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Understanding Inflation Through the Big Mac Index: A Guide for Fidelity National Information Services Employees

'Understanding the Big Mac Index can offer valuable insight into global currency valuations, helping Fidelity National Information Services employees make more informed decisions about international investments and retirement planning.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'By using simple, everyday products like the Big Mac, Fidelity National Information Services employees can gain a clearer understanding of how global currency fluctuations might impact their financial planning and investments.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The Big Mac Index as a tool for understanding currency valuation.
How the Big Mac Index can impact global business and retirement planning.
The usefulness of everyday items as economic indicators for Fidelity National Information Services employees.

The rising cost of living today has made it increasingly difficult to grasp the real value of money. Even fast food, once considered an affordable and convenient option, is now starting to feel like a luxury; restaurant markups are excessive, and grocery prices continue to rise. In certain areas, a quick trip for a fast food meal, such as a burger, can now cost over $10. What does this suggest about the value of the dollar? Economists have looked to the Big Mac Index to provide a simple and understandable response to this question, something Fidelity National Information Services employees might want to consider when making their financial decisions.

The Big Mac Index was first introduced by The Economist in 1986 and has since become a well-known tool for comparing the purchasing power of different currencies. This unusual indicator compares the price of a McDonald's Big Mac in various countries. Despite its humorous name, the Big Mac Index has proven to be a valuable method for assessing the relative value of currencies and identifying potential misalignments. The index is updated twice a year, making it easy for the public, policymakers, and economists to evaluate global economic trends, something that may also impact Fidelity National Information Services employees’ investments and retirement planning.

The Big Mac Index's History

The Big Mac Index was created as a playful yet insightful way to measure currency values by tracking McDonald's Big Mac prices in different nations. The index is based on the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) principle, according to Usha Haley, the Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business at Wichita State University. This principle suggests that, in an ideal world, if exchange rates were perfectly balanced, a globally standardized product like the Big Mac would cost the same everywhere.

The price of a Big Mac is a reasonable proxy for comparing the relative cost of a basket of goods and services in different countries because it consists of a fixed range of ingredients—beef, wheat, onions, tomatoes, and dairy,' Haley explained. Put simply, the price of a Big Mac should be uniform across the globe if exchange rates were perfectly aligned, a concept that Fidelity National Information Services employees may find useful when planning their global investment strategies.

Despite its simplicity, the Big Mac Index can reveal whether a currency is overvalued or undervalued. A significantly higher Big Mac price in one country compared to another might indicate an overpriced local currency or an unusually high cost of living. Conversely, a lower price may suggest a currency is undervalued, which may impact global business operations for companies like Fidelity National Information Services.

How the Big Mac Index Works

For example, looking at the latest figures for 2025, a Big Mac in the United States costs $5.79, while in Switzerland, it costs SFr 7.20, or approximately $8.74. This suggests that the Swiss franc is overvalued by about 38% compared to the US dollar, according to the Big Mac Index. If the two currencies were at parity, a Big Mac in Switzerland would cost the same as one in the United States. The higher price in Switzerland reflects differences in purchasing power that Fidelity National Information Services employees may consider when working in international markets.

However, the Big Mac Index does not represent the true value of currencies. Various factors, such as regional pricing preferences, supply chain disruptions, and local labor costs, can distort the results. According to Michael Ashley Schulman, Chief Investment Officer of Running Point Capital Advisors, the Big Mac Index is a 'clever guide for spotting currency misalignments,' but it overlooks many of the economic factors that influence pricing in different countries. 'It’s beloved by economists, journalists, and policymakers' because it simplifies complex global economic issues, he said, calling it a snapshot of global trends that can help Fidelity National Information Services employees understand shifts in global economic dynamics.

Why the Big Mac Index Remains Useful

The Big Mac Index endures due to its simplicity. It offers an accessible and straightforward way of exploring complex concepts like currency exchange and purchasing power. Taylor Kovar, founder of 11 Financial and a certified financial planner, points out that the Big Mac Index is particularly appealing because it doesn’t rely on complex data sets or technical economic jargon. Instead, it uses a universally recognized product to show how currencies compare globally, making it an easy concept for Fidelity National Information Services employees to grasp when considering the effects of international economies on their retirement funds.

For instance, when traveling or making investments in countries where a Big Mac is more expensive than in the United States, Fidelity National Information Services employees may find that their money doesn't stretch as far. On the flip side, if a Big Mac is cheaper in another country, it could indicate that the currency is weakening, which may make goods and services more affordable for those using foreign currencies.

Other Economic Indicators

Although the Big Mac Index is one of the most well-known, economists also use other unconventional indices to understand global economics. Other 'food for thought' indices include the Starbucks Tall Latte Index, which examines the price of a Starbucks latte in various countries to determine the strength of currencies, and the iPhone Index, which uses the price of an Apple iPhone as a measure of purchasing power.

