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.

Policy

Bitcoin ETFs Too Small to Affect Broader Investment Landscape, Moody’s Analysts Say

The exchange-traded funds will allow better access to bitcoin through regulated entities and draw institutional investors, but the crypto is still a very small asset class, CoinDesk was told.

By Sandali HandagamaJan 11, 2024, 12:31 p.m. ET

Markets

Bitcoin Briefly Tops $49K Before Selling Off as ETF Trading Frenzy Commences

Cryptocurrency-focused stocks such as Coinbase and bitcoin miners are also down significantly since Thursday's market open.

By Krisztian SandorJan 11, 2024, 12:24 p.m. ET

Podcasts

Crypto Update | Why Kevin O'Leary Says Spot Bitcoin ETFs Are 'Practically Useless' For Institutional Investors

By Jennifer SanasieJan 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m. ET

Key Bitcoin Support Levels to Watch as Volatility Rises

Markets

Bitcoin ETF Approval Is Historic Moment for BTC, Miners: Analysts

Mining stocks represent an attractive opportunity for investors looking to gain access to the long-term bitcoin adoption trade, the analysts wrote.

By Will CannyJan 11, 2024, 10:32 a.m. ET

Bitmain Antminer S19 Hydro mining rigs, the company's latest technology, installed at a Merkle Standard facility in Washington state. (Eliza Gkritsi/CoinDesk)

Markets

First Mover Americas: Grayscale's Is the First ETF to Begin Trading

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for Jan. 11, 2024.

By Lyllah LedesmaJan 11, 2024, 7:31 a.m. ET

Markets

Gary Gensler Voted to Approve Bitcoin ETFs, Despite Public Criticism

Three out of five committee members approved the various filings that gave the green light for the first-ever spot bitcoin ETFs to be offered in the U.S.

By Shaurya MalwaJan 11, 2024, 6:02 a.m. ET

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman SEC Gary Gensler (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk, modified)

Markets

Bitcoin ETF Frenzy Brings Windfall Volume to Decentralized Predictions Platform Polymarket

Polymarket saw betting contracts worth more than $5.7 million change hands on Wednesday.

By Omkar GodboleJan 11, 2024, 4:45 a.m. ET

Markets

Bitcoin ETFs Secure Approval Exactly 15 Years After Hal Finney’s Iconic ‘Running Bitcoin’ Tweet

Finney, who died in August 2014, was also the first person besides Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, to download and run Bitcoin’s software.

By Shaurya MalwaJan 11, 2024, 2:21 a.m. ET

Podcasts

What Will Be the Impact of a Bitcoin ETF Approval?

By Michael J. CaseyJan 10, 2024, 4:55 p.m. ET

‘Tokenization Is the Future of Real Assets.’

Opinion

Bitcoin ETFs Approved: The Industry Reacts

In a milestone for crypto adoption, the SEC today gave the green light to the trading of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). CoinDesk rounded up reaction from across the crypto industry to the news.

By Daniel Kuhn, Benjamin Schiller, Elizabeth NapolitanoJan 10, 2024, 4:55 p.m. ET