Arthur Hayes Predicts Bitcoin at $500K, Reveals Top Altcoins to Watch in 2026

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Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes has shared a bullish outlook for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, forecasting that Bitcoin could reach $500,000 by the end of 2026. Hayes attributes this potential surge to global liquidity trends and upcoming political cycles rather than short-term market fluctuations.

In a recent interview, Hayes dismissed concerns about a crypto bear market. He noted that recent Bitcoin pullbacks of 15–35% are normal cycle behavior and reflect temporary liquidity pauses, particularly due to shifts in U.S. monetary policy, political gridlock, and changes at the Federal Reserve.

Top Cryptos Driving the Next Market Cycle

Hayes says the 2026 U.S. presidential election could trigger more money flowing into markets. He believes that no matter which party wins, government spending and policies will likely boost risk assets like crypto, stocks, and real estate.

Hayes identified five projects he believes will dominate the next crypto cycle, what he calls the “Magnificent Five”: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Zcash, and Athena. 

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He predicts that Ethereum will continue to serve as the primary public blockchain for institutional adoption, while Solana could regain momentum with its consumer-focused ecosystem. Privacy-focused networks like Zcash and Athena, he believes, will become increasingly important as investors seek secure and privacy-preserving solutions.

Hayes also discussed recent market turbulence, including the October 10 Binance crash. He said it wasn’t caused by manipulation but by technical issues with the exchange and leveraged trading. The event temporarily reduced market liquidity and made traders cautious, creating opportunities for those ready for the next bull run.

Global Liquidity Set to Boost Crypto

Hayes expects China, Japan, and Europe to introduce coordinated monetary stimulus due to housing pressures, defense spending, and other economic factors. He believes that, combined with U.S. political spending, this will fuel strong market growth in 2026.

With Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Zcash, and Athena positioned as the key beneficiaries, Hayes predicts that the next 12 to 18 months could become one of the most transformative periods in crypto history.

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FAQs

How high can Bitcoin go by 2026 according to experts?

Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes forecasts Bitcoin could reach $500,000 by end of 2026, driven by global liquidity trends and political cycles rather than short-term market noise.

Is the current crypto market downturn a bear market?

Analysts like Hayes view recent 15-35% pullbacks as normal cycle behavior, not a bear market, often caused by temporary liquidity pauses and shifting monetary policy.

Will the 2026 U.S. election affect cryptocurrency prices?

Yes, analysts project the 2026 presidential election will likely increase market liquidity and government spending, boosting risk assets like crypto regardless of which party wins.