Bitcoin News

Bitcoin (BTC) was created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 as the world's first successful cryptocurrency, solving the double-spending problem that had plagued previous digital cash experiments. Operating on a decentralized proof-of-work blockchain, Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, with its monetary policy enforced through cryptographic consensus rather than central authority.

The Bitcoin network is maintained by miners who secure transactions and earn newly minted bitcoin, while a global ecosystem of traders, institutional investors, developers, and businesses continues expanding its adoption. From El Salvador's legal tender status to corporate treasury adoption by companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla, Bitcoin has evolved from a cryptographic experiment into a recognized store of value and inflation hedge.

At CoinDesk, we deliver breaking Bitcoin news and in-depth analysis covering everything from price movements and institutional adoption to technological developments and regulatory shifts. Our team tracks Bitcoin ETF launches, mining industry changes, Lightning Network growth, and the ongoing debates shaping cryptocurrency's future.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Markets

CME is set to let traders bet on bitcoin volatility, not just price

CME Group plans to launch bitcoin volatility futures on June 1 pending regulatory approval bringing a easy way to bet on the degree of price swings.

By Omkar GodboleMay 9, 2026

CME Group Headquarters (CoinDesk Archives)

Markets

Coinbase rebounds as altcoins surge with bitcoin holding above $80,000

Tokenization and digital asset-infrastructure stocks climbed as SEC Chair Paul Atkins signaled support for onchain finance rules.

By Krisztian SandorMay 8, 2026

Bitcoin (BTC) price on May 8, Friday (CoinDesk)

Markets

S&P 500 call options volume surges to record $2.6 trillion. Here's what it means for bitcoin

As Wall Street chases upside in stocks like never before, the implications for bitcoin appear bullish, though with an important caveat.

By Omkar GodboleMay 8, 2026

Trading prices displayed on a monitor screen.( AhmadArdity /Pixabay)

Markets

Bitcoin slips below $80,000: Why the 'Trump rally' is hitting a wall of profit-taking

CryptoQuant says traders are cashing out into strength, Enflux ties the move to easing Hormuz tensions, while Glassnode argues bitcoin has reclaimed key levels needed for a broader recovery.

By Sam ReynoldsMay 8, 2026

Videos

White House wants crypto law signed by July 4th

White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt told Consensus Miami that the administration is targeting July 4 — the nation's 250th birthday — for passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The timeline requires Senate markup this month and four floor weeks in June. CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie hosts "CoinDesk Daily."

May 7, 2026

White House wants crypto law signed by July 4th

Markets

Bitcoin ending May above $76,000 would confirm new bull market, Tom Lee says

Tokenization and AI agentic finance are the main narratives driving the next bull cycle in crypto, Lee said at Consensus 2026.

By Krisztian SandorMay 7, 2026

Tom Lee, chairman of Bitmine and cofounder of Fundstrat, speaking at Consensus 2026 in Miami (CoinDesk)

Finance

The great derivatives disconnect: Why 'negative' funding is actually a bullish signal for Bitcoin

Panelists are split on the four-year cycle's relevance, with year-end price targets varying widely from potentially not reaching a new high to possible targets of $150k or $250k.

By Francisco Rodrigues, AI BoostMay 7, 2026

Markets

Bitcoin tests Bollinger Bands breakout as creator flips bullish on BTC

A related MVRV indicator hit overheated levels last seen before bitcoin's late-2024 push to $100,000.

By Shaurya MalwaMay 7, 2026

Markets

Purge of millions of crypto tokens underway, BTC needs it for sustainable bull cycle: Ben Cowen

Researcher and market analyst Ben Cowen says the purge of millions of altcoins is already underway and is necessary for a sustainable bitcoin bull market to be in place.

By Olivier AcunaMay 7, 2026