Foreign Sales Keep McDonald's Above Water In Oct.

MAE ANDERSON

NEW YORK (AP) — McDonald's Corp., the world's largest fast-food chain, said Monday that monthly sales growth edged down in October in the U.S., only the third time the monthly figures hasn't climbed in 6 1/2 years.

That was offset by stronger growth globally and the U.S. sales comparison matched McDonald's forecast. Shares rose nearly 1 percent in premarket trading.

McDonald's has experienced strong sales in the U.S. during the recession as consumers traded down to cheaper food options. However, sales in stores open at least 13 months edged down 0.1 percent in the U.S. in October, partly due to strong year-ago comparisons. Last year, sales in stores open at least one year rose 5.3 percent in the U.S. and 8.2 percent overall.

McDonald's is also facing pressure from high unemployment in the U.S., which keeps customers away during the company's breakfast and lunch hours.

Demand for Dollar Menu items, premium Angus burgers and McCafe espresso-based coffees were strong in the U.S.

Results matched McDonald's forecast last month that October results would be flat to slightly negative.