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- Economy· World
U.S. Gasoline Prices Expected to Fall Below $4 Following Strait of Hormuz Reopening
Petroleum analysts project that U.S. gasoline prices could drop below $4 per gallon as early as this weekend due to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial traffic. This shift follows a significant decline in crude oil prices, which had surged above $110 per barrel during the ongoing Iran War. In the long term, the anticipated stabilization of oil supply may lead to further decreases in gasoline prices, contingent on the resolution of infrastructure damage and sustained peace in the region.
4 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
Reed Hastings to Step Down as Netflix Board Chairman in June 2026
Reed Hastings announced his departure from the Netflix board chairmanship effective June 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the company. This decision follows a multi-year succession plan initiated with his exit as co-CEO in 2023 and is aimed at allowing him to focus on philanthropy. The long-term implication may signal a shift in Netflix's governance structure as it navigates increasing competition and evolving market dynamics in the streaming industry.
23 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop Over 12% Following Iran's Announcement of Open Strait of Hormuz
On April 17, 2026, oil prices fell sharply after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the Strait of Hormuz was completely open for commercial vessels during the remaining ceasefire period. This declaration alleviated immediate fears of supply disruptions through the vital chokepoint, which had been effectively closed since early March amid the 2026 Iran war. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of oil markets, although risks remain if nuclear talks fail and tensions escalate again.
12 sourcesApr 18High
- Economy· UAE
UAE Launches Multi-Billion Dirham Infrastructure Development Initiative
On April 17, 2026, the United Arab Emirates accelerated a nationwide infrastructure push involving major projects in energy, water, transport, roads, and urban development across multiple emirates. This initiative is driven by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and aims to enhance service efficiency and quality of life amid a national vision for economic diversification. Long-term, this infrastructure development is expected to bolster the UAE's resilience and support sustainable growth through public-private partnerships and increased construction activity.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Bulls Aim for $125,000 Amid U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks
Bitcoin bulls have set a price target of $125,000 following recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations that have fostered a risk-on market sentiment. The immediate trigger for this bullish outlook is the reported progress in peace talks, including unverified claims of Iranian concessions on nuclear ambitions. Long-term, this could lead to a significant unwinding of war premiums in global markets, potentially boosting cryptocurrency and equity prices further.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Drift Protocol Unveils $150 Million Recovery Plan After $285 Million Exploit
Drift Protocol has announced a nearly $150 million recovery plan and a new transferable recovery token following a $285 million exploit that occurred on April 1, 2026. The immediate trigger for this initiative is the partnership with Tether and ecosystem supporters to establish a user recovery pool aimed at restoring user confidence. In the long term, this move is expected to bolster the resilience of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and enhance security measures across the industry.
2 sourcesApr 17High
- Crypto· World
Grinex Cryptocurrency Exchange Halts Operations After $13.7 Million Cyberattack
On April 16, 2026, Grinex, a Russia-linked cryptocurrency exchange, suspended all operations following a cyberattack that resulted in the theft of over 1 billion rubles. The immediate cause of this incident is attributed to alleged foreign intelligence services targeting Russia's financial infrastructure amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. In the long term, this event may lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges linked to sanctioned entities, as well as potential retaliatory measures from Russia against perceived foreign aggressors.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop as US-Iran War De-escalation Signals Emerge
Oil prices fell on April 17, 2026, as US President Donald Trump suggested a potential end to the ongoing US-Iran war, coinciding with a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This shift in sentiment is driven by renewed hopes for restored oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which had been disrupted by the conflict. In the long term, a resolution to the war could stabilize oil markets and lead to a decrease in global energy prices, impacting economies reliant on oil imports.
