What is Bitcoin, plain English
Bitcoin is digital money that no government or bank controls. There will only ever be 21 million coins. The price is simply what someone will pay for one Bitcoin right now, and it moves more than almost any other asset, a 5% day is normal, a 30% week is not unusual.
What makes Bitcoin move
Bitcoin halving events, every four years, new supply is cut in half
Spot Bitcoin ETF flows and approvals from the SEC
US interest-rate decisions, higher rates cool appetite for risk assets
Regulation or bans from major economies
Large exchange hacks or insolvencies that shake confidence in custody
Corporate and institutional treasury buying or selling
Macro risk sentiment and the strength of the US dollar
Political positions on crypto from major governments
What happened at real events
Actual price movements at real, dated events, not simulated.
January 10, 2024
SEC approves the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US
Before
$46,000
→
After
$48,500
↑
Institutions suddenly had a regulated way to hold Bitcoin exposure. BlackRock, Fidelity and others were approved the same day, and billions flowed in within weeks.
April 19, 2024
Bitcoin halving, block reward cut from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC
Before
$63,800
→
After
$59,000
↓
Classic buy-the-rumour, sell-the-news. Bitcoin had rallied for months into the halving, then traders took profits. The supply effect takes months to show up in price.
November 5, 2024
US Presidential election result
Before
$68,000
→
After
$89,000
↑
The incoming administration had run on making the US a crypto hub. The market priced this in within 48 hours, one of the biggest two-day moves in Bitcoin's history.
Where to trade Bitcoin
Regulated crypto exchanges in our database that list BTC, ranked by taker fee. Every registration is verified on the issuing regulator's public register.
Fees shown are the standard taker fee before volume discounts. Use our free exchange check tool to compare the full fee structure and confirm registration before you open an account.
Key things to know about Bitcoin
| Factor | What it means |
|---|---|
| Max supply | 21 million BTC |
| Consensus | Proof of Work |
| Trading hours | 24/7, never closes |
| Last halving | April 2024 |
| Next halving | ~2028 |
| Custody | Self-custody (your keys) or exchange custody |
Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and can lose value quickly. Bitcoin can move sharply in a single day. Only trade or hold what you can afford to lose, and keep funds on registered, reputable exchanges or in self-custody.