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.

Opinion

Pump the BRCs: The Promise and Peril of Bitcoin-backed Tokens

A new way of issuing tokens on Bitcoin is growing fast. So why did their creator warn that they “will be worthless?"

By David Z. MorrisMay 5, 2023

Piggy bank bent forward change money coins (Andre Taissin/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Policy

Craig Wright Shows ‘Prima Facie Evidence’ of Contemptuous Conduct, U.S. Judge Says

The computer scientist who claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto is still engaged in a $143 million dispute over bitcoin ownership.

By Jack SchicklerMay 5, 2023

Craig Wright at CoinGeek Conference New York (Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for CoinGeek)

Markets

First Mover Americas: Meme Coin PEPE Surges to $1B Market Cap

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for May 5, 2023.

By Lyllah Ledesma, Omkar GodboleMay 5, 2023

Pepe the Frog (PepeCoin's Twitter account)

Markets

U.S. Adds 253K Jobs in April, Topping Expectations for 180K; Bitcoin Falls

The unemployment rate fell to 3.4% versus forecasts for a slight rise to 3.6%.

By Stephen AlpherMay 5, 2023

Markets

U.S. Regulatory Crackdown Sees Institutional Investors Prefer Gold to Bitcoin: JPMorgan

This year’s 76% bitcoin rally appears to have been driven by retail buying, the report said.

By Will CannyMay 5, 2023

(Federal Reserve Bank of New York, modified by CoinDesk)

Markets

Bitcoin Chalks Out 'Head and Shoulders' Pattern Ahead of U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls: Valkyrie Investments

Although not classically meeting the textbook criteria from technical analysis of a head-and-shoulders pattern, price action since March 19 has painted an extreme high with flanking lower highs, Valkyrie's analysts said.

By Omkar GodboleMay 5, 2023

Markets

First Mover Asia: CBDCs Are the Hottest Issue in Florida Politics; Bitcoin Falls Slightly

PLUS: Cryptos were down as Asian markets opened, and investors try to figure out which narrative to believe.

By Sam ReynoldsMay 5, 2023

Markets

Bitcoin Holds Near $29K as Investors Weigh Rate Increases, Banking Contagion

BTC traded flat after a slight dip early Thursday. Ether also traded in a narrow range.

By Jocelyn YangMay 4, 2023

Tech

Bitcoin’s Frenzy of Activity Pushes Average Transaction Fee Over $7, Nearly 2-Year High

The average transaction fee on Bitcoin has shot above $7, pushing total fees up nearly fivefold in two weeks, thanks to a surge in Ethereum-style “BRC-20” tokens and NFT-like “inscriptions” on the increasingly popular Ordinals project.

By Sage D. YoungMay 4, 2023