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 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, 5:52 p.m. EDT

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, 5:30 p.m. EDT

Finance

Block’s Q1 Bitcoin Revenue Rises 18% From Q4, Gains 25% From a Year Ago

The company booked $50 million in bitcoin gross profit in the first quarter..

By Stephen AlpherMay 4, 2023, 4:56 p.m. EDT

Markets

Bitcoin, Ether Trade Flat After Mildly Encouraging Jobs Data

The two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization were changing hands in a tight range after jobless claims were slightly higher than expected, a small sign the jobs market is cooling.

By Glenn Williams Jr.May 4, 2023, 2:58 p.m. EDT

Podcasts

Consensus Conversations: WendyO Unplugged – ‘I’m Moving to Bermuda’

By Kamala Alcantara, Michele Musso, Wendy OMay 4, 2023, 10:30 a.m. EDT

CONSENSUS CONVERSATIONS: The Exciting Future of Cold Wallets - Security Solutions In Fintech and Growth of Women in the Industry

Markets

First Mover Americas: Bitcoin Pushes Above $29K After Fed Rate Hike

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for May 4, 2023.

By Jamie Crawley, Omkar GodboleMay 4, 2023, 8:21 a.m. EDT

A finger draws an upward trending line on a chart (Unsplash)

Markets

Bitcoin's Dominance Rate Surges After U.S. Banking Crisis

Bitcoin's outperformance during the banking crisis indicates the cryptocurrency is the anti-dollar liquid play for investors, one portfolio manager said.

By Omkar GodboleMay 4, 2023, 4:06 a.m. EDT