McDonald's outperforms fast food rivals in the stock market

So far this year, McDonald's has been the second best performing stock on the Dow Jones industrial average. Shares are up 32 percent this year.

With its huge presence in the fast-food industry and its status as one of the world's most recognizable brands, McDonald's has developed a reputation as a defensive stock, one that can reliably withstand volatility in the market.

Now, with the threat of a recession looming large, McDonald's could be a good buy for investors looking for stability.