Strong Demand Pushes Retail Leasing Up 17.6 pc in Q2

New Delhi, July 1: India’s retail leasing activity reached 2.4 million square feet (MSF) in Q2, registering a 17.6% year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand from retailers despite constrained supply conditions, according to a recent report.

The growth reflects continued expansion in organized retail space, with brands across fashion, food and beverage, electronics, and lifestyle segments actively leasing premium high-street and mall spaces.

The report highlighted that limited availability of quality retail space in key urban markets has led to tighter supply, even as demand from retailers remains strong and diversified across segments.

Industry experts said the sustained leasing activity underscores resilience in consumer demand and growing confidence among retailers in India’s consumption-driven market.

The trend is expected to continue as developers gradually add new retail inventory, while established brands expand their physical presence across major cities.

Window Magic Unveils ‘Window Magic Atelier’, Launches Ultra-Luxury Fenestration Range ‘WM AURA’ for Indian Market

New Delhi, 1st July: Window Magic, one of India’s leading providers of luxury uPVC and aluminium fenestration solutions, today announced the opening of ‘Window Magic Atelier’, India’s first-of-its-kind luxury fenestration experience centre, located at the prime South Delhi location. This also marks the launch of WM AURA, Window Magic’s ultra-luxury fenestration range, developed in strategic collaboration with one of Europe’s most renowned pioneers in advanced aluminium architectural systems.

Envisioned as an immersive destination for architects, developers, interior designers, and discerning homeowners, Window Magic Atelier reimagines how luxury doors, windows, and façade systems are experienced. The centre showcases the brand’s latest innovations, design capabilities, and luxury solutions through curated experiential zones that blend functionality, aesthetics, and architectural excellence.

The launch represents a significant milestone in Window Magic’s growth journey and reinforces its commitment to serving India’s rapidly evolving luxury real estate sector. It also marks a new chapter in the company’s global aspirations through its collaboration with European brand, bringing together Greek engineering expertise and Indian market understanding.

During the launch of Window Magic Experience Centre, Mr. Manish Bansal, Director & CEO, expressed, “We are delighted to unveil Window Magic Atelier, a first-of-its-kind luxury fenestration experience centre in the heart of New Delhi. As consumer aspirations evolve and luxury real estate continues to redefine modern living, there is a growing demand for solutions that seamlessly combine aesthetics, innovation, and performance. Window Magic Atelier has been envisioned as a destination where architects, developers, and homeowners can experience the future of luxury fenestration firsthand. The launch of WM AURA further strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class aluminium systems to India and setting new benchmarks in the luxury segment.”

At the heart of the Atelier is WM AURA, an exclusive aluminium systems portfolio designed for luxury residences, luxury commercial developments, and iconic architectural projects. Engineered with precision and crafted for performance, the range features sleek sliding systems, expansive glass façades, minimalist aesthetics, and superior thermal and acoustic performance, enabling modern spaces to seamlessly integrate light, openness, and sophistication.

Sensex, Nifty End Higher on FMCG, Banking Boost

Mumbai, July 1: Indian equity benchmarks ended the trading session in positive territory, supported by strong buying interest in FMCG, banking, and realty stocks, which helped lift overall market sentiment.

The Sensex and Nifty closed higher as investors remained upbeat amid sectoral strength and selective stock-specific momentum. FMCG stocks led the gains, followed by banking and realty counters, which witnessed steady accumulation throughout the session.

Market participants said optimism in domestic demand-driven sectors, along with improved investor sentiment, contributed to the positive close. Broader markets also reflected a stable trend, indicating sustained participation across segments.

Analysts noted that the upward movement was driven largely by sector rotation, with investors focusing on fundamentally strong companies in key consumption and financial sectors.

Overall, the session reflected resilient market sentiment, with benchmark indices managing to end the day on a firm note despite global uncertainties.

Capital raising becomes more demanding for private equity fund managers

July 01: Raising capital has become more demanding for private equity fund managers, with increased due diligence requirements and regulatory uncertainty now the biggest barriers in the market, new research* from Ocorian, a leading U.S. and global asset services provider, shows. 

 The study of 300 senior executives at private equity fund managers across the U.S. and Europe, whose firms manage a combined $3.511 trillion in assets, found that 62% say raising capital has become slightly more difficult in 2026 compared with 2025. However, the picture is not uniformly negative: 32% say fundraising has become slightly easier, while 5% report no change.

 The findings suggest that the capital-raising environment is becoming more selective rather than simply more constrained. More than half of respondents – 51% – say investors are increasing the number of specialised managers they allocate to, while 42% say investors are maintaining stable manager relationships. Just 5% say investors are consolidating with fewer managers.

 When asked about the biggest barriers to raising capital, 63% of managers cited increased due diligence requirements, making it the most common challenge. Regulatory uncertainty was cited by 57%, followed by overallocation constraints at 48% and LP reallocation away from alternatives at 38%.

 The research also shows that valuation methodologies have become the most prominent risk area in investor due diligence. More than half of respondents – 51% – identified valuation methodology as the area now receiving the greatest scrutiny, ahead of leverage and financing risk at 34%.

 ESG remains part of the investor conversation, but its role appears to be changing. Nearly two-thirds of managers — 65% — say ESG is now primarily a reporting and compliance focus, while 28% say it remains important for certain investor segments.

Looking ahead, managers expect to increase allocations across a range of private market strategies over the next three years. Venture capital was the most commonly selected strategy, cited by 58% of respondents, followed by growth equity at 51% and private credit/direct lending at 49%. Renewable energy was selected by 39% and infrastructure excluding renewables by 38%.

 Richard Hansford, Head of EMEA Fund Sales – Global Funds at Ocorian, said: “The capital-raising environment for private equity managers is not simply tightening — it is becoming more selective, more evidence-led and more operationally demanding.

 “While most managers say raising capital has become slightly more difficult this year, a significant minority are finding conditions easier. That points to a market where investors are still allocating, but with greater scrutiny over manager selection, due diligence standards and the operational infrastructure behind each fund.

 “One of the clearest findings is the growing importance of valuation methodology in investor due diligence. This is now distinct from leverage and financing risk, and it underlines the need for managers to demonstrate robust valuation processes, transparent reporting and specialist operational support as they compete for capital.”