VanEck Gold Miners ETF vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? VanEck Gold Miners ETF trades at $71.22, while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $299.68 (market cap $86.90B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation pays a 1.64% dividend while VanEck Gold Miners ETF pays none, and Valero Energy Corporation is trading nearer its 52-week high, VanEck Gold Miners ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GDX | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
52-Week High | $115.84 | $301.43 |
52-Week Low | $51.15 | $131.77 |
Market Cap | — | $86.90B |
Sector | — | Energy |
Enterprise Value | — | $92.66B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.64% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) trades at $71.42, down 4.62% with bearish technical signals from moving averages. The fund faces competition from lower-fee gold ETFs while offering mining equity exposure with higher volatility. Recent portfolio changes include the addition of Aya Gold & Silver, potentially enhancing diversification. Technical indicators show neutral oscillators but overall bearish momentum with key support at $70.
The outlook remains cautious as gold miners navigate gold price volatility and fee competition. Upside potential exists if gold rebounds, but investors face risks from sector underperformance relative to physical gold. Analyst views are mixed, with some seeing value in discounted valuations while others highlight structural challenges in the mining ETF space.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $302.33, up 0.3% on the day, with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $4.22 surpassing expectations of $3.16. Revenue trends show a decline from $176.4B in 2022 to $122.7B in 2025, but net income margins remain positive. Analyst sentiment is predominantly bullish, with 20 buy ratings and a consensus price target of $276.22. Recent news highlights refining margin strength and Middle East supply tensions as key drivers.
VLO's outlook is supported by elevated refining margins and strategic positioning, though declining revenue and compressed profit margins pose risks. Investment opportunities include potential upside from continued earnings beats and favorable industry dynamics, while risks involve volatile energy markets and competitive pressures. The stock's current price near resistance at $306 suggests cautious optimism, with fundamental strength balancing macroeconomic uncertainties.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
The fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks and depositary receipts of companies involved in the gold mining industry. The index is a modified market-capitalization weighted index primarily comprised of publicly traded companies involved in the mining for gold and silver. The fund is non-diversified.
Read more on GDX →Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 14 refineries with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 14 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has capacity to produce 700 million gallons per year of renewable diesel.
Read more on VLO →