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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

McDonald’s under pressure as same-store sales tumble amid Covid-19

The fast food company reported that same-store sales in March fell by 22% after having to close its restaurants amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

S&P 500 Source: Bloomberg

McDonald's told investors on Wednesday that global same-store sales fell 22% in March due to the coronavirus pandemic forcing the company to close its restaurants.

The fast food company also said that global same-store sales declined by 3.4% in its first quarter (Q1) - far exceeding the 0.91% drop in Q1 that analysts had expected, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

McDonald’s secured $6.5 billion of new financing during the quarter.

McDonald’s shares are trading marginally higher in early morning trading on Wednesday at $175.78 a share as of 16:00 (GMT).

McDonald’s withdraws 2020 outlook

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Big Mac maker opted to withdraw its 2020 outlook and long-term forecast that it issued in February.

In its previous guidance, the company said it expected earnings per share growth in the high-single digits and sales growth of between 3% - 5%.

McDonald’s had planned on spending around $2.4 billion in 2020, but that figure has been reduced to $1.4 billion, with the company no longer pushing ahead with restaurant renovations and global expansion efforts amid the challenging market conditions.

How to trade retail stocks

Looking to trade McDonald’s and other retail stocks? Open a live or demo account with IG and buy (long) or sell (short) the asset using derivatives like CFDs and spread bets in a few easy steps:

  • Create an IG Trading Account or log in to your existing account

  • Enter ‘McDonald’s’ in the search bar and select it

  • Choose your position size

  • Click on ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ in the deal ticket

  • Confirm the trade

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