McDonald's to report Q2 earnings as budget-conscious consumers remain under stress

McDonald's is set to release its Q2 earnings, with analysts expecting a decline in global same-store sales growth compared to the previous quarter due to continued strain on low-income consumers and other market challenges. Despite this, U.S. comparable sales are anticipated to grow for the fifth consecutive quarter. The company's stock has underperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date, and analysts suggest this quarter might mark a "low-water mark" before potential new initiatives are announced.