We analyze the dynamics of carry in crypto markets ― the difference between futures and spot prices ― and document that it can reach exceptionally high levels, sometimes exceeding 40% per annum, with significant variation over time. This phenomenon reflects a substantial and volatile
inconvenience yield associated with holding spot cryptocurrencies relative to futures. We trace the large and volatile crypto carry to the interplay of two main forces: (i) demand from smaller, trend-chasing investors seeking leveraged exposure, and (ii) the limited deployment of arbitrage capital due to regulatory and margin frictions. Our findings highlight how structural limits to arbitrage ― especially severe in the case of crypto ― can amplify price inefficiencies across financial markets, offering lessons for understanding asset pricing and market behavior more generally.