QQMG vs. BALQ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QQMG (Invesco ESG NASDAQ 100 ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QQMG is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QQMG charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QQMG vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco ESG NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQMG) 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, QQMG achieves a 16.21% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 17.95% return.

QQMG

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: 16.21%
• 6M: 14.47%
• 1Y: 33.85%
• 3Y*: 26.76%
• 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)

QQMG vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QQMG Invesco ESG NASDAQ 100 ETF	16.21%	-0.94%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	17.95%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between QQMG and BALQ is 0.99 - 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 3, 2025	0.99

Return for Risk

QQMG vs. BALQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQMG

QQMG Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
QQMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
QQMG Omega Ratio Rank: 57
QQMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQMG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

QQMG vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco ESG NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQMG) 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.

	QQMG	BALQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.64	—	—

Drawdowns

QQMG vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQMG drawdown since its inception was -35.43%, which is greater than BALQ's maximum drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQMG and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQMG	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.43%	-11.79%	-23.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.67%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.03%	-4.23%	-0.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.53%	-2.42%	-7.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QQMG	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.06%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.07%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.67%	20.56%	-1.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.78%	20.56%	+3.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.78%	20.56%	+3.22%

QQMG vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

QQMG vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QQMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%, less than BALQ's 4.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.78%	0.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQMG Invesco ESG NASDAQ 100 ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.50%	0.60%	0.82%	0.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQMG and BALQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, QQMG 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, QQMG or BALQ?

On fees, QQMG 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, QQMG or BALQ?

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

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.78%, compared with 0.37% for QQMG.

What is the main difference between QQMG and BALQ?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for QQMG and 0.35% for BALQ.