Filet Mignon or Filet-o-Fish? McDonald’s Strategy for Attracting Wealthier Customers
Date: February 12, 2026 | Time: 01:41 PM EST
Despite economic shifts, affluent consumers are still frequenting drive-thrus, and McDonald’s aims to retain this customer base.
As higher-income individuals begin opting for more affordable dining options, cutting back on full-service restaurants in favor of fast-food chains like McDonald’s, this trend has gained traction in recent years. McDonald’s is keen to maintain its appeal among these customers.
CEO Chris Kempczinski mentioned during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call that they plan on introducing menu innovations that specifically attract wealthier diners. He noted a strong bump in traffic from upper-income consumers, predicting mid-single-digit growth in this segment for the upcoming year.
Overall, McDonald’s is observing significant competitive advantages as it captures a larger share of high earners, with traffic nearly increasing by double digits across the industry, signaling a positive outlook for the fast-food giant.
Cisco Stock Declines Despite Surpassing Earnings Expectations
Date: February 12, 2026 | Time: 12:24 PM EST
Following its fiscal second-quarter report that exceeded analyst estimates, Cisco Systems’ stock experienced a significant drop of over 10%. The decline follows concerns regarding rising memory costs impacting profit margins.
While Cisco reported revenues and earnings that were better than anticipated, its adjusted gross margin fell from the previous year. CEO Chuck Robbins noted steps are being taken to mitigate the influence of increasing memory costs, including price hikes and renegotiating contracts.
Gas Prices Remain Close to 4-Year Lows
Date: February 12, 2026 | Time: 11:44 AM EST
The average price of regular gasoline is at its lowest point since spring 2021, now hovering around $2.90 per gallon. This is a result of a consistent dip that began weeks ago when prices fell to $2.78.
This marks the first time the national average has stayed below $3 per gallon for an extended period since May 2021, contrasting sharply with the price hikes of summer 2022.
Budweiser Owner’s Stock Rises After Strong Earnings Report
Date: February 12, 2026 | Time: 11:20 AM EST
Anheuser-Busch InBev’s shares surged by 5% following the release of its fourth-quarter results that exceeded expectations, boosted by strong sales from notable sporting events.
The company reported revenue of $15.55 billion and beat analyst forecasts significantly. Anheuser-Busch highlighted its unique positioning regarding advertising during major sports events as a key driver of consumer engagement.
Tips for Effective Mortgage Rate Shopping
Date: February 12, 2026 | Time: 10:43 AM EST
Mortgage rate shopping isn’t as straightforward as it seems; simply comparing quotes often misses vital cost considerations like underwriting fees and points. To simplify comparisons, consider seeking a “no-cost” mortgage quote that includes all costs in the interest rate.
This tact helps normalize offers across lenders, and you can directly compare rates without worrying about additional upfront payments.
Novocure Shares Surge Following FDA Approval
Date: February 12, 2026 | Time: 07:58 AM EST
Novocure’s shares skyrocketed by 25% after receiving FDA approval for its Optune Pax treatment for pancreatic cancer, marking the first new treatment in nearly three decades.
This wearable device utilizes Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) to disrupt cancer cell growth, presenting a fundamentally new approach to treating pancreatic tumors.
