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
8690 stories- Economy· MENA
IMF Downgrades MENA GDP Growth Forecast to 1.1% Due to Iran War Disruptions
The International Monetary Fund has revised its 2026 real GDP growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 1.1%, a significant drop from its earlier projection of 3.9%. This downgrade is primarily triggered by the ongoing Iran war, which has led to disruptions in Gulf energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications suggest that if the conflict persists, regional economies may face prolonged downturns and increased inflationary pressures.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
JPMorgan Chase Reports Record Q1 2026 Profits Amid Iran War
On April 14, 2026, JPMorgan Chase announced first-quarter profits of $17 billion, highlighting the resilience of the U.S. economy despite the ongoing war in Iran. The immediate trigger for this financial success was the bank's ability to capitalize on market volatility caused by the conflict, which boosted trading revenues. In the long term, this situation may lead to increased scrutiny of the banking sector's reliance on geopolitical instability for profit generation.
4 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd Acquires DustPhotonics Ltd for $750 Million
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd has announced its acquisition of Israeli firm DustPhotonics Ltd for $750 million in cash and stock. This strategic move is driven by the need to enhance Credo's optical networking capabilities to meet the growing demands of AI data centers. The acquisition is expected to significantly boost Credo's revenue from optical technologies, positioning it for long-term growth in the high-speed connectivity market.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Jefferies Upgrades Bloom Energy to Hold as Stock Jumps 23% After Oracle Partnership Expansion
Bloom Energy's stock surged approximately 23% following Jefferies' upgrade from Sell to Hold after the company announced an expanded partnership with Oracle to deploy up to 2.8 gigawatts of fuel cell systems. This upgrade was triggered by the growing demand for onsite power solutions amid utility grid constraints, with initial contracts for 1.2 gigawatts already underway. The long-term implication suggests increased revenue visibility for Bloom Energy as it positions itself as a key player in the AI infrastructure market through 2027.
11 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· MENA
World Bank Plans $80–100 Billion Support for Countries Affected by Middle East War
On April 14, 2026, World Bank President Ajay Banga announced the institution's ability to mobilize $80–100 billion over the next 15 months for nations impacted by the ongoing Middle East conflict. This initiative is triggered by the economic fallout from the war, including energy price surges and growth slowdowns, as the IMF has downgraded global growth forecasts. In the long term, this funding aims to stabilize developing economies facing inflation and fiscal strains, potentially reshaping international financial support mechanisms in crisis situations.
4 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Investor Concerns Rise Over OpenAI's Valuation as Anthropic's Revenue Soars
OpenAI investors are expressing skepticism about the company's $852 billion valuation following Anthropic's reported revenue growth from $9 billion to $30 billion in just a few months. This shift is driven by Anthropic's strong demand for enterprise coding tools, making its valuation appear more attractive compared to OpenAI's discounted shares. The long-term implication suggests that OpenAI may need to significantly enhance its revenue and market position to justify its current valuation amid increasing competition in the AI sector.
5 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Crypto· World
Deutsche Börse Group invests $200 million in Kraken parent Payward Inc.
Deutsche Börse Group has announced a $200 million investment to acquire a 1.5% stake in Payward Inc., the parent company of Kraken, marking a significant move in the integration of cryptocurrency into traditional finance. This investment follows a strategic partnership initiated in December 2025 aimed at bridging traditional finance and digital assets amid evolving regulatory landscapes in Europe. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards more regulated cryptocurrency markets and enhanced institutional access to digital assets, which could reshape the financial landscape.
8 sourcesApr 15High
- Business· MENA
LVMH Reports 1% Organic Revenue Growth Despite Middle East Conflict Impacting Fashion Division
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton announced a 1% organic revenue growth in Q1 2026, despite a 6% decline year-over-year, primarily affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The immediate cause of this situation is the Iran war, which has led to store closures and reduced tourism in Gulf states, significantly impacting the Fashion & Leather Goods division. In the long term, the luxury market may face continued volatility as geopolitical tensions persist, prompting brands to reassess their strategies in affected regions.
5 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Fall as US-Iran Peace Talks Expected to Resume
Oil prices declined for the second consecutive day on April 15, 2026, amid rising expectations of resumed peace talks between the United States and Iran. This shift is driven by diplomatic signals from US President Donald Trump, indicating a potential easing of tensions that have previously constrained oil supplies. Long-term, if negotiations succeed, the market may see a stabilization of oil prices and a reduction in the war premium affecting global oil trade.
10 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Decline as US-Iran Negotiations Potentially Resume
Gold spot prices fell 0.62% to $4,811.92 per ounce on April 15, 2026, reflecting reduced safe-haven demand following US President Donald Trump's announcement of potential resumption of peace talks with Iran. The immediate trigger for this decline was the announcement made on April 14, which prompted traders to reassess geopolitical risks. Long-term implications may include increased market stability if negotiations succeed, potentially leading to further declines in gold prices as safe-haven demand diminishes.
