IQQ vs. BALQ

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

IQQ (iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds from iShares. IQQ is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQQ charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

IQQ vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

IQQ

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

BALQ

• 1D: 2.13%
• 1M: -3.10%
• 6M: 19.66%
• YTD: 18.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
IQQ iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF	$42.46M	$42.46M	$42.46M

IQQ vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
IQQ iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF	-1.68%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	0.47%

Correlation

The correlation between IQQ and BALQ is 0.93, 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 Jul 9, 2026	0.93

Return for Risk

IQQ vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (IQQ) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

IQQ vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQQ drawdown since its inception was -4.15%, smaller than the maximum BALQ drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQQ and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQQ	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-11.79%	+7.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.28%	-3.46%	+1.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.89%	-2.51%	+0.62%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IQQ	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.24%	20.87%	-0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.24%	20.87%	-0.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.24%	20.87%	-0.63%

IQQ vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQQ has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQQ vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

IQQ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.05%.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	6.05%	0.95%
IQQ iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQQ and BALQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, IQQ 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.

Which ETF is better, IQQ or BALQ?

On fees, IQQ is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQQ or BALQ?

IQQ is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for BALQ.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 6.05%, compared with 0.00% for IQQ.

What is the main difference between IQQ and BALQ?

Their fees differ too: 0.10% for IQQ and 0.35% for BALQ.