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
PNC Financial Services Group Raises 2026 Net Interest Income Growth Forecast to 14.5%
PNC Financial Services Group has elevated its full-year 2026 net interest income growth forecast to approximately 14.5% following a strong first-quarter performance driven by organic loan growth and the integration of FirstBank. This adjustment comes in response to robust client activity and favorable economic conditions, including recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The long-term implication suggests a strengthened competitive position for PNC in the U.S. banking sector as it capitalizes on increased loan demand and expands its market presence.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Copper Prices Rise to One-Month High Amid U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes
Copper futures surged to their highest level in over a month, reaching $6.09 per pound, following indications from U.S. President Donald Trump about a potential end to the U.S.-Iran war. This price increase is driven by easing concerns over supply disruptions and optimism surrounding a two-week ceasefire that is set to expire on April 21, 2026. If the ceasefire is extended, it could lead to a more stable market for industrial metals and improved global economic conditions.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
IMF Warns of Economic Slowdown in Middle East Due to Ongoing War Disruptions
On April 16, 2026, the IMF announced that the Middle East is experiencing a significant economic downturn as a result of the war that began on February 28, 2026. This conflict has severely disrupted oil and gas output, leading to a projected real GDP growth of only 1.1 percent for 2026, far below previous forecasts. In the long term, this situation underscores the urgent need for regional economic resilience and integration among affected countries.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Jane Street Group invests $7 billion in CoreWeave AI cloud platform
Jane Street Group has committed $6 billion to CoreWeave's AI cloud services and invested an additional $1 billion in equity. This strategic move is driven by the increasing demand for specialized AI cloud resources and the need for enhanced machine learning capabilities in trading. The long-term implication is a strengthened partnership that positions both companies to capitalize on the growing AI infrastructure market.
8 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
U.S. SEC Approves Elimination of Pattern Day Trader Rule
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved a FINRA proposal to eliminate the Pattern Day Trader rule, which mandated a minimum equity of $25,000 for certain trading activities. This change is driven by advancements in trading technology and a push for more accessible trading environments for retail investors. The long-term implication is expected to be an increase in retail trading activity and a shift in risk management practices among brokerages.
4 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· World
Google LLC's Stake in SpaceX Diluted to 5% Ahead of IPO Valuation
On April 15, 2026, Alphabet's Google LLC disclosed a reduction of its stake in SpaceX from 6.11% to approximately 5% following a recent merger and corporate transactions. This dilution is occurring as SpaceX prepares for a high-valuation IPO, targeting over $2 trillion. The long-term implication suggests that Alphabet could realize a significant liquidity event, potentially valuing its stake at $100 billion upon the IPO's success.
3 sourcesApr 17High
- Economy· World
CFTC Launches Investigation into Suspicious Oil Futures Trades Linked to Trump Iran Policy Changes
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has initiated an investigation into suspicious oil futures trades that occurred shortly before President Trump's announcements regarding Iran. This investigation is triggered by significant trades executed just minutes before key policy shifts, raising concerns of potential insider trading. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory scrutiny and potential reforms in trading practices within the commodities market to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
4 sourcesApr 17High
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Stabilize as U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Negotiations Continue
On April 15, 2026, oil futures remained flat amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations for a cease-fire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate cause for this stabilization is the balance between U.S. inventory draws and the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran. Long-term, the outcome of these talks will significantly influence global oil prices and regional stability in the Middle East.
5 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Remain Stable Amid Doubts Over US-Iran Peace Talks Impacting Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices showed minimal fluctuation on April 16, 2026, as investors remain skeptical about the effectiveness of ongoing US-Iran peace negotiations to resolve disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This skepticism follows the collapse of recent talks and the imposition of a US blockade on Iranian ports, which has exacerbated the already significant oil supply interruptions. Long-term, the continued instability in the region may lead to sustained volatility in global oil markets and potential economic repercussions for oil-dependent nations.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Yields Climb to 4.29% Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
U.S. Treasury yields rose to 4.29% on April 15, 2026, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified, particularly due to a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. This increase is driven by concerns over inflation risks linked to rising oil prices and ongoing instability in the region. In the long term, sustained tensions may lead to further volatility in global financial markets and heightened economic pressures on affected nations.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
WPP, Dentsu, and Publicis Settle FTC Antitrust Claims Over Conservative Media Ad Restrictions
On April 15, 2026, major advertising agencies WPP, Dentsu, and Publicis reached settlements with the FTC regarding allegations of collusion that limited advertisements on conservative media platforms. This settlement follows a series of complaints and investigations initiated by the FTC in response to coordinated actions by these agencies dating back to 2018. The long-term implication is a potential shift in advertising practices that may enhance competition and reduce political bias in ad placements across media platforms.
