Fear & Greed Index
The market is in Extreme Fear at 22/100 as of October 23, 2026.
Extreme Fear
- Previous close 26
- 1 week ago 25
- 1 month ago 47
- 1 year ago 40
The 7 components
- Market momentum
S&P 500 vs. its 125-day average
Extreme Fear - Stock price strength
Net large caps near 52-week highs vs. lows
Neutral - Stock price breadth
Large caps above their 50-day average
Neutral - Options sentiment
VIX term structure (3-month vs. 1-month)
Extreme Fear - Junk bond demand
High-yield vs. Treasury bonds, 20-day return
Extreme Fear - Market volatility
VIX vs. its 50-day average
Extreme Fear - Safe-haven demand
Stocks vs. long Treasuries, 20-day return
Extreme Fear
Fear & Greed history (1 year)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fear & Greed Index today?
The FI Handbook Fear & Greed Index reads 22 out of 100, which is "Extreme Fear", as of the close on October 23, 2026. One week ago it was 25 and one month ago 47.
How is the Fear & Greed Index calculated?
It averages seven market indicators: S&P 500 momentum versus its 125-day average, 52-week highs versus lows, the share of stocks above their 50-day average, the VIX term structure, junk bond versus Treasury demand, the VIX versus its 50-day average, and stock versus bond returns. Each is ranked against its own last two years, so 50 is a typical reading.
Is this the same as the CNN Fear & Greed Index?
No. It uses similar ingredients, but it is computed independently by FI Handbook from public market data, so the number can differ from other versions.
Should I buy when the market shows extreme fear?
Sentiment extremes have historically coincided with better forward returns for long-term buyers, but the index is not a timing signal. Steady investing beats trying to call bottoms for most people.