McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD) shares closed at $328.06 on March 6, 2026, up $0.61 or 0.19% from the previous day’s finish of $327.45, reflecting modest gains as investors digested the fast-food giant’s recent dividend declaration and ongoing focus on value offerings in a challenging consumer environment.

The stock opened at $326.29 and traded in a range of $321.32 to $328.33 during the session, with volume around 3.34 million shares. After-hours trading pushed the price to approximately $329.33, up an additional 0.39%. The performance came amid broader market volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs, but McDonald’s defensive qualities as a consumer staple provided relative stability.

Year-to-date in 2026, MCD has risen about 7-8%, trading near the upper end of its 52-week range of $283.47 to $341.75 (hit in early March). The stock peaked near $341.75 on March 2 before pulling back slightly, yet remains well above its low from mid-2025. Market capitalization stands at roughly $233 billion, underscoring McDonald’s position as one of the most valuable restaurant operators globally.

The recent uptick follows McDonald’s declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of $1.86 per share, payable March 17, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 3. The ex-dividend date was March 3, and the payout aligns with the company’s consistent shareholder returns, offering a forward yield around 2.2%. This marks another step in McDonald’s long history of dividend growth, appealing to income-focused investors amid economic uncertainty.

Analysts remain largely bullish on MCD. Recent upgrades and price target increases reflect confidence in the company’s value strategy. Tigress Financial raised its target to $385 from $360, while KeyBanc lifted theirs to $354 from $340, citing effective execution of promotions and marketing. Other firms like Jefferies ($375), Truist ($370) and BTIG ($370) have also boosted targets post-Q4 results, emphasizing digital investments, new product launches and resilience in low-income consumer segments.

McDonald’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings, released February 11, 2026, provided the foundation for this optimism. The company reported adjusted EPS of $3.12, beating estimates of $3.05, with revenue up 10% to $7.01 billion against forecasts of $6.81 billion. Global comparable sales rose 5.7%, surpassing expectations of 3.7%, driven by positive guest counts and strong performance across segments. U.S. same-store sales benefited from value meals and promotions that attracted budget-conscious diners facing inflationary pressures.

Executives described 2026 as off to a solid start, though they cautioned that first-quarter comparable sales growth would moderate compared to Q4’s robust gains, partly due to weather impacts and tough year-over-year comparisons. For the full year, McDonald’s plans to open about 2,600 new restaurants (including 750 in developed markets and licensed units), targeting 4.5% unit growth and 2.5% systemwide sales increase excluding currency effects. Capital expenditures are projected at $3.7 billion to $3.9 billion, supporting expansion in high-growth areas like China.

The value push has proven effective in a “challenging environment,” as noted in earnings commentary. Meal deals and marketing have helped offset softer traffic among lower-income consumers, with executives expecting similar dynamics through 2026. International markets, including Australia and Britain, showed resilience, contributing to the global sales beat.

Despite the positive momentum, some analysts highlight valuation concerns. A discounted cash flow analysis suggested the stock trades at a premium, potentially overvalued by nearly 39% relative to certain models. Others point to risks from persistent consumer caution, competition in the quick-service sector and macroeconomic factors like inflation or energy-driven cost increases.

Options activity and broader sentiment indicate steady interest in MCD as a defensive play. The stock’s beta remains low, making it less volatile than the broader market during periods of uncertainty, such as the current Middle East tensions affecting oil prices.

Looking ahead, investors await the next earnings report, expected around late April 2026 for the first quarter. Analysts forecast EPS around $2.75-$2.77, with focus on whether value initiatives sustain momentum and if international expansion delivers on promises.

McDonald’s continues to blend its iconic brand strength with adaptive strategies, positioning it well for steady performance in uncertain times. As consumers prioritize affordability, the company’s ability to deliver consistent value while expanding globally underpins its appeal as a long-term holding in consumer discretionary portfolios.

With shares hovering near recent highs and supported by reliable dividends and analyst upgrades, MCD’s trajectory in March 2026 reflects resilience amid broader market headwinds.

Israeli airstrikes targeted fuel storage facilities in and around Tehran late Saturday, March 7, 2026, igniting massive fires at oil depots and marking the first direct attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure since the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran began on February 28. The strikes escalated the conflict into its second week, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promising “many surprises” in the coming phase as both sides traded blows across the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed responsibility for hitting “several fuel storage complexes” affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Iranian capital. Footage from social media and verified by outlets including CNN and Al Jazeera showed towering flames and thick black smoke rising over northeastern and western Tehran, including the Shahran oil depot on the city’s outskirts. Burning oil reportedly spilled into drainage systems, creating rivers of fire along streets like Koohsar Boulevard and prompting emergency responses from Iranian firefighters.

