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Fear & Greed index.

Composite sentiment gauge across volatility, momentum, social, dominance, surveys. Live + 7-day historical trend.

What is the Crypto Fear & Greed Index?

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index is a composite indicator that measures market sentiment on a scale from 0 (Extreme Fear) to 100 (Extreme Greed). Originally inspired by CNN's traditional market index, the crypto version was created by Alternative.me and has become one of the most widely referenced sentiment tools in cryptocurrency.

The famous Warren Buffett quote applies: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful." While originally about traditional markets, this contrarian approach has proven remarkably effective in crypto's emotional cycles.

How to Use the Index for Trading

Markets tend to overshoot during panic. Bitcoin has often bottomed when the index is in Extreme Fear territory. Dollar-cost averaging is generally preferable to catching the exact bottom.

The market is undecided. This is often a transitional phase. Many traders use this period for research rather than aggressive positioning.

When everyone is euphoric, smart money is typically taking profits. Consider reducing position sizes or tightening stop-losses during extreme greed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is the index updated?

The index is updated once daily, typically around 00:00 UTC. Our tracker fetches the latest data every 5 minutes to ensure you see the current reading promptly.

Is Extreme Fear always a good time to buy?

Not always. While Extreme Fear has historically preceded recoveries, prices can continue falling during prolonged bear markets. The 2022 bear market maintained low readings for months. Use it as one input among many.

Can the index predict a crash?

Not directly. Extreme Greed (80+) suggests elevated risk, but markets can remain irrationally greedy for extended periods. It's better for general risk assessment than precise crash prediction.

Should I use it for day trading?

The daily frequency makes it less useful for day trading. It's better for swing trading or long-term decisions. Day traders should use order flow, funding rates, and real-time volume analysis.

How does crypto sentiment compare to traditional markets?

Crypto sentiment is far more volatile. The crypto index regularly swings between 10 and 90 within weeks, while CNN's traditional index is more stable. This reflects crypto's higher volatility and retail-driven nature.

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