The Nasdaq Composite finished higher for its 12th consecutive trading day, marking its longest winning streak since July 2009 roughly 17 years ago. It closed at approximately 24,102.70, up about 0.36% on the day, while also hitting a fresh record high.
The S&P 500 rose modestly to a new all-time closing high of around 7,041.28; up ~0.26%, crossing the psychologically important 7,000 level in recent sessions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained modestly as well, closing near 48,579. Easing tensions in the Middle East, including progress on peace talks/ceasefire efforts that could reopen key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, helped shift sentiment toward risk-on assets.
Strong corporate results from TSMC and anticipation around names like Netflix supported tech-heavy gains. The rally has been particularly pronounced in tech and growth stocks, helping the Nasdaq outperform the broader market in this stretch. CNN’s Fear & Greed Index has indeed flipped into Greed territory. As of April 17, 2026, it sits around 62–63, up from recent lower levels (it was in the 30s a week ago and as low as the 20s/extreme fear zone a month prior amid earlier volatility).
A reading in the 56–75 range signals Greed, reflecting improving investor sentiment driven by market momentum, lower volatility around 18 and other factors like put or call ratios and junk bond demand. Historically, prolonged Greed readings can sometimes precede pullbacks (as a contrarian signal), but they often coincide with strong trending markets.
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The index is just one sentiment gauge—it’s not a perfect timing tool. This kind of extended green streak is rare but not unprecedented in bull phases. The Nasdaq has now recovered nicely from earlier 2026 weakness tied to geopolitical and other macro concerns. Breadth has improved, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting back-to-back record closes. Markets can stay irrational longer than expected, but streaks eventually end—watch for catalysts like upcoming earnings, economic data, or any shifts in Middle East developments.
The CNN Fear & Greed Index is a daily market sentiment gauge that quantifies whether investors are being driven more by fear; selling pressure, risk aversion or greed (buying enthusiasm, risk-taking). It runs on a scale from 0 to 100:0–24. The index sits around 62–63, placing it in the Greed zone — consistent with the recent Nasdaq winning streak and broader equity strength you mentioned.
The index is based on the behavioral finance observation that emotions can distort asset prices:Too much fear often drives stocks below their intrinsic value, as panicked selling creates oversold conditions. Too much greed can push prices above fair value, as euphoria leads to overbuying and potential bubbles or corrections.
It is not a precise timing tool or trading signal on its own. Instead, it’s a contrarian sentiment barometer: prolonged Extreme Fear has historically preceded strong rebounds in some cases, while sustained Extreme Greed can sometimes warn of complacency before pullbacks. However, markets can remain fearful or greedy for extended periods, so it works best alongside other fundamental and technical analysis.
CNN aggregates seven equally weighted indicators that reflect different aspects of market behavior. Each is normalized to a 0–100 scale, then averaged to produce the final reading. Compares the S&P 500 to its 125-day moving average. Stronger momentum, index well above the average signals greed; weakness signals fear. Measures the number of stocks hitting 52-week highs versus 52-week lows on the NYSE. More new highs point to greed.
Because each indicator is equally weighted and normalized against its own typical range, the index smooths out noise and provides a single, easy-to-read snapshot. Rising index moving toward Greed often aligns with rallying markets, improving breadth, and declining volatility — as seen in the current Nasdaq streak. Falling index typically coincides with sell-offs, higher volatility, and flight to safety.
It updates daily and has been published since around 2012. Over time, it has captured major shifts. It’s a lagging and reflective measure of current sentiment rather than a forward predictor. Extreme readings don’t guarantee immediate reversals — fear can linger, and greed can fuel further gains in strong bull markets. Always cross-reference it with earnings, economic data, valuations, and your own investment plan. Volatility remains relatively subdued for now, which supports the Greed tilt. It’s been an impressive rebound for equities in April so far.