The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company acknowledged attacks on depots in Tehran and Alborz provinces, reporting fires contained but no immediate casualty figures released. The IDF described the targets as military-linked fuel sites used to support Iran’s armed forces, part of a broader effort to degrade Tehran’s retaliatory capabilities after earlier waves focused on missile bases, nuclear-related facilities and leadership compounds.

Netanyahu addressed the nation amid the strikes, vowing intensified operations. “We will deliver many surprises in the next phase,” he said, according to reports from Dubai and Jerusalem. The comments followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post warning that “today Iran will be hit very hard,” rejecting any deal short of unconditional surrender.

Iran responded swiftly. The IRGC announced strikes on Israel’s Haifa oil refinery using Khaibar Shekan ballistic missiles, with videos showing smoke and flames at the facility, Israel’s largest operated by the Bazan Group. Sirens blared across northern Israel as the attack targeted critical energy infrastructure in retaliation. Iranian officials claimed the Haifa hit caused significant damage, though Israeli authorities reported containment efforts underway without confirming extent.

The tit-for-tat energy strikes highlighted the war’s expanding scope. Earlier phases saw joint U.S.-Israeli operations—dubbed Operation Roaring Lion—decimate much of Iran’s ballistic missile program, navy assets and senior leadership, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. Satellite imagery confirmed damage to missile bases in provinces like Esfahan, Yazd and Hormozgan, with the International Atomic Energy Agency noting limited impacts on nuclear sites such as Natanz entrances but no major radiological effects.

Iran’s retaliatory barrages have hit Gulf neighbors, including a drone strike on a Bahraini water desalination plant and missiles intercepted over Saudi Arabia. In Kuwait, a government building caught fire amid reported Iranian drone activity, killing two. Hezbollah, Iran’s key proxy, claimed attacks on Israeli positions in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, urging evacuations south of the border. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected calls for northern residents to flee, stating reinforced units would prevent displacement.

The conflict has disrupted regional shipping, with threats to the Strait of Hormuz raising global oil prices. Analysts warn prolonged attacks on energy assets could push crude toward $150 per barrel, exacerbating inflation and straining economies worldwide. The BBC examined potential spikes in food and fuel costs due to disrupted Gulf routes and production halts.

As of March 8, 2026, the war shows no signs of de-escalation. U.S. and Israeli forces maintain air superiority over Tehran, conducting “continuous powerful strikes” with direct overflights rather than standoff munitions. Iran claims hundreds of U.S. casualties in counterstrikes on bases like Al Dhafra in the UAE and Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, though unverified.

Regional spillover grows. Lebanon faces intensified Israeli operations against Hezbollah, displacing hundreds of thousands. IRGC officers reportedly flee Beirut amid pressure. Gulf states express reluctance to deepen involvement, with Riyadh intercepting Iranian projectiles.

Netanyahu’s “surprises” pledge suggests further escalation targeting remaining Iranian capabilities. Trump reiterated no negotiations absent surrender, framing the campaign as dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile threats.

The war, now in its ninth day, has reshaped Middle East dynamics. With energy infrastructure in crosshairs and proxies active, risks of broader confrontation rise. International calls for restraint persist, but military momentum favors continued operations as both sides dig in.

Global markets monitor closely, with oil volatility and supply fears dominating headlines. As strikes light up nights in Tehran and Haifa, the path to resolution remains elusive amid vows of intensified action.

Kalshi and Polymarket, the two dominant prediction-market companies, have been racing to sign up users. Now both platforms are talking to investors about raising money at around the same eye-popping valuation: $20 billion.

Kalshi and Polymarket have each recently had discussions with potential backers about fundraising rounds that would value them near that figure, according to people familiar with the matter. Both were last valued at around half that late last year.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Indian equities are likely to open sharply lower on Monday after a turbulent end to the week for global markets, with crude oil prices surging, US stocks falling, and the GIFT Nifty indicating a steep decline at the start of trading. Early signals suggest a negative opening as GIFT Nifty was down nearly 300 points, pointing to a weak start for benchmark indices when trading begins on Dalal Street.

The negative cues follow a sharp selloff on Wall Street on Friday, where all three major US indexes closed lower amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns about the health of the American economy.

