BALQ vs VYM
iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BALQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $16M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.63% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 2, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BALQ vs VYM Performance
iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, BALQ is up 21.63% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -11.8% for BALQ and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BALQ charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BALQ currently yields 4.59% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BALQ and VYM share 35 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BALQ or VYM?
BALQ has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between BALQ and VYM?
BALQ and VYM share 35 common holdings with a 15.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BALQ or VYM?
BALQ yields 4.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BALQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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