$BTC
Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous figure using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized blockchain network, allowing peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin is often seen as digital gold due to its limited supply of 21 million coins, making it a hedge against inflation for some investors. It’s secured through a process called mining, where computers solve complex problems to validate transactions. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, influenced by market demand, regulation, macroeconomic trends, and investor sentiment. While it faces criticism for energy use and price swings, Bitcoin continues to gain institutional interest and plays a central role in the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.