The Dow Jones fell nearly 1%, posting its steepest weekly decline since April 2025. The S&P 500 dropped 1.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite slid 1.6%. US markets were unsettled by a disappointing US payrolls report that raised fresh concerns about a cooling labour market at a time when rising energy prices threaten to revive inflation pressures.

The bigger shock, however, came from oil markets.

Crude prices jumped sharply after the United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran, escalating the conflict in the region and raising fears of prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil trade, was halted amid the tensions.

US crude futures surged more than 12% to above $90 per barrel on Friday, while Brent crude climbed about 8.5% to around $92. Analysts warn that prices could climb further if the conflict intensifies, with some forecasts pointing to oil potentially moving toward the $100 per barrel mark or higher.
Higher oil prices pose a direct risk to India’s markets and economy, given the country’s heavy dependence on imported crude. Rising energy costs tend to push up inflation, widen the current account deficit and pressure corporate margins across several sectors.The global risk-off mood had already weighed heavily on Indian equities last week.

Benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, fell nearly 3% each during the week, marking their biggest weekly drop in more than a year. The selling was widespread, with 41 of the 50 Nifty stocks ending the week in the red, highlighting the broad-based pressure across sectors.

Financial stocks were among the biggest losers as investors reduced exposure to risk assets amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.

The market’s weakness was also reflected in trading patterns through the week. Out of four sessions, the market declined on three sessions and managed to close higher only once, underscoring the cautious sentiment among investors.

Foreign institutional investors selling and a weakening rupee added to the pressure.

Although the market attempted a brief recovery on Thursday, supported by bargain hunting and slightly improved global cues, the rebound was short-lived. Selling resumed in the final trading session as crude prices surged further and global uncertainty intensified.

Technical indicators now suggest that the market is entering a period of heightened volatility.

Pravesh Gour, senior technical analyst at Swastika Investmart, said the Nifty is currently holding an important support level but remains vulnerable to further declines. “Nifty is taking support near 24,300 but remains highly volatile. On the upside, the 24,900-25,000 range is likely to act as an immediate supply zone where selling pressure could emerge if the index attempts a recovery,” Gour said.

He added that a decisive break below the 24,300 level could trigger further downside. “If the index slips below 24,300, the next important support comes near 23,800, which traders will closely monitor,” he said.

Banking stocks may also remain under pressure. According to Gour, the Bank Nifty is currently trading below its 100-day moving average but finding support near the 200-day average. The index faces immediate resistance near the 59,000-59,500 zone, while a break below 57,500 could extend the decline toward 56,700.

Looking ahead, analysts say the direction of equities will largely depend on three key factors: developments in the Middle East conflict, movements in crude oil prices, and foreign investor flows.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

Indian equity markets extended their decline following the prior session’s relief rally, as escalating US-Iran tensions disrupted key Middle Eastern oil and gas supplies, driving crude prices higher. Analysts say a sustained rise in oil prices could weigh on investor sentiment and adversely affect India’s twin deficits, inflation trajectory, and the RBI’s monetary stance. An uptick in the US 10‑year bond yield and a stronger dollar have prompted FIIs to adopt a risk‑off approach toward domestic equities.

Here’s how analysts read the market pulse:

“While geopolitical tensions remain a near‑term overhang, selective value‑buying opportunities are expected to emerge, offering long‑term investors attractive entry points,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments.

European Markets

European stocks slipped on Friday as the US-Iran war drove fresh concerns about oil supplies, prompting traders to rethink their expectations for central bank rate cuts. Europe’s STOXX 600 index dipped ⁠0.15% in ⁠choppy trading, undoing an earlier rise of almost 0.5% as oil prices appeared to stabilise.

Tech View

The broader structure remains weak, and any pullback is likely to attract selling pressure. Momentum indicators and oscillators remain in sell mode on both the daily and weekly charts. Meanwhile, India VIX surged another 11% to close near the 20 level. Any further rise in volatility could intensify the downside risks.

Most active stocks in terms of turnover

Mazagon Dock (Rs 3,155 crore), ICICI Bank (Rs 3,013), HDFC Bank (Rs 2,970 crore), RIL (Rs 2,729 crore), LT Foods (Rs 2,436 crore), SBI (Rs 2,345 crore) and Commercial Engineering (Rs 2,207 crore) were among the most active stocks on BSE in value terms. Higher activity in a counter in value terms can help identify the counters with the highest trading turnovers in the day.

