While MMI is a helpful sentiment tool, it has some inherent limitations and should always be used in conjunction with other forms of analysis:
Not Predictive
MMI captures current sentiment, not future outcomes. It does not forecast price directions on its own and should not be interpreted as a standalone buy or sell signal.
Subjective Weightage
The components that make up the MMI, such as volatility, put/call ratios, or breadth indicators, may be weighed differently by various platforms or models. This subjectivity can lead to inconsistent readings across different data providers.
Lagging Nature
Like many indicators based on market data, MMI tends to reflect past or present reactions rather than anticipate upcoming shifts. For instance, by the time MMI shows extreme fear, the market may have already begun recovering.