BALQ vs VXUS
BALQ vs VXUS
iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BALQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $16M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.38% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 2, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BALQ vs VXUS Performance
iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, BALQ is up 19.38% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -11.8% for BALQ and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BALQ currently yields 4.59% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BALQ and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7970 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BALQ or VXUS?
BALQ has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between BALQ and VXUS?
BALQ and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7970 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BALQ or VXUS?
BALQ yields 4.59% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BALQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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