The Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index recorded a reading of 14, categorizing sentiment as extreme fear among market participants today.

Current reading

The index synthesizes measures such as volatility, market momentum, trading volume and social metrics to estimate prevailing sentiment across the crypto market.

A value of 14 situates the metric within the extreme fear band, a range historically linked to elevated selling pressure and risk aversion.

Market context and implications

Readings indicating extreme fear often coincide with shorter-term price weakness, though the index itself does not provide a timing signal or predict precise price moves.

Market participants typically respond to such conditions by reducing leverage, tightening risk controls and limiting exposure in more aggressive strategies.

Traders and observers use the index as one of several tools to gauge sentiment shifts, complementing on-chain data, order flow and macro indicators.

How investors use the metric

Some investors view extreme fear as a contrarian indicator, while others consider it a sign to preserve capital until volatility subsides and liquidity improves.

Regardless of approach, the reading of 14 highlights heightened caution among market participants and increased sensitivity to market-moving news.