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- Business· World
PayPal separates Venmo into standalone unit to enhance growth strategy
PayPal has announced the separation of Venmo into its own standalone unit as part of a significant restructuring effort. This decision is driven by CEO Enrique Lores' strategy to streamline operations and boost growth within the company. The long-term implication is that this restructuring could lead to more focused growth strategies and innovations in the digital payments sector.
3 sourcesApr 30High
- Economy· World
Brazil's Central Bank cuts Selic rate to 14.5% amid Iran conflict concerns
Brazil's Central Bank has reduced its Selic benchmark lending rate from 14.75% to 14.5% in response to economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. This decision reflects a cautious approach as the Central Bank faces unclear future rate adjustments due to potential economic impacts of the war. As the geopolitical situation evolves, Brazil's monetary policy will likely continue to be influenced by international developments and domestic economic conditions.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· World
Seagate Technology's stock rises 11% after strong Q3 earnings report
Seagate Technology's stock surged by over 11% following a strong third-quarter earnings report, reflecting a 44% year-over-year revenue increase. This surge is driven by heightened demand for data storage solutions amid growing investments in AI infrastructure. The long-term implication suggests that Seagate is well-positioned for continued growth as AI spending increases.
3 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Economy· World
China's industrial profits rise 15.8% amid global energy market tensions
China's industrial profits surged by 15.8% in March 2026. This growth is attributed to rebounding producer prices that helped offset rising costs linked to conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the war in Iran. The resilience of China's industrial sector may signal continued economic strength despite global uncertainties.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· World
Canada Launches C$25 Billion Sovereign Wealth Fund to Boost Economic Resilience
On April 27, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the establishment of the Canada Strong Fund, Canada's first national sovereign wealth fund with an initial C$25 billion endowment. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance economic resilience amid rising global geopolitical tensions and aims to invest in critical sectors such as energy and infrastructure. In the long term, this fund is expected to channel significant private capital into Canadian projects, potentially reshaping the country's economic landscape and investment strategies.
8 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Business· World
BMO Capital Markets Downgrades ARC Resources Ltd. Following Shell plc Acquisition Announcement
BMO Capital Markets downgraded ARC Resources Ltd.'s stock rating from Outperform to Market Perform on April 28, 2026, in response to Shell plc's acquisition announcement. The downgrade reflects concerns over Shell's advantageous acquisition terms, which include a significant premium over ARC's recent stock price. This strategic move signals a potential shift in the Canadian energy sector, emphasizing consolidation and the importance of LNG export capabilities.
9 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· World
Claire's Closes All UK and Ireland Stores Ending 30-Year Presence
Claire's has officially ceased trading in all its standalone stores in the UK and Ireland, resulting in over 1,300 job losses. This closure is triggered by ongoing market challenges and changing consumer preferences that the brand could not adapt to. The long-term implication is a potential reassessment of strategies by other retailers facing similar market dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Prices Surge Amid Ongoing Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, causing Brent crude oil prices to exceed $116 per barrel. This escalation follows a series of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, which have led to a dual blockade by Iran and the US. Long-term, this crisis is likely to result in sustained volatility in global oil markets and increased geopolitical tensions in the region.
7 sourcesApr 30Very High
- Business· World
Barclays reduces risky lending following £228 million loss from Market Financial Solutions collapse
Barclays has announced a strategic pullback from risky lending due to significant financial losses linked to the collapse of Market Financial Solutions. This decision comes in response to a £228 million hit and rising fraud allegations, prompting the bank to reassess its lending practices. In the long term, this shift may lead to a more cautious approach in the mortgage market and increased regulatory scrutiny in the financial sector.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· World
BP's Q1 2026 Profits Surge to $3.2 Billion Amid Iran War Oil Price Surge
BP reported a significant increase in underlying profits to $3.2 billion for Q1 2026, more than doubling from the previous year. This surge is attributed to exceptional trading gains resulting from oil price volatility caused by the ongoing Iran war, which has disrupted global oil supplies. The long-term implication suggests that BP may continue to benefit from geopolitical tensions, while also facing scrutiny from governments and environmental groups regarding its profit margins during conflicts.
