QQWZ vs. BALQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QQWZ (Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQWZ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QQWZ vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) 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, QQWZ achieves a 14.35% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 18.59% return.

QQWZ

• 1D: -3.00%
• 1M: -0.25%
• YTD: 14.35%
• 6M: 11.94%
• 1Y: 31.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BALQ

• 1D: -3.11%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 18.59%
• 6M: 17.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QQWZ vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QQWZ Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF	14.35%	-1.94%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	18.59%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between QQWZ and BALQ is 0.67, 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 3, 2025	0.67

Return for Risk

QQWZ vs. BALQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQWZ

QQWZ Risk / Return Rank: 70
QQWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
QQWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
QQWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 66
QQWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
QQWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

QQWZ vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) 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.

	QQWZ	BALQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.02	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.81	—	—

Drawdowns

QQWZ vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQWZ drawdown since its inception was -7.81%, smaller than the maximum BALQ drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQWZ and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQWZ	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.81%	-11.79%	+3.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.81%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.07%	-3.71%	-0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.44%	-2.40%	+0.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.27%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QQWZ	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.52%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.51%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.68%	20.62%	-4.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.83%	20.62%	-4.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.83%	20.62%	-4.79%

QQWZ vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQWZ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQWZ vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QQWZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, less than BALQ's 4.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.76%	0.95%
QQWZ Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF	0.57%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQWZ and BALQ in my portfolio?

QQWZ and BALQ have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QQWZ 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, QQWZ or BALQ?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for QQWZ.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.76%, compared with 0.57% for QQWZ.

What is the main difference between QQWZ and BALQ?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for QQWZ and 0.35% for BALQ.