Massive price difference between Bitstamp and BTC-E

[hjordan]

I wondered in the past if there was an arbitrage opportunity between Mt. Gox and Bitstamp to buy on BS and sell on MG, but found out there wasn't as you couldn't withdraw funds from MG, which is why the price had been pushed up, as there was high demand to buy to get the coins out.

Now there is a huge difference between BS and BTC-E (as much as $80 difference in the last day). These differences would normally be pounced upon by arbitrage traders and quickly close, but they're not. Is this a genuine arbitrage opportunity?
If not -- as it seems too good to be true -- what is going on? I know BS have had trouble with their site lately, but if you're able to get your funds out then it looks like you can just buy on BTC-E and sell on BS.

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[SgtSpike]

I wondered in the past if there was an arbitrage opportunity between Mt. Gox and Bitstamp to buy on BS and sell on MG, but found out there wasn't as you couldn't withdraw funds from MG, which is why the price had been pushed up, as there was high demand to buy to get the coins out.

Now there is a huge difference between BS and BTC-E (as much as $80 difference in the last day). These differences would normally be pounced upon by arbitrage traders and quickly close, but they're not. Is this a genuine arbitrage opportunity?
If not -- as it seems too good to be true -- what is going on? I know BS have had trouble with their site lately, but if you're able to get your funds out then it looks like you can just buy on BTC-E and sell on BS.

I think this is an issue with bitstamp right now - people are having trouble withdrawing their funds from the exchange.

[hjordan]

That's exactly what I though, although BS say on their FB page that their banking issue is now resolved, so maybe you can still arbitrage trade for now, but there may be a backlog in withdrawing for the time being.