The put-call ratio is a widely used metric in financial markets to assess investor sentiment by comparing the volume of put options to call options traded. Put options give investors the right to sell an asset, while call options provide the right to buy. A higher put-call ratio typically signals a bearish outlook, as more investors are purchasing put options to protect against or profit from potential price declines. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a bullish sentiment, indicating confidence in price increases as more call options are traded. Traders often use the put-call ratio as a contrarian indicator; extreme readings—either very high or very low—may suggest that the market is overbought or oversold, potentially signaling an impending reversal. However, it’s essential to consider the put-call ratio alongside other technical analysis tools to make informed decisions about market trends and potential price movements.