McDonald’s reported a better-than-expected rise in January sales at established restaurants across the globe, as strength in the US helped offset the impact of economic weakness in Europe.

The world’s biggest hamburger chain said today that sales at restaurants open at least 13 months rose 6.7 per cent globally. Analysts had been looking for an increase of 5.9 per cent. Europe turned in a same-restaurant sales increase of 4 per cent, below the 4.6 per cent rise analysts had forecast.

Europe accounts for 40 per cent of McDonald’s revenue and has been struggling with debt woes and demand-denting austerity measures in some countries. – (Reuters)