The traders of CNBC’s “Fast Money” are starting to notice some significant changes in the stock market. CEOs are loading up on shares in their companies, “Wall Street whales” are taking large stakes in beaten-down stocks, we're seeing oversold conditions and volatility at unprecedented levels, and automakers are asking the U.S. taxpayers for bailout money to save their troubled firms.

Some of the changes could be signaling that it’s time to turn bullish when a lot of the street is bearish. The gang will continue to monitor events and look for opportunities in a market that has become a “sea of red” on almost a daily basis. The members of the "Fast Money" crew might not spot the perfect bottom, but they will offer up a quality assessment of where the market could go, based on their experience and skill.

The gang recently highlighted trading ideas that play off of insider buying, commodity stocks and retail stocks. Here are some highlights from over the past week as aggregated from the show.

Fast Money’s CEO-Buying Stock Picks: Some of America’s biggest CEOs are buying large amounts of stock in their companies. On last Friday’s “Fast Money” show, Lon Juricic, president of StreetInsider.com, told viewers: “The insider buying action this week is incredible. Normally in a week we would track 15 notable buys; this week we saw 47.” Fast Money’s CEO-Buying Stock Picks include Citigroup (C) and Lear (LEA).

Fast Money’s Whale-Watching Stocks: The traders have noticed that some “Wall Street whales,” such as George Soros and Warren Buffett. are starting to take big positions in a number of stocks. On last Friday’s “Fast Money” show, Karen Finerman told viewers: “That’s a fairly dramatic increase. I also think ConocoPhillips (COP) is attractive.” Fast Money’s Whale-Watching Stocks include Eaton (ETN) and Wal-Mart (WMT).

Fast Money’s Commodity Stock Trades: Is it time to start buying commodity stocks? On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Guy Adami told viewers: “I think when money goes back to work it will go into the commodities stocks. But it probably won’t happen until January.” Fast Money’s Commodity Stock Trades include Monsanto (MON).


Fast Money’s Unusual Options Activity: The traders have noticed some unusual options activity in a number of stocks. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers: “Today’s options activity suggests the iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate ETF (IYR) is not dong going down.” The Fast Money’s Unusual Options Activity portfolio includes Las Vegas Sands (LVS).

Fast Money’s Retail Stock Trades: The crew sees lots of opportunity, long and short, in the retail complex. On last Friday’s “Fast Money” show, Karen Finerman told viewers: “If you’re looking for a trade you might want to get long rival American Eagle (AEO) and short Abercrombie (ANF).” Fast Money’s Retail Stock Trades include Sears (SHLD) and Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS).

Fast Money’s Trader Radar: In a segment called “Trader Radar,” the crew highlights stocks with unusual volume. On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Dylan Ratigan told viewers: “On the trader radar tonight we’re watching Baidu.com (BIDU). China’s most-used search engine was among the most active names on the Nasdaq today." Check out Fast Money’s Trader Radar.

Posted on Nov. 19, 2008