- Hayes predicts Bitcoin may break from Nasdaq due to tariffs.
- Market shift towards Bitcoin as a hedge.
- Possible financial instability driven by tariffs affecting markets.
Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, indicated on April 4, 2025, that new tariffs by Donald Trump could potentially sever Bitcoin’s correlation with the Nasdaq amidst market shifts.
Hayes’ prediction underscores potential shifts in Bitcoin’s role from a speculative asset to a hedge against macroeconomic instability, signaling a broader market transition towards non-sovereign assets.
Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Bitcoin
Arthur Hayes, known for his macroeconomic acumen, suggested Bitcoin might break away from the Nasdaq correlation due to Trump’s tariffs. These tariffs aim at reducing trade deficits, primarily impacting imports from China and the EU.
Trump announced tariffs intended to curb the trade deficit, sparking concerns about the dollar’s weakness. Analysts, including Jeff Park, view this as increasing demand for alternative assets like Bitcoin.
Market Reactions and Bitcoin Stability
The tariffs prompted notable drops in the Nasdaq, while Bitcoin exhibited minor stability. It traded at around $83,300. This shift highlights Bitcoin’s potential as a hedge against economic instability.
Tariffs are anticipated to trigger inflationary pressures, making non-sovereign assets attractive. Hayes anticipates a Bitcoin rally as governments might print money to alleviate economic impacts, enhancing Bitcoin’s hedge position. His insight aligns with the view that “Bitcoin could rise significantly in response to weakening dollar dynamics and financial instability triggered by tariffs.”
Bitcoin: An Emerging Independent Asset Class
Experts highlight the decoupling of Bitcoin from risk-on assets during macroeconomic shocks, reflective in past scenarios like the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests Bitcoin’s emerging status as an independent asset class.
