Arthur Hayes sold his HYPE and NEAR token holdings this week. The BitMEX co-founder warned cryptocurrency markets may peak before September and cautioned that upcoming AI IPOs could drain market liquidity. His move ruffled traders already on edge about 2026's volatile run.
Sold Positions
Hayes unloaded his entire stakes in the HYPE social token and NEAR blockchain platform. He didn’t explain the timing but linked it directly to his market outlook. The sales weren’t massive but landed with weight given his influence.
September Deadline
Hayes specifically called for a crypto market peak before September this year. That’s a concrete deadline—less than three months away. He didn’t detail what might follow, but the warning hit hard as prices flirt with recent highs. It’s not the first time he’s timed downturns accurately.
Liquidity Threat
He flagged the growing wave of AI company IPOs as a liquidity drain for crypto. Big capital shifting toward new AI listings could starve digital assets, Hayes argued. That might leave markets brittle if selling pressure builds. The timing isn’t great with September looming.
Traders now have two clear markers: Hayes’ September peak window and the AI IPO wave expected to ramp up soon. His warnings are already reshaping positioning as the clock ticks.
