The Nasdaq 100 Futures are trading at 23,878.50, down 0.28% from the previous close of 23,946.50. The index is a capitalization-weighted selection of non-financial domestic and international companies listed on NASDAQ, excluding financial firms. Technical analysis shows a 'Strong Sell' sentiment for NQU25, with moving averages supporting a sell trend. U.S. stock futures are mixed ahead of key economic data, with some gains driven by tepid inflation reports and expectations of a potential September Fed rate cut. Asian technology shares rose following the Nasdaq's record high, with Chinese stocks reacting to scrutiny of Nvidia chips. Notable market movers include Muthoot Finance, Infosys, and JSW Cement, while related ETFs such as QQQ and its short products show active trading volumes.

Cognizant has announced merit-based salary hikes for 80% of its eligible employees, effective November 1, following a four-month delay from the previous year. The hikes range from high-single-digit percentages and target top performers. This move comes amid broader industry uncertainty, with peers like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) also announcing salary increases for 80% of its workforce effective September 1, while simultaneously implementing one of its largest-ever layoffs affecting around 12,000 employees. Infosys implemented a wage hike in April and released performance bonuses in May, but has not announced a new salary increase. Wipro last raised salaries in September and has deferred further decisions. The IT sector as a whole has seen a significant drop in net workforce additions in Q1 FY26, reflecting cautious hiring practices. TCS's layoffs, driven by skill mismatches and a push toward AI-driven future-readiness, have sparked concerns about potential follow-up actions across the industry.

The global automotive telematics market is projected to grow from $70.8 billion in 2024 to $349.2 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 19.4%. Driven by vehicle connectivity, AI integration, and rising demand for safety and efficiency, the market is expanding across hardware, software, and services. Key players such as Samsara, Verizon Connect, and SAIC Motor are leading innovation, with Samsara reporting $937 million in revenue, $1.73 billion in total assets, and 1,848 high-revenue clients. The market is seeing strong adoption, with 79% of new cars globally equipped with OEM-embedded telematics in 2024, and regional penetration rates reaching 100% in Europe by 2025. Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) is expanding, with 20 million UBI policies globally. Samsara's platform processes over 9 trillion data points annually and has prevented over 200,000 crashes. The sector also contributes to ESG goals through carbon savings and improved fleet efficiency, while facing challenges related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and high implementation costs.

Cognizant Technology Solutions announced it will award merit-based salary increases to 80% of its eligible employees effective November 1, 2025. The hikes, which will be delivered up to and including Senior Associate levels, will range from 1% to high single digits for top performers, with variations based on performance and country. This follows a previous deferral of salary increases by four months in the prior year. The move comes amid industry-wide uncertainty, as rivals TCS and Infosys have either deferred or paused their wage hikes due to macroeconomic challenges. Cognizant reported a 14% increase in net profit and an 8.1% revenue growth in Q2 2025, with full-year revenue guidance raised to $20.7–21.1 billion. The company also added 7,500 employees in the June quarter, bringing its total headcount to 343,800, primarily through hiring freshers in India.

Cognizant, an IT services company, has announced a salary hike for 80% of its eligible employees effective November 1, ending previous uncertainty caused by delayed increases due to macroeconomic challenges. The hike will apply to employees up to the senior associate level, with increases based on individual performance and country-specific factors. In India, top performers may receive increases in the high single digits. The company added 7,500 employees in the second quarter, bringing its headcount to 343,800 as of June 30. This decision follows similar moves by TCS and Infosys, with all eyes now on Wipro, which had previously declined to comment on its hike plans due to market conditions.