BUFQ vs. BALQ
BUFQ (FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. BUFQ is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. Their 0.95 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. BUFQ charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.
Performance
BUFQ vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BUFQ achieves a 8.37% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 18.43% return.
BUFQ
- 1D
- 0.73%
- 1M
- 0.21%
- 6M
- 7.17%
- YTD
- 8.37%
- 1Y
- 16.29%
- 3Y*
- 15.51%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 17.74%
BALQ
- 1D
- 1.88%
- 1M
- 0.07%
- 6M
- 14.80%
- YTD
- 18.43%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $313.33K | $255.38K | $181.78K | |
| $4.67M | $5.07M | $6.16M |
BUFQ vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF | 8.37% | 0.65% |
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 18.43% | 0.04% |
Correlation
The correlation between BUFQ and BALQ is 0.95 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2025 | 0.95 |
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Return for Risk
BUFQ vs. BALQ — Risk / Return Rank
BUFQ
BALQ
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
BUFQ vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) and iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ). 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.
| BUFQ | BALQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.03 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 13.53 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
BUFQ vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BUFQ drawdown since its inception was -15.74%, which is greater than BALQ's maximum drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFQ and BALQ.
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Drawdown Indicators
| BUFQ | BALQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -15.74% | -11.79% | -3.95% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.39% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -15.74% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.15% | -3.83% | +2.68% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.27% | -2.73% | +0.46% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.21% | — | — |
Volatility
BUFQ vs. BALQ - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| BUFQ | BALQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.45% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 7.40% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 9.08% | 21.56% | -12.48% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 13.27% | 21.56% | -8.29% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.27% | 21.56% | -8.29% |
BUFQ vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison
BUFQ has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.
Dividends
BUFQ vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison
BUFQ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.05%.
| Position | TTM | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 7.05% | 0.95% |
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.95, BUFQ and BALQ 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 1.10% for BUFQ.
BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 7.05%, compared with 0.00% for BUFQ.
They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.10% for BUFQ and 0.35% for BALQ.
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