QFLR vs. BALQ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QFLR (Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QFLR charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QFLR vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) 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, QFLR achieves a 3.09% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 17.95% return.

QFLR

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 3.09%
• 6M: 2.26%
• 1Y: 19.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BALQ

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: -0.66%
• YTD: 17.95%
• 6M: 16.38%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QFLR vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	3.09%	-0.70%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	17.95%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between QFLR 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 Dec 3, 2025	0.93

Return for Risk

QFLR vs. BALQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QFLR

QFLR Risk / Return Rank: 53
QFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
QFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
QFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 51
QFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
QFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

QFLR vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) 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.

	QFLR	BALQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	—	—

Drawdowns

QFLR vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QFLR drawdown since its inception was -13.97%, which is greater than BALQ's maximum drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QFLR and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QFLR	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.97%	-11.79%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.02%	-4.23%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.51%	-2.42%	-0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QFLR	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.55%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.85%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.76%	20.56%	-7.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.12%	20.56%	-7.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.12%	20.56%	-7.44%

QFLR vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QFLR has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

QFLR vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QFLR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.78%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.78%	0.95%	0.00%
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	0.00%	0.02%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QFLR and BALQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, QFLR 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, QFLR 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, QFLR or BALQ?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for QFLR.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.78%, compared with 0.00% for QFLR.

What is the main difference between QFLR and BALQ?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for QFLR and 0.35% for BALQ.