• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, November 9, 2009

McDonald's comparable-store sales declined 0.1% in the U.S. in October, but grew 3.3% globally, the chain reported Nov. 9.

Comparable restaurants are those that have been in operation for at least 13 months.

The slight decline in the U.S. was against a strong performance last October. Still, it was notable for marking just the third time in six-and-a-half years that the QSR's monthly U.S. sales have failed to increase, according to Associated Press.

McDonald's nevertheless continued to outpace the performance of the QSR industry as a whole. Demand for Dollar Menu items, the chain's new premium Angus burgers, and its McCafe coffees drove sales, the chain reported.

Year-to-date through October, U.S. comparable-store sales are up 3.1%, and systemwide, U.S. sales are up 4%.

The chain's overall sales gains for October exceeded most analysts' expectations, and were in line with McDonald's own forecast. On a systemwide basis, total corporate sales jumped 10.3% during the month, or 5.2% on a constant-currency basis.

European comparable sales rose 6.4%, and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa comparable sales rose 4.7%, for the month.

Year-to-date, the corporation's total comparable sales were up 4.2%, and its systemwide sales were up 0.9%, or 6.1% on a constant-currency basis.