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 Options Open Interest Tops $14B as ProShares ETF ‘BITO’ Goes Live

A pickup in options activity ahead of bitcoin’s ETF listing signifies increased participation by sophisticated investors.

By Omkar GodboleOct 20, 2021

Dollar value of bitcoin's options open interest (bybt)

Markets

ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF ‘BITO’ Hauls In $570M of Assets in Stock-Market Debut

According to ProShares, the fund’s sponsor, the new ETF’s assets shot to $570 million from $20 million on its first day of trading.

By Bradley KeounOct 20, 2021

The New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday as the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (ticker $BITO) started trading. (Cheyenne Ligon/CoinDesk)

Markets

Market Wrap: ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF Rises in Trading Debut, Sending BTC Higher

Bitcoin hits a six-month high as the first bitcoin futures ETF to list in the U.S. completes its initial day on the market.

By Damanick Dantes, Helene BraunOct 19, 2021

BITO 24-hour price chart (CoinDesk, TradingView)

Markets

Bitcoin Hits 6-Month High as First Bitcoin Futures ETF ‘BITO’ Starts Trading

The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy exchange-traded fund started with $20 million of seed capital.

By Lyllah LedesmaOct 19, 2021

The New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, as the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF ($BITO) started trading. (Cheyenne Ligon/CoinDesk)

Videos

Bitcoin Hits 6-Month High as First US Bitcoin Futures ETF ‘BITO’ Starts Trading on NYSE

Bitcoin’s price surged Tuesday to a six-month high, climbing past $63,000 as ProShares’ much-anticipated, futures-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Anthony Saccaro, President and CEO of Providence Financial and Insurance Services, discusses his advice for clients looking to get bitcoin exposure and invest in bitcoin futures ETFs.

Oct 19, 2021

Policy

Kill the BitLicense

The state’s regulatory regime has been bad for New York and bad for crypto.

By Alex Adelman, Aubrey StrobelOct 19, 2021

Podcasts

Massive Trading Volume for ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF as NYAG Targets Crypto Lenders

By Nathaniel WhittemoreOct 19, 2021

Finance

ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF ‘BITO’ Rises in Debut

The long-awaited investment vehicle opened trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

By Nelson WangOct 19, 2021

ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF's NYSE Debut (Cheyenne Ligon/CoinDesk)

Videos

Bitcoin Blasts Past $62K as First U.S. Bitcoin Futures ETF Hits NYSE Today

The first U.S. bitcoin futures ETF, ProShares' 'BITO,' starts trading today. As bitcoin surges past $62,000 on the news, could a steep price drop be next? Michele Schneider, managing partner at Marketgauge Group, discusses what to know before investing in this ETF and navigating the potential risks of the futures market.

Oct 19, 2021

Videos

ProShares Launches First U.S. Bitcoin Futures ETF 'BITO' on NYSE Today

The first U.S. bitcoin futures ETF, ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF, starts trading under the ticker "BITO" on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. Preston Byrne, partner at Anderson Kill, discusses the potential impact of this historic exchange-traded fund on bitcoin and the crypto community, his views on spot ETFs, regulation and more. Plus, insights into "decentralization theater" and reactions to New York Attorney General Letitia James cracking down on two crypto lending platforms.

Oct 19, 2021