -0.21% |
Correlation
The correlation between BALQ and QQQI is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2025 | 0.99 |
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Return for Risk
BALQ vs. QQQI — Risk / Return Rank
BALQ
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
QQQI
BALQ vs. QQQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI). 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 | QQQI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.32 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 2.60 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 11.10 | — |
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Drawdowns
BALQ vs. QQQI - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, smaller than the maximum QQQI drawdown of -20.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and QQQI.
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Drawdown Indicators
| BALQ | QQQI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -11.79% | -20.00% | +8.21% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -9.61% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.71% | -3.32% | -0.39% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.40% | -2.20% | -0.20% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 2.25% | — |
Volatility
BALQ vs. QQQI - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| BALQ | QQQI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 7.63% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 11.99% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 20.62% | 14.79% | +5.83% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.62% | 17.53% | +3.09% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.62% | 17.53% | +3.09% |
BALQ vs. QQQI - Expense Ratio Comparison
BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQI's 0.68% expense ratio.
Dividends
BALQ vs. QQQI - Dividend Comparison
BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.76%, less than QQQI's 14.97% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 4.76% | 0.95% | 0.00% |
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF | 14.97% | 13.82% | 12.85% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, BALQ and QQQI 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.
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 0.68% for QQQI.
QQQI has the higher dividend yield at 14.97%, compared with 4.76% for BALQ.
They also come from different issuers: iShares and Neos. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.68% for QQQI.
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