Arthur Hayes: Fed Rate Cut Might Cripple Crypto Markets but Era of Central Banks Is Over

As a researcher with years of experience in the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies and finance, I find myself in agreement with Arthur Hayes’ cautionary stance regarding the Federal Reserve’s upcoming rate cut. Having witnessed the volatility of markets firsthand, his concerns about potential short-term turbulence in the crypto sector seem well-founded.


Arthur Hayes, who co-founded BitMEX and now serves as CIO of Maelstrom, has voiced worries regarding the possible influence of the Federal Reserve’s impending interest rate reduction on cryptocurrency markets. Anticipated to be declared later today, this rate cut would mark the Fed’s first since 2020 and is designed to improve market liquidity. Nevertheless, Hayes posits that this action might cause a substantial decline in high-risk assets such as cryptocurrencies, following its implementation.

Rate Cut Risks and Economic Impact

In a keynote speech at the Token2049 conference in Singapore, Hayes criticized the Fed’s decision to cut rates amidst ongoing inflationary pressures. Hayes stated:

It seems to me that the Federal Reserve might be making a significant error by lowering interest rates, given that the U.S. government is currently issuing and spending an unprecedented amount of money during peacime times.

He added that lowering interest rates could exacerbate inflation and lead to a stronger Japanese yen, which would create broader financial instability.

Hayes pointed out that a strong yen might result in issues akin to those experienced around mid-August, as an increase in Japanese interest rates triggered a significant drop in the value of Bitcoin.

Hayes pointed out the event a few weeks back where the yen became significantly stronger, which came close to causing a small financial catastrophe. He anticipates that if they decrease interest rates, it could lead to a similar market reaction, possibly compelling the Fed to make additional rate cuts in response to any potential crisis.

Potential Opportunities for Crypto Assets

Although Hayes has some reservations about the overall market implications, he identifies possibilities within the cryptocurrency field. He posits that as interest rates decrease, investors might opt for crypto assets that provide yields, such as Ethereum (ETH), currently trading at $2 298 with a 0.6% 24h volatility and a market cap of $276.62 B. Additionally, he mentions Ethena’s USDe, valued at $1.00, with zero volatility in the last 24 hours, a market cap of $2.60 B, and a 24h volume of $55.02 M. Lastly, Hayes suggests Pendle’s BTC staking as another asset that could thrive in this low-interest environment, where investors are looking for enhanced returns in digital assets.

As interest rates decrease, Ethereum might gain more appeal, according to Hayes,” he remarked. He emphasized that Ethereum’s current staking return of approximately 4% could witness increased attention if traditional returns decrease. Moreover, Ethena’s USDe and Pendle’s BTC staking, which provide competitive yields, may also draw in more investments.

The Changing Role of Central Banks

Hayes further discussed the changing function of central banks, echoing market strategist Russel Napier’s belief that governments are progressively managing money supply and liquidity. As per Hayes, this transformation might diminish the significance of central banks in the long run. In his words, “The age of central banks is coming to an end.” He added that politicians will likely channel liquidity towards certain economic sectors, while cryptocurrencies could serve as a tool for navigating this emerging financial landscape.

To sum up, although Hayes predicts temporary difficulties in the cryptocurrency market arising from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate reduction, he remains optimistic about the long-term advantages some digital currencies might gain under a low-interest economy.

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2024-09-18 15:27