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

Bitcoin Rises as Latest Teetering U.S. Bank Sends Traders to Crypto Haven

California-based PacWest Bancorp is weighing strategic options, according to Bloomberg.

By Stephen AlpherMay 3, 2023

Markets

Bitcoin Falls Slightly After Fed Rate Hike

BTC was down about 1% after the U.S. central bank boosted the federal funds rate by 25 basis points. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted the central bank had omitted language signaling additional rate hikes at upcoming meetings.

By Jocelyn YangMay 3, 2023

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Opinion

Crypto’s Macro Drivers – It’s Not Just About Bitcoin

The macro outlook and why it matters for bitcoin and other crypto assets. An analysis by Noelle Acheson, CoinDesk’s former head of research.

By Noelle AchesonMay 3, 2023

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell (Federal Reserve via Wikimedia Commons)

Finance

Federal Reserve Raises Fed Funds Rate by 25 Basis Points, Signals Possible Pause

This latest move comes as the U.S. central bank battles stubbornly high inflation while dealing with a string of high-profile bank failures.

By Stephen AlpherMay 3, 2023

Federal Reserve Board Building (AgnosticPreachersKid/Wikimedia)

Markets

First Mover Americas: Bitcoin Layer 2 Stacks Begins May on Top

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for May 3, 2023.

By Lyllah Ledesma, Omkar GodboleMay 3, 2023

Policymakers will need to address financial stability risks, JPMorgan said. (Colton Sturgeon/Unsplash)

Markets

Bitcoin, Ether Could Face Risks From Potential Short Squeeze in Dollar Index, QCP Capital Says

A short squeeze refers to a rally stemming from traders squaring off their bearish short positions.

By Omkar GodboleMay 3, 2023

Tech

Blockstream Developer Neigut Expects ‘Cambrian Explosion’ of Bitcoin Layer 2 Protocols

Bitcoin already has one of the most diverse layer 2 ecosystems of any network, but coming technology upgrades could lead to an acceleration in the blockchain's development, according to Blockstream's Lisa Neigut.

By Frederick MunawaMay 3, 2023

Blockstream's Lisa Neigut speaks at Consensus 2023 in Austin, Texas. (CoinDesk)

Tech

Bitcoin Ordinals Surge to 3M Inscriptions, but Most Are Just Text

Over $8 million in fees have been paid to the network by inscription creators since their inception.

By Shaurya MalwaMay 3, 2023

Markets

First Mover Asia: Bitcoin’s Kimchi Premium Has Narrowed, but the Korean Market Is Proving Resilient

ALSO: A crypto markets analyst suggests that the U.S. central bank may not be finished with interest rate hikes, even if it raises the rate on Wednesday as expected.

By Sam Reynolds, James RubinMay 3, 2023