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
8384 stories- Business· World
SpaceX Explores Acquisition of Cognition AI Amid AI Sector Expansion
SpaceX approached Cognition AI regarding a potential acquisition on August 19, 2026. This move follows SpaceX's recent $60 billion acquisition of Anysphere, indicating a strategic push into the AI sector. The long-term implication may involve intensified competition in AI development as SpaceX seeks to leverage Cognition's capabilities while Cognition maintains its independence.
4 sourcesAug 22Low
- Crypto· World
Trump Calls for Passage of Digital Asset Market Clarity Act Amid Senate Stalemate
On August 19, 2026, President Donald Trump urged Congress to pass the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act during a White House meeting with cryptocurrency executives and regulators. This push comes as the bill remains stalled in the Senate due to partisan disagreements over ethics provisions related to government officials' involvement in digital assets. If passed, the legislation could significantly enhance regulatory clarity and foster innovation in the U.S. cryptocurrency market, potentially impacting global competitiveness.
7 sourcesAug 22Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Retailers Receive Over $5 Billion in Tariff Refunds Following Supreme Court Ruling
Major U.S. retailers reported receiving more than $5 billion in tariff refunds after the Supreme Court invalidated the Trump administration's tariffs. This refund process was triggered by the February 2026 ruling that deemed the tariffs unlawful, leading to the disbursement of funds to approximately 330,000 importers. In the long term, the retention of these funds by retailers may spark ongoing political and consumer backlash, potentially influencing future pricing strategies and regulatory scrutiny.
4 sourcesAug 22Moderate
- Economy· World
UK inflation rises to 2.9% in July 2026 driven by energy price cap adjustment
UK consumer price inflation accelerated to 2.9% year-on-year in July 2026, marking a four-month high. This increase was triggered by a 13% rise in the energy price cap effective July 1, which significantly impacted household energy costs. The long-term implication suggests sustained inflationary pressures through Q4 2026, with potential adjustments to interest rates by the Bank of England anticipated later this year.
5 sourcesAug 22Low
- Economy· World
Trump's Economic Sanctions Against Iran Cause Significant US Market Declines
On August 20, 2026, President Donald Trump announced an 'economic D-Day' campaign of unprecedented sanctions against Iran, leading to sharp declines in US equity markets. This announcement was triggered by the ongoing US-Israel military conflict with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global oil transit and heightened economic vulnerabilities. The long-term implication is a potential escalation in economic tensions and further instability in global markets as investors react to rising inflation and national debt exceeding $40 trillion.
3 sourcesAug 22Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Yields Fully Rebound Following Debt Buyback Expansion Announcement
U.S. Treasury bond yields rebounded sharply on August 20, 2026, erasing the prior day's decline triggered by the Treasury Department's debt repurchase expansion. This reversal occurred as the U.S. national debt surpassed $40 trillion, prompting the Treasury's intervention to enhance liquidity in the bond market. The long-term implication suggests ongoing structural pressures on fiscal sustainability and potential challenges in upcoming debt ceiling discussions.
8 sourcesAug 22Low
- Economy· World
Trump Delays 50% Tariffs on Canadian Goods Amid Trade Negotiations
On August 18, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day pause on the imposition of 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion in Canadian imports. This decision follows intensive negotiations between the U.S. and Canada, with both sides claiming substantial progress towards a trade deal. The long-term implication may involve a shift in U.S.-Canada trade relations, potentially leading to a finalized agreement that addresses key concerns over dairy, alcohol, and motor vehicles.
23 sourcesAug 22Low
- Economy· World
Federal Reserve Indicates Possible Interest Rate Hikes Amid Persistent Inflation Concerns
Federal Reserve officials have indicated the potential for higher interest rates if inflation remains elevated, as revealed in the minutes from their July meeting. This shift is triggered by ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Iran war and rising costs associated with AI infrastructure investments. In the long term, this could lead to increased borrowing costs and volatility in global capital flows, particularly affecting energy markets linked to the MENA region.
5 sourcesAug 22Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent Expands Bond Buyback Program Amid Rising Yields
On August 20, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an expanded program of long-dated Treasury bond buybacks, increasing repurchases to up to $4 billion per operation. This intervention comes as a response to elevated U.S. debt levels and rising long-term yields, aiming to stabilize the bond market. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny of the relationship between the Treasury and the Federal Reserve, potentially impacting future monetary policy decisions.
8 sourcesAug 22Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $75,000 Threshold Driven by US Treasury Interventions and Legislative Momentum
Bitcoin has surpassed the $75,000 mark, reaching an intraday high of $75,740 during trading on August 21, 2026. This surge was triggered by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement to double bond buyback operations and President Trump's meeting with cryptocurrency executives advocating for the Clarity Act. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in regulatory frameworks for digital assets, which could bolster investor confidence and market stability in the cryptocurrency sector.
