The Fear & Greed Index is sitting at 27 right now—solidly in fear territory.

Here's the thing though: fear and panic aren't the same animal. What we're seeing is hesitation. Traders pulling back. Risk appetites contracting. Capital sitting on the sidelines, waiting.

This is actually important context. Markets don't tend to reverse while fear is peaking. The reversal usually happens *after* the fear phase runs its course. So if you're watching for a bottom, remember—the turning point typically comes after sentiment has already shifted.