Nasdaq Flirts With 11,000 as MercadoLibre Hits Record Highs, Booking Holdings Cuts Jobs

The Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) has been the highflier among major benchmarks lately, and the index closed at a record high again Wednesday. Internet retail has been one of the strongest industries this year, and general-purpose marketplaces like that of Latin America's MercadoLibre (NASDAQ: MELI) have filled an essential role in making sure people can get the things they need. The travel industry hasn't been as kind to hotel specialist Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), but its stock also gained ground Wednesday as investors hoped for a longer-term solution to the COVID-19 pandemic that could restore faith among would-be travelers looking to leave home.