Real-time stock market Fear & Greed Index

Last updated: Sep 9, 2026, 12:00 AM

Stock Market Fear & Greed Index

Market sentiment indicator from extreme fear (0) to extreme greed (100).

i
39Fear
-2 points

For information only — not financial advice or a buy/sell signal.

S&P 500
7,636.36-0.48%
NASDAQ
26,253.34-0.64%
Dow Jones
523.81-0.77%
📈 Strong AI investment signals robust tech sector growth, potentially boosting market confidence and valuations.
📉 Rising oil prices due to geopolitical tensions may increase inflationary pressures, impacting consumer spending.
💼 THG's profit surge highlights resilience in e-commerce, but tariff concerns could dampen future growth prospects.
Source: CNN Fear & Greed Index

Market Correlation Analysis

Extreme points correlation between F&GI, VIX and S&P 500 during the selected period

Extreme Fear Period

When Fear & Greed Index reached its lowest point (25), the VIX was near its highest point and S&P 500 was near its lowest point, showing strong market correlation:

IndexExtreme ValueDateDays from F&G Extreme
Fear & Greed (Low)25Jun 26, 20260
VIX (High)20.66Jul 29, 202633
S&P 500 (Low)7320.23Jul 29, 202633

Extreme points occurred within 33 days of each other.

Extreme Greed Period

When Fear & Greed Index reached its highest point (66), the VIX was near its lowest point and S&P 500 was near its highest point, showing strong market correlation:

IndexExtreme ValueDateDays from F&G Extreme
Fear & Greed (High)66Aug 13, 20260
VIX (Low)14.25Aug 14, 20261
S&P 500 (High)7798.86Aug 13, 20260

All extreme points occurred within 5 days of each other, showing strong temporal correlation.

The data reveals an important market behavior pattern: correlation between indices is stronger during extreme fear than during extreme greed.

During market panic (extreme fear), the Fear & Greed Index drops sharply while the VIX spikes and the S&P 500 falls - all within a very tight timeframe. This demonstrates how fear spreads rapidly across markets, creating synchronized movements.

In contrast, during periods of extreme greed, the correlation is weaker and more dispersed over time. This asymmetry reflects a well-known behavioral finance principle: "Markets panic together but celebrate separately."

For investors, this asymmetry offers strategic insights: extreme fear periods may provide more reliable signals for contrarian strategies, while extreme greed requires more nuanced analysis across different market segments.

Latest Market News

Recent news and updates about Market from financial media sources.

Stock Market Fear & Greed Index FAQ

Common questions and answers about market sentiment and trading strategies.

Fear & Greed Index for stocks
What is the Fear & Greed Index for the stock market?
The Fear & Greed Index for stocks is a comprehensive sentiment indicator that measures investor emotions by analyzing multiple market factors. It provides insights into whether the market is driven by fear (low prices and overselling) or greed (high prices and overbuying). By tracking this sentiment, investors can identify potential opportunities or risks in the stock market.
How is the Fear & Greed Index calculated for stocks?
The stock market Fear & Greed Index is derived from seven key indicators: market volatility, market momentum, stock price breadth, put/call ratios, junk bond demand, safe haven demand, and market volume. Each indicator is weighted to calculate a score between 0 (Extreme Fear) and 100 (Extreme Greed), reflecting the overall sentiment.
Sentiment definitions
What does 'Extreme Fear' mean in the stock market?
Extreme Fear indicates that investors are highly risk-averse, leading to significant sell-offs in the market. It often reflects panic and overselling, which can create potential buying opportunities for long-term investors.
What does 'Fear' mean in the stock market?
Fear suggests a cautious market environment where investors are avoiding risk. This sentiment can lead to moderate price declines as confidence remains low but not at panic levels.
What does 'Neutral' mean in the stock market?
Neutral sentiment indicates a balanced market environment where buyers and sellers are in equilibrium. This phase often precedes significant market movements in either direction.
What does 'Greed' mean in the stock market?
Greed reflects a bullish market where investors are optimistic and taking on more risk. This can lead to rising prices, but excessive greed may indicate overvaluation and the need for caution.
What does 'Extreme Greed' mean in the stock market?
Extreme Greed represents an overheated market driven by speculative buying. While prices may surge, this sentiment often signals that a correction or pullback is imminent.
Using the Fear & Greed Index in stock market investments
How can the Fear & Greed Index help in stock trading?
The index is a contrarian tool that highlights potential buying or selling opportunities. When the index shows Extreme Fear, it suggests the market might be oversold, potentially signaling a good buying opportunity. Conversely, Extreme Greed often correlates with market overbought conditions, indicating caution.
When should I buy or sell based on the Fear & Greed Index?
Extreme readings are particularly useful. Historically, a score below 20 (Extreme Fear) has been associated with strong buying opportunities, while a score above 80 (Extreme Greed) suggests reducing exposure or taking profits. Always combine this with other tools like technical analysis and macroeconomic insights for a well-rounded strategy.
Investment strategies
What is value investing?
Value Investing is a strategy that involves identifying undervalued stocks that are trading below their intrinsic value. Investors using this approach often look for opportunities during periods of Extreme Fear, when market prices may not reflect a company's true worth. The Fear & Greed Index can help value investors identify such opportunities by signaling when the market is overly pessimistic.
What is contrarian investing?
Contrarian Investing is a strategy that involves going against prevailing market sentiment. Contrarian investors often buy when others are selling (during Fear) and sell when others are buying excessively (during Greed). The Fear & Greed Index is a valuable tool for contrarian investors, as it highlights periods of extreme market emotions that can lead to mispricing and potential opportunities.
How does the Fear & Greed Index help with value investing?
The Fear & Greed Index helps value investors by highlighting periods of Extreme Fear when market sentiment drives stock prices below their intrinsic value. These moments often present buying opportunities for undervalued assets, aligning with the core principles of value investing.
Can contrarian investing be risky?
Yes, Contrarian Investing can be risky if not combined with proper analysis. While going against market sentiment can lead to significant rewards, it requires a deep understanding of fundamentals and timing. The Fear & Greed Index can help reduce risk by identifying extreme sentiment levels where market mispricings are most likely.
What is the difference between value and contrarian investing?
Value Investing focuses on finding assets trading below their intrinsic value based on fundamentals, regardless of market sentiment. Contrarian Investing, on the other hand, explicitly seeks to go against prevailing sentiment, using tools like the Fear & Greed Index to identify when market emotions are at extremes.
Historical insights and examples
What are historical examples of extreme fear in the stock market?
Historical periods of Extreme Fear include the 2008 Financial Crisis, the March 2020 COVID-19 crash, and the 2022 bear market. These moments often preceded significant recoveries, highlighting the importance of taking a long-term perspective during periods of fear.
How does the Fear & Greed Index correlate with major stock market events?
The index has shown strong correlation with key market events. For instance, during the 2020 market crash, the index dropped to Extreme Fear before a major recovery. Conversely, during the 2021 bull market, it peaked at Extreme Greed, signaling an overheated market.
Practical details for users
How often is the Stock Market Fear & Greed Index updated?
The index is updated continuously throughout the trading session during the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) market hours. This ensures it reflects the latest market data and provides real-time insights for traders as the market evolves.
Can I set alerts for specific stock market sentiments?
Yes, our platform allows you to customize alerts for different sentiment levels. You can receive real-time notifications whenever the sentiment changes, helping you seize market opportunities as they arise. Whether it's Extreme Fear or Extreme Greed, you'll stay informed and ready to act.

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