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
8664 stories- Economy· World
US Approaches Net Crude Oil Exporter Status Amid Iran War Disruptions
In the week ending April 14, 2026, U.S. net crude oil imports fell to 66,000 barrels per day, the lowest since 2001, positioning the country close to net exporter status for the first time since World War II. This shift is driven by increased U.S. crude exports to Asia and Europe, which have surged due to disruptions in Middle Eastern supplies caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. Long-term, this development may reshape global energy markets and reduce reliance on Middle Eastern oil, impacting geopolitical dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Japan Announces $10 Billion Financial Framework to Support Southeast Asian Oil Procurement
On April 15, 2026, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi unveiled a $10 billion financial support package aimed at assisting Southeast Asian nations in securing crude oil from alternative suppliers. This initiative is a direct response to recent disruptions in oil supply chains caused by escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this framework is expected to enhance energy security and economic interdependence among Japan and Southeast Asian countries amidst ongoing regional supply challenges.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
PepsiCo Achieves 8.5% Revenue Growth in Q1 2026 Following Price Cuts on Snacks
PepsiCo reported an 8.5% revenue increase to $19.44 billion for Q1 2026, attributed to strategic price reductions on key snack brands. The immediate trigger for this shift was the implementation of price cuts of up to 15% on popular products like Lay’s and Doritos, aimed at reversing demand erosion from previous price hikes. Long-term, this strategy is expected to enhance consumer repurchase behavior and stabilize market share against private-label competitors.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Crypto· World
Circle CEO Predicts Launch of Yuan-Backed Stablecoin to Enhance Global Currency Role
Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle Internet Group, announced a significant opportunity for a yuan-backed stablecoin during an interview in Hong Kong. This prediction comes as China seeks to internationalize the yuan amid ongoing geopolitical shifts and competition in digital currencies. The emergence of such a stablecoin could reshape global payment systems and enhance China's economic influence over the long term.
4 sourcesApr 18High
- Crypto· World
Charles Schwab Launches Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading for U.S. Retail Clients
On April 16, 2026, Charles Schwab Corporation announced the launch of Schwab Crypto, enabling spot trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum for eligible retail clients. This rollout is driven by increased regulatory clarity from the SEC and CFTC, which has facilitated the establishment of such trading platforms. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the cryptocurrency market landscape, as mainstream adoption may stabilize Bitcoin and Ethereum prices amid growing institutional interest.
5 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
Madison Air Solutions Completes $2.23 Billion IPO on NYSE
Madison Air Solutions Corporation raised $2.23 billion in its initial public offering, marking the largest U.S. industrial IPO since 1999. This significant capital influx is driven by the increasing demand for advanced cooling solutions in data centers, particularly due to the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The successful IPO indicates a robust recovery in the IPO market and suggests further investments in AI-related industrial sectors are likely to follow.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Oil Futures Rise as U.S.-Iran Negotiations Continue Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
On April 16, 2026, oil futures rose as global markets awaited the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This shift is driven by U.S. officials tightening the naval blockade on Iranian ports, sustaining fears of supply disruptions despite ongoing negotiations. The long-term implication is a potential for continued volatility in oil prices and market reactions as diplomatic efforts unfold.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Henry Paulson Warns of Financial Fallout from Weakening U.S. Treasury Demand
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has issued a warning about the potential for severe financial consequences if demand for U.S. Treasuries declines. This warning comes amid rising national debt, which has surpassed $39 trillion, and increasing yields that are eroding investor confidence. The long-term implication could be a systemic threat to global financial markets, necessitating emergency intervention plans to stabilize the situation.
4 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
Surge in Jet Fuel Prices Threatens Spirit Airlines' Bankruptcy Exit
Spirit Airlines faces significant challenges in emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as jet fuel prices have surged to $4.24 per gallon, nearly double the projected costs. This price spike is driven by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has disrupted oil supplies and invalidated Spirit's financial assumptions. If the current trend continues, the airline may be forced to consider liquidation as creditor objections mount and liquidity dwindles.
4 sourcesApr 18High
- Economy· World
G7 Finance Ministers Call for Action to Mitigate Economic Impact of Iran Conflict
On April 16, 2026, G7 finance ministers and central bank governors convened in Washington, D.C., issuing a statement urging measures to limit the economic fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran. This call to action comes as the war has led to significant disruptions in energy supplies and rising oil prices, prompting concerns over inflation and economic stability. The long-term implication is a coordinated international effort to stabilize markets and prevent further escalation of the conflict's economic consequences.
