McDonald’s sees monthly sales rise

Consumers hungry for cheap meals boosted worldwide sales at McDonald’s Corp.’s established locations by 7.7% in November, more proof of how the fast-food leader is thriving in a downturn that has eaten into sales at its competitors.

Even recession-weary consumers in the U.S. were enticed by the Golden Arches during the month. U.S. same-store sales -- or sales at locations open at least a year -- increased 4.5% from the same month a year earlier, the company said.

The Oak Brook, Ill.-based chain said the increase came from strong sales of breakfast items, chicken sandwiches and the chain’s value menu options.