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

Podcasts

Crypto Update | 'The Trend Is Your Friend … Until It Ends,' Says Katie Stockton

By Jennifer SanasieFeb 7, 2024

Key Bitcoin Support Levels to Watch as Volatility Rises

Markets

First Mover Americas: BlackRock’s ETF Demand Ranks Among Top 5

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for Feb. 7, 2024.

By Lyllah LedesmaFeb 7, 2024

BlackRock's corporate office in New York, New York. (Jim.henderson/Wikimedia Commons)

Tech

Taproot Wizards' New Bitcoin NFTs Already Trading at Twice the Initial Sale Price

Even after a weeklong minting process marred by technical issues, the Quantum Cats digital images were going for more than $10,000 each on the NFT marketplace Magic Eden, on their first day of secondary trading.

By Bradley KeounFeb 6, 2024

Quantum Cats for sale on Magic Eden NFT Marketplace (Magic Eden)

Policy

Craig Wright Denies Forging Evidence He’s Satoshi on Day 2 of COPA Trial

From self-plagiarism to poor multitasking, the self-proclaimed Bitcoin inventor offered an explanation for every inconsistency pointed out by opposing counsel during his first cross-examination in the London court case.

By Sandali HandagamaFeb 6, 2024

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Dr. Craig Wright arrives at the Rolls Building, part of the Royal Courts of Justice on February 06, 2024 in London, England. The Australian-born and English-resident computer scientist, Dr. Craig Wright, claims to be the mythical founder of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, and asserts authorship of the 2008 white paper, a foundational document for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) is urging the court to declare otherwise, arguing that this legal intervention seeks to mitigate the potentially adverse effects of lawsuits initiated by Wright. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Markets

Bitcoin Miner Selling Ahead of Halving Is Capping Prices: Bitfinex

Miner reserves saw continued net outflows since bitcoin ETF debut, falling to their lowest level since June 2021.

By Krisztian SandorFeb 6, 2024

The bitcoin halving could lead to a "miner exodus," CoinShares said in a new report. (Tony Litvyak/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

Bitcoin ETFs Mean 'Substitution' From Gold Into BTC Will Continue, Says Cathie Wood

While bitcoin's price is often denominated against fiat currencies, Wood pointed out that even relative to gold, BTC has risen consistently since its early days.

By Jamie CrawleyFeb 6, 2024