QTOP vs. BALQ
QTOP (iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds from iShares. QTOP is passively managed, while BALQ is actively managed. Their 0.99 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. QTOP charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.
Performance
QTOP vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, QTOP achieves a 12.29% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 16.24% return.
QTOP
- 1D
- 0.76%
- 1M
- -3.71%
- 6M
- 10.80%
- YTD
- 12.29%
- 1Y
- 26.03%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 23.79%
BALQ
- 1D
- 1.14%
- 1M
- -1.78%
- 6M
- 13.78%
- YTD
- 16.24%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $303.15K | $247.56K | $176.54K | |
| $6.40M | $5.80M | $7.08M |
QTOP vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
QTOP iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF | 12.29% | -0.68% |
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 16.24% | 0.04% |
Correlation
The correlation between QTOP and BALQ is 0.99 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2025 | 0.99 |
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Return for Risk
QTOP vs. BALQ — Risk / Return Rank
QTOP
BALQ
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
QTOP vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) 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.
| QTOP | BALQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.20 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.79 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.58 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
QTOP vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QTOP drawdown since its inception was -23.28%, which is greater than BALQ's maximum drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTOP and BALQ.
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Drawdown Indicators
| QTOP | BALQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -23.28% | -11.79% | -11.49% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.02% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -8.69% | -5.61% | -3.08% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.93% | -2.72% | -1.21% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.18% | — | — |
Volatility
QTOP vs. BALQ - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| QTOP | BALQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.33% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 18.01% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 21.39% | 21.51% | -0.12% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 23.79% | 21.51% | +2.28% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.79% | 21.51% | +2.28% |
QTOP vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison
QTOP has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.
Dividends
QTOP vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison
QTOP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.35%, less than BALQ's 6.19% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF | 6.19% | 0.95% | 0.00% |
QTOP iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF | 0.35% | 0.38% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, QTOP 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.
On fees, QTOP is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
QTOP is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for BALQ.
BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 6.19%, compared with 0.35% for QTOP.
Their fees differ too: 0.20% for QTOP and 0.35% for BALQ.
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