The stock market ended higher on Friday, with S&P 500 and NASDAQ closing at fresh record highs as investors reacted positively to a stronger-than-expected April jobs report and continued strength in AI and tech shares.
The April jobs report showed that the US economy added 115,000 jobs against the 65,000 estimates. Furthermore, unemployment rate was steady at 4.3%.
Overall, S&P 500 rose 0.8% to 7,399, while NASDAQ jumped 1.7% to 26,247.
Chart of the Day
Here is the one-year chart of MercadoLibre (MELI) as of March 24, 2026, when the stock was at $1612.
Last quarters, profits declined 13% as revenue jumped 45%. Operating Margin (Income from Operations Margin) was 10.1%, down from 13.5% a year ago. Management stated profit are being reduced due to higher spending on free shipping, logistics expansion, and growing its credit business.
In Brazil, fast shipping now costs consumers R$19 from R$79 previously. This helped MercadoLibre Brazil’s Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) jump 35% last quarter, with 26% growth in unique buyers.
I like this idea of quicker, cheaper shipping. It is hampering profits now, but the company will prosper from it in the long run.
MELI is part of the Focus List and Growth Portfolio.
