Understanding the Recent Shift to Greed in the Crypto Market

By Patricia Miller

Apr 17, 2026

2 min read

The Fear and Greed Index for crypto reaches Greed, signaling a bullish outlook as Bitcoin's price trends towards $62,000.

#What is the Current Sentiment in the Cryptocurrency Market?

The latest data indicates that the CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index has officially shifted to a sentiment of "Greed" for the first time since October 2025. This is a significant marker in the cryptocurrency landscape as it often reflects traders' perceptions and expectations regarding future price movements. In addition to this change, there is substantial optimism surrounding Bitcoin's price, particularly with Polymarket contracts placing the likelihood of Bitcoin surpassing $62,000 by April 17 at an impressive 99.9% certainty.

As of April 18, the market remains similarly bullish, holding a 99.9% probability for Bitcoin to maintain its position above this crucial threshold. Despite increases in geopolitical tension between the US and Iran, especially over the Strait of Hormuz, the shift to "Greed" suggests that traders are focusing on a largely positive outlook for Bitcoin amid the surrounding volatility.

#How Active is the Current Trading Volume?

The combined 24-hour volume for USDC on the April 18 market is reported to be $356,534. It's noteworthy that with just $800, traders can shift the price by 5 percentage points—a clear indication of a market that, while liquid, remains thin enough for large trades to have a significant impact. Recently, the market saw a 4-point price spike, likely fueled by buy orders triggered by the Fear and Greed Index's favorable shift.

#Why is This Shift Important for Traders?

The movement of the Fear and Greed Index into the "Greed" territory signifies a palpable change in sentiment among traders. With YES shares currently priced at 99¢, they promise a payout of $1 if Bitcoin remains above $62,000 by the April 18 deadline. This creates a potential break-even scenario at current levels. For those looking to capitalize on upward momentum or anticipating a resolution to geopolitical tensions, significant gains would necessitate Bitcoin prices escalating significantly beyond what is currently expected.

#What Factors Could Influence Market Sentiment Further?

Pay attention to large-scale Bitcoin purchases, particularly by influential figures such as Michael Saylor or Changpeng Zhao, as these actions could further shift market sentiment. On the geopolitical front, a ceasefire in the ongoing US-Iran conflict or any major announcement regarding crypto adoption could propel the index from "Greed" to "Extreme Greed," unlocking even more bullish potential in the market.

Important Notice And Disclaimer

This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. Investments may fall in value and an investor may lose some or all of their investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.