McDonalds

McDonald's same-store sales fell in October due to lower global demand, increasing competition and gains by “higher end” fast food chains.

Now all customers will know how many calories are in that Big Mac.

The fast food giant makes a bold move in a country where about 50 percent of the people are vegetarian.

The Southern California city considers bankruptcy, after the departure or collapse of successive industries left it unable to pay for fire, police and other services.

International Olympic Committee president Jacque Rogge is in a sticky spot. Asked whether he sees any problem with having McDonald's and Coke sponsor the world's biggest exposition of physical fitness, he admitted there could be issues with it.

McDonald's said today its profits were up 7 percent last quarter, thanks to a 9 percent rise in U.S. restaurant sales and a 5 percent boost in Europe. Also General Electric reported an 11 percent drop in profit during the first three months of the year.

McDonald's hopes to boost sales by expanding its options for value-conscious customers, including a new "Extra Value Menu."

The American economy seems to be moving along at a healthy clip, from jobs to hamburgers.

Like any company with more than 30,000 locations, McDonald's sales figures give us a snapshot of the global economy.

The Dow’s best- and worst-performing stocks of 2011.