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
4394 stories- Business· World
TotalEnergies Projects Earnings Surge Amid Iran Conflict and High Oil Prices
TotalEnergies SE announced a significant increase in first-quarter 2026 earnings driven by strong trading and elevated oil prices. This surge is attributed to the volatility caused by the Iran conflict, which has disrupted production and pushed Brent crude prices near $120 per barrel. The long-term implication suggests that integrated oil majors may continue to benefit from ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supplies.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
UK GDP Grows 0.5% in February 2026 Amid Geopolitical Tensions
UK gross domestic product increased by 0.5% month-on-month in February 2026, marking the strongest growth since January 2024. This growth is occurring just before the onset of the US-Israel war with Iran, which is expected to disrupt global energy supplies. The long-term implication is a likely economic downturn for the UK as the International Monetary Fund has downgraded its growth forecast due to rising inflation and energy import dependence.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Fire at Geelong oil refinery disrupts Australia's fuel supply
A major fire broke out at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, on 15 April 2026, disrupting high-octane petrol production. The incident was triggered by a gas leak from equipment failure, occurring amid ongoing global oil supply concerns due to the Iran war. Long-term implications include potential fuel price increases and reliance on emergency imports as Australia grapples with reduced strategic reserves.
7 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
easyJet Projects £540–560 Million Pre-Tax Loss Due to Middle East Conflict Fuel Surge
easyJet has forecasted a deeper first-half pre-tax loss of £540–560 million, significantly widening from £394 million the previous year. This shift is primarily driven by a £25 million increase in jet fuel costs attributed to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, alongside heightened competition and additional legal provisions. The long-term implication suggests ongoing volatility in fuel prices and customer demand, potentially leading to further financial strain on European carriers amid geopolitical tensions.
5 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Tesco PLC Issues Profit Warning Amid Ongoing Iran War
Tesco PLC has widened its profit guidance for fiscal 2027 to £3.0–£3.3 billion due to uncertainties stemming from the ongoing Iran war. The immediate cause for this adjustment is the economic impact of the conflict, particularly disruptions in oil supply and consumer spending in the UK. Long-term, this situation may lead to increased inflation and volatility in the retail sector as geopolitical tensions persist.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Repsol Regains Control of Venezuelan Petroquiriquire Oil Field to Boost Production
Repsol has signed an agreement to regain operational control of the Petroquiriquire oil field in Venezuela, aiming to increase production from 45,000 to 135,000 barrels per day over three years. This shift follows recent U.S. sanctions relief and reforms in Venezuelan hydrocarbons law after political changes in January 2026. The long-term implication is a potential revitalization of Venezuela's oil sector, attracting further foreign investment and increasing global oil supply.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
US Industrial Production Falls Unexpectedly Amid Rising Oil Prices
United States industrial production decreased by 0.5 percent in March 2026, contrary to expectations of a slight gain. This decline is attributed to heightened economic uncertainty stemming from the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has driven oil prices up by over 35 percent. The long-term implication may involve a cautious approach from businesses, potentially leading to reduced manufacturing demand and employment pressures in related sectors.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
UK Government Prepares for Food Shortages Amid Iran War-Induced CO2 Supply Disruptions
UK officials conducted Exercise Turnstone to simulate potential food shortages by summer 2026 due to CO2 supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this planning is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has halted CO2 imports critical for food processing. Long-term implications include heightened food inflation and increased reliance on domestic production as the UK grapples with vulnerabilities in its food supply chain.
3 sourcesApr 18High
- Economy· World
IMF and World Bank Reestablish Relations with Venezuela After Seven-Year Suspension
On April 16, 2026, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank announced the resumption of formal relations with Venezuela's interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez. This decision follows political transitions and U.S. sanction adjustments that have led to renewed member consensus on recognizing the government. The long-term implication is the potential for financial support and debt restructuring for Venezuela's struggling economy, which faces an estimated $150 billion in external debt.
