Amazon to Buy Netflix? Stocks Rise

Man, the stock market is awesome. Rumors arisethat Amazon.com plans to buy Netflix, and it’s not even totally clear where the speculation is coming from, and stock value flys upwards. To be clear, TheFlyOnTheWall cited “renewed takeover speculation” in citing higher value in Netflix shares, without any further qualification. Still, it’s an interesting proposition. Amazon, in addition to selling DVDs online, has been steadily building its presence as a download point for movies, both rented and owned. Netflix, of course, has its mail-order DVD service along with unlimited streaming of certain movies. Combine the two, and you’ve got everything, but would there really be any benefit to consumers? Probably not, but the stock market loves it. [via Bloomberg and Barron's]