First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd trades at $53.03, while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $311.47 (market cap $93.47B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation pays a 1.52% dividend while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd pays none, and Valero Energy Corporation is trading nearer its 52-week high, First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| QCLN | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Sector/Thematic | Energy |
52-Week High | $68.47 | $314.80 |
52-Week Low | $34.31 | $131.77 |
Market Cap | — | $93.47B |
Enterprise Value | — | $99.23B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.52% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
QCLN trades at $51.25, down 1.9% with a bearish technical signal showing 17 sell indicators versus 3 buy signals. The ETF faces headwinds from regulatory uncertainty around renewable energy permits and supply chain pressures, though long-term growth prospects remain supported by rising data center energy demand and global clean energy investments. Technical analysis indicates strong resistance at $52-$56 with support at $48-$51.
The clean energy sector faces near-term policy risks but benefits from structural tailwinds. Investment appeal depends on resolution of US permit delays and China trade tensions, with current technical weakness suggesting cautious entry points may emerge near support levels for long-term positioning in the energy transition theme.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $314.80, up 1.66% today and near its 52-week high, with a bullish technical outlook supported by strong moving averages. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 expected at $10.13 EPS. Revenue declined to $122.69B in 2025, but net income margin improved to 3.37%, while valuation ratios like P/E of 22.89 and P/S of 0.77 reflect moderate pricing relative to peers. Recent news highlights robust refining margins and dividend declarations of $1.20 per share.
VLO's outlook is positive due to elevated crack spreads and strong fuel demand, though revenue declines pose a risk. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $285.38 price target, but high RSI levels suggest potential near-term pullbacks. Investment appeal lies in earnings momentum and shareholder returns, balanced against exposure to volatile energy markets and refining margins.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →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 →