McDonald's global sales post surprise drop

NEW YORK, May 04 (Reuters): McDonald's posted a surprise drop in first-quarter global comparable sales on Thursday, as demand from cash-strapped diners in the US and Europe faltered on uncertainty sparked by chaotic tariffs. The world's largest fast-food chain is navigating the "toughest of market conditions", CEO Chris Kempczinski said as restaurant visits by lower- and middle-income customers fell in double-digit range from last year. The results echoed warnings from restaurant operators Domino's Pizza , Chipotle Mexican Grill and Starbucks that Americans were spending less to dine out as inflation.