SEPI vs. BALQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SEPI (Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF) and BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SEPI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Shelton, while BALQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by iShares. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEPI charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for BALQ.

Performance

SEPI vs. BALQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF (SEPI) 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, SEPI achieves a 9.44% return, which is significantly lower than BALQ's 18.59% return.

SEPI

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -0.08%
• YTD: 9.44%
• 6M: 9.06%
• 1Y: —
• 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)

SEPI vs. BALQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SEPI Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF	9.44%	0.74%
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	18.59%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between SEPI and BALQ is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

SEPI vs. BALQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF (SEPI) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

SEPI vs. BALQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEPI drawdown since its inception was -7.66%, smaller than the maximum BALQ drawdown of -11.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEPI and BALQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEPI	BALQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.66%	-11.79%	+4.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.87%	-3.71%	+1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.45%	-2.40%	+0.95%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SEPI	BALQ	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.84%	20.62%	-7.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.84%	20.62%	-7.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.84%	20.62%	-7.78%

SEPI vs. BALQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEPI has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than BALQ's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEPI vs. BALQ - Dividend Comparison

SEPI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.75%, which matches BALQ's 4.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.76%	0.95%
SEPI Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF	4.75%	1.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEPI and BALQ in my portfolio?

SEPI and BALQ have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SEPI 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, SEPI or BALQ?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for SEPI.

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

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.76%, compared with 4.75% for SEPI.

What is the main difference between SEPI and BALQ?

SEPI is categorized as Derivative Income, while BALQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Shelton and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.54% for SEPI and 0.35% for BALQ.