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Arthur Hayes Links Bitcoin Crash to BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Flows

Published by
Debashree Patra and Nidhi Kolhapur

Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies are showing signs of short-term recovery after a recent sharp drop, with prices bouncing off key support levels. Analysts say this rebound may indicate the worst of the recent sell-off is over, at least for now.

Bitcoin found support at $60,000, which is now acting as a short-term floor. Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Chainlink have also bounced, suggesting the recovery is affecting the wider crypto market.

Stock Market Bounce Adds Support to Crypto

The crypto recovery happened at the same time as a small bounce in U.S. stocks. The S&P 500 rose slightly as the week ended, showing that traditional markets and cryptocurrencies often move together. Analysts say this stock market bounce may have helped Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies start to recover.

While the recent rebound is encouraging, some experts caution that the prior crash was influenced by more than just market sentiment.

Arthur Hayes: ETF Hedging Behind the Crash

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes offered a structural explanation for the decline. He believes the Bitcoin sell-off is not just panic-driven but also linked to dealer hedging related to structured products tied to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). As IBIT shares fell sharply, banks and dealers were forced to rebalance their positions, triggering aggressive selling in Bitcoin and related derivatives.

Hayes noted that such mechanical selling can create sudden and dramatic price swings, especially in fragile markets. He is compiling a detailed list of bank-issued notes to identify key triggers that could cause rapid moves in either direction.

ETF Flows Highlight Structural Pressure

Recent spot Bitcoin ETFs have been net sellers, supporting Hayes’ view. Nearly $1.2 billion has flowed out of spot Bitcoin ETFs over the last three trading days, led by BlackRock’s IBIT. Meanwhile, IBIT recorded a record $10 billion in trading volume as its share price fell 13% in a single session, its second-largest daily drop since launch.

Rather than signaling strong demand, this surge in volume reflects stress, hedging, and forced repositioning. It underscores that structural flows are becoming a dominant factor in Bitcoin’s price movements.

FAQs

Why is the crypto market up today?

Crypto prices are rising as key coins find support, ETF outflows slow, and investor confidence returns alongside stocks.

What caused the recent sharp drop in Bitcoin?

The decline was driven by structural factors like ETF-related hedging, forced bank selling, and high-volume repositioning.

Are ETFs making Bitcoin more volatile?

Yes, large spot Bitcoin ETF flows can trigger mechanical selling and sudden moves, making structural pressures key in crypto volatility.

Debashree Patra and Nidhi Kolhapur

Fun-loving and cheerful, a passionate blockchain and crypto writer who knows no boundary…connect if you share the same passion. With 10+ years of writing experience, I am a Crypto Journalist by chance, exploring, and learning all the dynamics of the sci-fi action-filled crypto world. Currently, focusing on cryptocurrency news and price data. With a passion for research and challenging my capabilities, I am slowly getting into the crypto arena to bring new insights every day.

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