Fear & Greed Index Today: Stock Market Sentiment (Live)

Q: Does Extreme Fear mean the stock market will crash?

Not necessarily. Historically, Extreme Fear (below 20) often indicates that investors are too pessimistic. According to Warren Buffett, this is often the best time to buy ('Be greedy when others are fearful'). However, it requires confirmation from other indicators before entering.

Q: How to use the Fear & Greed Index for S&P 500 trading strategy?

Many traders use a contrarian strategy: They look for buying opportunities when the index is below 20 (Extreme Fear) and consider taking profits or hedging when the index rises above 80 (Extreme Greed).

Stock Market Fear & Greed Index Today

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Current Sentiment

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Historical Trend

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About the Fear & Greed Index

Warren Buffett famously advised investors to "be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful." This is the core principle behind the Fear & Greed Index.

It is a sentiment indicator that gauges the overall emotional state of the stock market, oscillating between extreme Fear and extreme Greed. By tracking these emotions, the index helps investors understand when the market might be overbought (due to greed) or oversold (due to fear), providing a valuable perspective on potential market extremes.

Interpreting the Index (Typical Ranges)

Extreme Fear (0-25): Widespread pessimism and potential capitulation. This often indicates that stocks are oversold and could represent a buying opportunity for contrarian investors.
Fear (25-45): Investors are showing general caution. There is a "risk-off" sentiment, where money may be flowing out of stocks and into safer assets like bonds.
Neutral (45-55): The market is balanced, with no strong emotional pull in either direction. This often occurs during periods of price consolidation as investors await a new catalyst.
Greed (55-75): Growing optimism and a "risk-on" sentiment are prevalent. Investors are actively buying stocks, and the appetite for higher-risk growth stocks often increases.
Extreme Greed (75-100): High levels of euphoria and complacency. This can be a sign that the market is overbought, assets may be overvalued, and a correction could be due.

How to Use This Dashboard

Gauge: Shows the most recent Fear & Greed score and its corresponding sentiment category (e.g., Fear, Greed).
Trend Indicator: Shows how much the index has changed compared to yesterday (Up or Down).
Line Chart: Displays the historical trend of the index over time.
Time Period Buttons (1W, 1M, 1Y, 5Y, 10Y, All): Click these buttons to view the historical data for the selected period.
Zoom and Pan: You can interact directly with the historical chart:
- Zoom: Use your mouse wheel to zoom in and out of the timeline.
- Pan (Drag): Simply click and hold to drag the chart left or right. The cursor changes to a ✋ Hand Icon to show that the chart is movable.

Tips for Interpretation

Contrarian Indicator: The most common use is as a contrarian tool. Extreme Fear can suggest that investors have oversold, potentially creating a buying opportunity. Conversely, Extreme Greed may indicate that the market is due for a correction.
Not a Timing Tool: Markets can remain in a state of Fear or Greed for long periods. Do not rely on this index alone for exact entry or exit points. It is best used to gauge the general "temperature" of the market.
Look for Divergences: A powerful signal is when the market makes a new high, but the Fear & Greed Index does not reach a new level of "Extreme Greed." This divergence could suggest that the rally is losing momentum and conviction.
Confirm with Other Indicators: This index is most effective when used alongside other forms of analysis (like technical indicators such as RSI or MACD, or fundamental analysis). If the index shows Extreme Fear and other indicators confirm an oversold market, the signal is much stronger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Extreme Fear mean the stock market will crash?

Not necessarily. Historically, "Extreme Fear" (below 20) often indicates that investors are too pessimistic. According to Warren Buffett, this is often the best time to buy ("Be greedy when others are fearful"). However, it requires confirmation from other indicators before entering.

How to use the Fear & Greed Index for S&P 500 trading strategy?

Many traders use a contrarian strategy: They look for buying opportunities when the index is below 20 (Extreme Fear) and consider taking profits or hedging when the index rises above 80 (Extreme Greed).

💡 Pro Tip: Don't rely on the number alone. Check the Volume trend below to confirm if the fear is real.

How often is the "Current Sentiment" updated?

Our server fetches and updates the latest data every 5 minutes during market hours. The trend arrow shows the change compared to the previous market close.

What is the data source?

The live data and recent history are fetched from our API. The deep historical data (from 2011) has been compiled from reputable financial data sources. We analyze multiple factors including Market Momentum, Stock Price Strength, and Market Volatility (VIX).

Is this financial advice?

Absolutely not. This dashboard is an informational tool designed to provide a perspective on market sentiment. It should not be used as the sole basis for any investment decisions. Always conduct your own thorough research.

⚠️ Risk Warning

Trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities involves a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The data provided on FearGreedIndex.org is for informational purposes only and should NOT be considered financial advice.

We do not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to, any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.