2 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Rise Amid Optimism for U.S.-Iran Peace Negotiations
Gold prices have stabilized at approximately $4,797 per ounce, marking a potential fourth consecutive weekly gain. This shift is driven by renewed optimism surrounding a possible peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which is alleviating inflation and interest rate concerns. If negotiations progress, gold is likely to see sustained demand and price support in the long term.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Dollar Index Declines for Second Week Amid U.S.-Iran Peace Negotiations
The U.S. dollar index has experienced its second consecutive weekly decline as optimism surrounding U.S.-Iran peace talks and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has reduced demand for the dollar as a safe-haven asset. This shift is occurring now due to geopolitical de-escalation signals and a temporary ceasefire that have overshadowed ongoing inflation concerns. In the long term, this trend may lead to a weakened dollar and increased attractiveness of foreign investments in markets like UAE real estate.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
European Central Bank Plans Interest Rate Hike in June 2026 Due to Inflation from Iran Conflict
The European Central Bank is projected to raise interest rates in June 2026 as inflation in the Eurozone rises to 2.5% due to the ongoing Iran war. This anticipated increase is triggered by significant energy price shocks resulting from disruptions in oil and gas supplies. Long-term, this could lead to a tightening of monetary policy across Europe, impacting economic growth and inflation expectations.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Manycore Tech Inc. Shares Surge Over 140% in Hong Kong IPO Debut
Manycore Tech Inc. shares surged over 140% during their debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on April 17, 2026. The immediate cause of this rally was the overwhelming investor demand, with the offering being oversubscribed 1,591 times, reflecting strong interest in Chinese AI technologies. This event positions Manycore as a leader in the AI sector, likely encouraging further investments in Chinese tech firms and boosting the overall market sentiment for AI-related stocks.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Ericsson Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with Focus on Networks Growth Amid Component Cost Challenges
On April 17, 2026, Ericsson AB announced its first-quarter financial results, showcasing a 6% organic sales growth in its Networks segment despite a 10% decline in overall sales year-over-year. The immediate trigger for this performance is the rising demand for AI-related semiconductors, which has increased component costs and pressured margins. Looking ahead, Ericsson aims to leverage its Networks growth strategy to outperform the broader mobile networks market, indicating a potential shift in competitive dynamics within the telecommunications sector.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
Malaysia's Q1 2026 GDP Growth Slows to 5.3% from 6.3% in Q4 2025
Malaysia's economy recorded a 5.3% year-on-year GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, a decrease from the previous quarter's 6.3% expansion. This deceleration is attributed to a contraction in the mining and quarrying sector, despite continued growth in manufacturing, services, and construction. The long-term outlook suggests that sustained domestic demand will support economic resilience, although potential policy adjustments may be considered by the government in response to sector-specific challenges.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Honda Motor to Close Gasoline Plants in China Amid EV Transition
Honda Motor Co. plans to shut down a gasoline-powered joint venture plant with Guangzhou Automobile Group in June 2026 and may close another with Dongfeng Motor Group in 2027. This decision is driven by a significant decline in petrol car sales and a strategic pivot towards electric vehicles, aiming to halve production capacity. The long-term implication is a substantial restructuring of Honda's operations in China, aligning with the broader industry shift towards new energy vehicles amid increasing competition from local manufacturers.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Wall Street Banks Begin Trading Credit Default Swaps on Private Credit Funds Amid Market Stress
Wall Street banks have initiated trading of credit default swaps linked to private credit funds as of April 17, 2026. This move comes in response to significant stress in the private credit sector, exacerbated by rising interest rates and market turbulence. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory scrutiny and potential shifts in investment strategies within the private credit market.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
OnlyFans in Advanced Talks to Sell Minority Stake to Architect Capital at Over $3 Billion Valuation
OnlyFans has entered advanced discussions to sell a minority stake of less than 20 percent to Architect Capital, valuing the company at over $3 billion. This shift comes after previous plans for a majority stake sale were abandoned, indicating a strategic pivot in funding approaches. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of OnlyFans' growth strategy and investor relations as it seeks to stabilize its market position amidst changing investor interests.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
AD Ports Group Initiates Investment Exploration in Romania's Port of Constanța
On April 14, 2026, AD Ports Group signed a framework agreement with Romania's National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA to explore investment and development opportunities in the Port of Constanța. This strategic move is driven by the port's significant role in Eurasian trade and the growing demand for sustainable logistics solutions. The long-term implication is an enhanced Middle Corridor connectivity that could bolster trade routes between Europe and Asia.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Shows Economic Resilience Amid Iran War Disruptions According to IMF
The International Monetary Fund has reported that Saudi Arabia is projected to achieve a 3.1% GDP growth in 2026, the strongest among Gulf Cooperation Council states, despite the ongoing Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This resilience is attributed to strategic infrastructure developments, such as the East-West pipeline, and ongoing diversification efforts under Vision 2030. In the long term, Saudi Arabia's ability to mitigate disruptions may solidify its economic leadership in the region while neighboring countries like Qatar face significant contractions.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE and Philippines Central Banks Sign MoU to Enhance Cross-Border Payment Systems
On April 14, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate their instant payment platforms. This agreement is driven by the need to facilitate faster remittances for the large Filipino expatriate community in the UAE amid increasing digital payment adoption. The long-term implication is a more connected financial ecosystem that could lead to reduced transaction costs and improved financial inclusion for overseas workers.
3 sourcesApr 17Low