Bio
Saqib is COO and co-founder at A47 AI, where he runs operations and leads the prediction-markets initiative. He covers crypto, Web3, and the decentralization of the sport and entertainment economy.
Editorial Responsibility
As A47's prediction-markets and crypto editor, I am responsible for our coverage of these markets and Web3 — ensuring it is grounded in real product, data, and revenue rather than speculation.
Previous experience · 14+ years
- · WPP Media (GroupM PK, Wavemaker PH)
- · MYCO
- · ARY Digital Network
Education
MBA Marketing, SZABIST
Areas of expertise
Categories overseen
Stories from Saqib Pathan’s desk
4374 stories- Economy· World
Spot Gold Prices Drop Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions
Spot gold prices fell 0.61% to $4,800.93 per ounce on April 20, 2026, as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran disrupted market stability. The immediate trigger for this decline was the heightened geopolitical risks following recent military actions and threats in the region, which have also affected oil prices and shipping routes. In the long term, continued instability in the Middle East may lead to further volatility in precious metals and inflationary pressures globally.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Crypto· World
Cryptocurrency Prices Fall as Oil Surges Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions
On April 20, 2026, Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana prices declined while Brent crude oil rose 5.7% due to heightened U.S.-Iran tensions following Iran's reimposition of Strait of Hormuz controls and the U.S. naval seizure of an Iranian vessel. This escalation was triggered by President Trump's threats against Iranian infrastructure and Tehran's reluctance to continue negotiations amid a U.S. naval blockade. The long-term implication suggests ongoing volatility in both cryptocurrency and oil markets as geopolitical risks continue to influence investor sentiment and market dynamics.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Investor Capital Shifts from Bitcoin to Defense and Energy Stocks Amid Iran War Escalation
The ongoing Iran War, which began on February 28, 2026, has led to a significant reallocation of global investor capital from Bitcoin to defense and energy equities. This shift is triggered by heightened geopolitical risks following coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, which have spiked oil prices and increased defense spending prospects. In the long term, this trend may solidify a preference for traditional sectors over cryptocurrencies, impacting market dynamics and investment strategies.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Week High Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Closure
The U.S. dollar index surged to a one-week high of 98.30 on April 20, 2026, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions following the U.S. detention of an Iranian cargo ship and Iran's refusal to negotiate a ceasefire. This escalation marks the eighth week of the U.S.-Iran conflict, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz intensifying global energy supply concerns and prompting investors to seek safe-haven assets. In the long term, continued instability in the region is likely to influence central bank policies and economic forecasts worldwide.
6 sourcesApr 20High
- Business· World
Evoke PLC Confirms Takeover Talks with Bally's Intralot Leading to Share Surge
Evoke PLC shares increased by 7.44% following the confirmation of takeover discussions with Bally's Intralot S.A. for its entire issued share capital. This surge is driven by Evoke's strategic review in response to significant financial challenges, including heavy debt and market pressures in the UK gambling sector. The potential acquisition could provide Evoke with necessary debt relief and reshape the competitive landscape of the gambling industry in the UK.
3 sourcesApr 20Moderate
- Crypto· World
Kelp DAO rsETH Bridge Exploit Results in $292 Million Loss
On April 18, 2026, Kelp DAO's cross-chain bridge for rsETH was exploited, draining 116,500 tokens valued at approximately $292 million. The attack was facilitated by a misconfiguration in LayerZero's verification mechanism, allowing unauthorized token minting across multiple networks. This incident has triggered emergency pauses in various DeFi protocols and raised concerns about the structural vulnerabilities within decentralized finance systems.
2 sourcesApr 20Very High
- Crypto· World
Aave's Total Value Locked Drops by Nearly $8 Billion After Kelp DAO Exploit
Aave's total value locked fell by nearly $8 billion following a $293 million exploit of the Kelp DAO bridge on April 19–20, 2026. The immediate trigger was a vulnerability in Kelp DAO's LayerZero-powered bridge that allowed hackers to drain rsETH tokens and create bad debt on Aave's lending pools. This incident underscores the interconnected risks in DeFi protocols and may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures in the decentralized finance sector.
