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
US Producer Price Index Rises 4 Percent Year-Over-Year Due to Iran War Energy Price Surge
The United States Producer Price Index for final demand increased by 4 percent year-over-year in March 2026, driven by an 8.5 percent monthly rise in energy prices. This surge is a direct consequence of the ongoing war in Iran, which has disrupted oil supply chains, particularly following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this inflationary pressure may lead to increased economic volatility and complicate monetary policy decisions in the U.S.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Walt Disney Company announces layoffs of 1,000 employees across multiple divisions
The Walt Disney Company has initiated layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 employees, primarily in its television and movie studios, ESPN, and marketing divisions. This decision comes as CEO Josh D'Amaro aims to streamline operations and adapt to the ongoing challenges in traditional television and streaming profitability. The long-term implication may involve further restructuring within the company as it reallocates resources towards digital growth areas amidst industry pressures.
8 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
U.S. Utilities Plan $1.4 Trillion Investment to Upgrade Power Grid by 2030
U.S. investor-owned utilities have announced a projected $1.4 trillion in capital expenditures through 2030 to enhance the power grid. This surge in spending, a 21% increase from previous plans, is driven by rising electricity demand from AI data centers and electric vehicles. Long-term, this investment may lead to higher residential electric bills as utilities seek to manage the increased load and maintain grid resiliency.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Projects Economic Growth Above 3.5% Despite Middle East Tensions
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has forecasted that the U.S. economy could grow beyond 3.5% in 2026, presenting an optimistic outlook amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts. This assessment comes as global growth forecasts are downgraded due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the Iran war. The long-term implication suggests that the U.S. may continue to demonstrate economic resilience, potentially influencing global market dynamics and energy policies.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
European Union Implements Jet Fuel Contingency Plans Amid Supply Crisis
On April 16, 2026, the European Commission advanced draft contingency measures to secure aircraft fuel supplies across EU member states amid disruptions from the Iran conflict. This initiative is triggered by warnings of potential stock depletions within three to six weeks due to a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens 75 percent of Europe's jet fuel imports. Long-term implications include increased domestic refinery utilization and potential regulatory changes to enhance supply chain resilience in the aviation sector.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
IMF Lowers 2026 Global Growth Forecast to 3.1 Percent Due to Middle East Conflict
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1 percent, reflecting the economic impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East disrupting oil supplies. This revision is triggered by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to oil infrastructure, which has led to rising inflation and stalled recovery momentum. Long-term implications suggest that if hostilities persist, global growth could decline further, prompting central banks to prepare for inflationary pressures and fiscal challenges in the Gulf region.
14 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
United Airlines CEO proposes merger with American Airlines during White House meeting
On February 25, 2026, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby proposed a merger with American Airlines during a meeting with President Donald Trump. This proposal comes amid rising jet fuel costs linked to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and American Airlines' significant debt burden. If successful, the merger could reshape the U.S. airline industry, potentially leading to increased market concentration and regulatory scrutiny ahead of the 2026 midterms.
7 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Aegon Divests UK Operations to Standard Life for £2 Billion
Aegon has announced the sale of its UK business to Standard Life for £2 billion, marking a significant shift in its operational focus towards the US market. This divestiture is driven by Aegon's strategic review initiated in late 2025, aiming to streamline operations and enhance its presence in the US life insurance and retirement sectors. The long-term implication is the consolidation of the UK pensions market, positioning Standard Life as a dominant player with £480 billion in combined assets under administration.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
JPMorgan Chase Reports Record Q1 2026 Profits Amid U.S. Economic Resilience Despite Iran War
On April 14, 2026, JPMorgan Chase announced a record $17 billion profit for Q1 2026, highlighting the resilience of the U.S. economy despite the ongoing Iran War. This financial success is attributed to strong client sentiment and increased trading revenues driven by market volatility from geopolitical tensions. In the long term, the banking sector may face challenges from rising energy costs and inflation risks, prompting a cautious outlook for future earnings.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
Snap Inc. announces layoffs of 1,000 employees to enhance AI integration and cut costs
Snap Inc. has laid off approximately 1,000 employees, representing 16% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring effort aimed at achieving profitability. This decision follows pressure from activist investor Irenic Capital Management to implement cost-cutting measures and increase the use of artificial intelligence. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the tech industry towards greater reliance on AI, as companies seek to streamline operations amid ongoing economic challenges.
