Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a new electronic payment system that removes the need for third party financial institutions. It speeds up transactions while reducing costs and minimizing the potential for fraud. The name “cryptocurrency” points to how it uses “cryptographic proof” to work, AKA a blockchain.

Bitcoin’s concept was first introduced in 2008 when a person going by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto shared a white paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” In January 2009, the Bitcoin blockchain was launched. 

A new electronic payment system called Bitcoin removes the need for third-party financial institutions. It speeds up transactions while reducing costs and fraud-risk. The name “cryptocurrency” points to how it uses “cryptographic proof” to work, AKA a blockchain.   

Bitcoin has a finite supply of 21 million, which is expected to be reached by the year 2140. Currently, 18.8 million are circulating in the market. Note that Bitcoin represents the concept of the network, while bitcoin (lower-case ‘b’) represents the currency.

Bitcoin is one of the most well-known cryptos as it was the first decentralized currency. 

Currently, BTC’s dominance is above 40%. Bitcoin Dominance is a measure of how much of the total market cap of crypto is made up of Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s influence in the crypto ecosystem could be vulnerable to competition as alternative coins grow in popularity and utility.

Bitcoin fell to $76,000 on the morning of May 18, reversing a brief relief rally and causing its total market cap to drop to $1.53 trillion. The nearly 2% decline triggered $722 million in total long liquidations across the crypto economy.

Bitcoin Drops to $76K as Middle East War Fears Spark $722M in Liquidations

Dogecoin

Ethereum

Bitcoin dropped into the $76,000 region as spot ETF outflows and weakening sentiment pushed crypto sentiment deeper into fear territory.

Bitcoin Drops Below $77,000, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Slide Up To 4% On Cascade Fears

The White House is nearing a formal announcement on a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, with Patrick Witt saying the administration has already cleared a key legal hurdle.

White House Says Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Announcement Is Imminent: ‘A Breakthrough'

Solana

Goldman Sachs exited its XRP and solana ETF positions during Q1 2026 while sharply reducing exposure to ether funds. The bank maintained sizable bitcoin ETF holdings and increased investments in several crypto-linked equities.

Goldman Sachs Exits XRP and Solana ETFs as Bitcoin Holdings Reach $700M

Hive Digital Technologies' stock price popped after the Bitcoin miner unveiled a massive data-center buildout in Ontario, Canada.

Hive Shares Hit Highest Price This Year After Bitcoin Miner Unveils Ontario 'AI Gigafactory'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed HF 3709 into law this past week, authorizing state-chartered banks and credit unions to hold bitcoin and other virtual currencies on behalf of customers. State-Chartered Banks in Minnesota Will Be Able to Custody Bitcoin Under New Law The legislation, now Chapter 93 of the 2026 Session Laws, takes effect Aug.

Gov. Walz Signs Bitcoin Custody Bill, Letting Minnesota Banks Hold Crypto Aug. 1

Bitcoin ETFs bore the brunt of a geopolitically driven sell-off, CoinShares said, though altcoin funds largely held their ground.

Bitcoin, Ethereum ETFs Bleed as Crypto Funds Shed $1.07 Billion, Ending 6-Week Win Streak

Capital B, formerly The Blockchain Group, added 192 BTC for €13 million, pushing its total holdings to 3,135 BTC.

Capital B Acquires 192 Bitcoin for €13 Million, Pushes Total Holdings to 3,135 BTC

A sharp reversal saw bitcoin funds snap a six-week inflow streak, recording $1 billion in net outflows. Ether products also remained under pressure, while XRP and solana ETFs emerged as relative bright spots, continuing to attract fresh institutional capital.

Blackrock and Ark Drive $1B Bitcoin ETF Selloff as XRP Demand Accelerates

President's Council of Advisors for Digital Assets member Patrick Witt confirmed a Strategic Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) Reserve announcement is coming. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Progress Behind The Scenes Witt said in an interview with Scott Melker on Sunday that Deputy Chief Harry Jung has led the charge on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, working through the interagency process triggered by President Trump's executive order.

