Crypto fear index stuck near extreme levels

Crypto sentiment remained fragile on Thursday as Bitcoin slipped below $84,000 and the Crypto Fear and Greed Index stayed mired in the low 20s, signalling persistent risk aversion across digital asset markets.

The index, published by Alternative.me, printed 26 on Jan. 29, barely changed from recent weeks and highlighting how confidence has failed to recover after repeated sell-offs.

Readings have remained compressed since November, with brief rebounds repeatedly stalling below the mid-30s, suggesting traders are using rallies to cut exposure rather than positioning for a sustained recovery.

Bitcoin fell about 6% on the day to an intraday low near $83,242, tracking weakness in equities as tighter correlations between crypto and stock markets resurfaced.

Equity pressure intensified after Microsoft shares slid more than 12% on earnings, dragging the Nasdaq lower and reinforcing a broader risk-off mood.

Geopolitical tension also weighed on sentiment, with warnings from Donald Trump over potential strikes on Iran pushing investors toward traditional safe havens such as gold.

Until the fear index can sustain a move out of the 20s and 30s, the data suggest crypto markets remain vulnerable to macro shocks and equity-driven sell-offs.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $84,333.82.