Bitcoin Stabilizes at $96,362 as Fear and Greed Index Surges 125%

Bitcoin (BTC) has stabilized around $96,362, reflecting a shift in market sentiment from fear to greed. The latest cmc Fear and Greed Index stands at 56, a significant increase from 24 just a month ago, indicating a growing appetite for risk among investors. Over the past 24 hours, btc has experienced a slight dip of -0.44%, but the overall trend remains bullish. Bitcoin's market cap is $1.91 trillion, supported by 19.85 million coins in circulation. The momentum is driven by both technical stability and an improving sentiment backdrop.

This positive sentiment is bolstered by real-world progress and institutional signals that could extend Bitcoin’s bullish setup through Q2. Two major developments are reinforcing confidence in crypto as a legitimate asset class. First, in Cannes, France, 90% of stores are expected to accept crypto payments by summer 2025. Training workshops are already underway as merchants prepare to embrace Web3 payments. Second, a regulatory crackdown is taking shape, with U.S. authorities investigating Cambodia-based Huione Group, allegedly linked to $98 billion in illicit crypto activity since 2014. FinCEN now labels Huione a “primary money laundering concern,” a move praised by compliance experts as a turning point in crypto law enforcement. Meanwhile, the SEC, under pressure after legal losses, may adopt a more collaborative stance toward crypto regulation, potentially modeling its playbook on the IRS’s advisory-first approach. These trends suggest a shift from crypto’s “Wild West” past toward a more structured, institutional-friendly framework.

Bitcoin’s recent price action is consolidating above a key ascending trendline that began forming in late April. The 50-period EMA ($95,833) and the 0.382 Fibonacci level ($96,048) are providing near-term support. A bounce from this region could propel BTC toward $96,782, then $97,329, with the potential to revisit the recent high of $97,966. However, traders should remain cautious as the MACD indicates waning momentum. A clean breakout or confirmation via a bullish MACD crossover is necessary before entering new long positions.

Ask Aime: "Is it right to buy Bitcoin now, given its recent stabilization and growing investor sentiment?"

With sentiment improving, real-world use cases expanding, and regulatory clarity emerging, Bitcoin’s current consolidation could mark the base for its next leg higher. While volatility remains, the $96K level continues to attract demand, suggesting the path of least resistance may still be up. BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) continues to gain traction, crossing $5.28 million in funds raised as it nears its $5.96 million presale cap. Priced at $0.00249, the token has positioned itself as more than just a meme coin, offering real utility through flexible, high-yield staking. Unlike typical meme tokens, BTCBULL blends crypto culture appeal with tangible staking rewards. Investors can currently earn an estimated 78% APY while keeping their tokens fully liquid, unstaking is allowed at any time without penalties or lockup periods. This model has resonated with investors who seek yield without sacrificing access, especially in a volatile crypto environment. With less than $680K left before the next milestone, the presale window is narrowing fast. For investors chasing high yields with exit flexibility, BTCBULL is becoming an increasingly compelling contender in the 2025 crypto cycle.