QLDY vs. BALQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QLDY (Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QLDY charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QLDY vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) 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, QLDY achieves a 19.28% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 22.89% return.

QLDY

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 11.63%
• YTD: 19.28%
• 6M: 16.55%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BALQ

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 11.15%
• YTD: 22.89%
• 6M: 22.29%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QLDY vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QLDY Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF	19.28%	-2.29%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	22.89%	-0.49%

Correlation

The correlation between QLDY and BALQ is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.98

Return for Risk

QLDY vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QLDY	BALQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.60	2.81	-1.21

Drawdowns

QLDY vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QLDY drawdown since its inception was -17.44%, which is greater than BALQ's maximum drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLDY and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QLDY	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.44%	-11.79%	-5.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.21%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.25%	-2.37%	-1.88%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QLDY	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.57%	18.03%	+1.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.57%	18.03%	+1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.57%	18.03%	+1.54%

QLDY vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QLDY has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

QLDY vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QLDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.47%, more than BALQ's 4.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.59%	0.95%
QLDY Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF	21.47%	9.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QLDY and BALQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, QLDY 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, QLDY 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, QLDY or BALQ?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for QLDY.

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

QLDY has the higher dividend yield at 21.47%, compared with 4.59% for BALQ.

What is the main difference between QLDY and BALQ?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.04% for QLDY and 0.35% for BALQ.