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

Markets

Crypto Catalysts: Rate Hike Looms as FOMC Begins Latest Monetary Policy Deliberations

The U.S. central bank has been telegraphing its intent to renew rate hikes for weeks. The Personal Consumption Expenditures report arrives Friday, but cryptos and other risk-on assets have been largely immune to macro events.

By James RubinJul 25, 2023

Fed Chair Jay Powell is set to speak after the central bank held policy steady (Helene Braun/CoinDesk)

Opinion

Chainalysis Testimony Raises the Question: Do We Know How Well Any Such Software Works?

Chainalysis' head of investigations doesn't seem to have a great understanding of the accuracy of her company's flagship software. She’s not alone.

By L0la L33tzJul 24, 2023

Tor Ekeland, interviewed by The Daily Dot radio's Nicole Powers in 2014. (Modified by CoinDesk)

Opinion

The Single Most Important Truth About Bitcoin Mining, Energy and the Environment

Proof-of-work mining will help to decarbonize the grid and lower the cost of energy production, Reed College professor and Bitcoin Policy Institute fellow Troy Cross writes.

By Troy CrossJul 24, 2023

Videos

Bitcoin Slips to $29K Level Amid WSJ Report on Binance

Bitcoin (BTC) is slipping after the Wall Street Journal said Binance CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao suggested in a private conversation that the crypto exchange's affiliates had conducted wash trading several years ago and China's policymakers warned of a tortuous economic recovery while falling short of announcing large-scale stimulus. "The Hash" panel discusses the takeaways from the report and the outlook for Binance.

Jul 24, 2023

Podcasts

Crypto Update | Investors in Search of Positivity: A 'Wait and See' Game!

By George KaloudisJul 24, 2023

Key Bitcoin Support Levels to Watch as Volatility Rises

Videos

Bitcoin Starts Week in the Red Ahead of Pivotal Time for Central Banks

The Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan and European Central Bank are all slated to announce interest rate decisions this week. Defiance ETFs CEO Sylvia Jablonski discusses the potential macro factors moving the price of bitcoin (BTC) as the largest cryptocurrency by market cap slips below $30,000. Plus, how AI could transform the future of crypto.

Jul 24, 2023