# The K-shaped economy refers to a divide in spending patterns between higher and lower-income consumers.

*business · news · 2026-05-08 · Business Insider*

## Key points

- McDonald's CEO reports the economic divide between income groups is not improving, possibly worsening.
- Lower-income consumer spending at McDonald's continues to decline, though less steeply than last year.
- Inflation and rising gas prices are disproportionately reducing lower-income customer visits and spending.
- McDonald's is expanding both value menu options and premium product offerings to target both income segments.
- Despite a 3.8% global sales increase, McDonald's stock has declined about 7% year-to-date.

**Companies:** McDonald's
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-ceo-chris-kempczinski-bad-news-k-shaped-economy-2026-5)

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