Bitcoin

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Bitcoin is the pioneer of blockchains and cryptocurrencies, introduced in a white paper released in 2008 by an apparently pseudonymous person or group of people known as Satoshi Nakamoto. The document described a peer-to-peer method of transferring money without the use of financial institutions. The cryptocurrency known as bitcoin or BTC debuted in 2009. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger (a blockchain) by entities known as miners who engage in process called proof-of-work. Miners are rewarded for doing that by getting newly minted bitcoin. Some proponents view BTC as an alternative to fiat currencies and a hedge against inflation. Bitcoin has inspired the creation of numerous other cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person


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Crypto markets regained the $1 trillion capitalization mark for the first time since November. (Getty Images)
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Crypto markets regained the $1 trillion capitalization mark for the first time since November.
Crypto markets regained the $1 trillion capitalization mark for the first time since November. (Getty Images)

Bitcoin soared in early weekend trading. (Shutterstock)
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President Herbert Hoover as an NFT (Midjourney/CoinDesk)
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President Herbert Hoover as an NFT (Midjourney/CoinDesk)

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(Sean Benesh/Unsplash)
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(Sean Benesh/Unsplash)

(Will Ess for Pixelmind.ai/CoinDesk)
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(Will Ess for Pixelmind.ai/CoinDesk)

Markets Daily Podcast Cover
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Markets Daily Podcast Cover

Bitcoin Hovers Close to $19K After Biggest One-Day Price Jump in 2 Months
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Bitcoin options' "volatility smile" looks to bring some cheer to the crypto's derivate traders. (Pexels/Pixabay)
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Bitcoin options' "volatility smile" looks to bring some cheer to the crypto's derivate traders. (Pexels/Pixabay)