BALQ vs. XQQI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and XQQI (NEOS Boosted Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.98%/yr for XQQI.

Performance

BALQ vs. XQQI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

BALQ

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

XQQI

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 9.52%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BALQ vs. XQQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	20.95%
XQQI NEOS Boosted Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	18.14%

Correlation

The correlation between BALQ and XQQI is 0.97 - 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 Feb 4, 2026	0.97

Return for Risk

BALQ vs. XQQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and NEOS Boosted Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (XQQI). 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	XQQI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.81	2.97	-0.16

Drawdowns

BALQ vs. XQQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, smaller than the maximum XQQI drawdown of -12.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and XQQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALQ	XQQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-12.53%	+0.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.59%	+0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-2.05%	-0.32%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BALQ	XQQI	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	22.32%	-4.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	22.32%	-4.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	22.32%	-4.29%

BALQ vs. XQQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than XQQI's 0.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALQ vs. XQQI - Dividend Comparison

BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, less than XQQI's 7.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.59%	0.95%
XQQI NEOS Boosted Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	7.88%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALQ and XQQI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, BALQ and XQQI 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 XQQI?

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 XQQI?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for XQQI.

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

XQQI has the higher dividend yield at 7.88%, compared with 4.59% for BALQ.

What is the main difference between BALQ and XQQI?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and NEOS. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.98% for XQQI.