The traders of CNBC’s “Fast Money” are ready to forget about all the tough times they saw in the market during 2008 and usher in a new and improved 2009. A few members on the panel think one positive thing we could see next year is a decline in the wild volatility. The crew also feels that a bottom in the housing sector could be in the cards for 2009 if the stimulus package works out.

However, the traders don’t think we are exactly out of the woods yet either. Some problems that could take all bets off the table include a major crisis in Europe, or more problems in the auto sector. If either of those two things happen, than the gang thinks it’s possible we could see another Black October type selloff. No matter what the outcome is, the crew will be ready to present viewers with the best ideas on how to play it.

The gang recently highlighted trading ideas that play off the retail sector, unusual options activity and stocks that benefit from the weak dollar. Here are some highlights from over the past week as aggregated from the show.

Fast Money’s Retail Stock Plays: The crew thinks 2009 could be a challenging year for the retail complex. On Wednesday’s “Fast Money” show, JPMorgan analyst Brian Tunick told viewers: “Although 10,000 retail stores are expected to close most of them won’t be publicly traded retailers. So it looks like another year or two of apparel deflation which is a bad thing for retail stocks.” Fast Money’s Retail Stock Plays include The Buckle (BKE) and Hot Topic (HOTT).

Fast Money’s Smart Weak-Dollar Plays: The traders highlighted some smart weak dollar stock plays. On last Thursday’s “Fast Money” show, Jon Najarian told viewers: “I’m taking a look at Priceline.com (PCLN). With 60% of their business coming from overseas I think Priceline is a smart weak dollar play.” Fast Money’s Smart Weak-Dollar Plays include Joy Global (JOYG).

Fast Money’s Options-Action Stock Plays: The traders have noticed some unusual options activity in a number of stocks. On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Jon Najarian told viewers: "Unusual call buying in the front month suggests shares of Stryker (SYK) could go to about $45." Fast Money’s Options-Action Stock Plays include Microsoft (MSFT) and Chesapeake Energy (CHK).

Fast Money’s Energy Trades: Which stocks will benefit from the fall in energy prices? On last Friday’s “Fast Money” show, Tim Seymour told viewers: “Crack spreads at the refiners are becoming more interesting.” Fast Money’s Energy Trades include China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (SNP) and Tesoro (TSO).

Fast Money’s Movie Stock Picks: A number of potential blockbuster movies are set to be released on Dec. 25. What is the trade? On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show Pali Capital analyst Rich Greenfield told viewers: “I don’t think any movie is going to move the needle, except Madagascar 2 which should be a driver for DreamWorks (DWA) and I’ve got a buy on the stock.” Fast Money’s Movie Stock Picks include CBS (CBS) and Viacom (VIA).

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 Walgreen’s (WAG). The second-largest U.S. drugstore company was among the most active names on the NYSE Monday. Check out Fast Money’s Trader Radar.

Posted on Dec. 25, 2008