8 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· World
Bank of Canada maintains interest rate at 2.25% amid geopolitical tensions
The Bank of Canada has decided to keep its interest rate steady at 2.25% in response to rising concerns over geopolitical instability, particularly the ongoing war in Iran. This decision is influenced by the need to balance inflation risks with economic stability as energy prices remain elevated. In the long term, the Bank will likely continue to monitor global events closely, which may lead to future adjustments in monetary policy depending on energy price fluctuations and geopolitical developments.
5 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Economy· World
UK economy faces £35 billion impact from ongoing Iran war
The ongoing conflict in Iran is causing significant economic challenges for the UK, with projections estimating a £35 billion hit. This situation is exacerbated by rising costs and financial strain on British families, prompting warnings of a potential recession. As the conflict shows no signs of resolution, the UK may experience prolonged economic difficulties and increased social unrest.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· World
Iran's economy deteriorates amid escalating conflict with the U.S. and Israel
Iran's economy is facing severe challenges due to the ongoing war with the U.S. and Israel, leading to increased unemployment and poverty. This conflict has exacerbated pre-existing issues like inflation and sanctions, pushing millions of Iranians toward dire economic conditions. As the situation continues to worsen, further international scrutiny and potential sanctions are likely to deepen the crisis.
3 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Iran's currency hits record low amid U.S. sanctions and naval blockade
Iran's currency has plummeted to a record low due to ongoing sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade. This economic downturn is triggered by the intensified conflict involving the U.S. and Israel, which has disrupted trade with key partners like China and the UAE. In the long term, the worsening economic situation may lead Iran to adopt alternative strategies to mitigate the impact of sanctions, potentially altering regional dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Exceed $120 Amid U.S. Plans to Extend Iranian Port Blockade
On April 29, 2026, Brent crude oil prices surged above $120 per barrel following reports of U.S. preparations to extend the naval blockade of Iranian ports. This escalation is driven by stalled negotiations with Iran and a directive from President Trump to prolong restrictions after a White House meeting. The long-term implication could be a significant increase in global energy prices and further instability in the oil market if the blockade continues.
9 sourcesApr 30Very High
- Business· World
United Airlines Ends Merger Talks with American Airlines
United Airlines has officially abandoned its merger discussions with American Airlines following the latter's rejection of the proposal. The talks were initiated by United's CEO Scott Kirby, who cited potential economic benefits for the airline industry. This development underscores the ongoing competitive dynamics in the airline sector, suggesting that both airlines will now focus on independent strategies to maintain market share.
5 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· World
US Stock Futures Rise on Strong Tech Earnings Amid Iran Conflict Escalation
US stock futures increased on April 29, 2026, driven by positive earnings reports from major technology firms like Alphabet and Amazon. The surge in oil prices is attributed to escalating tensions between the US and Iran, which have raised concerns over supply disruptions. This situation may lead to heightened volatility in global markets as investors react to both corporate performance and geopolitical risks.
8 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Withdraws from OPEC and OPEC+ to Enhance Production Flexibility
The United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+, effective May 1, 2026. This decision is driven by the need for greater production flexibility amid global demand changes and ongoing regional conflicts affecting oil supply. The long-term implication is that the UAE aims to increase its oil production capacity independently, potentially reshaping its role in the global energy market.
99 sourcesApr 30Very High
- Business· World
Ford Motor Company Reports $2.5 Billion Q1 2026 Profit Driven by Tariff Refund
Ford Motor Company announced a first-quarter profit of $2.5 billion, significantly up from $500 million in the same period last year, largely due to a $1.3 billion refund from invalidated U.S. import tariffs. This financial boost comes after the U.S. Supreme Court's February ruling against certain tariffs, prompting a federal refund process initiated in April 2026. Looking ahead, Ford's increased earnings outlook suggests a potential recovery in the automotive sector despite ongoing commodity cost challenges.
7 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Business· World
Purdue Pharma to Dissolve Following $225 Million Criminal Sentence for Opioid Crisis Role
A federal judge has approved a $225 million criminal sentence for Purdue Pharma, leading to the company's dissolution. This decision comes after years of legal battles over the company's involvement in the opioid epidemic. The long-term implication is the establishment of a new company focused on addressing the opioid crisis, signaling a shift towards greater accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.
4 sourcesApr 30Moderate