NEW YORK, Jan 25, 2026, 14:32 EST — Markets have shut down for the day.
- McDonald’s shares closed Friday 1.05% higher at $309.25.
- On Jan. 27, the company will launch a limited-time Hot Honey Sauce lineup in the U.S.
- As the Fed prepares to announce its decision, traders also eye McDonald’s earnings report due in early February.
McDonald’s Corp shares climbed 1.05%, settling at $309.25 Friday, the final session before U.S. markets closed for the weekend. Attention shifts back Monday when trading restarts, with rate outlooks and consumer demand cues taking center stage.
McDonald’s finds itself caught between two key debates among investors: the duration of consumer spending on small “treat” buys, and the impact of persistently high interest rates squeezing foot traffic at quick-service restaurants.
McDonald’s plans to roll out a limited-time Hot Honey Sauce at select U.S. locations starting Jan. 27, accompanied by a small menu centered on the new flavor. (McDonald’s Corporation)
Menu launches like this tend to register modestly in dollar terms, yet they’re closely monitored as a barometer for traffic and mix—essentially, who’s coming in and what they’re ordering—before the next earnings report. McDonald’s is rolling out its Hot Honey dip cup as a limited-time offer, touting it at 50 calories. (McDonald’s)
Friday’s gains pushed McDonald’s stock to a third straight day of advances. Yet, it still trades about 5% shy of its 52-week peak. Volume was lighter than usual, amid a mixed market backdrop as the Dow dipped and the S&P 500 held steady, according to MarketWatch data. (MarketWatch)
In that session, peers showed mixed results. Starbucks gained ground more strongly than McDonald’s, while Yum Brands dipped. This highlights how investors remain selective within restaurant and consumer stocks instead of buying the sector wholesale.
The key macro event ahead is the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting scheduled for Jan. 27–28, as per the central bank’s calendar. The Fed will announce its decision and hold a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 28 — a move that could shake up equity sectors linked to consumer spending. (Federal Reserve)
Data due this week could ramp up pressure. Durable goods orders, consumer confidence numbers, jobless claims, and producer-price reports are all set to drop. Investors will be scanning for hints that inflation might be picking up again or that the labor market is cooling off quicker than anticipated. (Kiplinger)
McDonald’s next major event is its earnings report. Nasdaq’s earnings calendar shows the company is slated to announce on Feb. 11, before markets open, though McDonald’s hasn’t officially confirmed that date. (Nasdaq)
But here’s the risk: if the Fed catches markets off guard or the data ends up hotter than forecast, rate-sensitive consumer stocks could take a hit fast. On top of that, if value wars intensify or menu updates don’t boost foot traffic, what seemed like a steady tale could quickly shift into a margin squeeze.
Traders will focus on Monday’s reopening, Tuesday’s U.S. debut of the Hot Honey lineup, and Wednesday’s Fed announcement. Following that, eyes turn to McDonald’s anticipated early-February earnings report.
