The Fear and Greed Index shows fear conditions for 30% of the past year, as Bitcoin returns to extreme fear levels.

Bitcoin (BTC) is once again under pressure, failing to sustain a move above the $90,000 mark as market sentiment slides back into extreme fear.

Fear and extreme fear readings have dominated more than 30% of the Crypto Fear and Greed Index over the past year. The index is currently at 17, squarely within extreme fear territory, highlighting persistent investor anxiety.

Sentiment has remained fragile since the sharp liquidation event in October, which saw bitcoin plunge roughly 36% from its all-time high. The broader crypto market has struggled to regain momentum, with bitcoin still trading nearly 30% below its peak, reinforcing a cautious stance among investors.

A comparable disconnect can be seen in U.S. equities. The CNN Fear and Greed Index is hovering at 42—also indicating fear—despite the S&P 500 trading near 6,827, just shy of record levels.

Across both traditional and digital markets, fear continues to shape investor behavior.

Technically, bitcoin formed a death cross in November, when its 50-day moving average fell below the 200-day moving average. That signal aligned with a local bottom near $80,000 on Nov. 21. Historically, each death cross in the current market cycle since 2023 has coincided with a significant local low, strengthening its reputation as a contrarian signal in this cycle.