Indian equity benchmarks are poised for a higher opening, potentially extending their weekly gains, as companies release business updates before quarterly earnings. However, persistent foreign fund outflows are expected to temper sentiment and cap further advances. Investors will closely monitor corporate performance indicators, particularly from banks, to gauge earnings growth recovery. Specific company news includes a significant merger in the fast-food franchise sector and positive sales and deposit growth reports from South Indian Bank and Hero MotoCorp, respectively.