Arthur Hayes Sells $13M in Crypto Amid Macroeconomic Fears

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, recently liquidated over $13 million in cryptocurrency holdings, including $8.32 million in ETH, as he shifted more than 80% of his portfolio into stablecoins like USDC. Citing macroeconomic concerns, Hayes highlighted global credit slowdowns and U.S. trade tariffs as key risk factors prompting his decision. His move reflects a growing risk-off sentiment among major crypto holders, with others following suit by offloading significant portions of their assets onto exchanges, thereby increasing market sell pressure [1].

The sell-off, tracked by Arkham Intelligence, underscores a broader trend of crypto whales realigning their portfolios amid heightened economic uncertainties. Hayes’ wallet is now predominantly composed of USDC, signaling a defensive strategy in response to global economic shifts. This shift has contributed to increased market volatility, with assets such as ETH, ENA, and PEPE experiencing notable price fluctuations in the aftermath [1].

Market observers note that large-scale sell-offs by influential figures like Hayes often precede short-term corrections in crypto markets. Historical data suggests similar whale-driven movements have historically coincided with market downturns, particularly during periods of regulatory uncertainty or macroeconomic stress. The current environment, marked by slowing credit expansion and tightening global trade policies, appears to be reinforcing this pattern [1].

Hayes’ public acknowledgment of his wallet activity has further amplified attention on the broader implications of such movements. As other large holders mirror his strategy, the cumulative impact on liquidity and pricing dynamics remains a key area of focus for traders and analysts alike. While the long-term trajectory of crypto markets remains uncertain, the immediate response has been one of increased caution and defensive positioning [1].

Source: [1] Arthur Hayes Sells $13M in Crypto Due to Macroeconomic Concerns (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688f52bafdeef146ee24a852/)