BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has set a bold year-end target for Ethereum, telling attendees at the KBW2026 with Upbit event that ETH could reach $10,000 before the close of 2026. At the time of his remarks, Ethereum was trading around $2,672, meaning the forecast would require an increase of roughly 274%, or about 3.7 times from current levels.
Hayes’s outlook is built on his macro-driven view of cryptocurrency markets and global liquidity conditions. During the Korea Blockchain Week appearance, he described Ethereum as the most secure layer-1 network among altcoins, pointing to its large market capitalization. He also addressed Ethereum’s recent underperformance, saying other blockchains had captured prevailing narratives, specifically noting that Solana seized the memecoin story and made Ethereum a victim of its own success despite pioneering decentralized computer networks.
The prediction comes amid mixed signals from institutional products. Spot Ethereum ETFs recorded more than $850 million in positive net inflows between September 18 and the end of last week, but the streak then reversed with approximately $2.81 million in net outflows over the most recent 24-hour period. That shift coincided with ETH consolidating above $2,500 and facing resistance near $2,800.
From a technical perspective, market observers noted Ethereum was trading inside a symmetrical triangle pattern with price near the apex. The momentum indicator sat flat at 1.62, just above neutral, suggesting low volatility that often precedes larger moves. A sustained break above upper resistance could bring the $10,000 scenario into focus, while a break below lower support could open a move toward $2,550 or lower.
Hayes is known for aggressive predictions that do not always materialize, and this target is not investment advice. ETH’s actual year-end performance will likely depend on broader risk appetite, global liquidity, and whether spot ETF demand returns.
