$BTC

Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency created in 2009, operates without a central authority or banks. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Known for its volatility, Bitcoin's value has experienced significant fluctuations. Its finite supply of 21 million coins is a key characteristic. While some see it as a store of value or a hedge against inflation, others view it as a speculative asset. Bitcoin has spurred the development of the broader cryptocurrency market and blockchain technology.