6 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· MENA
X-Energy, Inc. Launches IPO Roadshow Targeting $814 Million Raise
X-Energy, Inc. has initiated its IPO roadshow, aiming to raise up to $814 million at a valuation of $7.51 billion. This move is triggered by the increasing demand for advanced nuclear technology, particularly from AI data centers, and significant backing from Amazon. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the energy landscape towards nuclear solutions, aligning with global decarbonization efforts and the UAE's energy goals.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Decline Amid Limited Progress in US-Iran Truce Negotiations
On April 15, 2026, gold prices experienced a decline as traders evaluated the slow progress in US-Iran war truce negotiations. This shift is occurring due to ongoing diplomatic efforts following a two-week ceasefire that began on April 7, which has yet to yield significant results. The long-term implication may involve continued volatility in gold prices as market participants react to the evolving geopolitical landscape and potential future agreements.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Doug Field Leaves Ford Amid Major EV Restructuring
Ford Motor Company announced the departure of Doug Field, its Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer, as part of a significant organizational restructuring. This change is driven by the need to accelerate product development and improve efficiency following substantial losses in the EV sector. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards a unified Product Creation and Industrialization group, which may enhance Ford's competitiveness against rivals in the electric vehicle market.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Nikkei 225 Index Reaches Record High of 59,518.34 Amid U.S.-Iran Peace Optimism
Japan's Nikkei 225 index closed at a record high of 59,518.34 on April 16, 2026, fully recovering from losses incurred during the 2026 Iran war. This surge was triggered by renewed optimism surrounding potential peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which positively impacted export-oriented sectors. The long-term implication suggests a stabilization of Japan's economy and stock market as geopolitical tensions ease and trade relations improve.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
United States Nears Net Crude Oil Exporter Status Amid Iran War Supply Disruptions
In the week ending April 10, 2026, U.S. net crude oil imports fell to a record-low 66,000 barrels per day, marking a significant shift towards net exporter status. This change is driven by surging U.S. crude exports of 5.2 million barrels per day, as global demand rises to replace Middle Eastern oil supplies disrupted by the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. Long-term, this could reshape global energy markets and elevate U.S. influence in oil pricing and supply chains.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Mark Mobius, influential figure in emerging markets investing, passes away at 89
Mark Mobius, a key pioneer in emerging markets investing, died on April 15, 2026, in Singapore. His death comes at a time when his recent activities in managing investment funds had garnered attention, highlighting his ongoing influence in the finance sector. The long-term implication of his passing may lead to a reevaluation of investment strategies in emerging markets as leadership transitions occur at Mobius Investments.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
Euro Area Inflation Rate Rises to 2.6% Amid Energy Price Surge
The Euro area annual Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices inflation increased to 2.6% in March 2026, up from 1.9% in February. This rise is primarily attributed to a significant jump in energy prices, driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict, including the Iran war. The long-term implication suggests that the European Central Bank may need to adjust its monetary policy in response to persistent inflationary pressures.
6 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
PepsiCo Reports 8.5 Percent Revenue Growth in Q1 2026 Driven by Price Reductions
PepsiCo announced an 8.5 percent revenue increase for Q1 2026, reaching $19.44 billion, attributed to strategic price cuts on its snack brands. The immediate trigger for this growth was the implementation of price reductions of up to 15 percent on popular products like Lay’s and Doritos in February 2026, aimed at regaining market share. Long-term, this strategy may signal a shift in consumer behavior towards affordability, potentially reshaping pricing strategies across the snack food industry.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
TSMC Achieves Record Q1 2026 Revenue and Profit Surge Fueled by AI Chip Demand
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported record Q1 2026 earnings with a 58% year-over-year profit increase driven by high demand for AI chips. This surge is attributed to the ongoing expansion of AI infrastructure and persistent supply constraints in semiconductor manufacturing. Looking ahead, TSMC's elevated revenue guidance suggests a continued focus on capacity expansion to meet the growing needs of the AI sector.
9 sourcesApr 17Moderate