Dmart recasts strategy as rapid delivery competition intensifies

DMart has scaled back its e-commerce footprint, exiting underperforming cities to focus on metros as competition intensifies in India’s rapid delivery space. Despite rising pressure from Amazon, Flipkart, Zepto and Swiggy, the retailer is sticking to its low-cost model and non-10-minute delivery approach amid muted earnings performance.

Stocks priced for ‘sunshine and rainbows’ now face earnings test

Wall Street enters the second-quarter earnings season with expectations near record highs, leaving companies with little room for disappointment. Investors will closely monitor AI spending, profit margins and corporate guidance to determine whether the broader stock market rally can sustain its momentum.

Late-stage cheques go big at $86 million average this year

Late stage funding in India saw average deal sizes surge to about $86 million in the first half, driven by fewer but larger transactions. Capital flowed into AI infrastructure, energy and lending, while investors turned selective, focusing on profitability, governance and exit visibility amid a more disciplined private market environment.

HDFC Bank, HCL Tech among 143 companies to announce earnings this week

The June quarter earnings season is set to accelerate with 143 companies, including HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and HCL Tech, scheduled to report this week. With growth projected at 10%, investors will track sectoral trends across banking, IT and consumption, focusing on margins, demand outlook and asset quality signals.