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



Videos

What Triggered This Week's Market Correction?

Messari research analyst Aidan Mott discusses the potential catalyst behind this week's market correction, explaining why his outlook for bitcoin remains positive despite recent "rapid cascading liquidations" across the crypto markets. "We're seeing a healthy rebound into more normal territories," Mott said. Plus, insights into institutional activity.

Recent Videos

Videos

Bitcoin Rangebound Ahead of $48K-$50K Resistance

Bitcoin is stuck in a tight range as sellers take a breather from this week’s sell-off.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Learn

How to Set Up a Bitcoin Miner

While bitcoin mining is dominated by large companies with huge warehouses full of equipment, it’s still possible for individuals to successfully mine as part of a pool. Here's how to start crypto mining.

An Antminer bitcoin mining machine. (Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Learn

What Are Bitcoin Mining Pools?

Find out what bitcoin mining pools are and how to join them. The same methods can be used for most cryptocurrencies.

(Iurii Stepanov/Shutterstock)

Markets

ECB Signals ‘Moderate’ Slowdown in Asset Purchases; Bitcoin Rises

The European Central Bank says it will slow down the average pace of asset purchases but keep the overall size of its quantitative easing program intact.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde steps up to podium for press conference Thursday. (ECB, modified by CoinDesk)

Learn

How To Buy Bitcoin

With bitcoin adoption continuing to rise, it’s now possible to purchase the digital asset across a wide range of exchanges, brokerages and apps.

Buying online with credit card (Shutterstock)

Markets

5 Ways Bitcoin Can Play a Role in a Portfolio

Bitcoin isn’t going anywhere. So how can it fit into the portfolios of the future?

Cedrik Wesche/Unsplash

Markets

Bitcoin Rangebound Ahead of $48K-$50K Resistance

Oversold signals on intraday charts could support brief buying.

Bitcoin four-hour price chart (CoinDesk, TradingView)

Finance

Bitso Is Providing the ‘Core Service’ for El Salvador’s Chivo Bitcoin Wallet

The company will also work with Silvergate Bank to facilitate transactions in U.S. dollars

A person purchases a bottle of Coca-Cola from a shop that accepts Bitcoin in El Zonte, El Salvador, on Monday, June 14, 2021. El Salvador has become the first country to formally adopt Bitcoin as legal tender after President Nayib Bukele said congress approved his landmark proposal. Photographer: Cristina Baussan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Pageof 865