Bitcoin

Bitcoin is the pioneer of blockchains and cryptocurrencies, introduced in a white paper released in 2008 by an apparently pseudonymous person or group of people known as Satoshi Nakamoto. The document described a peer-to-peer method of transferring money without the use of financial institutions. The cryptocurrency known as bitcoin or BTC debuted in 2009. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger (a blockchain) by entities known as miners who engage in process called proof-of-work. Miners are rewarded for doing that by getting newly minted bitcoin. Some proponents view BTC as an alternative to fiat currencies and a hedge against inflation. Bitcoin has inspired the creation of numerous other cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person

Opinion

This Is (Hopefully) the Last CoinDesk Article to Mention Craig Wright

He "is not nearly as clever as he thinks he is," says a U.K. Judge reviewing the Australian computer scientist’s many questionable legal maneuvers.

By Daniel KuhnMay 20, 2024

Craig Wright heading to COPA trial on March 1 (Camomile Shumba/CoinDesk)

Markets

Bitcoin Breaks Out Above $68K as Solana's 7% Gain Leads Crypto Rally

Inflows into the spot bitcoin ETFs restarted in a big way last week as the price rallied from near the $60K level.

By Stephen AlpherMay 20, 2024

Crypto prices rallied on Friday (Gerd Altmann/Pixabay)

Markets

First Mover Americas: BTC, ETH Little Changed Ahead of Ether ETF Decision

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for May 20, 2024.

By Jamie Crawley, Omkar GodboleMay 20, 2024

Markets

Ether, Bitcoin Open Asia Trading Week Flat as ETH ETF Decision, Nvidia Earnings Loom

The market has priced in a rejection for the first set of Ethereum ETFs, but there are reasons to be optimistic about an approval next year, says one fund manager.

By Sam ReynoldsMay 20, 2024