QNDX vs. BALQ

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

QNDX (SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QNDX is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QNDX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QNDX vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

QNDX

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 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)

QNDX vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.74%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	1.29%

Correlation

The correlation between QNDX and BALQ is 0.96 - 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 Jun 24, 2026	0.96

Return for Risk

QNDX vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX) 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

QNDX vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QNDX drawdown since its inception was -3.65%, smaller than the maximum BALQ drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QNDX and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QNDX	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.65%	-11.79%	+8.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-2.47%	+0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.71%	-2.45%	+0.74%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QNDX	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.98%	20.84%	+2.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.98%	20.84%	+2.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.98%	20.84%	+2.14%

QNDX vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

QNDX vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QNDX 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%
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QNDX and BALQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, QNDX 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, QNDX or BALQ?

On fees, QNDX 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, QNDX or BALQ?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between QNDX and BALQ?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for QNDX and 0.35% for BALQ.