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

Opinion

Nayib Bukele Is Not the Bitcoin Hero We Need

Evidence that El Salvador's president has targeted journalists and suppressed free speech contradicts Bitcoin's core values.

By David Z. MorrisJan 14, 2022

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has reportedly targeted journalists with spyware. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Markets

After Bitcoin’s Weak Start to the Year, Analysts Now Predict Price Increase

One analyst sees stubbornly high inflation numbers coupled with a continuation of negative real interest rates as key market catalysts.

By Lyllah LedesmaJan 14, 2022

Bitcoin dropped below $40,000 on Monday (CoinDesk)

Finance

Miners Going Public Amid Bitcoin Slump Face Tough Months Ahead

Production numbers for the next few months will be crucial for miners going public soon.

By Aoyon AshrafJan 14, 2022

Racks of bitcoin miners (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Learn

How to Sell Bitcoin

Whether you want to spend or hold bitcoin, at some point you’ll probably want to sell some. Here's our guide on how to sell bitcoin.

By Noelle Acheson, Hoa NguyenJan 14, 2022

Markets

Crypto Options Market Starting to Have Material Impact on Spot Market: QCP Capital

The Singapore-based crypto fund wrote in a Telegram note that the newfound strength of the crypto options market prevented bitcoin from bottoming out below $40,000.

By Sam ReynoldsJan 14, 2022

Markets

There's a Reason Bitcoin's Worth 500 Barrels of Oil: Bloomberg's McGlone

“Supply, demand, adoption and advancing technology point to the crypto continuing to outperform fossil fuel in the next 10 years," according to the commodities analyst.

By Angelique Chen, Bradley KeounJan 13, 2022