$BTC Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency launched in 2009, operates on a decentralized ledger called the blockchain. This technology enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Limited to a supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin's scarcity contributes to its value proposition as a digital store of value.

While initially conceived as a medium of exchange, Bitcoin's primary use has evolved towards investment and speculation. Its price volatility is influenced by market sentiment, adoption rates, regulatory developments, and macroeconomic factors. Recent trends show increasing institutional interest, highlighted by significant inflows into US-listed Bitcoin ETFs.

Technically, Bitcoin utilizes a proof-of-work consensus mechanism for transaction verification and new coin generation ("mining"). The network undergoes periodic "halving" events, reducing the rate at which new bitcoins are created. As of today, April 28, 2025, Bitcoin trades around $93,000, showing a slight decrease over the past 24 hours but a significant increase over the past year.