QNXT vs. BALQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QNXT (iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds from iShares. QNXT is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QNXT charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QNXT vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF (QNXT) 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, QNXT achieves a 15.67% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 22.89% return.

QNXT

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: 9.65%
• YTD: 15.67%
• 6M: 13.13%
• 1Y: 25.34%
• 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)

QNXT vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QNXT iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF	15.67%	-2.19%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	22.89%	-0.49%

Correlation

The correlation between QNXT and BALQ is 0.77, 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 4, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

QNXT vs. BALQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QNXT

QNXT Risk / Return Rank: 49
QNXT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
QNXT Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
QNXT Omega Ratio Rank: 47
QNXT Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QNXT Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

QNXT vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF (QNXT) 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.

	QNXT	BALQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.50	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.17	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QNXT	BALQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.70	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	2.81	-1.91

Drawdowns

QNXT vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QNXT drawdown since its inception was -22.25%, which is greater than BALQ's maximum drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QNXT and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QNXT	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.25%	-11.79%	-10.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.61%	-0.21%	-0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.79%	-2.37%	-1.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QNXT	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.92%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.05%	18.03%	-2.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.73%	18.03%	+1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.73%	18.03%	+1.70%

QNXT vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QNXT has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

QNXT vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QNXT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, less than BALQ's 4.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.59%	0.95%	0.00%
QNXT iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF	0.60%	0.64%	0.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QNXT and BALQ in my portfolio?

QNXT and BALQ have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QNXT or BALQ?

On fees, QNXT is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QNXT or BALQ?

QNXT is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for BALQ.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 0.60% for QNXT.

What is the main difference between QNXT and BALQ?

Their fees differ too: 0.20% for QNXT and 0.35% for BALQ.