5 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Netflix Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with Revenue of $12.25 Billion and EPS of $1.23 Amid Leadership Changes
Netflix announced its Q1 2026 earnings on April 16, achieving $12.25 billion in revenue and $1.23 EPS, exceeding analyst expectations. The immediate cause for the earnings boost was a $2.8 billion termination fee from a failed Warner Bros. acquisition, although shares fell 9.7% due to unchanged full-year guidance and the departure of co-founder Reed Hastings. In the long term, Netflix's focus on ad-supported tiers and live events may reshape its competitive strategy in the streaming industry.
3 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
EagleRock Land LLC Files for NYSE IPO Amid Rising Energy Demand
EagleRock Land LLC has filed a Form S-1 registration statement with the SEC for an initial public offering on the NYSE. This move is triggered by a resurgence in investor interest in U.S. oil and gas listings, spurred by increasing crude oil prices and demand from AI data centers. The long-term implication may see EagleRock expanding its land holdings and operations, potentially stabilizing energy prices influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· MENA
David Ellison Commits to 30 Annual Films from Merged Paramount-Warner Studios at CinemaCon 2026
On April 16, 2026, David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, pledged at CinemaCon to produce at least 30 movies annually across Paramount and Warner Bros. studios following their merger. This commitment comes as a response to concerns from theater owners about reduced theatrical output amid the ongoing acquisition process. The long-term implication is a potential revitalization of cinema attendance and a strengthened position for the merged entity in the competitive film industry landscape.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Netflix Terminates Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition Amid Competitive Bid
Netflix has officially withdrawn its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery's assets after Paramount Skydance presented a superior offer of $110 billion. The immediate cause for this decision was the escalating competition and regulatory scrutiny surrounding the acquisition process, which intensified in the weeks leading up to the termination. In the long term, Netflix aims to leverage the lessons learned from this experience to enhance its mergers and acquisitions strategy, focusing on alternative opportunities like the recent InterPositive acquisition.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to Restructure $6.6 Billion Debt
QVC Group filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 17, 2026, to restructure its debt from $6.6 billion to $1.3 billion. This move is prompted by ongoing challenges from digital competition and changing consumer behaviors that have led to significant revenue declines. The long-term implication may involve a shift in the retail landscape as companies adapt to the rise of social commerce platforms like TikTok Shop.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Economy· World
Wall Street Banks Begin Trading Credit Default Swaps on Private Credit Funds Amid Market Stress
On April 17, 2026, major Wall Street banks initiated trading of credit default swaps linked to private credit funds, marking a significant shift in the financial landscape. This move is driven by rising redemptions and funding pressures in the private credit sector, which is currently facing its most severe stress test since the 2008 financial crisis. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny and potential regulatory responses as investors seek to hedge against further market instability.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Economy· World
FTSE 100 Futures Rise as Iran Confirms Open Shipping in Strait of Hormuz
On April 17, 2026, the FTSE 100 futures indicated a 0.1% rise following Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial shipping. This development comes amid ongoing US-Iran peace negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions from the 2026 Iran conflict. The long-term implication suggests that continued diplomatic efforts may stabilize global markets and reduce oil price volatility.
3 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
Manycore Tech's Shares Surge 144% in Historic Hong Kong IPO Debut
Manycore Tech Inc. experienced a remarkable 144% increase in share price during its debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on April 17, 2026. This surge was triggered by overwhelming investor enthusiasm, as the IPO was oversubscribed 1,591 times, reflecting strong confidence in China's advancements in artificial intelligence. The successful listing positions Manycore as a leader in the spatial intelligence sector and may encourage further IPOs in Hong Kong's burgeoning AI market.
5 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· UAE
State Street Corporation Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings with Record Revenue and EPS Growth
State Street Corporation announced its first-quarter 2026 earnings, reporting adjusted EPS of $2.84 and record revenue of $3.8 billion, exceeding analyst estimates. The results were driven by broad-based growth in fee revenue and net interest income, supported by favorable market conditions and operational efficiencies. This performance is likely to enhance State Street's strategic position in the financial services sector and bolster its ongoing expansion efforts in the UAE.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
AEVEX Corp. Completes $320 Million IPO Valuing Company Over $2 Billion
AEVEX Corp., a defense technology firm, successfully executed its initial public offering, raising $320 million and achieving a valuation exceeding $2 billion. This event was triggered by increased demand for unmanned systems due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and shifts in U.S. Department of Defense procurement strategies. The long-term implication suggests a growing trend in defense technology investments, potentially leading to further IPOs in the sector as geopolitical tensions persist.
3 sourcesApr 18Low