FEAR & GREED INDEX 33
Weekly Update
The Fear & Greed Index (found on cnn.com) is one of the easiest indicators to use to determine current market emotion. This simple to read gauge, highlighted in our publication When to Buy and When to Sell: Combining Easy Indicators, Charts, and Financial Astrology (available on Amazon), is measured in a range from 0-100, and currently reads 33 as of the close on Friday, October 24, 2025.
This figure remained in the Lower Fear level this week, after rising 6 points from last week’s close of 27. This was reflected in the S&P 500, as it gained about 127 points, from 6,664 to 6,791, fueled by the gains on Thursday and Friday. The 4 major indexes, which include the S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones Industrial, and Russell 2000 (small cap index), have regained their bullish momentum (when over 50% of their components continue to trade over their 200-day moving averages), with all well above that mark again, led by the DJIA at 77%. Each index’ shorter-term 20 and 50-day MAs quickly moved above the mark as well, now in the 50’s-60’s% range. The immediate short-term levels of the 5-day MA’s have also surged into bullish territory, based on this week’s gains, as we head into a traditionally strong season.
The “Risk-On” sentiment returned late in the week as the markets rallied on Thursday and Friday, boosted by earnings and sentiment. 10-year bond yields remained about even, closing the week at 4.00% vs last week’s close of 4.01%, helping stabilize the markets.
The 7 internal factors used to formulate this gauge are listed on the screen (below):
Market Momentum – (S&P 500 vs its 125-day moving avg) = GREED
Market Volatility (measured by the VIX) = NEUTRAL
Put to Call Ratio 5-day avg. (# of Puts (bearish) vs Calls (bullish) = FEAR
Stock Price Strength (# of new 52-week highs vs new 52-week lows) = FEAR
Stock Price Breadth (# of shares rising vs falling on NYSE) = EXTREME FEAR
Safe-Haven Demand (which measures stocks vs bonds) = EXTREME FEAR
Junk Bond Demand (non-govt. bond yield spread) = EXTREME FEAR
This week 3 of these 7 factors changed levels, led by Market Momentum, which vastly improved, and the VIX, which dropped significantly. The Put to Call Ratio remains just on the edge of the Fear level, however, but also rose to near Neutral conditions.
The VIX, measured by Market Volatility, steadily declined all week, closing at 16.4, vs. last week’s close of 20.8, with a slight blip on Wednesday, as markets recovered from last week’s brief spike to 29. As we consistently note, the “20” level on the VIX is often considered a crucial level, as anything under 20 suggests calm markets, and anything over reflects more uncertainty/nervousness among investors and traders. The markets were “tricky” again this week, consistent with our statements over the last few weeks about the history of October, but did end on a better note.
This week’s economic data reports included the Consumer Pricing Index (CPI), and Existing Home Sales, both of which improved, keeping the Federal Reserve on course to lower interest rates again during this coming week’s monthly meeting. The government shutdown, however, has restricted the amount of data compared to the norm.
Astrologically, we have now transitioned to Scorpio season (Oct 23 – Nov 22), one of the most powerful signs of the zodiac (Please see our recent Sign Language – Scorpio blog, dated 10-4-25 for full details. Scorpio is ruled by the planet Mars (which also rules Aries), signifying strong, aggressive, no-nonsense energies. The generally forgiving, balanced, and indecisive Libra energies, that symbolized non-directional price movement, will now be replaced by Scorpio’s high intensity, suggesting sharper moves with continued volatility.
The planet Mercury will remain in the sign of Scorpio for a few more days (until Oct 29). The improved communication and fairness between world leaders recently experienced (in Libra) hit a speedbump with the Mars (ruler of Scorpio) aggressive and confrontational energies expanded. Conflict, and verbal sparring, has often resulted in increased volatility in the markets, which it did once again this week. It’s move into Sagittarius then unleashes a lot of optimism.
With the planet Venus’ now transiting one of its “home” signs, Libra, love, balance, and fairness are signified (which can result in some calmness in the markets), as we head into a favorable time of year. Venus will remain in Libra until Nov 5, before it also enters the sign of Scorpio.
The planet Mars, however, remains in the sign of Scorpio (one of its “home” signs), through Nov 4, signifying more fireworks (aggression) and volatility, which so far has proven correct. Please review our Trader Transits - Mars in Scorpio blog, dated 9-13-25, for further details. As noted above, Mars’ energies are very strong as it passes through its “home” sign of Scorpio, which has resulted in a divergent market, despite all-time highs, so be cautious with position size. With any luck, Venus taking over as Mars leaves Scorpio could signify less volatility.
Leading sectors, with over 50% of stocks trading over their 200-MAs, continue to be led by Utilities, at a whopping 100%, though the sector did decline the past few days. Utilities are reflective of uncertain/volatile times, as they are considered “safe” investments, which may subside a bit if the return of “Risk-On” sentiment continues. Last week we warned that these readings on Utilities were at historically high levels and were due for a pullback, at least in the intermediate term. Many others sectors have risen over 50%, with the exception Energy and Consumer Staples, though Energy was on the rise late week due to new sanctions on Russia’s oil. In the long run, sectors of the technology industry that are likely to continue their advance into the future include AI, robotics, quantum computing (all of which surged late week), and space development (with Pluto positioned in Aquarius, and Uranus in Gemini for many years to come).
Gold (ruled by the Sun), and Silver (ruled by the Moon), both had an unsettling week, as both plunged on Tuesday, attempted to recover by Thursday, but pulled back again on Friday. As noted, the pullback was overdue from extended conditions/all-time highs. The Gold to Silver Ratio (covered in our publication), rose this week, closing at 84.5, compared to last week’s close of 81.7, but remains neutral. Copper followed the same pattern this week, and is likely to resume its bullishness. All remain good buys after pullbacks in the current economic conditions.
***As always, this information is not intended to be financial advice, or any specific buy or sell recommendation, but rather a guide to assist the reader in some further understanding of current economic conditions/movements in the sky, and how they can affect moods, behaviors, world events, and financial markets.
