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

Market Wrap: Analysts Expect Higher Bitcoin Trading Volume in October

Unlike with the S&P 500, bitcoin’s correlation with commodities has continued to decline over the past few months, mostly due to the steady rise in oil and gas prices.

Bitcoin 24-hour chart (CoinDesk)

Videos

Bitcoin Headed Towards Its Worst Month Since May

Bitcoin appears to be set to end the seasonally bearish month of September on a negative note due to instability in global financial markets, regulatory concerns, and China’s decision to ban crypto businesses. “All About Bitcoin” host Christine Lee breaks down the Chart of the Day.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Markets

Stand-Off Over $28T of US Government Debt Could Rattle Bitcoin Market

The American government has never defaulted on its debts, but congressional gridlock over raising the debt ceiling is making investors question what would happen if it did.

Janet Yellen, U.S. Treasury secretary, speaks during an interview at the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. Yellen today warned that her department will effectively run out of cash around Oct. 18 unless Congress suspends or increases the federal debt limit, putting pressure on lawmakers to avert a default on U.S. obligations. Photographer: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Videos

Standoff Over $28T of US Government Debt Could Rattle Bitcoin Market

As a pitched battle in the U.S. Congress raises the risk of the government defaulting on its $28 trillion in debt, some cryptocurrency traders are speculating whether the gridlock over raising the debt ceiling could cause a swoon in bitcoin prices.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Videos

Is China’s Crypto Crackdown an Opportunity for DeFi?

A price surge for the native tokens of leading decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols came as no surprise after China tightened its crackdown on crypto trading because DeFi trading platforms are, in theory, resistant to censorship. Still, ​some insiders doubt the price rally will last.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Opinion

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Volcano Can Be a Model for Cleaner Crypto

The Central American nation is taking its first steps to harness massive natural power sources to mine Bitcoin. The impacts could stretch far beyond the world of crypto.

An overhead view of a geothermal power plant in El Salvador, the site of a new Bitcoin mining installation.(Government of El Salvador)

Markets

Bitcoin on Track for Biggest Monthly Price Loss Since May

The SEC’s final verdict on several bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications is due next quarter.

Bitcoin 24-hour chart (CoinDesk)

Videos

Bitcoin Eyes Biggest Monthly Price Decline Since May

Despite trading 2.8% higher Wednesday at $42,200, bitcoin is eyeing a 10% monthly decline, the biggest loss since May. Richard Johnson, founder and CEO of FINRA and SEC-registered broker-dealer Texture Capital, discusses his outlook for bitcoin, the potential impact of China's crypto ban on the markets, DeFi, and smart contract protocols.

Recent Videos

Markets

Bitcoin Consolidates Above $40K Support, Resistance at $45K

Indicators show a period of consolidation could persist given strong resistance above $45K.

Bitcoin hourly chart (CoinDesk, TradingView)

Markets

Market Wrap: Traders Seek Protection as Crypto and Stocks Dip on US Debt Ceiling Impasse

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were lower on the threat of yet another federal government shutdown.

Bitcoin 24-hour chart (CoinDesk)

Pageof 834