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.

Finance

ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF to Start NYSE Trading on Tuesday

The SEC has given the go-ahead for bitcoin futures ETFs.

By Jamie CrawleyOct 18, 2021

Markets

Bitcoin Faces Resistance Above $62K After Record Weekly Close

Bitcoin has gained more than 40% this month on speculation the SEC will approve an exchange-traded fund.

By Omkar GodboleOct 18, 2021

Bitcoin's four-hour chart with relative strength index (TradingView)

Markets

CME Sees Record Open Interest in Bitcoin Futures Ahead of ETF Debut

Record open interest on the CME represents increased institutional participation

By Omkar GodboleOct 18, 2021

Bitcoin CME futures open interest (bybt)

Markets

Bitcoin Futures ETFs May Boost Cash and Carry Yields

These ETFs could prompt more investors to buy futures. That would drive the futures curve further into contango.

By Omkar GodboleOct 17, 2021

Bitcoin ETF probabilities (Bloomberg Intelligence)

Markets

Bitcoin Mining Is Decentralizing – Here’s Proof

Mining has moved out of China. Is this good for bitcoin? Based on one metric at least, the answer is a resounding yes.

By Lawrence LewitinnOct 17, 2021

Markets

Grayscale Reiterates Plans to Convert Bitcoin Trust to Spot ETF

Once the application is made, the SEC will have 75 days to review it.

By Kevin ReynoldsOct 17, 2021

Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein speaks at Consensus: Invest 2018. (CoinDesk archives)

Markets

Market Wrap: Bitcoin Reaches $61K as SEC’s ETF Deadline Nears

Bitcoin is inching closer to an all-time high as anticipation builds the U.S. regulator will finally approve one of the many applications it has received.

By Damanick Dantes, Tracy WangOct 16, 2021

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Shutterstock)

Learn

What Is a Bitcoin ETF?

The SEC is expected to decide on Jan. 10, 2024, whether to approve bitcoin ETFs from the likes of BlackRock, Fidelity and others, which would give investors exposure to the biggest cryptocurrency without having to actually buy it.

By Nick Baker, Ollie LeechOct 16, 2021

Videos

Will Bitcoin Hit Its All-Time High of Just Under $65K?

CoinDesk’s Brad Keoun and George Kaloudis discuss where bitcoin could be headed next week as Wall Street banks warn inflation may not be transitory, which could be driving BTC’s price higher.

Oct 15, 2021

Videos

Week in Review: The US Bitcoin ETF Race Heats Up

It’s been a big week for bitcoin, soaring past $60,000 for the first time in almost six months. The “All About Bitcoin” panel reviews events that helped bring BTC to this point, including the fierce U.S. bitcoin ETF race as the first bitcoin futures ETFs will reportedly clear the SEC next week.

Oct 15, 2021