The chips are down: pizza, fried chicken and doughnut shares plunge on ASX as living costs bite budgets

Fast food, once a staple of affordable indulgence, is undergoing a dramatic transformation as soaring living costs push the industry into uncharted territory. Major players on the Australian Stock Exchange, including Domino's Pizza and KFC operator Collins Foods, have seen their share prices plummet by double digits, sparking concerns about the future of the sector. As consumers struggle to make ends meet, the allure of cheap, quick meals is waning, with even the most popular fast food chains feeling the pinch. But is this a sign that consumers are abandoning fast food altogether, or simply adapting to new economic realities?

Shares in Domino’s Pizza, KFC operator Collins Foods and multi-brand food franchise owner Retail Food Group have all suffered double-digit fallsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOnce a symbol of cheap eating, fast food is transforming into a luxury many can no longer afford due to resurgent living costs.This shift is reflected on the ASX, where major pizza, fried chicken and doughnut outlets are seeing significant price drops, raising the question: are consumers so downbeat that they are even giving up on fast food? Continue reading...