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
BHP Reports 9% Net Profit Increase to $9.83 Billion Driven by Record Copper Prices in FY2026
BHP Group announced a 9% increase in net profit to $9.83 billion, primarily driven by record-high copper prices. This surge in profitability is occurring as global copper demand accelerates due to the energy transition and electrification trends. The long-term implication is BHP's strategic shift towards copper as its primary growth driver, indicating significant future investments in copper expansion.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· World
BHP's Copper Division Becomes Primary Profit Driver Surpassing Iron Ore
BHP Group's FY26 results reveal that its copper division generated $18.2 billion in EBITDA, overtaking iron ore as the main earnings contributor for the first time. This shift is driven by a 35% increase in copper prices and a strategic pivot towards copper amid rising demand for electrification and renewable energy. Long-term, BHP is expected to continue reallocating capital towards copper projects, aiming for a 5% annual production growth through the mid-2030s.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· World
Alibaba Sells Lingxi Games for Over $2 Billion to Focus on AI and Cloud Computing
On August 17, 2026, Alibaba Group agreed to sell its gaming subsidiary Lingxi Games to Trustar Capital for over $2 billion. This divestiture is part of Alibaba's strategy to streamline operations and prioritize investments in artificial intelligence and cloud computing amid regulatory pressures on the gaming sector. The long-term implication is a significant shift in Alibaba's business model, potentially enhancing its competitive edge in AI and cloud services while reducing its footprint in gaming.
4 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Drop Over 1.5% Amid Rising Treasury Yields and Oil Prices
On August 18, 2026, gold prices fell by more than 1.5% due to a significant increase in U.S. Treasury yields and escalating oil prices. This decline was triggered by the 30-year Treasury yield reaching its highest level since June 2007, coupled with rising Brent crude prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The long-term implication suggests that continued geopolitical instability and high yields may further pressure gold prices, affecting investment strategies in the commodities market.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· World
Elon Musk Reveals 48.4% Stake in SpaceX Valued Over $900 Billion
Elon Musk disclosed a 48.4% ownership stake in SpaceX valued at over $900 billion in a regulatory filing. This revelation comes as SpaceX's post-IPO market pricing reflects significant revenue growth from its Starlink satellite services. The long-term implication is Musk's continued dominance in the aerospace sector, potentially influencing future investments and innovations in satellite communications and space technology.
5 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· World
Mark Walter Negotiates Multibillion-Dollar Loan Secured by Lakers Stake Amid Sale Talks
Mark Walter engaged in negotiations for a multibillion-dollar loan from Apollo Global Management backed by his Los Angeles Lakers stake. This move was triggered by ongoing liquidity pressures and regulatory scrutiny on his affiliated insurance entities, leading to discussions about potential asset-backed financing. The long-term implication is the completed sale of his controlling interest in the Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, reflecting a significant shift in ownership dynamics within the NBA franchise.
7 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· World
US Treasury Department Expands Buyback Operations to Stabilize 30-Year Treasury Yields
US 30-year Treasury yields fell sharply on August 19, 2026, after the US Treasury Department announced it would double liquidity support buyback operations for longer-dated bonds. This intervention was triggered by rising investor concerns over inflation, high government debt levels, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Iran conflict. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of the bond market, which may influence future fiscal policies and investor confidence in US debt instruments.
3 sourcesAug 20Moderate
- Business· World
Ferrari Luce Chassis 0 Achieves Record Auction Price of $40 Million
On August 16, 2026, Ferrari's first all-electric vehicle, the Luce 'Chassis 0', was sold for a record $40 million at a charity auction during Monterey Car Week. This unprecedented sale was triggered by the vehicle's unique bespoke features and the growing interest in high-value luxury electric vehicles. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Ferrari in the electric vehicle market, potentially influencing future luxury automotive trends and collector behaviors.
6 sourcesAug 20Moderate
- Economy· World
Japan's Q2 2026 GDP Growth Falls Short of Expectations at 0.3%
Japan's economy reported a 0.3% quarter-on-quarter growth for Q2 2026, missing forecasts of 0.5%. This shortfall is attributed to weaker domestic demand and reduced imports due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East affecting oil purchases. The long-term implication may lead to adjustments in Bank of Japan policies to stimulate growth amid softening consumption and investment.
4 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· World
China's Economic Slowdown Deepens with Weak Retail Sales and Investment Decline
China's July 2026 economic data indicates a significant slowdown, with retail sales growth at just 0.6% year-on-year and fixed-asset investment contracting by 6.7%. This decline is attributed to ongoing weaknesses in the property sector, low consumer confidence, and external economic pressures, prompting calls for increased policy support. In the long term, these trends may lead to further stimulus measures from the People's Bank of China to stabilize the economy.
