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

First Mover Asia: Bitcoin Extends Losing Streak as Pelosi Taiwan Trip Passes Without Incident

ALSO: Solana's SOL token slides after wallet hack and Sam Reynolds provides an on-the-ground assessment of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan trip.

By Sam Reynolds, Helene Braun, Bradley KeounAug 3, 2022

Taipei, Taiwan, skyline. (Creative Commons, modified by CoinDesk)

Podcasts

US Senators Say BTC and ETH Are Commodities

By Nathaniel WhittemoreAug 3, 2022

Finance

Huge Traders Remain Super Bullish on Bitcoin Despite Crypto Carnage

A big player in professional finance says its trading partners see bitcoin rebounding to $32,000 this year.

By Nick BakerAug 3, 2022

Bernstein spells out what it believes could be catalysts for the next bull market in crypto. (Kameleon007/Getty Images)

Markets

Market Wrap: Bitcoin Reverses Course, Pushes Higher, $21K Is ‘Point of Control’

News of an exploit on the Solana platform appears not to have affected BTC's price.

By Glenn Williams Jr., Jimmy HeAug 3, 2022

Trading above $23,000, BTC is in positive territory after five consecutive negative days. (Ozark Drones/Unsplash)

Podcasts

Facebook Bets Big on the Creator Economy While Robinhood Cuts Workforce by Nearly a Quarter

By William Foxley, Zack Seward, Jennifer Sanasie, Wendy OAug 3, 2022

Opinion

Banks Aren’t Going to 'HODL' Bitcoin

New proposals from the Bank for International Settlements are unlikely to lead banks to hold bitcoin. But they could open the door to CBDCs, says our columnist.

By Frances CoppolaAug 3, 2022

Finance

MicroStrategy Shares Surge as Michael Saylor Puts Full Focus on Bitcoin

Company operations will now be led by Phong Le, while Saylor will become executive chairman with sole focus on Bitcoin strategy.

By Michael BellusciAug 3, 2022

Executive Chairman MicroStrategy, Michael Saylor (CoinDesk)

Videos

Nomad’s US$200 Mln Hack; Saylor Steps Down

Over 300 perpetrators suspected in Nomad cross-chain bridge hack. BItcoin and Ethereum fall after stock market jitters over Pelosi visit. MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor moves to chairman role to focus on Bitcoin. Crypto tax service launches in India.

Aug 3, 2022

Videos

Bitcoin Maximalist Michael Saylor Steps Down as Microstrategy CEO, Remains Chairman

Michael Saylor, one of the most prominent bitcoin backers in corporate America, handed the chief executive officer role at MicroStrategy (MSTR) to a deputy and became executive chairman, putting his focus exclusively on managing the firm's bitcoin investment. This comes after MicroStrategy took a $918 million loss from its bitcoin holdings. IDX Digital Assets CIO Ben McMillan discusses the outlook for MicroStrategy and Saylor's bitcoin advocacy.

Aug 3, 2022

Videos

Crypto Markets Bouncing Back Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies are trending higher Wednesday. Prosper Trading Academy CEO Scott Bauer discusses the impact of heightening China-U.S. tensions and rising inflation on the markets. Plus, his take on ether's latest rally.

Aug 3, 2022

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