QBUF vs. BALQ

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QBUF is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QBUF charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QBUF vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QBUF achieves a 4.52% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 20.11% return.

QBUF

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -0.21%
• 6M: 3.79%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 1Y: 10.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BALQ

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 0.48%
• 6M: 17.66%
• YTD: 20.11%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QBUF vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	4.52%	0.01%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	20.11%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between QBUF and BALQ is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2025	0.80

Return for Risk

QBUF vs. BALQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QBUF

QBUF Risk / Return Rank: 83
QBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
QBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 89

BALQ

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

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.

QBUF vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) 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.

	QBUF	BALQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.59	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.35	—	—

Drawdowns

QBUF vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QBUF drawdown since its inception was -8.84%, smaller than the maximum BALQ drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QBUF and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QBUF	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-11.79%	+2.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.31%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-2.47%	+2.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.79%	-2.45%	+1.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QBUF	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.93%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.93%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.52%	20.84%	-15.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.34%	20.84%	-12.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.34%	20.84%	-12.50%

QBUF vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QBUF has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

QBUF vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QBUF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.99%.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	5.99%	0.95%
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QBUF and BALQ in my portfolio?

QBUF and BALQ have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QBUF or BALQ?

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, QBUF or BALQ?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for QBUF.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 5.99%, compared with 0.00% for QBUF.

What is the main difference between QBUF and BALQ?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for QBUF and 0.35% for BALQ.