Lingering extreme fear in crypto is a 'strong bullish' sign: Santiment
01.02.2026
13463
Crypto market sentiment reaching a year-low could be one of the few signs of a potential rebound, according to crypto analytics platform Santiment.
Lingering extreme fear in crypto is a 'strong bullish' sign: Santiment
Crypto market sentiment hitting rock bottom might actually be the ultimate contrarian signal for a massive rebound. Santiment just dropped the tea: "This sentiment data is currently one of the few strong bullish signals available." The analytics platform called the current "extreme negativity" on social media a "silver lining." Translation: when everyone's screaming doom, it's usually time to get ready for the pump.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index is screaming "EXTREME FEAR" with a score of 20 as of Saturday. It hit 16 on Friday—the lowest of 2026 and the first time since December 19. The index has been stuck in "Fear" territory since January 20 before plunging deeper this week.
Crypto sentiment level may be setting "stage for a rebound"
Santiment isn't just coping—they're calling the playbook. "Historically, crypto markets move in the opposite direction of the crowd's expectations. When the majority is convinced prices will go lower, it often sets the stage for a rebound." This is peak "buy when there's blood in the streets" energy.
Meanwhile, the charts are bleeding. Bitcoin is down nearly 7% over the past week, trading around $83,950. Ether got wrecked even harder, down over 9% to about $2,690. Bitcoin hasn't touched the psychological $100,000 level since November 13, making degens wonder if we're officially in bear territory.
Crypto market sentiment is just in "a blip," says executive
Not everyone's buying the doom narrative. Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen threw cold water on the "massive rotation" from metals like gold into crypto, saying it "probably not going to happen" short-term.
But the big players are building regardless. Coinbase CBO Shan Aggarwal pointed out on X that despite sentiment being "down," the "signals are there if you're paying attention." He highlighted legacy finance giants—MasterCard, PayPal, American Express, JPMorgan—all posting crypto job ads. "Just a blip, we're just getting started," he declared.
"The space is hurtling toward the mainstream." — Bitwise CEO Huntley Horsley
- • Crypto Fear & Greed Index at 20 (Extreme Fear)
- • Bitcoin down 7% weekly, Ether down 9%
- • Santiment calls extreme negativity a "strong bullish signal"
- • Traditional finance giants hiring for crypto roles
- • Bitcoin hasn't broken $100K since November 13
#Cryptomarket analysis#Bull market#Fear and Greed Index#Bear Market#Market Sentiment
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