Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency created in 2009. It uses blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer transactions without a central authority. Bitcoin can be used for payments or as a store of value and is obtained through mining or exchanges. Its supply is limited to 21 million coins. Despite volatility, Bitcoin has attracted investors due to its scarcity and potential to disrupt traditional finance.
Recent news about Bitcoin shows a growing trend of significant investments. Grayscale Investments is preparing to convert its Bitcoin Trust into an exchange-traded fund (ETF), with BNY Mellon providing accounting and administration services. Similarly, the Marathon Patent Group invested over $150 million in Bitcoin as a hedge against a depreciating US dollar. MicroStrategy, a business intelligence firm, also unveiled plans to purchase more Bitcoin, potentially up to $1 billion worth.
Bitcoin news today also highlights concerns about the cryptocurrency's environmental impact. A study published in Nature Communications predicts that Bitcoin mining in China will generate over 130 million metric tons of carbon emissions by 2024, surpassing the total annual emissions of some European countries.
Despite the environmental concerns, the Bitcoin price today remains strong, with some analysts predicting significant growth. For instance, strategist Michaël van de Poppe suggests that Bitcoin could trade between $40,000 and $60,000 by the end of 2021. Others believe that Bitcoin's price could reach up to $300,000.
Finally, recent news about Bitcoin shows efforts to make the cryptocurrency more accessible. Bitfinex, a Hong Kong-based crypto exchange, introduced a new standard called Satoshi (SAT) mode to make Bitcoin transactions easier to read. This move could make Bitcoin trade more accessible to the masses, potentially influencing where to buy Bitcoin in the future.