McDonald's July same-store sales rise 4.3%

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- The company said Monday that U.S. same-store sales climbed 2.6% because of new products, including McCafe espresso-based coffee.

European same-store sales surged 7.2%, helped by growth in France.

Same-store sales for Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa rose 2.1%, as strength in Australia helped offset weakness in China.

Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, are a key indicator of retailer performance because they measure growth at existing stores rather than newly opened ones.

Total sales declined 0.3% because of currency translation.

Many companies that sell their products abroad convert sales from foreign currencies back to dollars when reporting financial results. When the dollar is stronger than those currencies, it results in fewer dollars in revenue.

McDonald's results have benefited from consumers trading down to cheaper meal options amid the recession, but its second-quarter profit declined 8% because of the stronger dollar and a year-ago gain. Year-ago results also benefited from a better economy and stimulus checks, the company said.