QEW vs. BALQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

QEW (Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QEW is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QEW charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QEW vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

QEW

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: -0.23%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BALQ

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: -0.64%
• 6M: 16.09%
• YTD: 18.78%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QEW vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QEW Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF	18.14%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	19.32%

Correlation

The correlation between QEW and BALQ is 0.91, 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 Mar 18, 2026	0.91

Return for Risk

QEW vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF (QEW) 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

QEW vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QEW drawdown since its inception was -5.87%, smaller than the maximum BALQ drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QEW and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QEW	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.87%	-11.79%	+5.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.72%	-3.55%	+0.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.25%	-2.45%	+1.20%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QEW	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.60%	20.87%	-1.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.60%	20.87%	-1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.60%	20.87%	-1.27%

QEW vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QEW has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

QEW vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QEW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than BALQ's 6.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	6.05%	0.95%
QEW Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF	0.11%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QEW and BALQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, QEW 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, QEW or BALQ?

On fees, QEW is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QEW or BALQ?

QEW is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for BALQ.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 6.05%, compared with 0.11% for QEW.

What is the main difference between QEW and BALQ?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for QEW and 0.35% for BALQ.