The traders of CNBC’s “Fast Money” have been amazed and shocked at the rapid decline in the U.S. stock market this week. Despite the carnage on Wall Street, the gang is currently hunting for the next big trend that will arise out of the massive selloff. The crew knows that at times like these, it pays to be in the right sectors and out of the wrong ones. The traders also know that when the time is right, it will pay big to be the contrarian on the street and go against the crowd and prevailing investor sentiment.

The crew will surely be prepared to spot the bottom in the stock market once it occurs. Don’t be left guessing when it might happen. Tune in to the show and be one step ahead of the street.

The gang recently highlighted trading ideas that play off value stock picks, bank stocks and stock picks for a low return environment. Here are some highlights from over the past week as aggregated from the show.

Fast Money’s Value Stock Picks: Despite the market mayhem, some stocks still look like solid value plays to the traders. On last Friday’s “Fast Money” show, Tim Seymour told viewers: “I’d buy Petrobras (PBR) right here and right now. Considering the strength of this company, Petrobras is an innocent victim.” Fast Money’s Value Stock Picks include CME (CME) and Apple (AAPL).

Fast Money’s Buying Opportunities: The traders see plenty of buying opportunities in beaten down stocks and depressed sectors. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Joe Terranova told viewers: “I bought Excel Maritime (EXM) at $11.” Fast Money’s Buying Opportunities include Pfizer (PFE) and Yum! Brands (YUM).

Fast Money’s Bank Stock Portfolio: Ladenburg Thalman analyst Dick Bove says now is the time to build a portfolio of bank stocks. On last Friday’s “Fast Money” show, Bove told viewers: “It’s baloney that banks won’t lend to each other. When the LIBOR rate is 2% they’re lending. There is so much misinformation about this industry it boggles the mind.” Fast Money’s Bank Stock Portfolio includes Citigroup (C) and Bank of America (BAC).

Fast Money’s Low-Return Environment Stock Picks: The traders offered up some stock plays for a low-return environment. On last Wednesday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers: “I’d go with Nike (NKE).” Fast Money’s Low Return Environment Stock Picks include Kraft (KFT) andJohnson & Johnson (JNJ).

Fast Money’s Trades for a Dangerous Market: Is it time to trade this dangerous bear market? On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Guy Adami told viewers: “If there’s a silver lining here it’s that there’s now value in the market.” Fast Money’s Trades for a Dangerous Market include Mastercard (MA) and Regions Financial (RF).

Fast Money’s Trader Radar: In a segment called “Trader Radar,” the crew highlights stocks with unusual volume. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Dylan Ratigan told viewers: “On the trader radar tonight we’re watching Cheesecake Factory (CAKE). The restaurant chain was among the most active names on the Nasdaq today. Check out Fast Money’s Trader Radar.

Posted on Oct. 8, 2008