The Fear & Greed Index measures investor sentiment using seven equally-weighted indicators: market momentum, stock price strength, stock price breadth, put/call options, junk bond demand, market volatility, and safe haven demand. A score near 0 represents extreme fear; a score near 100 represents extreme greed.
Historical Readings
37
Previous close
Fear
44
1 week ago
Fear
34
1 month ago
Fear
Fear & Greed Index — 12 Month History
The 12-month history of the CNN Fear & Greed Index shows how market sentiment has shifted over the past year. Extreme readings often coincide with major market turning points.
Access real-time and historical Fear & Greed Index data programmatically. Perfect for quantitative models, dashboards, and automated trading strategies.
Currently, the S&P 500 is above its 125-day moving average, indicating positive momentum.
1 month
3 Months
YTD
Max
S&P 500
125-day moving average
Details
Date
S&P 500
125-day moving average
Jul 21, 2026
7,508.26 points
7,106.99 points
Jul 21, 2026
7,510.42 points
7,107.01 points
Jul 21, 2026
7,508.95 points
7,106.99 points
Jul 21, 2026
7,510.77 points
7,107.01 points
Jul 21, 2026
7,509.20 points
7,107.00 points
Jul 21, 2026
7,509.20 points
7,107.00 points
Jul 21, 2026
7,509.20 points
7,107.00 points
Jul 21, 2026
7,509.20 points
7,107.00 points
Stock Price Strength
Currently showing more highs than lows, which is a bullish sign.
1 month
3 Months
YTD
Max
Net new 52-week highs and lows on the NYSE
Details
Date
Net new 52-week highs and lows on the NYSE
Jul 22, 2026
1.93 points
Jul 22, 2026
1.93 points
Jul 22, 2026
1.93 points
Jul 22, 2026
1.93 points
Jul 22, 2026
1.93 points
Jul 22, 2026
1.93 points
Jul 22, 2026
1.93 points
Jul 22, 2026
1.93 points
Stock Price Breadth
Currently showing positive breadth, indicating more buying than selling volume.
1 month
3 Months
YTD
Max
McClellan Volume Summation Index
Details
Date
McClellan Volume Summation Index
Jul 22, 2026
872.12 points
Jul 22, 2026
872.12 points
Jul 22, 2026
872.12 points
Jul 22, 2026
872.12 points
Jul 22, 2026
872.12 points
Jul 22, 2026
872.12 points
Jul 22, 2026
872.12 points
Jul 22, 2026
872.12 points
Put/Call Options
Current ratio is 0.81, which is below 1 and considered bullish.
1 month
3 Months
YTD
Max
5-day average put/call ratio
Details
Date
5-day average put/call ratio
Jul 21, 2026
0.81 base
Jul 21, 2026
0.81 base
Jul 21, 2026
0.81 base
Jul 21, 2026
0.81 base
Jul 21, 2026
0.81 base
Jul 21, 2026
0.81 base
Jul 21, 2026
0.81 base
Jul 21, 2026
0.81 base
Market Volatility
Currently, the VIX is below its 50-day moving average, indicating decreasing volatility.
1 month
3 Months
YTD
Max
VIX
50-day moving average
Details
Date
VIX
50-day moving average
Jul 21, 2026
17.01 points
17.39 points
Jul 21, 2026
17.01 points
17.39 points
Jul 21, 2026
16.99 points
17.39 points
Jul 21, 2026
16.97 points
17.39 points
Jul 21, 2026
16.89 points
17.39 points
Jul 21, 2026
17.01 points
17.39 points
Jul 21, 2026
17.06 points
17.39 points
Jul 21, 2026
17.05 points
17.39 points
Safe Haven Demand
Currently showing bonds outperforming stocks, indicating investors are seeking safety.
1 month
3 Months
YTD
Max
Difference in 20-day stock and bond returns
Details
Date
Difference in 20-day stock and bond returns
Jul 21, 2026
1.28 %
Jul 21, 2026
1.27 %
Jul 21, 2026
1.28 %
Jul 21, 2026
1.27 %
Jul 21, 2026
1.27 %
Jul 21, 2026
1.27 %
Jul 21, 2026
1.28 %
Jul 21, 2026
1.29 %
How the Fear & Greed Index works
The Fear & Greed Index measures investor sentiment using seven equally-weighted indicators: market momentum, stock price strength, stock price breadth, put/call options, junk bond demand, market volatility, and safe haven demand. A score near 0 represents extreme fear; a score near 100 represents extreme greed.
Market Momentum
Compares the S&P 500 against its 125-day moving average to gauge whether the market is trending up or down.
Stock Price Strength
Measures the number of stocks hitting 52-week highs versus 52-week lows on the NYSE.
Stock Price Breadth
Analyzes the volume of shares trading in advancing stocks versus declining stocks.
Put/Call Options
Compares put option volume to call option volume. Higher put/call ratios indicate more fear.
Market Volatility
Tracks the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) against its 50-day moving average. Higher VIX readings signal fear.
Safe Haven Demand
Measures the difference in returns between stocks and Treasury bonds. Investors flock to bonds during fear.
How to use the Fear & Greed Index for investing
The Fear & Greed Index is a contrarian indicator. When extreme fear dominates, it may signal buying opportunities as stocks become oversold. When extreme greed prevails, the market may be overvalued and due for a correction. Experienced investors use this tool alongside fundamental analysis to time entries and exits. The index should not be used in isolation, but as part of a comprehensive investment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fear and Greed Index?
The Fear and Greed Index is a market sentiment indicator that measures investor emotions on a scale from 0 (extreme fear) to 100 (extreme greed). It combines seven equally-weighted market indicators to produce a single score reflecting the current mood of the stock market.
How often is the Fear and Greed Index updated?
The Fear and Greed Index is updated in real-time as new market data becomes available during trading hours. The seven underlying indicators are continuously recalculated throughout the trading day.
What are the seven indicators in the Fear and Greed Index?
The seven indicators are: Market Momentum (S&P 500 vs 125-day MA), Stock Price Strength (52-week highs vs lows), Stock Price Breadth (advancing vs declining volume), Put/Call Options ratio, Market Volatility (VIX), Safe Haven Demand (stocks vs bonds), and Junk Bond Demand (yield spread).
Should I buy when the Fear and Greed Index shows extreme fear?
While extreme fear readings historically coincide with market bottoms and potential buying opportunities, the index should never be used as the sole basis for investment decisions. Combine it with fundamental analysis, technical indicators, and your overall investment strategy.
What is a normal reading on the Fear and Greed Index?
A reading between 45 and 55 is considered neutral. Below 25 indicates extreme fear, 25-45 indicates fear, 55-75 indicates greed, and above 75 indicates extreme greed. The index tends to fluctuate with market cycles and economic events.