- S&P 500's Momentum: The Index monitors the S&P 500's position relative to its 125-day moving average. Positive momentum (price above the average) signals growing confidence among investors (Greed), while negative momentum (price below the average) indicates rising fear.
- Stock Price Strength: By comparing the number of stocks hitting 52-week highs to those at 52-week lows on the NYSE, the Index gauges market breadth. An extreme number of highs indicates Greed, whereas an extreme number of lows suggests Fear.
- Stock Price Breadth (Market Volume): Using the McClellan Volume Summation Index, which considers the volume of advancing versus declining stocks, the Index assesses whether the market is broadly participating in a trend, or if a smaller subset of stocks is driving it.
- Put and Call Options: The put/call ratio helps gauge investor sentiment. A rising ratio, particularly above 1, indicates increasing fear, as more investors are buying puts to protect against a decline. A falling ratio suggests growing confidence.
- Market Volatility (VIX): The VIX measures expected market volatility. Higher values generally indicate Fear, while lower values point to Greed. The Fear & Greed Index compares the VIX to its 50-day moving average to understand its trend.
- Safe Haven Demand: The performance of stocks versus bonds over a 20-day period helps understand where investors are putting their money. Bonds outperforming stocks is a sign of Fear, while the opposite suggests Greed.
- Junk Bond Demand: By comparing the yields on junk bonds to safer investment-grade bonds, the Index gauges risk appetite. A narrower yield spread suggests Greed (investors are taking more risk), while a wider spread indicates Fear.
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