Bitcoin
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
Americans Earned Over $4B in Bitcoin in 2020, More Than Triple the Investors in Other Countries
A new study that shows which countries have realized the most bitcoin gains reveals American investors earned over $4 billion in bitcoin in 2020, more than triple that in any other country. CoinDesk’s Director of Data and Indexes Galen Moore digs into the data.
Bitcoin Hashrate Declining Amid China Crackdown
The bitcoin hashrate tumbles amid more crypto mining operations in China shutting down. The country’s Qinghai province is the latest to announce a new crypto ban, following Xinjiang and inner Mongolia. Darin Feinstein of Blockcap, one of North America’s largest miners, weighs in.
Bitcoin Hashrate Plunging Amid China Crackdown
The bitcoin hashrate, which stands for the global computing power used to process transactions on the Bitcoin proof-of-work blockchain, is plunging to its lowest level since last November as several provinces in China are shutting down crypto miners. Christine Lee breaks down the data in today’s Chart of the Day.
El Salvador Officially Becomes First Country to Adopt Bitcoin as Legal Tender
Bitcoin is now officially a currency in El Salvador. “The Hash” team discusses what the move means for the crypto community and the world.
Bitcoin vs. Ethereum: Which Will Dominate?
Bankless Co-founder David Hoffman and Chainstone Labs CEO Bruce Fenton compare bitcoin and ethereum’s pros and cons and which will dominate in the long term. Hoffman and Fenton discuss the unique technical features of bitcoin and ethereum.
Proof-of-Work vs. Proof-of-Stake: What’s the Difference?
Breaking down the differences between bitcoin’s proof-of-work system and ethereum’s proof-of-stake system as part of a larger conversation about which cryptocurrency will dominate the blockchain space.
What's Moving the Crypto Markets?
El Salvador is officially the first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender, and the price of bitcoin is bouncing from its two-week low. Osprey Funds Founder and CEO Greg King considers the potential factors moving the crypto markets.
Altcoins Overtaking Bitcoin’s Dominance in Trading Volume?
Coin Metrics Senior Research Analyst Nate Maddrey says ether and other altcoins have taken bitcoin’s dominance in terms of the trading volume, across institutional and retail, in the last few months. Plus, his analysis on bitcoin liquidations and short-term outlook for bitcoin.
Bitcoin-Focused Investment Funds Suffered Record Redemptions Last Week
Investors redeemed over $140 million NET from bitcoin funds during the seven days through June 4, the highest weekly total on record, according to CoinShares. Is the worst over yet? “All About Bitcoin” host Christine Lee brings us a close look at today’s Chart of the day.
Former Obama Cybersecurity Specialist: Banning Bitcoin to Combat Ransomware Is 'Foolish'
Michael Daniel, the former Special Assistant to President Obama and current Cyber Threat Alliance CEO, discusses bitcoin and cybersecurity concerns in light of burgeoning ransomware attacks on food and oil companies. The former NSC Staff cybersecurity coordinator says banning bitcoin to combat ransomware is "foolish."