Definition ∞ A supply curve is a graphical representation illustrating the relationship between the price of an asset and the quantity supplied. This economic concept shows how much of a particular good or service, including a digital asset, producers are willing and able to offer for sale at various price points over a given period. Typically, as the price increases, the quantity supplied also increases, reflecting producers’ incentives to bring more units to market. For cryptocurrencies, the supply curve can be influenced by mining costs, emission schedules, and network consensus rules.
Context ∞ The supply curve for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, with its predetermined and diminishing issuance schedule, is a fundamental aspect of its economic model and often discussed in market analysis. The current situation involves observing how changes in mining difficulty and halving events affect the rate at which new units enter circulation. A key debate centers on the impact of these fixed or algorithmically controlled supply mechanisms on long-term price stability and scarcity value. Understanding the supply curve is crucial for assessing the economic properties of digital assets.