McDonald’s reaps benefits of recession as sales rise

McDonald’s Corp. post­ed higher sales yesterday but warned that the stronger U.S. dollar and higher commodity costs may take some of the meat out of its first-quarter sales and profit.

America’s No. 1 hamburger chain said quarterly sales will likely be off by at least $600 million US.

McDonald’s has benefited from people’s desire to save money as the recession has deepened. More consumers appear to be visiting fast-food chains instead of pricier sit-down restaurants.