Bitcoin enthusiasts aiming for rapid wealth could face significant losses, warns Arthur Hayes

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, advises Bitcoin investors to focus on long-term gains amidst the cryptocurrency's fluctuating market values, emphasizing the asset’s average annualized return of 82.4% over the past decade. His critique highlights the pitfalls of comparing Bitcoin to traditional assets like gold and the S&P 500 on a daily basis, advocating for a mature investment approach in the volatile crypto sector.

Ivy Tran

September 14, 2025

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has a message for Bitcoin enthusiasts hungry for rapid returns: temper your expectations and focus on the long game. In a recent interview with Kyle Chasse, Hayes criticized the impatient mindset of those expecting overnight wealth from Bitcoin investments, a sentiment that resonates amidst the backdrop of fluctuating crypto markets.

Hayes' comments come at a time when Bitcoin continues to hover below its peak, trading at $115,890, a stark contrast to the recent record highs of traditional assets like gold and the S&P 500. However, Hayes challenges the disappointment surrounding Bitcoin’s current performance by highlighting its historically unprecedented returns, averaging an annualized 82.4% over the past decade, as reported by Curvo data. His perspective is a refreshing reminder of the asset’s long-term value amidst short-term fluctuations.

The notion that Bitcoin should be directly competing with gold or stock indices on a day-to-day basis is a fallacy, according to Hayes. Instead, he points out that when adjusted for factors like currency debasement, Bitcoin outshines other asset classes significantly. This is evident in his statement that deflating major U.S. tech stocks by the gold standard still doesn't equal their pre-2008 financial crisis values, whereas Bitcoin's ascent is so steep it's nearly off the charts.

Hayes' critique extends beyond just a defense of Bitcoin’s performance. He implies a broader, more philosophical critique of the prevailing investor mentality. In the frenzy to chase quick profits, there's a risk of missing the fundamental ethos of cryptocurrency as a long-term investment against traditional monetary inflation and instability.

This perspective aligns with a broader theme of caution in the crypto space, underscoring the need for a mature approach to investing in digital currencies. It’s essential for investors to recalibrate their expectations, looking towards long-term horizons rather than quick gains. In alignment with this viewpoint, Radom offers on- and off-ramping solutions that facilitate sustained and strategic investment in the crypto market, aligning with Hayes' emphasis on long-term crypto investment strategies.

Moreover, Hayes' predictions are not just throwaway comments but are backed by substantial historical data and a deep understanding of market dynamics, which should serve as a critical reminder for all stakeholders within the crypto ecosystem. It’s not just about riding the highs and enduring the lows; it’s about understanding and leveraging the underlying principles that make cryptocurrencies a unique investment.

Ultimately, Hayes' insights offer a stark but necessary reality check: Bitcoin is not a get-rich-quick lottery ticket but a revolutionary financial instrument that demands patience, resilience, and a strategic approach to unlocking its potential benefits.

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