QSIX vs. BALQ

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QSIX (Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QSIX is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QSIX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

QSIX vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) 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, QSIX achieves a 13.86% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 17.54% return.

QSIX

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -3.16%
• 6M: 12.66%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 1Y: 24.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BALQ

• 1D: -1.81%
• 1M: -2.86%
• 6M: 15.73%
• YTD: 17.54%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QSIX vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	13.86%	-1.07%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	17.54%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between QSIX 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

QSIX vs. BALQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSIX

QSIX Risk / Return Rank: 54
QSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
QSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
QSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
QSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
QSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

QSIX vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) 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.

	QSIX	BALQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.14	—	—

Drawdowns

QSIX vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSIX drawdown since its inception was -20.72%, which is greater than BALQ's maximum drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSIX and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSIX	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.72%	-11.79%	-8.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.14%	-4.56%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.07%	-2.47%	-0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QSIX	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.67%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.06%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.02%	20.86%	-3.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.78%	20.86%	-1.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.78%	20.86%	-1.08%

QSIX vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSIX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSIX vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

QSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.66%, less than BALQ's 6.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	6.12%	0.95%	0.00%
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	3.66%	4.02%	1.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSIX and BALQ in my portfolio?

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

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QSIX.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 6.12%, compared with 3.66% for QSIX.

What is the main difference between QSIX and BALQ?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QSIX and 0.35% for BALQ.