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
4326 stories- Economy· World
FOMC Holds Federal Funds Rate Amid Internal Dissent and Geopolitical Tensions
The Federal Open Market Committee voted 8–4 to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.5–3.75% during its April 2026 meeting. This decision comes as policymakers grapple with elevated inflation driven by global energy price surges linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and ongoing economic uncertainty. The long-term implication suggests continued scrutiny of economic data will influence future monetary policy adjustments as Chair Jerome Powell's term nears its end.
7 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Eurozone inflation rises to 3% amid Iran war and economic slowdown
Inflation in the Eurozone has surged to 3% in April 2026, up from 2.6% in March, primarily driven by escalating energy prices linked to the ongoing Iran war. This significant increase occurs as economic growth in the region has slowed to just 0.1%, prompting concerns about the European Central Bank's monetary policy. In the long term, the ECB may face pressure to adjust interest rates, which could impact the Eurozone's economic recovery and stability.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Central Banks Maintain Interest Rates Amid Rising Fuel Prices from Strait of Hormuz Closure
The Bank of England and European Central Bank held interest rates steady on April 30, 2026, in response to surging fuel prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to a U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran. This situation has arisen as Brent crude oil prices exceeded $126 per barrel, exacerbating inflation concerns in the UK and Eurozone. Long-term, central banks may face increased pressure to adjust rates if energy prices remain elevated, impacting economic recovery efforts in the region.
11 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Samsung Electronics Reports Record Q1 2026 Semiconductor Profit Amid AI Chip Demand Surge
Samsung Electronics announced a staggering 49-fold increase in its semiconductor operating profit to 53.7 trillion won for Q1 2026, driven by soaring demand for high-bandwidth memory in AI applications. This surge is occurring as hyperscalers expand AI data centers, leading to a projected widening supply-demand imbalance through 2027. The long-term implication suggests that Samsung will continue to invest heavily in production capacity for advanced memory chips to meet escalating AI infrastructure needs.
10 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Economy· MENA
UAE exits OPEC marking a significant shift in global oil dynamics
The UAE has announced its exit from OPEC, impacting the organization's control over oil pricing. This decision comes as Russia and Kazakhstan reaffirm their commitment to OPEC+, highlighting a potential fracture within the alliance. The long-term implication may lead to increased competition among oil producers and a reassessment of membership by other nations within OPEC.
4 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
Apple Inc. Achieves 17% Revenue Growth in Q2 2026 Fueled by iPhone 17 Sales
On April 30, 2026, Apple Inc. reported a 17% year-over-year revenue increase to $111.2 billion for its fiscal second quarter, primarily driven by record sales of the iPhone 17. This surge in demand coincides with the recent launch of the iPhone 17 series and a recovery in Greater China sales, despite ongoing supply chain challenges. Looking ahead, Apple is forecasting continued revenue growth of 14-17% for Q3, indicating strong momentum in the consumer tech market.
6 sourcesMay 2High
- Economy· World
Japanese Yen Depreciates Following Government Intervention Amid CPI Disappointment
On May 1, 2026, the Japanese yen weakened against the US dollar after Tokyo's currency intervention the previous day. This depreciation was triggered by disappointing Tokyo CPI data for April and ongoing geopolitical tensions that supported the dollar. In the long term, markets anticipate further interventions from Japanese authorities if the USD/JPY approaches the critical 160 level again.
11 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
NatWest faces £140 million impairment charge due to Iran conflict impact
NatWest has reported a £283 million impairment charge, with £140 million attributed to geopolitical risks stemming from the ongoing Iran war. This financial adjustment comes as the UK economy grapples with slowing growth and rising inflation, prompting a conservative revenue outlook from the bank. As geopolitical tensions persist, investors will closely monitor NatWest's financial performance and stock market response in the coming months.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
US Removes 10% Tariffs on Scotch Whisky Imports After King Charles III Visit
On May 1, 2026, the United States announced the elimination of a 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imports from the UK. This decision follows King Charles III's state visit, which catalyzed lobbying efforts from industry leaders and politicians to reverse the tariff that had previously caused a 15% decline in exports. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of the Scotch whisky market in the US, benefiting distilleries and possibly influencing future trade negotiations between the US and UK.
