$BTC Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. Unlike traditional currencies issued by central banks, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network using a technology called blockchain. This means transactions are recorded on a public, distributed ledger, making them transparent and difficult to alter. Bitcoin's supply is also finite, capped at 21 million coins. This scarcity is a key characteristic that contributes to its value proposition as a digital store of value.

Cryptocurrency is a broader term encompassing digital or virtual currencies that utilize cryptography for security. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, and its success has led to the development of thousands of other cryptocurrencies, often referred to as "altcoins." These altcoins vary significantly in their technology, purpose, and market capitalization. Cryptocurrencies aim to provide decentralized and secure means of conducting financial transactions, offering alternatives to traditional banking systems.

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Price Movement in the Last Two Hours (approximately 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM EEST on May 14, 2025):

Based on the available information, the cryptocurrency market, including Bitcoin, has shown positive movement in the last two hours. This upward trend appears to be influenced by recently released U.S. inflation data, which was softer than expected, raising hopes for potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

* Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin has experienced an increase of approximately 0.26% to 1% in the last couple of hours and is trading above the $103,000 - $104,000 level. It briefly tested resistance around $105,000.