BlackRock BALI Outpaces JEPI on Total Return but Pays Less Monthly Income
BlackRock's BALI ETF returned 19.39% over the past year, beating JEPI's 7.5% by 11.89 percentage points on a total-return basis. JEPI still paid more monthly cash on a $100,000 position, $603.71 versus $506.59 in October. BALI has a shorter track record since late 2023, so its performance lead has not been tested through a full market cycle.
BALI, the iShares U.S. Large Cap Premium Income Active ETF, began trading on Sept. 28, 2023, and has made 36 distributions. JEPI, JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF, has 76. The two funds trade at different prices—$34.89 for BALI and $56.54 for JEPI—so per-share payouts are not directly comparable. On a $100,000 position, JEPI paid $603.71 in October; BALI paid $506.59. Both October payments declined from September.
Total-return figures include price changes and distributions. BALI also led year-to-date, 17.01% versus 4.87%, and gained 1.21% over the past month while JEPI fell 0.59%. BALI's October distribution went ex-dividend Oct. 1, 2026, and was paid Oct. 6.
This comparison may influence income-focused retirees, yield seekers, and advisors choosing between monthly cash and total return. If BALI's shorter record holds, some investors could shift toward newer covered-call ETFs; if not, JEPI's longer history and higher payout may keep loyalty. The story could also shape how fund providers market income versus growth, though past performance does not guarantee future results.