5 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· World
Virgin Trains Granted HS1 Access to Compete with Eurostar from 2030
Virgin Trains has received regulatory approval to operate up to 20 daily return services on the High Speed 1 line starting in 2030. This decision comes as part of efforts to enhance competition in the cross-Channel rail market, challenging Eurostar's long-standing monopoly. The move is expected to lead to increased capacity and potentially lower fares for passengers traveling between the UK and Europe.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· World
Trump Delays 50% Tariffs on Canadian Imports Amid Last-Minute Trade Deal
On August 18, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a temporary delay of 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports just hours before they were set to take effect. This decision follows high-level negotiations with Canadian officials aimed at resolving ongoing trade disputes and avoiding immediate escalation in bilateral tensions. The long-term implication may involve further negotiations on key trade issues, including autos and dairy, as both nations seek to finalize a comprehensive agreement by the new deadline of August 21, 2026.
4 sourcesAug 20Moderate
- Economy· World
Global Bond Markets Experience Highest Yields in Decades Amid Debt and Inflation Concerns
On August 18, 2026, global bond markets saw long-term borrowing costs surge to multi-decade highs, significantly impacting sovereign debt markets across major economies. This shift is driven by escalating U.S. government debt nearing $40 trillion, geopolitical tensions from the Iran conflict, and persistent inflation risks. The long-term implication suggests increased borrowing costs will complicate monetary policy and economic stability across affected nations.
4 sourcesAug 20Moderate
- Business· World
OpenAI and Anthropic IPOs Could Generate $430 Billion in Charity Pledges
OpenAI and Anthropic are poised to unlock an estimated $430 billion in charitable donations through their upcoming IPOs. This potential surge in philanthropy is driven by the massive paper wealth generated from the AI boom and explicit commitments from company executives to donate significant portions of their equity. If realized, this could reshape the landscape of tech philanthropy, rivaling historical donations from the Gilded Age.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· World
U.S. National Debt Exceeds $40 Trillion for the First Time
On August 19, 2026, the United States gross national debt surpassed the $40 trillion mark. This milestone was triggered by ongoing federal borrowing to support military operations, entitlement programs, and tax policies enacted in 2025. The long-term implication suggests increasing risks of a debt spiral, potentially impacting the U.S. creditworthiness and economic stability.
8 sourcesAug 20Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Doubles Long-Dated Debt Buyback Operations to $4 Billion Starting September 2026
On August 19, 2026, the U.S. Treasury announced it would double the size of liquidity support buyback operations for long-dated Treasury securities to at least $4 billion per operation. This decision was triggered by a sharp selloff in bonds due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over rising U.S. fiscal deficits. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of Treasury yields, which could influence broader market conditions and investor confidence in U.S. debt.
3 sourcesAug 19Low
- Business· World
La-Z-Boy Reports Fiscal First-Quarter Net Loss Amid Declining Sales
La-Z-Boy Inc. reported a fiscal first-quarter net loss of $2.3 million on August 18, 2026, due to a 3% decline in sales. This downturn is attributed to reduced consumer demand and lower foot traffic in retail stores, reflecting a challenging economic environment for discretionary purchases. The long-term implication suggests ongoing pressures for the U.S. furniture sector as consumer spending remains cautious in the face of economic uncertainty.
4 sourcesAug 19Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia to Increase Saudization Rate for Project Management Roles to 70 Percent by 2027
Saudi Arabia has announced a new policy to raise the Saudization rate for project management professions in the private sector to 70 percent, effective February 14, 2027. This decision is part of the government's ongoing efforts to enhance national workforce participation under Vision 2030, targeting specialized roles such as project management directors and engineers. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the labor market dynamics, potentially increasing employment opportunities for Saudi nationals while impacting the hiring practices of private sector entities.
3 sourcesAug 19Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Increase Amid Weak U.S. Dollar Following July Employment Data
On August 17, 2026, gold prices rose 0.65% to $4404.91 per ounce due to a weaker U.S. dollar and lower expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. This shift was triggered by disappointing U.S. non-farm payroll data for July, which indicated a slowdown in job growth and reduced inflationary pressures. In the long term, this trend may lead to increased demand for gold as a safe-haven asset amidst ongoing economic uncertainty.
3 sourcesAug 19Low
- Economy· World
Israel's War Costs Estimated at 420 Billion Shekels with Long-Term Defense Spending Projections of 1.5 Trillion Shekels
Haaretz has reported that the cumulative cost of Israel's ongoing war has reached approximately 420 billion shekels, marking it as the longest and most expensive conflict in the nation's history. This financial burden is attributed to the prolonged military operations following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, compounded by the need for increased defense expenditures amid changing military doctrines. In the long term, Israel is likely to face significant fiscal challenges and increased public debt as defense spending is projected to escalate dramatically over the next decade.
3 sourcesAug 19Low