3 sourcesApr 20Very High
- Economy· World
Gold and silver prices decline amid inflation concerns on April 19, 2026
Gold and silver prices fell in early Asian trade on April 19, 2026, as inflation fears resurfaced due to rising oil prices and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This decline is occurring now as investors shift focus from geopolitical risks to inflation, diminishing expectations for monetary policy easing by central banks. The long-term implication may lead to sustained pressure on precious metals as real yields rise and safe-haven demand wanes.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· World
Fire at Geelong Refinery Disrupts Fuel Production and Impacts Share Prices
A significant fire occurred at Viva Energy's Geelong refinery on April 15, 2026, damaging the facility and leading to a 6% drop in the company's share price. The incident was triggered by equipment failure and raised concerns over Australia's fuel supply vulnerabilities amid ongoing Middle East conflicts. In the long term, analysts warn of potential petrol price hikes in Victoria, reflecting broader implications for the national energy market.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· World
NEXTDC Launches A$2.2 Billion Capital Plan to Expand Data Centre Capacity in Sydney
NEXTDC Ltd has announced a fully funded A$2.2 billion capital plan to accelerate the development of its S4 data centre in Sydney, driven by a record 667 MW of contracted utilisation. This surge in demand for AI-ready infrastructure is attributed to a significant increase in forward orders and overall market growth in Australia's data centre sector. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for NEXTDC in the rapidly expanding data centre market, potentially leading to increased profitability and market share.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· World
Iran War Triggers Financial Market Volatility and Supply Chain Disruptions
The ongoing Iran War, initiated on February 28, 2026, has led to significant disruptions in global oil supplies and financial market instability, with Wall Street experiencing declines amid rising energy prices. This escalation is driven by retaliatory missile strikes from Iran following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, compounded by the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In the long term, the conflict is likely to sustain inflationary pressures and further strain US equities, prompting potential economic interventions and adjustments in global markets.
2 sourcesApr 20Very High
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Confirms Gasoline Prices Peaked at $4.05 Amid Ongoing U.S.-Iran Conflict
On April 19, 2026, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that the national average gasoline price has peaked at $4.05 per gallon. This surge is attributed to disruptions caused by the ongoing U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, which has affected oil exports and shipping routes. Long-term, prices are expected to remain above $3 per gallon until at least 2027, pending resolution of the conflict.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Surge Following Iran's Rejection of US Negotiations
Oil prices experienced a significant increase on April 20, 2026, with Brent crude rising 6.55% to $96.30 and WTI up 7.60% to $90.22. This surge was triggered by Iran's rejection of a second round of US-Iran negotiations amidst ongoing military tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in global oil markets as traders anticipate further supply risks and geopolitical instability in the region.
3 sourcesApr 20Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Surge Over 7% Amid Renewed U.S.-Iran Tensions in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices increased by more than 7% on April 19, 2026, due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil shipments. This surge follows Iran's retraction of a ceasefire declaration and subsequent military actions, including warning shots fired at commercial vessels and a U.S. strike on an Iranian ship. The long-term implication is a potential for sustained volatility in oil prices, with analysts warning that prolonged disruptions could push prices to $150 per barrel.
24 sourcesApr 20High
- Economy· World
Silver Spot Prices Surpass $80 Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Deficits
Silver spot prices stabilized above $80 per ounce on April 19, 2026, achieving a 3.03% increase amid robust demand as a safe-haven asset and industrial commodity. This surge is triggered by geopolitical tensions, particularly the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, alongside persistent supply deficits and a weakening U.S. dollar. Long-term implications suggest potential further price increases, with analysts projecting targets between $82 and $90 as market dynamics evolve.
5 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· World
US Dollar Index Declines for Second Week as Middle East Ceasefire Eases Safe-Haven Demand
The US Dollar Index (DXY) recorded its second consecutive weekly decline, stabilizing at 98.235 amid reduced demand for safe-haven assets following a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This shift is triggered by market optimism surrounding potential diplomatic talks between the US and Iran, as indicated by President Donald Trump. Long-term, this trend may lead to increased risk appetite in global markets, impacting currency valuations and investment strategies.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Financial Market Index Surges Over 10% Amid Improved Investor Confidence
The Dubai Financial Market General Index increased by more than 10% since early April 2026, closing at 5,987.42 points on April 17. This rally is driven by enhanced investor confidence due to improved geopolitical assessments, strong economic fundamentals, and positive earnings expectations. Long-term, this trend suggests sustained market stability and potential for continued growth in the UAE's financial sector.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Real Estate Sector Achieves 11.72 Billion AED in Weekly Transactions
Dubai's real estate market recorded total transactions valued at 11.72 billion AED during the week ending April 17, 2026. This surge is driven by robust demand from both local and international investors, reflecting sustained investor confidence amid regional geopolitical tensions. The ongoing market vitality suggests a continued upward trajectory for the sector, potentially attracting further investment and development in the coming months.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Chambers and Textile Merchants Group Meet to Strengthen Textile Sector Resilience
On April 17, 2026, Dubai Chambers held a consultative meeting with the Textile Merchants Group to discuss strategies for enhancing the textiles sector's resilience amid global challenges. This initiative is driven by ongoing global trade disruptions and aims to bolster Dubai's position as a leading hub for fabric trade. The long-term implication is a strengthened collaborative framework that could enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the textiles sector in Dubai.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Finance Minister Al-Jadaan Participates in G20 Meeting in Washington
On April 18, 2026, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan attended the inaugural G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Washington, DC. This meeting was triggered by the United States assuming the G20 presidency and aimed at addressing global economic challenges amid ongoing recovery from economic shocks and geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication is a potential shift in global economic policy coordination, particularly regarding energy markets and digital finance regulation, which could influence investor confidence and economic stability in the MENA region.
3 sourcesApr 20Low