Figures updated · Text reviewed · By the Riftrate team · How the index is built
Where the idea comes from
Markets have long used fear and greed indices. The best known, from CNN, combines seven market indicators, such as stock momentum, volatility and demand for safe-haven bonds, into a score from 0 (extreme fear) to 100 (extreme greed). The appeal is simple: one number and a gauge, instead of dozens of charts.
Riftrate applies the same idea to geopolitics, with one difference: it reads like a thermometer. The higher it goes, the more fractured the world.
The five zones
| Reading | Zone | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–24 | Complacency | Unusually calm by the standard of recent years |
| 25–44 | Easing | Calmer than usual, more cooperation in the news |
| 45–55 | Neutral | A typical day of recent years |
| 56–75 | Tension | Conflict and coercion clearly above normal |
| 76–100 | Crisis | War, attacks or ruptures dominate the news |
What goes into it
Eight signals, each compared with its own history over the last 3 and 10 years: war and military activity, terrorism, economic coercion, diplomatic ruptures, domestic unrest, escalation momentum, media tone and the Geopolitical Risk Index. The signals pages explain each one, and the methodology gives every formula.
How to use it
Look at the zone first, then at the change over 7 and 30 days: a fast rise matters more than a high level that has lasted for weeks. The use cases page shows how investors, businesses, travellers and researchers use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fear and greed index for geopolitics?
Yes: Riftrate applies the logic of market fear and greed indices to world politics. It reads 40.0 today (Easing), on a scale from 0 (calm) to 100 (crisis).
How is it different from CNN’s Fear & Greed Index?
CNN’s index measures investor sentiment from market data. Riftrate measures world tension from the news. See the comparison.
Can I download the data?
Yes, free with attribution, on the data page.