The fear and greed index was developed by CNNMoney to measure two of the primary emotions that influence how much investors are willing to pay for stocks.
The fear and greed index is measured on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. In theory, the index can be used to gauge whether the stock market is fairly priced. This is based on the logic that excessive fear tends to drive down share prices, and too much greed tends to have the opposite effect.
Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful. ---Warren Buffett
Feer & Greed Index What emotion is driving the market?
Safe Haven Demand:Extreme Fear
Stocks and bonds have provided similar returns during the last 20 trading days. However, this has been among the weakest periods for stocks relative to bonds in the past two years and indicates investors are fleeing risky stocks for the safety of bonds.
Last changed Nov 29 from a Fear rating.
Stock Price Breadth:Extreme Fear
The McClellan Volume Summation Index measures advancing and declining volume on the NYSE. During the last month, approximately 0.17% more of each day's volume has traded in advancing issues than in declining issues. This indicates that market breadth is improving, though the McClellan Oscillator is still towards the lower end of its range for the last two years.
Last changed Dec 1 from a Fear rating.
Put and Call Options:Extreme Fear
During the last five trading days, volume in put options has lagged volume in call options by 44.76% as investors make bullish bets in their portfolios. However, this is still among the highest levels of put buying seen during the last two years, indicating extreme fear on the part of investors.