Most active stocks in volume terms

Vodafone Idea (Traded shares: 45,08,40,141), Commercial Engineering (Traded shares: 7,59,37,223), Ircon International (Traded shares: 6,71,15,792), Suzlon Energy (Traded shares: 6,30,58,597), YES Bank (Traded shares: 6,15,93,487), LT Foods (Traded shares: 5,63,52,435) and Reliance Power (Traded shares: 5,06,62,050) were among the most actively traded stocks in volume terms on BSE.

Stocks showing buying interest

Commercial Engineering, Kirloskar Bros, Ircon International, Radico Khaitan, United Breweries, Bharat Dynamics and Aegis Vopak were among the stocks that witnessed strong buying interest from market participants.

52 Week high

Among the ones that hit their 52-week highs were MRPL, Data Patterns, Kirloskar Oil, ABB Power, BEL and Astra Poly Tech.

Stocks seeing selling pressure

Among the names which witnessed significant selling pressure were LT Foods, Tejas Networks, Vedant Fashions, Godrej Properties, Mahanagar Gas, Ashok Leyland and Suven Pharma.

Sentiment meter favours bears

Out of the 4,374 stocks that traded on the BSE on Friday, March 6, 1,812 stocks witnessed advances, 2,396 saw declines, while 166 stocks remained unchanged.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

A looming “silver tsunami” of retiring baby boomer business owners could dramatically reshape America’s small-business landscape.

Nearly half of U.S. small-business owners are 55 or older, yet just 54% have a succession plan in place — setting the stage for a potential retirement shock that could leave many companies vulnerable over the next decade, according to Forbes.

The stakes are high. Small businesses employ more than 62 million Americans and account for roughly 43% of U.S. GDP, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

If a significant share of those businesses close instead of transitioning to new leadership, communities nationwide could feel the effects, American Operator Founder William Fry told FOX Business.

PAYCHECKS KEEP RISING FOR AMERICAN WORKERS, PROVIDING BOOST TO HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS

“They’re huge creators of wealth, and in my opinion, they’re the most pure version of the American Dream — you come to this country, and you can build a better life for yourself,” Fry told FOX Business.

Many owners have spent decades building their businesses on relationships and reputation, making succession decisions deeply personal.

After 12 years growing a painting company in Jackson, Wyoming, husband-and-wife team Erik and Kassie Hansen began considering their next chapter at Greenway Painting — whether to sell the business or step away entirely.

By 2024, 90% of the company’s revenue came from commercial clients, and 85% came from repeat customers, a testament to the loyalty they had cultivated.

“All of our clients are very important,” Erik Hansen told FOX Business. “Especially in a small town, they are like friends or family when you work with them for years and years. You want to make sure they get well taken care of. That’s important.”

SELF-DEFENSE COMPANY FINDS MAJOR BENEFITS AFTER MOVING MANUFACTURING FROM OVERSEAS TO US

Companies like American Operator aim to bridge the succession gap by pairing retiring owners with operators ready to take the reins.

In Greenway’s case, that operator was Anthony Douglas, a former U.S. Air Force Combat Controller who previously founded and scaled his own painting company in Tucson, Arizona.

“One of the reasons why I was attracted to Greenway Painting was that it was a relational business,” Douglas told FOX Business. “Greenway was pretty successful without having any advertising or marketing.”

In October 2025, Douglas became CEO and a day-one equity partner, acquiring a 10% stake with a structured path toward majority ownership over time.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS REMAIN ‘CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC’ HEADING INTO 2026 AMID RISING COSTS, LABOR CHALLENGES

He relocated to Jackson from Tucson to lead the company, focusing on preserving customer trust while gradually putting his own stamp on operations.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

For companies like American Operator, the coming wave of retirements also represents an opportunity to preserve local businesses that form the backbone of the American economy. 

“To open this opportunity to all that answer the call of ownership, and to let everyday Americans share in the upside, we are working towards building America’s small business stock,” its website states. “Our goal is a public offering that allows millions of Americans to have a stake in the American Dream.”

As spring approaches in 2026, pop superstar Taylor Swift continues to command global attention, with recent reports centering on her upcoming wedding to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, ongoing promotion of her latest album and lingering fan theories about future music and tours.

Multiple entertainment outlets reported March 1 that Swift and Kelce have finalized a wedding date of June 13, 2026. The couple, who began dating in the summer of 2023 and announced their engagement privately in late 2025, reportedly selected the mid-June Saturday for what sources describe as a large but intimate ceremony. Details remain closely guarded, but insiders suggest heightened security measures described as “military-level precise” to ensure privacy amid intense public interest.

The wedding planning comes after Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour concluded in 2024, followed by the release of her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” in October 2025. The upbeat project has generated mixed but widespread discussion, with Swift addressing criticism in recent interviews by noting that any conversation—positive or negative—ultimately benefits her visibility and career.

