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



Finance

Shake Shack Offering Bitcoin Rewards for Customers Using Block’s Cash App

The burger chain is testing customer demand for cryptocurrency options, especially among its younger clientele.

People walk past a Shake Shack Inc. restaurant during a media tour of the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, on Thursday, April 11, 2019. The Jewel is a new mega-attraction at Singapore's Changi Airport and will open its doors to the public on April 17. Photographer: Wei Leng Tay/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Finance

First Mover Americas: Number of Bitcoin Held by Funds Hits Record High

The latest moves in crypto markets in context for March 4, 2022.

(CoinDesk archive)

Markets

Bitcoin Slips Under $42K While Active Supply Reaches Yearly High

The cryptocurrency is approaching $41,000, although one analyst says geopolitical tensions could fuel a run to over $50,000.

Bitcoin fell from resistance earlier this week but saw support at the $41,000 level. (TradingView)

Markets

Bitcoin Drops for Third Straight Day as Dollar Hits 21-Month High, US Wages Eyed

A continued uptick in wages would imply more inflation and strengthen the case for rate hikes by the Fed.

Bitcoin's price drops for third straight day. (CoinDesk, Highcharts.com)

Markets

First Mover Asia: China to Widen Test of Digital Yuan as Russia Invasion Spotlights Crypto’s Potential Role; Cryptos Decline

The country is close to approving trials of the central bank digital currency in a number of cities and regions; bitcoin and ether drop as risk-on appetite fades.

Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation wants crypto exchanges to block Russian users. (Lucy Shires/Getty)

Videos

Stablecoin Supply Ratio Rises Alongside Crypto Prices

In today’s “Chart of the Day” segment, Christine Lee presents a chart illustrating the stablecoin supply ratio (SSR), which has risen over the past week alongside crypto prices. Questions arise about whether traders will choose to hold their stablecoins or bitcoin, and how these decisions can affect price shifts.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Markets

Market Wrap: Bitcoin Drifts Lower, Although Analysts Expect Bearish Sentiment to Fade

BTC was down 4% over the past 24 hours as geopolitical risks intensified.

Volatility fades. (meriç tuna/Unsplash)

Markets

Bitcoin Analysts Ponder Impact as Oil at Highest Price Since 2008

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has sent crude oil to over $115 a barrel. Here's what the latest surge might mean for the bitcoin market.

(Nikom Khotjan/Moment/Getty Images)

Markets

Bitcoin Takes a Breather; Support at $37K-$40K

Intraday charts show downside exhaustion, which could encourage short-term buying.

Bitcoin's daily chart shows support/resistance levels. (Damanick Dantes/CoinDesk, TradingView)

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