7 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· MENA
Hermès International Shares Drop 14% Due to Iran War Impact on Middle East Sales
Hermès International shares fell 14% on April 15, 2026, following a first-quarter earnings report that revealed a 6% decline in Middle East sales attributed to the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this decline was the significant disruption in luxury retail and tourism caused by the conflict, which has led to a 40% drop in Dubai mall sales. Long-term implications suggest that the luxury sector may face continued volatility and diminished investor confidence as the war persists and consumer spending remains affected.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· MENA
Kering Shares Drop 10% Following Gucci's Q1 Sales Decline Amid Iran Conflict
Kering shares fell by up to 10% on April 15, 2026, after Gucci reported an 8% year-on-year decline in first-quarter sales, marking the 11th consecutive quarterly drop. This decline was triggered by reduced spending from Middle Eastern consumers and disrupted international travel due to the ongoing Iran war. The long-term implication suggests Kering may need to accelerate its strategic turnaround plan to stabilize its luxury brand portfolio and mitigate further losses.
4 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Increases Financial Support to Pakistan with $3 Billion Deposit Amid Debt Pressures
Saudi Arabia has pledged an additional $3 billion deposit to Pakistan's central bank to enhance its foreign exchange reserves. This commitment comes as Pakistan faces a critical $3.5 billion debt repayment to the UAE, necessitating immediate financial support. The long-term implication is a deepening financial reliance of Pakistan on Saudi Arabia, potentially reshaping regional economic dynamics in the Gulf.
6 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· World
European Commission Proposes Electricity Tax Cuts and Faster Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Amid Iran War Energy Crisis
On April 14, 2026, the European Commission unveiled a draft proposal for electricity tax reductions and an accelerated transition from fossil fuels due to surging energy prices linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran. This initiative is prompted by a dramatic increase in gas prices, which have nearly doubled since the conflict began, leading to over €22 billion in additional import costs for the EU. Long-term, this proposal aims to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, potentially reshaping Europe's energy landscape and investment strategies in clean technologies.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· MENA
China's Aluminum Exports Set to Rise Due to Ongoing Iranian Conflict Disruptions
China's aluminum exports are expected to surge as global buyers look for alternatives following significant supply disruptions from the ongoing conflict in Iran. The immediate trigger for this shift is the damage to key aluminum smelters in the Persian Gulf, which has curtailed approximately 9% of global aluminum production. In the long term, this situation may lead to increased reliance on Chinese aluminum, potentially reshaping global supply chains and pricing dynamics in the industry.
10 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
US Faces 10 Million Single-Family Housing Shortage According to White House Report
The White House Council of Economic Advisers has reported a nationwide shortage of 10 million single-family homes, a consequence of reduced construction since the 2008 financial crisis. This shortage is exacerbated by regulatory burdens and rising mortgage rates linked to the ongoing Iran war, prompting the Trump administration to consider deregulation as a solution. Long-term, this could lead to the construction of 13.2 million new homes and the creation of 2 million jobs, significantly impacting the US economy and housing market.
3 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· MENA
HSBC Reports Risk-Off Sentiment Among Customers Amid Iran Conflict
HSBC's Asia and Middle East Co-CEO David Liao announced a shift to a risk-off stance among the bank's broader customer base due to escalating tensions from the ongoing Iran conflict. This change is occurring as geopolitical instability in the Middle East prompts heightened caution in investment decisions. Long-term implications may include increased volatility in global markets and a potential reevaluation of investment strategies in the region.
5 sourcesApr 15Low - Business· World
Virgin Australia Forecasts A$30–40 Million Fuel Cost Surge Amid Iran War Disruptions
Virgin Australia has projected an increase in fuel costs by A$30–40 million for the second half of FY2026 due to the ongoing Iran conflict affecting global energy markets. The immediate trigger for this rise is the doubling of jet fuel prices since late February 2026, following significant disruptions in oil supply. In the long term, this situation is likely to lead to elevated airfares and reduced domestic capacity as airlines adjust to sustained high fuel costs.
4 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Asian Emerging Stocks Surge on Optimism for U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Resumption
Asian emerging stocks reached a six-week high as optimism grew over the potential resumption of U.S.-Iran peace talks. This surge was triggered by President Trump's announcement that negotiations could restart in Pakistan within days, following a recent blockade on Iranian ports. Long-term, this renewed diplomatic engagement may stabilize regional markets and ease oil price volatility, benefiting Asian economies reliant on trade and energy.
11 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
China's Exports Slow to 2.5% Growth Amid Iranian War Impact
China's exports experienced a significant slowdown, recording only 2.5% year-on-year growth in March 2026, the lowest in five months. This decline is attributed to weakened global demand resulting from the ongoing Iranian war, which has disrupted energy supplies and increased transportation costs. The long-term implication may be a shrinking trade surplus for China, prompting potential shifts in economic strategy as the country grapples with external pressures on its export-driven economy.
6 sourcesApr 15Moderate