NASDAQ:HCAI 30 April 2026

April 30, 2026, 11:22 AM EDT. Shares in major Australian fast food companies including Domino's Pizza, Collins Foods (KFC operator), and Retail Food Group plunged over 10% amid soaring living costs, notably rising fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions. Consumer confidence in Australia has hit lows not seen since the early pandemic, pressured by inflation hitting 4.6% and increased mortgage costs. Market strategist Lochlan Halloway says fast food, seen as discretionary spending, faces demand cuts alongside rising operational expenses, squeezing earnings outlooks. The downturn underscores growing investor worries that consumers are scaling back on takeaway, despite a steady broader ASX performance.