FEAR & GREED INDEX 54
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 56 as of the close on Friday, September 12, 2025.
This figure inched back up into the lower Greed level, after rising 3 points from last week’s close of 53. The S&P 500 saw a gain of about 101 points, from 6,481 to 6,582, with a steady week propelled by Thursday’s surge. The 4 major indexes, which include the S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones Industrial, and Russell 2000 (small cap index), remain in bullish territory (when over 50% of their components continue to trade over their 200-day moving averages). Each index continues over the 60% mark, with the Dow leading the way at 73% (unchanged from last week), signifying a healthier market not only dominated by the Mag7. Currently, the 20-day moving average for all 4 indices combined stands at 60%. It is also notable that the Russell 2000 (IWM) has risen of late, while the others have slightly declined.
The “Risk-On” sentiment returned this week, with mixed economic news and next week’s highly anticipated Fed meeting. The 10-year bond yields were steady, closing at 4.07% this week, versus last week’s close at 4.08%, as the anticipation of an interest rate cut in September again appears definite (almost 100%), though that is likely “baked-in” to price levels at this point.
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) = EXTREME GREED
Stock Price Strength (# of new 52-week highs vs new 52-week lows) = EXTREME GREED
Stock Price Breadth (# of shares rising vs falling on NYSE) = GREED
Safe-Haven Demand (which measures stocks vs bonds) = FEAR
Junk Bond Demand (non-govt. bond yield spread) = EXTREME FEAR
This week, 3 of these 7 factors changed levels as the Greed sentiment subsided a bit. Safe- Haven and Junk Bond Demand both changed from Greed to Fear as a result, with Gold, Silver and Bonds advancing. The Put to Call Ratio slipped to Greed, from Extreme Greed, as well, with the Risk-On sentiment dropping.
The VIX, measured by Market Volatility, remains in Neutral territory, closing at 14.8, after ending the last week at 15.2. 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 and/or nervousness among investors and traders. Volume has remained rather low into September, but should increase very soon, which can also increase price volatility.
This week’s news was mainly focused on Fed data including the ever-so-important Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation through the cost of goods and services. The report showed a Year over Year significant decline, boosting sentiment regarding an interest rate cut by the Fed next week. As we have been repeating for quite some time, the underlying state of the economy has not been strong, despite some periodic positive announcements and stock market highs. This week’s jobless claims continue to rise, layoffs from major companies have become consistent, and more job creations figures were revised downward (again).
Astrologically, Virgo season (Aug 23 – Sept 22) continues, and its perfection seeking energies have taken center stage (discussed in our recent Sign Language – Virgo Season blog, dated 8-8-25). Virgo season, which we have noted, is typically weak in the equity markets. Its focus on excellence and perfection has resulted in the punishment of stocks who missed earnings expectations, did not provide a highly positive forward-looking statements, and/or are over-valued compared to normal industry standards.
With the planet Venus’ transit through the sign of Leo (since Aug 25), a positive energy toward relationships and partnerships has been signified. As previously discussed, the Consumer Discretionary sector usually benefits during this transit, as individuals like to “treat” themselves.
The planet Mercury will remain in Virgo (one of its 2 “ruling” signs) for just a few more days before entering the sign of Libra. Globally, this suggests better communication and balance between world leaders, which could project to the global market balance.
The planet Mars ingress to the sign of Scorpio this week, however, could ignite more fireworks and volatility. Please review yesterday’s Trader Transits - Mars in Scorpio blog for further details.
Leading sectors, with over 50% of stocks trading over their 200-MAs, continue to include Communications Services and Utilities, though Consumer Discretionary has taken the lead at 80%, as suggested above. Real Estate and Consumer Staples continue to lag, while energy has improved to about 50%. In the long run, sectors of the technology industry that are likely to continue their advance into the future include AI, robotics, quantum computing, and space development (with Pluto positioned in Aquarius, and Uranus recent ingress into Gemini).
Gold (ruled by the Sun), and Silver (ruled by the Moon), had another positive week. As noted, the Jupiter in Cancer transit, which began on June 9, is favorable for silver, and continues to be just that. The Gold to Silver Ratio (covered in our publication), has remained steady for the past month or so, closing at 86.2, down slightly from last week’s close of 87.3 (remaining near its lowest level since mid-December). The outlook remains the same for both, however, as any dip in these metals continues to be a long-term buying opportunity. Copper has also been rallying heavily since April, following a sharp downturn, but cooled down this week and traded sideways.
***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.
