$BTC

Bitcoin (BTC) is the world's first decentralized digital currency, operating on a technology called blockchain. This peer-to-peer electronic cash system enables transactions without intermediaries like banks. Created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, Bitcoin's value fluctuates significantly, driven by market demand, investor sentiment, and regulatory developments.

Key characteristics include its finite supply of 21 million coins, which contributes to its perceived scarcity. The process of "mining" adds new transactions to the blockchain and releases new bitcoins. Bitcoin's impact on finance is profound, sparking the growth of the broader cryptocurrency market and prompting discussions about the future of money. Its volatility and regulatory uncertainty, however, remain ongoing points of discussion.