New York, February 1, 2026, 15:31 EST — Market closed
- McDonald’s shares closed Friday just under $315, slipping roughly 0.2% before Monday’s reopening.
- Friday’s U.S. jobs report and the upcoming wave of earnings updates have traders queuing up.
- McDonald’s quarterly report is coming up soon, with investors focused on potential changes in customer traffic and pricing.
McDonald’s (MCD) closed Friday at $315.00, slipping roughly 0.2%, after fluctuating between $311.60 and $315.90 throughout the session. Trading volume hit around 3 million shares.
U.S. markets are closed Sunday, so all eyes shift to Monday’s open. The stock has stayed steady, yet the coming week is packed with key earnings reports and market-moving data.
Friday’s U.S. jobs report is shaping up as the key test for investors. Jim Baird of Plante Moran Financial Advisors pointed out that the pressure is on to meet high expectations, warning that stocks could take a hit if the numbers fall short. Michael Reynolds from Glenmede added that this round of data might carry “more importance than usual.” (Reuters)
Restaurant stocks showed a mixed picture on Friday. Starbucks (SBUX) dropped roughly 2%, Restaurant Brands International (QSR) slipped close to 0.7%, and Yum Brands (YUM) stayed mostly flat. The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) didn’t budge, while the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) edged down about 0.4%.
McDonald’s next major event is its quarterly earnings report, scheduled for Feb. 11 before the U.S. market opens, according to Nasdaq. (Nasdaq)
When earnings drop, investors zero in on comparable sales — those from restaurants open at least a year — along with changes in traffic, price mix, and franchise margins. The takeaway on consumer demand is key, even if the stock behaves like a more stable slice of consumer spending.
First up is the macro data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its January Employment Situation report on Feb. 6 at 8:30 a.m. ET. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
That report can quickly shift rate expectations and often impacts consumer stocks. McDonald’s typically acts as a defensive play during market jitters, yet wages, food inflation, and consumer sentiment still surface in its results.
The downside is clear. If McDonald’s signals weaker demand or ramps up discounting to draw in customers, the current calm around the stock could vanish fast, particularly as earnings approach.
U.S. equity markets reopen Monday. Ahead, the Feb. 6 jobs report will draw attention, followed by McDonald’s anticipated update later in the month.
