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5 Things to Know Today — September 22, 2026

  September 22, 2026 BoC hike odds reach a coin flip. Oil retreats from four-month highs. Trump's Belarus potash play draws fire. A new federal bill speeds up major projects — with strings attached. Here's what moves your money today. 1. BoC October Hike Is Now a Coin Flip The Bank of Canada next meets October 28 , and markets are evenly split on whether it will raise rates for the first time since cutting to 2.25%. The whiplash is largely imported: after the U.S. Federal Reserve hiked 25 basis points to 3.75–4.00% on September 16 in a unanimous 12-0 vote — the first American rate increase since July 2023 — market-implied odds of a matching BoC move jumped from below 10% to roughly 60% in two weeks, according to LSEG Data & Analytics. Before the BoC's September 2 hold, odds of a hold sat at 94%. The 175-basis-point gap between the BoC (2.25%) and the Fed (3.75–4.00%) is the widest since 2022, which puts direct downward pressure on the loonie and upward pressure on Ca...

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Why ISIS Targeted Russia: Insights into the Moscow Concert Hall Attack

 


In a brazen and deadly attack, assailants stormed Moscow’s Crocus City Hall during a concert, leaving more than 133 people dead and over 100 injured. The concertgoers were attending a performance by a Soviet-era rock band when the violence erupted. The attackers, dressed in camouflage uniforms, opened fire and reportedly hurled explosive devices inside the venue. The concert hall was left in flames, its roof collapsing after the assault.

The Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISIL-K), also known as ISIL’s Afghan branch, has claimed responsibility for this horrific incident. United States officials have confirmed the authenticity of this claim. But why would ISIS target Russia?

The Motive Behind the Attack

  1. Russia’s Involvement in Syria: Like the United States, Russia has been actively engaged in the fight against Daesh (ISIS) in Syria. The terrorist group perceives both countries as hostile due to their military actions against ISIL.

  2. ISIL-K’s Radical Ideology: ISIL-K remains one of the most active ISIL affiliates. Its brutal reputation is built on radical and tough methodologies. The group’s ideology inspires them to select targets strategically. Moscow, being a major global capital, becomes a prime location for their violent acts.

  3. Historical Context: Russia’s historical involvement in the region, including its presence in Afghanistan and Iran, adds to the group’s perception of Russia as a target.

As ISIL-K continues to operate, we may witness more attacks, possibly in other capitals. The tragedy at Moscow’s concert hall serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups.


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