Hayes Predicts Altcoin Season as BTC Hits New ATH

Arthur Hayes, former BitMEX CEO, has turned bullish, predicting a monster altcoin season as Bitcoin (BTC) surged to a new all-time high of $118,869 on $122 billion of trading volume. He points to eased US Treasury General Account concerns, a weakening dollar and possible tariff relief under former President Trump—dubbed the “TACO effect”—as key macro factors driving crypto inflows. Ethereum (ETH) has also shown strong momentum, rising over 50% after the Pectra upgrade and prompting institutions like GameSquare and SharpLink Gaming to add ETH as a treasury-grade asset. Major altcoins are already responding: XRP climbed 14% to $2.82, ETH cleared $3,000 (+8%) and memecoin PEPE gained 10–20% in 24 hours. With Bitcoin’s momentum high and Ethereum fundamentals strengthening, Hayes warns traders to prepare for an extended altcoin season.
Bullish
Arthur Hayes’ bullish forecast reflects strong momentum in Bitcoin and Ethereum, easing liquidity concerns and supportive macro factors, which often precede broader altcoin rallies. In the short term, sustained BTC highs and ETH momentum could drive capital rotation into mid- and small-cap altcoins, boosting trading activity. Over the long term, improved institutional demand for ETH and potential tariff relief may underpin market stability and continued inflows, sustaining an extended altcoin season.