5 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
OnlyFans Negotiates Minority Stake Sale Valuing Company Over $3 Billion
On April 17, 2026, OnlyFans entered advanced negotiations to sell a minority stake to Architect Capital, valuing the company at over $3 billion. This move follows the death of founder Leonid Radvinsky in March 2026, prompting the platform to seek stability and expansion into creator banking services. The long-term implication may involve OnlyFans diversifying its offerings and solidifying its market position amid ongoing profitability concerns.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Standard Life plc Completes £2 Billion Acquisition of Aegon UK Insurance and Pensions Business
On 15 April 2026, Standard Life plc announced the acquisition of Aegon UK plc's insurance and pensions operations for £2 billion. This strategic move is driven by Aegon's restructuring efforts to focus on its U.S. operations and Standard Life's ambition to enhance its position in the UK retirement savings market. The long-term implication is the consolidation of the UK pensions sector, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation in retirement solutions.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
American Airlines Rejects Merger Proposal with United Airlines Over Antitrust Concerns
On April 17, 2026, American Airlines announced it would not pursue a merger with United Airlines, citing potential harm to competition and consumers. This decision follows a merger pitch made by United CEO Scott Kirby to President Trump in February 2026, aimed at enhancing international competitiveness. The long-term implication is a continued focus on independent strategic objectives for American Airlines, potentially affecting market dynamics in the U.S. airline industry.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Snap Inc. lays off 16% of workforce to enhance AI integration
On April 15, 2026, Snap Inc. announced layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 full-time employees, or 16% of its workforce, as part of a strategic shift toward artificial intelligence. This decision follows pressure from activist investors for cost reductions and operational efficiencies amid declining stock performance. The long-term implication is a potential industry trend where companies increasingly leverage AI to streamline operations and reduce labor costs.
15 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Policymakers Warn of Underestimated Economic Fallout from Iran War
Policymakers at the IMF and World Bank have issued warnings that financial markets are underestimating the long-term economic impacts of the ongoing Iran war. This caution comes as investors remain complacent amid a temporary ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, despite significant structural disruptions and rising energy costs. The likely next step for the global economy involves increased volatility and potential policy shifts as nations grapple with the war's enduring effects on growth and inflation.
4 sourcesApr 18High
- Economy· World
S&P 500 Reaches Record High of 7,022.95 Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict and Oil Price Fluctuations
The S&P 500 index closed at a new all-time high of 7,022.95 on April 15, 2026, despite ongoing tensions from the U.S.-Iran war. This surge is attributed to investor optimism surrounding potential diplomatic resolutions and a rally in major technology stocks. Long-term, the market's resilience may signal a shift in investor sentiment towards risk amid geopolitical instability.
3 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
Allbirds rebrands as NewBird AI after pivoting from footwear to AI infrastructure
Allbirds has announced a strategic pivot from sustainable footwear to artificial intelligence infrastructure, rebranding itself as NewBird AI. This shift follows the sale of its footwear assets for $39 million amid financial struggles and comes as the demand for AI computing resources surges. The long-term implication is that Allbirds aims to capitalize on the growing AI market, although initial market reactions indicate skepticism about its ability to succeed in this new domain.
21 sourcesApr 18High
- Economy· World
China's Q1 2026 GDP Grows 5.0% Amid Iran War Disruptions
China's GDP expanded by 5.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, surpassing forecasts and reflecting resilience despite the early impacts of the Iran war. This growth is attributed to strong exports and industrial output, occurring as the geopolitical landscape shifts due to military actions in the region. Long-term, this may signal a strategic pivot for China as it navigates ongoing global trade disruptions and energy price volatility.
12 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Economy· World
S&P 500 Reaches Record High Amid U.S.-Iran War Ceasefire
The S&P 500 index achieved a record closing high of 7,022.95 on April 14, 2026, as investor optimism surged. This spike in the market was triggered by a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire and renewed peace talks, leading to a perception that geopolitical risks were diminishing. Long-term, this could signal a shift in market stability and investor confidence as the potential for resolution in the U.S.-Iran conflict grows.
18 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
BBC Plans to Cut Up to 2,000 Jobs Amid Financial Pressures
On April 15, 2026, the British Broadcasting Corporation announced plans to eliminate between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs as part of a strategy to achieve £500 million in additional savings over the next two years. This decision is driven by escalating financial pressures, including high production inflation, declining licence fee collections, and intensified competition from global streaming platforms. The long-term implication may involve a significant restructuring of the BBC's operations and its public service mission amidst ongoing debates about funding and service quality.
10 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
European Airlines Face Jet Fuel Shortages Due to Strait of Hormuz Closure
European airlines are warned of imminent jet fuel shortages as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts 50-75% of their fuel imports. This crisis is triggered by Iran's shutdown of the strait following military strikes, with projections indicating severe supply disruptions within weeks. Long-term implications include potential flight cancellations during peak travel season and a prolonged recovery period for aviation fuel supplies in Europe.
18 sourcesApr 18High