3 sourcesAug 21High
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Drop as US Treasury Yields and Oil Prices Rise
On August 18, 2026, gold prices fell by 0.40% to 4398.38 USD per ounce due to increasing US Treasury yields and rising oil prices. This decline is triggered by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have driven energy costs higher and raised inflation expectations. In the long term, these factors are likely to sustain pressure on gold prices as investors adjust to tighter US monetary policy and ongoing market volatility.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Halts All Trade and Financial Transactions with Iran Amid Missile Tensions
On August 18, 2026, the United Arab Emirates announced the suspension of all commercial activities and financial transactions with Iran. This decision was triggered by the detection of ballistic missiles launched from Iran, prompting the UAE to act in the interest of regional security. The long-term implication is a further economic isolation of Iran and potential disruptions for UAE businesses involved in trade with Iran.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Economy· World
Saudi Arabia's US Treasury Holdings Rise to $142.5 Billion
Saudi Arabia has increased its US Treasury holdings to $142.5 billion as of June 2026, marking a $2.2 billion rise from the previous month. This increase comes amid a broader trend of foreign investors shifting towards US equities, reflecting Saudi Arabia's strategy to manage energy revenues through diversified assets. In the long term, this move may enhance Saudi Arabia's financial stability and influence in global markets as it continues to diversify its investment portfolio.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai tourism recovery accelerates as airlines restore capacity after regional conflict
Dubai's tourism sector is experiencing a significant recovery as major airlines resume and expand flight services, reaching 85% of pre-conflict capacity. This resurgence follows disruptions caused by a Middle East conflict that began in February 2026, which had severely impacted air travel and hotel occupancy. The long-term implication is a projected increase in hotel occupancy and demand as the emirate prepares for the winter peak season, aiming to return to 2025 performance levels.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Business· MENA
Aramco and Maaden Establish Joint Venture for Mineral Exploration in Saudi Arabia
Aramco and Maaden signed a shareholders' agreement to form a joint venture for mineral exploration across 182,000 square kilometers in Saudi Arabia. This agreement, which builds on plans disclosed in January 2025, is driven by the increasing global demand for energy transition minerals. The long-term implication is a significant step towards diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy under Vision 2030, focusing on the mining sector as a new economic pillar.
7 sourcesAug 21Low
- Economy· World
US Dollar Declines to Three-Month Lows as Euro Reaches Highest Level Since May
On August 20, 2026, the US dollar fell to its lowest level in three months against major currencies, while the euro hit its highest point since late May. This decline was triggered by US Treasury announcements of increased long-term debt buybacks, raising concerns over fiscal deficits and inflation. The long-term implication suggests ongoing volatility in currency markets, with potential shifts in investor sentiment towards alternative assets like gold and other currencies.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia launches anti-dumping investigation into cardboard imports from China and India
On August 19, 2026, the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) initiated an anti-dumping investigation targeting multi-layer coated cardboard imports from China and India. This action follows a complaint from the domestic cardboard industry aimed at protecting local producers from alleged unfair pricing practices. The long-term implication may involve the imposition of duties that could reshape import patterns and impact regional supply chains in the packaging sector.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Airports Readies for 3.7 Million Passengers Amid Post-Summer Travel Surge
Dubai Airports has announced preparations to accommodate 3.7 million passengers during the peak return period on August 21, 2026. This operational readiness is triggered by the seasonal influx of travelers returning from summer holidays, necessitating enhanced coordination and passenger experience initiatives. Long-term, this reflects Dubai's commitment to maintaining its status as a leading global aviation hub, ensuring efficient service delivery during high-volume periods.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Economy· World
U.S. National Debt Exceeds $40 Trillion for the First Time
On August 19, 2026, the U.S. national debt surpassed $40 trillion, marking a significant fiscal milestone. This unprecedented increase is attributed to ongoing budget deficits exceeding $2 trillion annually, driven by extensive government spending on defense and social programs. The long-term implication suggests heightened pressure on U.S. fiscal policy and potential shifts in investor behavior towards Treasury securities amid rising borrowing costs.
3 sourcesAug 21Moderate
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Rise to $93.55 Amid US-Iran Supply Concerns
On August 20, 2026, Brent crude oil futures surged 2.11% to $93.55 per barrel, marking the highest level in a month. This price increase is driven by ongoing fears of supply disruptions due to the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East. The sustained upward momentum in oil prices suggests potential long-term impacts on global energy costs and market stability.
3 sourcesAug 21Low