McDonald's has said that profits in the second quarter fell 2 cents a share as the fast food chain absorbed higher operating costs.

McDonald's has reported lower comparable sales at its restaurants in April for a 14th month in a row but registered improvement in its US business, helped by its new salads.

McDonald’s Corporation reported lower comparable sales at its worldwide restaurants in April for a 14th month in a row today but registered improvement in its US business for the first time in over a year, helped by its new salads.

McDonald’s Corporation had its corporate credit ratings downgraded by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, which cited tough domestic competition, a fast-food industry slump and sluggish growth overseas.

YOU don’t normally associate low fat yoghurts, salads, orange juice and mineral water with burger chain McDonald’s, but from next month all of these items will be available from your nearest Golden Arches outlet.