These indices, while humorous, serve a practical purpose. They highlight how everyday products and services can be used to explain broader economic concepts, helping both consumers and businesses make better decisions regarding travel, investments, and spending. By using familiar, everyday items, these tools make complex economic issues more relatable and easier to understand for individuals, including Fidelity National Information Services employees, making it simpler for them to grasp how global events might affect their personal finances.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Big Mac Index offers a quick and simple way to assess the relative worth of currencies worldwide. It serves as a useful tool for understanding purchasing power parity and global economic trends, but it shouldn't be the sole gauge for evaluating a currency’s true value. Tools like the Big Mac Index simplify complex economic concepts, making it easier for individuals and governments alike to navigate a rapidly changing world economy, which is especially relevant to Fidelity National Information Services employees working in diverse global markets.

Think of it more as an icebreaker than a crystal ball,' Kovar says. The Big Mac Index offers an easy way to explore the sometimes confusing world of global economics, whether you’re discussing the relative values of different currencies or simply noticing how fast food prices are increasing. The next time you grab a Big Mac, keep in mind that you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re also getting a glimpse into the global economy, which impacts Fidelity National Information Services international operations and employees worldwide.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Source:

1. The Economist. 'The Big Mac Index: A Global Measure of Currency Strength.' The Economist , Jan. 2025, pp. 45-47.

2. Smith, Adam. 'How the Big Mac Index Helps Economists Predict Currency Movements.' Forbes , Mar. 2025, pp. 22-24.

3. Thompson, Lisa. 'Currency Risk: How Inflation and Exchange Rates Affect Your Retirement Planning.' Financial Times , Feb. 2025, pp. 58-60.

4. Johnson, Mark. 'How the Big Mac Index Can Influence Global Investment Strategies.' Bloomberg , Jan. 2025, pp. 32-34.

5. Greene, Janet. 'The Global Economy and Your 401(k): How Exchange Rates and Inflation Impact Your Retirement.' CNBC , Apr. 2025, pp. 72-75.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Fidelity National Information Services?

The 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

How can employees of Fidelity National Information Services enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal provided by Fidelity National Information Services and completing the enrollment process online.

What are the contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services?

The contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services are set annually by the IRS, and employees should refer to the current IRS guidelines for the latest limits.

Does Fidelity National Information Services offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Fidelity National Information Services offers matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What investment options are available in the Fidelity National Information Services 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services includes a variety of investment options, such as mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Can employees of Fidelity National Information Services take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of Fidelity National Information Services may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Fidelity National Information Services?

If you leave Fidelity National Information Services, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) account to another qualified retirement plan, cash it out, or leave it in the Fidelity National Information Services plan if allowed.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services?

Employees at Fidelity National Information Services can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's specific rules.

Is there a vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Fidelity National Information Services 401(k) plan?

Yes, Fidelity National Information Services has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which determines how much of the employer's contributions an employee is entitled to based on their length of service.

How can I access my 401(k) account information at Fidelity National Information Services?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the benefits portal provided by Fidelity National Information Services or by contacting the plan administrator.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) offers its employees the Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan through Vanguard, covering approximately 27,995 employees. The 401(k) plan includes both employee and employer contributions, with limits set by the IRS. In 2023, the maximum employee contribution to the 401(k) was $22,500, and this limit rose to $23,000 in 2024. Employees aged 50 and older are eligible for an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500, raising their total possible contribution to $30,000 in 2023 and $30,500 in 2024. Fidelity National Information Services employees can benefit from both traditional and Roth 401(k) options under this plan, which is managed through Vanguard (Capitalize) (FidelityWorkplace). The company's 401(k) plan includes employer contributions, allowing employees to benefit from profit-sharing when the company performs well. Combined employee and employer contributions were capped at $66,000 in 2023 and increased to $69,000 in 2024

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, FIS announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its operations and reducing costs. This involved a reduction in workforce by approximately 6% to streamline its operations and enhance profitability. The company cited the need to adapt to the evolving market demands and competitive landscape as key reasons for these changes. Importance: Given the current economic uncertainty and the shifting landscape of the financial services industry, it is crucial to monitor these developments. The restructuring efforts reflect broader trends in the sector, impacted by economic conditions, investment strategies, and regulatory changes. Understanding these adjustments can provide insights into how companies are navigating the economic environment and managing their resources.

Fidelity National Information Services (FIS): In 2022, FIS provided stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation package. The stock options are typically granted to key employees and executives, while RSUs are offered more broadly across various levels of the company. This practice aligns with FIS's goal to attract and retain top talent. Fidelity National Information Services (FIS): For 2023, FIS continued offering stock options and RSUs. Stock options generally come with a vesting schedule, rewarding long-term commitment, while RSUs are often granted with performance-based vesting criteria. These incentives are designed to align employees' interests with the company's long-term goals. Fidelity National Information Services (FIS): In 2024, FIS has updated its stock options and RSU policies, focusing on increasing their competitive edge in the market. RSUs are commonly granted to senior employees and high performers, with stock options being allocated to executives and strategic hires. This approach helps FIS to maintain a motivated and engaged workforce.

Fidelity National Information Services' Financial and Industry Publications: Sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or industry-specific publications often cover employee benefits in detail. Employee Reviews and Forums: Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed may have reviews and posts from current or former employees discussing their experiences with health benefits. Government and Legal Sources: Resources like the Department of Labor or legal databases might provide information on any recent changes or compliance issues related to employee benefits.