Bitcoin’s recent lack of upward momentum can be directly linked to the surge in artificial intelligence investments, according to Arthur Hayes, co‑founder of BitMEX. During a June 26, 2026 interview with Bonnie Blockchain, Hayes explained that investors have been channelling marginal capital toward AI technology companies and their supply chains, absorbing the very liquidity that would otherwise have flowed into cryptocurrencies.
Hayes noted that the AI investment cycle has drained available market funds, and individuals profiting from the sector have preferred hard assets or Nasdaq‑linked instruments over crypto exposure. However, he cautioned that if AI stocks were to suffer a sharp sell‑off, cryptocurrencies could face initial selling pressure as investors liquidate digital assets during margin calls, given crypto’s 24‑hour trading availability.
The warning comes as Bitcoin price lingered near $63,878, with daily ranges between $63,466 and $64,659. Repeated failures to breach the $65,000 resistance level have left the market on edge. Meanwhile, ARK Invest researcher Lorenzo Valente underscored a deepening consolidation phase, pointing out that the top three applications—Hyperliquid, PumpFun, and Ethena—capture nearly 80% of sector revenue. Valente expects a rise in bankruptcies, shutdowns, and M&A activity as capital concentrates among proven projects.
Geopolitical tension added another layer: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a ballistic missile attack on US forces in the Middle East, lifting Brent crude 3.42% to $86.97. While all missiles were intercepted, the incident highlights how external shocks can further influence crypto sentiment.
Delphi Digital’s latest Hivemind episode echoed the AI‑Bitcoin correlation, warning that a sustained AI selloff could amplify crypto volatility and reshape trading strategies.
