A juicy rumor on twitter is propping up the Nasdaq and boosting shares of eBay.

The chatter is that Google will take a 40% stake in Ebay worth around $85 billion. It’s in response to Apple’s announcement of Apple Pay.

eBay shares

eBay shares

There’s some other takeover chatter as well.

For years there has been lamenting about strength in the stock market but you don’t really have to worry until stocks are ripping on rumors and every Monday is “Merger Monday” because there were 3-4 deals on the weekend. Once that starts it’s the beginning of the end.

Update: I’ve spent some time trying to track this down and it sounds sketchy. There’s nothing beyond some twitter talk that’s getting repeated at an ever-faster pace. The best way to make a fake rumor is to tie it to something somewhat believable like a response to Apple Pay. File this one under “doubtful”.

Update 2: Officials are out denying the rumor now. Shares drop $1.50 in a flash. What a market.