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

Bitcoin Falls Toward $40K, Racks Up Longest Losing Streak Since 2018

Cryptocurrency analysts had warned of the possibility of a steeper sell-off, and now traders are wondering when and where the market shakeout might end.

By Bradley KeounJan 8, 2022

Bitcoin's daily price chart shows the decline toward $40,000 after a seven-day losing streak. (TradingView/CoinDesk)

Podcasts

Welcome to 2022: The Year of Absolutely Everything

By Nathaniel WhittemoreJan 8, 2022

Videos

Is the Bitcoin Hashrate Becoming Vulnerable to Geopolitical Risks?

According to MiningPoolStats, hash power commanded by the largest mining pools – a reasonable proxy for overall Bitcoin hashrate – shrank by a hefty 12.7% this week. The leading cause was a political event in Kazakhstan. “All About Bitcoin” fill-in host Galen Moore explains the data in Chart of the Day.

Jan 7, 2022