'We'll Have An Announcement': White House Crypto Chief Hints At Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bombshell

Strategy purchased 24,869 Bitcoin last week for $2 billion, channeling billions of dollars that came from its flagship preferred stock.

Strategy Leverages Preferred Stock Issuance for $2 Billion Bitcoin Buy

Strategy made a mammoth $2 billion bitcoin purchase last week, but it's not lifting crypto spirits or prices.

Live markets: Bitcoin gives up all of May's gains, slipping below $77,000

Bitcoin Depot Inc. (NASDAQ:BTM) on Monday announced that it filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection after tighter regulations and mounting litigation costs pressured operations. Collapsing transaction volumes pushed the company into crisis, forcing it to shut down its entire Bitcoin ATM network.

Why Is Bitcoin Depot Stock Plunging Today?

Bitcoin trades between $76,900 to $77,465 on May 18, 2026, at 9:40 a.m. ET as traders assess mixed technical signals across multiple timeframes. While broader trend structure remains constructive above major support zones, short-term momentum indicators continue to reflect a cautious tone amid resistance near the $78,400 area.

Bitcoin Price Outlook Turns Cautious as Resistance Builds Near $78,400

The platform settles cargo cover in Bitcoin under a plan for marine policies and certificates that could generate $10 billion for Iran.

Iran Pushes $10B Bitcoin Insurance Plan for Strait of Hormuz: Report

Bitcoin Depot (NASDAQ: BTM), once the largest Bitcoin ATM operator in North America, filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Bitcoin Depot (BTM) Stock Falls 80% As Company Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Iran has reportedly launched “Hormuz Safe,” a bitcoin-settled maritime insurance platform aimed at cargo owners and shipping firms operating through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

Iran Launches Bitcoin-Backed Insurance Service for Strait of Hormuz Shipping, Eyes $10B In Revenue

The bank said accelerating advances in quantum computing are compressing the timeline for risks to crypto and broader internet infrastructure, with Bitcoin seen as particularly exposed.

Bitcoin faces outsized quantum threat as computing breakthroughs accelerate, Citi says

Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR) purchased 24,869 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) for approximately $2.01 billion at an average price of $80,985 per coin last week, bringing total holdings to 843,738 BTC. Strategy Now Holds Over 4% Of Bitcoin Supply Strategy's total Bitcoin holdings now represent more than 4% of Bitcoin's 21 million supply cap.

Michael Saylor Ups Bitcoin Holdings To 4% Of Supply As Strategy Buys For $2 Billion

Bitcoin Depot entered Chapter 11 to wind down operations, sell assets, and shut its bitcoin ATM network as state rules tighten. The company cited new compliance burdens, transaction limits, and restrictions affecting BTM operators. Bitcoin Depot Begins Chapter 11 Process Amid Regulatory Pressure Bitcoin Depot Inc.

Bitcoin Depot Shuts ATM Network as Chapter 11 Pushes Asset Sale

Michael Saylor and team added 24,869 BTC last week, bringing total holdings to 843,738 coins.

Strategy made mammoth $2 billion bitcoin purchase last week

Strategy said Monday it acquired an additional 24,869 bitcoin for approximately $2.01 billion.

Strategy (MSTR) Spends A Massive $2 Billion on More Bitcoin, Lifts Holdings to 843,738 BTC

Analysts are warning bitcoin is “on the brink” of a price crash and one legendary trader predicts 2008-style panic could be about to hit markets

‘Game Over'—Bitcoin Braced For Massive Price Crash As Fears Grow Of Crisis To Rival 2008

Strategy added 24,869 bitcoin to its treasury for approximately $2.01 billion, pushing its total holdings to 843,738 BTC as the company also moves to retire $1.5 billion in convertible debt.

Strategy Grabs 24,869 BTC for $2.01B, Now Holds 843,738 Bitcoin Total

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is trading below the key $78,000 level as analysts debate whether the latest rally is a recovery, or another classic bear market trap. Why Analysts Say This Isn't "Different" In a May 18 podcast, Benjamin Cowen argued that bear markets rarely move in straight lines.

News for Bitcoin Crypto (BTC)