6 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
U.S. oil companies reconsider investments in Venezuela's oil sector
Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips are sending technical teams to evaluate investment opportunities in Venezuela. This shift follows a change in sentiment from Exxon CEO Darren Woods, who has expressed a more positive outlook on the Venezuelan oil sector amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. The long-term implication may lead to increased U.S. engagement in Venezuela's oil market, potentially reshaping global oil investment strategies.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Announces Withdrawal from OPEC Effective May 1, 2026
On April 28, 2026, the United Arab Emirates announced its exit from OPEC after over 50 years of membership, effective May 1, 2026. This decision was triggered by escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia over production quotas and ongoing disruptions from the Iran conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is a significant reduction in OPEC's production capacity and influence, as the UAE seeks to align its oil output with its diversification strategy and strengthen ties with the United States.
47 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Air Canada Suspends 2026 Financial Guidance Amid Jet Fuel Price Volatility
Air Canada has suspended its full-year financial guidance for 2026 due to volatile jet fuel prices. This decision comes in response to the surge in fuel costs driven by the ongoing war in Iran, which has created uncertainty in the airline's operational planning. The long-term implication is that Air Canada will need to adapt its strategies to manage fuel price fluctuations, potentially impacting profitability and investor confidence moving forward.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Iran War Inflation Concerns
The Bank of England has decided to maintain interest rates at 3.75% as it assesses the economic implications of the ongoing Iran war. This decision is prompted by rising inflation risks linked to increased oil prices resulting from geopolitical tensions. In the long term, the central bank's cautious approach may lead to future adjustments in monetary policy depending on developments in the Iran conflict.
4 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
Disney pauses ESPN spinoff plans to focus on streaming growth
Disney has decided to retain ESPN within the company, halting plans for a spinoff. This decision is driven by a strategic focus on enhancing its streaming services while maintaining control over its sports network. In the long term, this move suggests that Disney will continue to integrate ESPN into its broader media strategy, with potential future changes depending on market dynamics.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Inflation Concerns
The Federal Reserve decided to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.5–3.75% during its recent FOMC meeting, marking a significant moment as it is likely Jerome Powell's final meeting as Chair. This decision comes in response to a surge in U.S. crude oil prices due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran, which has exacerbated inflation and economic uncertainty. Looking ahead, the Fed's stance may lead to continued volatility in financial markets and influence future monetary policy adjustments as geopolitical tensions persist.
9 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation and Internal Dissent
The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee decided on April 29, 2026, to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75% amidst rising inflation pressures and a divided committee. This decision comes as oil prices surge due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has reignited inflationary concerns. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on the Fed's independence and potential shifts in monetary policy depending on labor market conditions and political pressures.
8 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Global crackdown on cryptocurrency scams leads to 276 arrests
A coordinated international operation has resulted in the arrest of 276 suspects involved in cryptocurrency 'pig-butchering' scams. This crackdown is driven by the need to combat rising fraud targeting American investors, with significant collaboration between authorities in the US, UAE, and China. The long-term implication may include increased international cooperation and potential new regulations to protect investors from similar scams in the future.
4 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
Meta Platforms Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings and Increases Capital Expenditure Forecast
Meta Platforms Inc. has reported first-quarter 2026 earnings that exceeded revenue expectations, with a revenue of $56.31 billion, marking a 33% year-over-year increase. The company raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to $125–145 billion due to rising component costs and investments in AI infrastructure. This strategic move indicates Meta's commitment to enhancing its AI capabilities amidst a competitive landscape, despite concerns over the sustainability of its increased spending.
10 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Meta Platforms Increases 2026 AI Capital Expenditures to $125–145 Billion Amid Youth Addiction Litigation Risks
Meta Platforms has raised its full-year capital expenditures for AI infrastructure to $125–145 billion following its first-quarter earnings report. This decision comes as the company faces significant legal challenges related to youth addiction trials and regulatory scrutiny over its platform's impact on minors' mental health. In the long term, this could lead to increased financial liabilities and a shift in Meta's operational focus towards compliance and AI development amidst ongoing litigation risks.
11 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Economy· World
US gas prices hit highest levels since Iran war began
Gas prices in the United States have surged to their highest levels since the onset of the war with Iran. This increase is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict, which has disrupted oil supply chains. As a result, consumers are likely to face continued inflationary pressures on fuel and other goods in the foreseeable future.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate