$BTC
Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates as a decentralized digital currency without the need for intermediaries like banks or governments. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain.
Bitcoin’s primary innovation lies in its ability to enable peer-to-peer transactions that are secure, transparent, and censorship-resistant. With a capped supply of 21 million coins, BTC is often referred to as "digital gold" due to its scarcity and store-of-value characteristics.
Over the years, Bitcoin has evolved from a niche tech experiment to a global financial asset. It's used for various purposes: long-term investment, remittances, payments, and as a hedge against inflation in uncertain economic climates. Institutions have increasingly adopted Bitcoin, with spot ETFs and corporate balance sheet holdings signaling growing mainstream acceptance.
Bitcoin’s value is influenced by market sentiment, macroeconomic trends, and its four-year halving cycles, which reduce the rate at which new coins are created. Despite price volatility, Bitcoin remains the leading cryptocurrency by market cap and continues to shape the broader digital asset landscape.
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