15 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
IMF and World Bank Warn of Economic Risks from Iran War
Policymakers at the IMF and World Bank have issued warnings that financial markets are underestimating the economic impact of the ongoing Iran war. This caution arises as the conflict has led to significant disruptions in global oil supplies and inflationary pressures, prompting a downward revision of growth forecasts. Long-term implications include persistent economic volatility and potential recessionary risks if the conflict continues to escalate or remains unresolved.
6 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
S&P 500 Hits Record High Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict and Rising Oil Prices
The S&P 500 index closed at a record high of 7,022.95 on April 15, 2026, despite ongoing military tensions in the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. This surge is attributed to investor optimism surrounding a fragile ceasefire and potential negotiations, which have overshadowed the significant rise in oil prices. Long-term, this could indicate a shift in market resilience to geopolitical risks, with technology stocks continuing to drive growth amidst uncertainty.
5 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
Allbirds rebrands as NewBird AI after pivoting from sustainable footwear to AI infrastructure
Allbirds announced a strategic pivot from sustainable sneaker manufacturing to artificial intelligence compute infrastructure on April 15, 2026. This shift follows the sale of its footwear assets amid financial losses and aims to capitalize on the growing demand for AI resources. The long-term implication suggests a potential transformation of the company into a key player in the AI sector, despite skepticism regarding its execution capabilities.
20 sourcesApr 17High
- Economy· World
China Reports 5% GDP Growth in Q1 2026 Despite Iran War Disruptions
China's National Bureau of Statistics announced a 5% year-on-year GDP growth for the January–March 2026 quarter, surpassing market expectations. This growth is attributed to strong exports and industrial output, demonstrating resilience amid the early stages of the Iran war. The long-term implication suggests that while China shows initial economic strength, ongoing geopolitical tensions may pose risks to future growth.
16 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
S&P 500 Reaches Record High as Markets Recover from U.S.-Iran War Impact
On April 15, 2026, the S&P 500 closed at a record high of 7,022.95, marking a full recovery from losses due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. This recovery was triggered by investor optimism following a ceasefire and signals from the Trump administration regarding the resumption of peace talks. Long-term, this development suggests a potential stabilization of global markets and renewed investor confidence in the wake of geopolitical tensions.
24 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
BBC Plans to Cut Up to 2,000 Jobs Amid Financial Pressures
On April 15, 2026, the BBC announced plans to eliminate between 1,800 and 2,000 positions to achieve £500 million in cost savings over two years. This decision is driven by significant financial pressures including high production inflation and declining licence fee revenue amid a competitive media landscape. The long-term implication may involve a restructuring of the BBC's operational model and potential impacts on public service journalism.
10 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
IMF Lowers Global Growth Forecast to 3.1 Percent Amid Iran War Oil Disruptions
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global growth forecast to 3.1 percent for 2026 due to the ongoing Iran War, which has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This downgrade follows U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28, 2026, leading to significant inflation risks and recession fears. If the conflict continues, the IMF warns that growth could be further slashed to 2 percent, impacting global economic stability.
13 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Projects Gasoline Prices to Fall to $3 by Late Summer 2026
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a forecast that national average gasoline prices could drop to $3 per gallon by late summer 2026. This projection is linked to the anticipated reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which would allow for a swift resumption of oil production amid the ongoing Iran war. If realized, this could stabilize energy costs and influence U.S. economic policy as the nation navigates the impacts of the conflict on global oil markets.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
Live Nation and Ticketmaster Found Liable for Antitrust Violations in U.S. Ticketing Market
On April 15, 2026, a federal jury in Manhattan determined that Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster illegally monopolized the primary ticketing market for major U.S. concert venues. This verdict follows heightened scrutiny and consumer complaints, particularly after disruptions during the 2022 Taylor Swift Eras Tour, leading to a lawsuit filed by 33 states. The ruling may prompt significant changes in the live events industry, including potential structural divestitures and increased regulatory oversight of ticketing practices.
34 sourcesApr 17Very High
- Business· World
European Airlines Face Jet Fuel Shortages Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict
Airports Council International (ACI) Europe has warned of imminent jet fuel shortages for European airlines due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This crisis is triggered by the U.S.-Iran war, which has disrupted approximately 50% of Europe's jet fuel imports from the Gulf region. If the situation persists, airlines are likely to face significant operational disruptions and increased flight cancellations as summer travel peaks approach.
19 sourcesApr 17Moderate