$BTC , or Bitcoin, is the first and most valuable cryptocurrency by market cap. Launched in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, it's a decentralized digital currency with a fixed supply of 21 million coins. Bitcoin is often called “digital gold” due to its store-of-value qualities. It operates on a proof-of-work blockchain, secured by miners. BTC is used for peer-to-peer payments, long-term investment, and as a hedge against inflation. Its price is volatile and influenced by market demand, regulation, adoption, and macroeconomic trends. Whether you trade or hold, understanding Bitcoin is essential to understanding the crypto market as a whole. BTC leads the way.