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.

Tech

The Protocol: Bitcoin Halving in 3 Weeks, Solana's Yakovenko on Meme Coins

There's no slowdown in blockchain news, with Ethereum's Dencun upgrade in the rear view mirror and Bitcoin's halving now just over three weeks away. We spoke with Solana's Anatoly Yakovenko about the meme coin frenzy stressing the suddenly-active blockchain.

By Bradley KeounMar 20, 2024

Markets

Federal Reserve Keeps Interest Rates, Rate Cut Outlook Steady for This Year

Policymakers forecasted Wednesday they would lower interest rates to 4.6% by year-end, similarly to their December projection.

By Krisztian SandorMar 20, 2024

Fed Chair Jay Powell is set to speak after the central bank held policy steady (Helene Braun/CoinDesk)

Tech

Bitcoin's Halving May Be Here Sooner Than You Know (Again)

Several months ago, the halving was expected to take place on April 28; now it's on track to land on April 19 or 20th, depending on time zone. Blame the surge in bitcoin's price, which has attracted more mining power and sped up the network.

By Jamie CrawleyMar 20, 2024

Markets

First Mover Americas: BTC's Drop Below $62K Is the Biggest Single-Day Loss Since FTX’s Collapse

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for March 20, 2024.

By Lyllah Ledesma, Omkar GodboleMar 20, 2024

bitcoin price. FMA lead image March 20, 2024

Markets

Bitcoin Climbs Above $63K, Crypto Longs Take On $600M in Liquidations

The broad-based CoinDesk 20, an index of various major tokens minus stablecoins, was little changed over the past 24 hours with losses of just 0.34%.

By Shaurya MalwaMar 20, 2024

Markets

Bitcoin Registers Biggest Single-Day Loss Since FTX's Collapse

Spot BTC ETFs witnessed record outflows on Tuesday, provisional data from Farside show.

By Omkar GodboleMar 20, 2024

Opinion

The Bitcoin Halving Really Is Different This Time

Four ways this April’s big event will be unprecedented.

By Daniel KuhnMar 19, 2024

image of someone splitting a log vertically in half with a long-handled ax

Markets

Bitcoin Rebounds to $65K as Investors Weigh Looming Fed Decision Risk

Disappointing flows into bitcoin ETFs over the past days partly resulted from investors trimming risks ahead of Wednesday's FOMC meeting, one market observer said.

By Krisztian SandorMar 19, 2024

Markets