BTC

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a proof-of-work blockchain network, enabling peer-to-peer value transfer without intermediaries. Launched in 2009, it introduced the concept of trustless, censorship-resistant money secured by cryptographic mining. Bitcoin's fixed supply cap of 21 million coins and its roughly four-year halving schedule create a disinflationary issuance model that underpins its "digital gold" narrative. The network processes transactions through a global network of miners and nodes, with settlement finality measured in blocks rather than institutional clearinghouses. Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and the most widely held digital asset across both retail and institutional portfolios. For traders, BTC serves as the primary risk barometer for the entire crypto market — its price action tends to set the directional tone for altcoins, and it is the most liquid crypto perpetual on virtually every derivatives venue.