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

This bitcoin bear market is different with 'uniquely pessimistic' traders limiting downside, K33 says

The research firm said bitcoin traders remain unusually defensive, reducing the risk of the kind of leverage-driven collapse seen in prior downturns.

By Krisztian SandorMay 19, 2026

Markets

live

Live markets: Bitcoin gives up $77,000 as interest rates continue surge, stocks continue slump

Crypto markets have turned lower in morning U.S. trade on Tuesday as the idea of coming rate hikes takes a toll on risk assets.

By Stephen Alpher, Helene Braun, Omkar GodboleMay 19, 2026

Markets

JPMorgan says ether and altcoins won't catch up to bitcoin without a major network boom

The bank said ether and the broader altcoin market continue to trail bitcoin as weak network activity, sluggish DeFi growth and limited real-world adoption weigh on investor demand.

By Will Canny, AI BoostMay 19, 2026

Markets

XRP and Solana funds attract inflows as bitcoin outflows hit nearly $1 billion

CoinShares data shows investors are rotating into listed products based on XRP and SOL while bitcoin and ethereum products posted heavy weekly outflows.

By Sam ReynoldsMay 19, 2026

U.S. sport XRP ETFs have recorded only inflows since their launch.

Markets

Bitcoin has shed $5,000 within days. ETF flows, derivatives say the selloff could worsen

Bitcoin has fallen about 6% from $82,000 to $76,800, and underlying data point to the drop being more than a routine pullback.

By Omkar GodboleMay 19, 2026

Videos

Strategy drops $2B on Bitcoin in one week

Strategy purchased 24,869 bitcoin last week for roughly $2 billion at an average price of $80,985 per coin, bringing its total holdings to 843,738 BTC at an aggregate cost of $64 billion. The purchase was funded almost entirely through sales of its STRC preferred stock. CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie hosts "CoinDesk Daily."

May 18, 2026

Strategy drops $2B on Bitcoin in one week

Markets

live

Live markets: Bitcoin gives up all of May's gains, slipping below $77,000

Strategy made a mammoth $2 billion bitcoin purchase last week, but it's not lifting crypto spirits or prices.

By Stephen Alpher, Helene Braun, Omkar GodboleMay 18, 2026

Tech

Bitcoin faces outsized quantum threat as computing breakthroughs accelerate, Citi says

The bank said accelerating advances in quantum computing are compressing the timeline for risks to crypto and broader internet infrastructure, with Bitcoin seen as particularly exposed.

By Will Canny, AI BoostMay 18, 2026