Amazon prime

Netflix announced third-quarter Monday, and the company expects to take a big hit from its price hike, and flip-flopping on Qwikster.

On Monday, Amazon announced that it had closed a deal with 20th Century Fox to stream 2,000 of the studio's titles under its Amazon Prime subscription service. This news followed close on the heels of Netflix's announcement that it had signed an exclusive deal to stream movies from DreamWorks Animation. The two companies have spent the past several months snapping up content in a decidedly eager - if piecemeal - way.

Amazon's new tablet, the Kindle Fire, is out as the world's biggest e-retailer taps into a burgeoning market now dominated by Apple's iPad. The Seattle-based online retailer will price it from $199, $200 below iPad2, and offer key entertainment features.

Netflix shares continued on the downward spiral Tuesday, down another 8.7 percent after Monday’s beating following CEO Reed Hastings' admission that the company had done a great job in confusing -- and alienating -- customers.

Amazon shares jumped nearly 5 percent after reports the e-retailer could open a book-rental service costing around $79 annually.

The battle for the Christmas shopping pie has hardened between retail behemoths and online shopping firms, with most retailers coming up with shopper-friendly offers to lure holiday customers.

Amazon.com Inc., the world's largest Internet retailer, on Wednesday reported second-quarter profit rose 29 percent, beating analysts' expectations, citing stronger sales in the U.S. and abroad amid co