Takeaways:
- Arthur Hayes just dumped millions in crypto and predicts a short-term dip, with Bitcoin possibly heading to $100,000 and Ethereum to $3,000.
- He blames tariffs, weak U.S. job numbers, and macroeconomic stress for his sudden flip to caution.
- Hayes remains bullish long-term but signals now is a time for patience and risk management, not bravado.
If you’ve been following crypto for any length of time, you know Arthur Hayes—BitMEX co-founder, notorious risk-taker, and a guy who isn’t afraid to stake bold claims. Well, Hayes just flashed a rare “caution” sign for the crypto faithful, and honestly, people are listening.
What Set Off the Bearish Alarm?
In early August 2025, Hayes surprised everyone by offloading over $13 million in crypto assets. We’re talking big stashes of Ethereum, Pepe, and Ethena swapped out for cash just as the market started looking shaky. Hayes pointed to President Trump’s new tariffs and a disappointing U.S. jobs report as the spark—hinting that macroeconomic pain is coming, especially from trade wars and weak hiring data.
“Markets will be impacted by these tariffs and America’s worst jobs numbers in a while,” he warned. Instead of riding out the storm, he hit the sell button—a move that’s very un-Hayes, considering he’s usually the first to call for big, wild bull runs.
What’s the Big Deal With His Prediction?
Here’s where things get interesting. Despite calling for a huge Bitcoin moonshot ($250,000 by 2025), Hayes says not so fast – for the near future, he’s expecting a correction. Bitcoin, he figures, might have to brace for a drop toward $100,000 in the coming weeks or months, and Ethereum could slide down to $3,000. It doesn’t sound like a total doomsday, but for anyone who bought in at the top, it stings.
If you’re a regular investor, hearing a whale like Hayes go bearish is kind of like watching Warren Buffett sell Apple stock. Even if you don’t act, it makes you check your seatbelt.
What’s He Doing While Bearish?
Here’s what’s wild: Hayes isn’t storming off to cash entirely. He’s clear that long-term, he still thinks Bitcoin and Ethereum will soar once government money printers go into overdrive again. He even keeps a shopping list handy—ready to buy low if this sell-off gets ugly.
But for now, Hayes is talking like a trader who wants to dodge bullets. He’s suggesting there’s a pullback coming, partly driven by bad economic news and possible hits to investor confidence caused by tariffs, weak jobs data, and nervous traders all trying to get out before the herd.
Real-World Comparisons
Honestly, the whole thing reminds me of a lifeguard blowing a warning whistle at the beach—he’s not saying, “Never swim again,” just that the waves are getting rough and you might want to get out for a while.
Other big players sometimes ride out storms, but Hayes is reminding everyone that sometimes the best trade is having patience. If you’re the type who hates checking red numbers in your portfolio, maybe take Hayes’ cue and brace for some chop. If, on the other hand, you believe what he believes about money printing, there’s still time to play the long game—just maybe not this month.
Why Trust Hayes?
Like him or not, Arthur Hayes has a track record for calling both the roaring rallies and the rug pulls. His big moves and blunt warnings make him the crypto world’s weatherman—when he raises an umbrella, people notice.
