First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd vs SMX Security Matters plc — how do they compare? First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd trades at $49.35, while SMX Security Matters plc trades at $17.92 (market cap $19.09M). The key difference: First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd is trading nearer its 52-week high, SMX Security Matters plc nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| QCLN | SMX | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Sector/Thematic | Technology |
52-Week High | $68.47 | $74.08K |
52-Week Low | $37.69 | $12.87 |
Market Cap | — | $19.09M |
Enterprise Value | — | -$12.23M |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
QCLN trades at $50.57, up 2.31% today, with a bullish technical signal overall despite bearish moving averages. The ETF is positioned to benefit from global renewable energy acceleration driven by geopolitical tensions and rising data center power demand. Recent news highlights its sensitivity to U.S. political outcomes and federal clean energy policy, with historical outperformance ahead of midterm elections.
The outlook is supported by structural tailwinds in clean energy adoption, but risks include regulatory uncertainty and permit delays under current U.S. administration. Investment appeal hinges on policy continuity and execution of global renewable projects, with volatility expected around political developments.
SMX trades at $17.88, down 8.21% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and oscillators. The company reported a net loss of $169.18 million for 2025, with negative cash flow from operations but positive net cash flow due to financing. Recent news highlights expansion of its digital material passport platform for plastics and precious metals, targeting sustainability and supply chain verification markets.
The outlook hinges on commercialization success amid steep losses. Opportunities exist in regulatory tailwinds for recycled materials, but high cash burn and negative ROE pose significant risks. Investor sentiment is cautiously optimistic due to technology potential, yet profitability remains a distant milestone.
Trailing returns across standard periods
QCLN invests in U.S.-listed companies engaged in clean energy technologies. It focuses on solar power, wind, electric vehicles, and energy storage, with major holdings in firms like Tesla, ON Semiconductor, and Rivian.
Read more on QCLN →SMX Security Matters plc is a digital authentication and tracking technology company that uses a chemical-based, invisible marker system to trace and verify products across global supply chains. Their technology creates a 'digital twin' of physical products, used for quality control, counterfeiting prevention, and ensuring sustainability compliance from raw materials to final sale. The company's solutions are applied across various industries, including precious materials, luxury goods, and fast-moving consumer goods.
Read more on SMX →