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Indian shares are likely to open slightly higher on Monday, with investors eyeing earnings reports from Reliance Industries and HCL Tech to kick off a results-heavy week, while the domestic inflation print remains in focus for clues about a possible interest rate cut.

The Gift Nifty was trading at 25,083 as of 8:15 a.m. IST, indicating that the benchmark Nifty 50 will open above Friday's close of 24,964.25.

The Nifty and the S&P BSE Sensex fell for the second consecutive week on Friday, dragged down by worries over an escalation in the Middle East conflict, slowing corporate earnings and foreign outflows.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded net 41.63 billion rupees ($495 million) worth of stocks on Friday, and were net sellers for the tenth session in a row, directing flows to China after announcements of bumper stimulus measures.

Over the weekend, China flagged more fiscal stimulus for its economy, but left out key details on the overall size of the package. Asian shares outside Japan were trading 0.7% lower as investors struggled to reach a consensus view on China's fresh economic stimulus promises. [MKTS/GLOB]

On the domestic front, inflation data for the month of September, due after the closing bell, is expected have overshot the central bank's target.

The print will be parsed for clues on the timing of a domestic rate cut, after the central bank last week shifted its policy stance to "neutral" - signalling more openness to reduce borrowing costs.

STOCKS TO WATCH:

Adani Enterprises: The Adani Group's flagship firm raised $500 million from an institutional share sale, sources said.

Wipro: IT major to consider issuance of bonus shares.

Avenue Supermarts: Operator of retail store chain DMart posted higher Sept-quarter profit, revenue.

Easy Trip Planners: Travel booking firm inked deal to buy 30% stake in Rollins International Pvt Ltd for 600 million rupees.

($1 = 84.0720 Indian rupees)