The traders of CNBC’s “Fast Money” think 2009 will be another tough year for the U.S. stock market. The crew is having a hard time finding any signs from either a fundamental or technical perspective that shows the market is ready for a recovery. In fact, the best the traders are hoping for is a U-shaped recovery like we saw in the late '80s.

If the U-shaped recovery doesn’t materialize, then it’s possible we could see a replay of 1932. In 1932, the S&P 500 fell 15.2% after 1931 registered a record drop in stock prices. The traders are hoping that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has studied history enough to avoid another Great Depression.

The traders think the year ahead will be challenging, but that doesn’t mean they subscribe to the end-of-the-world call from Russian scholar Igor Panarin. Panarin thinks that in 2010, America will be split up into six pieces and controlled by foreign nations. The gang thinks this call is ridiculous and that the U.S. is set to grow stronger as the dollar remains the reserve currency of choice around the globe.

Bottom line: The coming year will be a hard one, but stay optimistic, and don’t let the doom-and-gloom crowd discourage you from finding money-making opportunities.

The gang recently highlighted trading ideas that play off the alternative energy sector, unusual options activity and the healthcare sector. Here are some highlights from over the past week as aggregated from the show.

Fast Money’s Long-Term Trades: The crew thinks 2009 will be another tough year for stocks. However, they see plenty of opportunity for the longer term. On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Joe Terranova told viewers: “I think in three to five years, energy and natural resource stocks will be trading higher. And eventually Africa will resurrect itself and that alone will create demand for energy and natural resources.” Fast Money’s Long-Term Trades include Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chesapeake Energy (CHK).

Fast Money’s 2010 Alternative Energy Stock Picks: The traders think the outlook for the alternative energy sector is bright. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Quint Tatro told viewers: “I think Claymor/MAC Global Solar Index (TAN) is a good way to get long solar.” Fast Money’s 2010 Alternative Energy Stock Picks include First Solar (FSLR) and Energy Conversion Devices (ENER).

Fast Money’s Options-Trading Ideas: The traders have noticed some unusual options activity in a number of stocks. On last Friday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers: "The volume of call buying in King Pharmaceuticals (KG) suggests that this stock could go higher." Fast Money’s Options-Trading Ideas include Anglo American (AAUK) and Linn Energy (LINE).

Fast Money’s Dennis Gartman Bank Plays: Are bank stocks starting to turn a corner as we head into the new year? On last Friday’s “Fast Money” show, strategic investor Dennis Gartman told viewers: “If you want to own a lot of banks own the KBW Bank Index (BKX). It’s less volatile.” Fast Money’s Dennis Gartman Bank Plays include Citigroup (C) and BB&T (BBT).

Fast Money’s Trader Radar: In a segment called “Trader Radar,” the crew highlights stocks with unusual volume. On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Melissa Lee told viewers: “On the trader radar tonight we’re watching Liz Claiborne (LIZ). The maker of Kate Spade handbags was among the most active names on the NYSE today. Check out Fast Money’s Trader Radar.

Fast Money’s Health Care Stock Picks: Will the health care sector continue to show strength in 2009? On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers: “If you’re looking for trades keep an eye on the names that get a lot of attention during the upcoming JPMorgan Healthcare conference.” Fast Money’s Health Care Stock Picks include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA) and Celgene (CELG).

Posted on Jan. 2, 2009