Fast food giants are feeling the heat as consumers tighten their wallets, global uncertainty rattles expansion plans, and the health-conscious wave continues to rise. The king of consistency, McDonald’s (MCD), long symbolized by its golden arches, is not shining quite as bright lately.
Earlier in June, Morgan Stanley downgraded the fast-food titan to “Equal Weight,” flagging that most near-term gains are baked in while long-term headwinds loom large. The investment bank trimmed the price target to $324, citing structural pressures that could cap upside.