FEAR & GREED INDEX 75
Monthly 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 75 as of the close on Friday, July 11, 2025.
This figure remains at the cusp of the Greed and Extreme Greed levels, after sliding about 3 points from last week’s close of 78. This was reflected in the S&P 500, which decreased slightly, about 20 points from 6,279 to 6,259. For several weeks we have focused on the fact that the four major indexes, which include the S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones Industrial, and Russell 2000 (small cap index), remained in bear market territory (when over 50% of their components continue to trade under their 200-day moving averages). Last week, all four had finally reached that mark, since the market correction that ended around April 8. This week the Russell 2000 did slip back below, at 48%, though it remains close. The overall market (the average of these 4 major indexes) now sits at 53%, down only 1.5 from last week’s 54.5%, remaining slightly in bullish territory.
The “Risk-On” sentiment remained steady this week, as market nervousness and uncertainty continued at low levels, as the 10-year bond yields fell from 4.35%, to 4.22%.
The 7 internal factors used to formulate this index 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) = EXTREME GREED
Safe-Haven Demand (which measures stocks vs bonds) = EXTREME GREED
Junk Bond Demand (non-govt. bond yield spread) = EXTREME GREED
This week, 0 of these 7 factors changed levels, as the Extreme Greed sentiment has taken over the market. This type of emotion normally indicates a slow down in the bullish price action, and a pullback or correction. The rally may still have legs in this seasonally favorable time, however, be extra focused on profit taking and mental stop losses, as the rally usually fades toward the end of the July.
The VIX, measured by Market Volatility, remains in Neutral territory at 16.4 (same as last week). The “20” level on the VIX is often considered a crucial level, as anything under that level suggests calm markets, and anything over reflects more uncertainty/nervousness among investors and traders.
This week’s news was rather light, highlighted by the upgrade of Goldman Sachs, which raised financial stocks. The ever-present tariff news seems to be affecting the markets less with each passing day, and unemployment numbers remained steady.
Astrologically, Cancer has about one more week to go (June 21 – July 21), before turning to Leo season. The emotional and protective energies of Cancer will evolve into proud and outgoing energies of Leo, normally reflected in world leaders and CEOs. Please review our Sign Language – Leo Season blog, dated 7-10-25 for more details.
As Mercury (communications) travels through Leo, it will turn retrograde this Friday, July 18, just a few days prior to the start of this season. Tensions could increase again between world leaders, which always affects the markets short-term. Mercury Retrograde often results in volatility and pullbacks as well, and last about 3 weeks, through August 11 (please review our Planet Power – Mercury Retrograde blog, dated 4-1-24).
Leading sectors, with over 50% of stocks trading over their 200-MAs, include Communications Services, Information Technology, Industrials, and Financials, all of which are historically important during bull market runs. 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 in Aquarius, and Uranus upcoming ingress to Gemini in about 1 week).
Gold (ruled by the Sun), and Silver (ruled by the Moon), both increased again by weeks end, despite the continued Risk-On sentiment in the general markets. As noted, the Jupiter in Cancer (ruled by the Moon) transit, which began on June 9, jump-started a much-anticipated rally in silver, as the Moon rules that metal as well. Also, as we have reported for several weeks, the Gold to Silver Ratio (covered in our publication) had remained disproportionately in favor of silver, though it has been decreasing of late ending this week at 87.2, its lowest level since mid-December, after last week’s close of 90.4. The outlook remains the same for both, however, as any dip in these metals continues to be a long-term buying opportunity.
***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.
