McDonald’s posted better-than-expected sales in the first quarter but said high gas prices and consumer anxiety could dent sales this spring. McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company has been making progress bringing lower-income customers back into its stores with combo meal deals and value pricing. But he said gas prices will disproportionately impact lower-income consumers. McDonald’s global same-store sales rose 3.8% in the January-March period, which was better than Wall Street was expecting. But same-store sales slid in April. McDonald's said its revenue rose 9% to $6.52 billion in the first quarter, which also beat Wall Street's expectations

Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO Greg Abel opened the first annual meeting without Warren Buffett on stage Saturday. Abel was promoted to CEO in January. Thousands of people again attended the meeting, but the Omaha arena where the event is held was only a little over half full. The meeting began with a video tribute to Buffett that was filled with clips from the previous 60 annual meetings for the conglomerate. Buffett surprised shareholders a year ago at the end of the meeting when he announced he would step down. Buffett took the microphone briefly to endorse Abel and praise Apple CEO Tim Cook who helped Berkshire's $35 billion investment in Apple a decade ago generate $185 billion for Berkshire.

A Connecticut bill that proposes banning "convertible pistols," which can be turned into machine guns, appears to be driving increased gun sales. The bill was introduced by Gov. Ned Lamont and passed the House this week. It would primarily affect the sale of Glock handguns, which are popular and can be easily modified. Critics argue the bill targets consumers instead of criminals and violates the Second Amendment. Supporters believe it pressures manufacturers to create safer designs. The bill is part of an effort to address the rise in illegal conversion devices. Data shows that estimated handgun sales increased by 19% from February to March of this year.

General Motors is expecting a $500 million tariff refund after the Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trump’s most sweeping levies. That’s boosted the Michigan-based auto maker’s outlook for 2026. On Tuesday, GM said it’s now looking to rake in $13.5 billion to $15.5 billion in earnings before interest and taxes this year — up from previous forecasts of $13 billion to $15 billion. Companies big and small are seeking refunds on tariffs they paid that the Supreme Court ruled illegal in February.  And on April 20, the Customs and Border Protection agency launched an online system for claims.