Fear index at 18: Monero bulls hold on, but confidence is fragile

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-02-01Last updated on 2026-02-01

Abstract

Monero (XMR) prices surged to $500.87 on January 31st but quickly retreated toward $450 due to Bitcoin's sell-off below $80k. The move was seen as a potential blow-off top, with the $500–$510 zone acting as resistance. Market sentiment remains fearful, with a Fear and Greed Index at 18. While XMR's daily chart structure is still bullish, indicators like MFI and A/D show strong selling pressure. Key support lies at $415 and $352. Traders are advised to wait for a sweep of either the $400–$415 or $500 liquidity zones before taking positions. A break below Bitcoin's $74k support could signal broader market risk and increase downside risk for altcoins like Monero.

On the 31st of January, Monero [XMR] prices advanced to $500.87, up 8.72% from the day’s trading open.

This move was cut short when Bitcoin [BTC] faced another wave of selling, sending it below the $80k psychological level.

At the time of writing, XMR was nearly back at the $450 support level.

An AMBCrypto report earlier this month had noted that the rally to new all-time highs and a swift retracement looked like a blow-off top, especially with Bitcoin also facing sell pressure.

In particular, the $500-$510 and $560-$580 liquidity pockets were highlighted as places where a bearish reversal could ensue. The $500 pocket has indeed rejected the Monero bulls’ attempt at recovery.

Where to next for Monero?

The market sentiment was deeply fearful, with a Fear and Greed reading of just 18. Bitcoin was approaching its weekly swing low at $74k, a critical support level.

If breached, it would be almost certain that a bear market is upon us.

The MFI showed bearish momentum and capital flow for Monero. The relatively high trading volume during the price drop from the ATHs saw the A/D indicator fall to new lows, underlining severe selling pressure.

XMR still has a bullish swing structure on the daily chart. It continued to defend the 61.8% retracement level despite the market-wide volatility, which was a positive sign.

This is why short-selling the privacy token now is quite risky.

Balancing the two forces

Monero was in an odd position for swing traders. It does not present an obvious buy or sell signal. Investors can wait for a price drop to $415 and $352 before assessing whether they should buy.

If Bitcoin falls below $74k, buying Monero would become much more risky. At the same time, the bulls’ defense of the 61.8% retracement level showed resilience.

Traders’ call to action – Wait

The 1-month liquidation heatmap illustrated why the price action was not in a favorable place for either bulls or bears. The nearby liquidity clusters were at $400-$415 and at $500.

Traders can wait for a sweep of either of these zones before entering a trade, expecting a rapid move toward the opposing magnetic zone.

If BTC loses $74k, be extra wary of going long on any altcoin.


Final Thoughts

  • The Monero price action’s swing structure on the 1-day timeframe remained bullish despite the volatility it experienced in January.
  • The liquidation heatmap highlighted the two key zones nearby where an XMR short-term reversal could occur.

Disclaimer: The information presented does not constitute financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice and is solely the writer’s opinion.

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Related Questions

QWhat was the Monero (XMR) price on January 31st and what was its percentage increase from the day's open?

AOn January 31st, the Monero (XMR) price advanced to $500.87, which was an 8.72% increase from the day's trading open.

QWhat was the Fear and Greed Index reading mentioned in the article and what does it signify for the market?

AThe Fear and Greed Index reading was 18, which signifies a state of deep fear in the market sentiment.

QAccording to the article, what is the critical Bitcoin (BTC) support level that, if breached, would signal a bear market?

AThe critical Bitcoin (BTC) support level is $74k. If this weekly swing low is breached, it would almost certainly signal that a bear market is upon us.

QWhat two key liquidity zones for a potential short-term reversal in XMR were highlighted by the liquidation heatmap?

AThe two key liquidity zones highlighted were $400-$415 and $500.

QDespite the volatility, what positive sign did Monero's price action show on the daily chart?

AMonero's price action continued to defend the 61.8% retracement level on the daily chart, which was a positive sign and showed the bulls' resilience.

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