In a wide-ranging appearance on the “New Heights” podcast hosted by Kelce and his brother Jason, Swift discussed the album’s creation and shared playful moments, including reading a romantic letter Kelce wrote her during the tour’s final stretch. The Disney+ docuseries “The End of an Era,” which chronicled the tour’s closing nights, featured the note and other personal insights, delighting fans with behind-the-scenes glimpses into the couple’s relationship.

Friendships remain a prominent theme in Swift’s orbit. On March 4, Selena Gomez shared details of a handmade gift Swift created for her 30th birthday—a stunning painting on cloth that Gomez called one of the “best” she’s ever seen and the “sweetest” present received. Gomez has also confirmed that several Swift songs, including an unreleased track, draw inspiration from their long-standing friendship. The revelation sparked excitement among fans speculating about potential future collaborations or a long-rumored “family” themed song.

Swift’s personal life intersected with sports headlines when Kelce’s casual chat with Kai Trump drew reactions from self-described Swifties, including influencer Bronwin Aurora. Meanwhile, Kelce faces retirement decisions with the Chiefs, with friends expressing confidence in his next move. Swift was absent from Super Bowl LX in February 2026, where Kelce attended pre-game events and the game itself without her, marking a departure from her visible support during previous seasons.

Professionally, Swift continues promoting “The Life of a Showgirl.” She shared a makeup-free behind-the-scenes video for the “Opalite” music video, featuring producer Shellback and ’90s-inspired aesthetics starring actor Domhnall Gleeson. Swift later revealed Easter eggs in the clip, fueling fan decoding sessions typical of her releases.

Speculation persists about 2026 projects. While Swift has not confirmed a new tour, sources indicate “ideas percolating” for a potential “Life of a Showgirl” run, building on her positive Eras Tour experience. The 20th anniversary of her self-titled debut album in October 2026 has prompted predictions of special releases, possibly including vault tracks from “Reputation” or a reimagined edition. Fans also watch for hints of a 13th studio album, with some theorizing ties to personal milestones like her wedding.

In legal and business news, Swift successfully resolved a trademark dispute in February when a bedding company withdrew its “Swift Home” application after her appeal to the U.S. Patent Office. The move underscored her ongoing efforts to protect her brand.

Philanthropy and cultural impact remain strong. Swift sent a message to 2026 Olympics athletes, particularly women’s figure skating team members, and was linked to Team USA initiatives. A defaced mural in her honor sparked backlash over environmental concerns related to tour emissions, though the artist expressed devastation.

Older headlines linger, including resolved plots against her concerts and fake ticket scams, but Swift’s focus appears forward-looking. As June approaches, anticipation builds for what could be one of the year’s most talked-about events.

Swift’s influence extends beyond music. Her fashion choices, like a $13,000 designer outfit worn on a recent New York City date with Kelce, and rare public outings continue to trend. Even non-music moments, such as her playful “wood” lyric reference on a podcast, generate laughs and headlines.

With the wedding date set and album promotion rolling, Taylor Swift’s 2026 story blends romance, creativity and enduring stardom. Fans and observers alike await the next chapter in what remains one of entertainment’s most captivating narratives.

Singaporeans leaving Dubai amid the Middle East crisis began their journey with a bus ride to Muscat, Oman, to catch the country’s first repatriation flight from the region, arriving at Changi on March 7. They shared their experiences of the transit and the challenges faced during this evacuation.

---

Briefing and Routine

The event started with a briefing, where about 80 people gathered, including couples, singles, older family members like uncles and aunts, mostly Singaporeans living in Dubai. The atmosphere was calm and organized, with refreshments provided on the bus. Participants appeared tired but prepared, as they were asked to arrive early at 6:30 a.m. after a light breakfast and a short briefing, everyone seemed to be ready for the day ahead.

Observations and Environment

The group noted that since the initial attack, the key areas affected in Dubai included landmarks such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and the Burj Khalifa. Despite the unsettling circumstances, the weather was beautiful, and the overall atmosphere remained calm. The event’s organization was efficient, starting from the hotel to the transportation, which contributed to a sense of order amid uncertainty.

Personal Feelings and Safety

The individual expressed a sense of reassurance, feeling that the situation was under control due to the well-organized arrangements. While the times are unsettling and unprecedented for most, the experience so far has been smooth and professional. The general sentiment reflected confidence in the safety measures and the preparation involved in managing the events, providing a reassuring perspective during a tense period.

source

Other People are Reading