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

Litecoin Transactions Hit Record High as Bitcoin Fees Surge Amid BRC-20 Frenzy

Transaction fees on the Bitcoin blockchain have hit a two-year high due to the rising popularity of so-called BRC-20 tokens.

By Krisztian SandorMay 9, 2023

Canary Capital Group, a new digital asset-focused investment firm, has plans to launch an exchange-traded fund tied to Litecoin. (Litecoin Foundation)

Markets

Bitcoin Cash Rises 11% but Gains Could Be Short-Lived

The token was up 11% on the day, but analysts think the cryptocurrency will not be able to sustain its gains.

By Lyllah LedesmaMay 9, 2023

Tech

Africa Moves to Lightning, Stablecoins as Bitcoin Transaction Fees Soar

Those already using stablecoins and lightning transactions are not affected, but for many in Africa, higher bitcoin fees are a problem.

By Eliza GkritsiMay 9, 2023

Markets

Bitcoin Trades at Nearly $650 Premium on Binance.US

The widening discrepancy between the bitcoin price on Binance's U.S. arm and global counterparts has some observers worried about impending legal action directed at the unit.

By Omkar GodboleMay 9, 2023

Web3

Binance’s NFT Marketplace Adds Support for Bitcoin NFTs

The leading cryptocurrency exchange will allow NFT collectors to purchase tokens on the Bitcoin network directly through their Binance accounts – bypassing the need to create a separate wallet for inscriptions.

By Cam ThompsonMay 9, 2023

Finance

Crypto Options Liquidity Provider OrBit Markets Offers Bitcoin and Gold-Hybrid Derivative

The company said the product’s payoff will depend on the joint performance of both BTC and the gold-backed token XAUT.

By Jocelyn YangMay 9, 2023

Ignoring regulatory issues could be the downfall of some Web3 dapps. (urfinguss/Getty Images)

Markets

First Mover Asia: Binance Congestion Chaos Weighs Heavy on Bitcoin

ALSO: A crypto market analyst calls bitcoin's travails of the past two days "growing pains," and says the largest crypto by market cap "will be fine in the long run."

By Sam Reynolds, James RubinMay 9, 2023

Tech

Bitcoin’s ‘BRC-20’ Explosion Sends Users Scrambling for Options, Including Lightning

The effects of the BRC-20 mints range from halting of bitcoin withdrawals on Binance to frustration with the sudden high costs of making bitcoin payments in places like Africa and South America.

By Frederick MunawaMay 8, 2023