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.

Tech

Bitcoin Hashrate Mints New All-Time Highs

The metric has fully recovered after a plunge in mid-2021 as the Chinese government clamped down on local miners.

By Shaurya MalwaJan 3, 2022

Markets

First Mover Asia: Bitcoin Rides $46K-$48K Weekend Tide After ‘Crypto Witching Day’

The oldest cryptocurrency experienced a small price recovery on Saturday, before it fell into the red again on Sunday. Roughly $8.67 billion worth of bitcoin and ether options contracts expired on Friday.

By Muyao ShenJan 3, 2022

Markets

Here Are the Top 10 Cryptocurrencies of 2021

Tokens linked to the metaverse, “Ethereum killers” and meme coins dominated gains this year.

By Tracy WangDec 31, 2021

Markets

Volatility Ruled Crypto Markets in 2021, From $69K Bitcoin to Elon Musk’s ‘Dogecoin to the Moooonn’

NFTs exploded, Coinbase stock went public, El Salvador bought the dip and China cracked down on bitcoin miners, while Solana’s SOL tokens and Polygon’s MATIC shot up by multiples of 90 or more. Here’s how crypto traders played it.

By Damanick DantesDec 31, 2021

Tesla CEO Elon Musk (Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk)

Podcasts

A ‘Best of’ Holiday Special of 2021: India’s Digital Identity System

By Sheila Warren, Michael J. CaseyDec 31, 2021

Money Reimagined Digital Money Stage at Consensus 2022

Markets

Cryptocurrencies Approach New Year in Positive Mood

Bitcoin advanced to its highest price in three days, though all of the biggest cryptocurrencies are negative for the week.

By Sheldon RebackDec 31, 2021

Markets

First Mover Asia: Bitcoin Sees Out the Year Near $47K Amid Low Volume Spot Trading

Technical analysis supports a “buy” signal after bitcoin logged three straight days of losses this week.

By Muyao ShenDec 30, 2021

Markets

Market Wrap Year-End Review: Bitcoin ETF Rally Proved Short-Lived, and $100K Dreams Faded

In October, the long-awaited U.S. bitcoin ETF approval sent BTC’s price toward an all-time high of almost $69,000. But extreme leverage preceded a sell-off back down to $47,100 by the end of the year.

By Damanick DantesDec 30, 2021