The traders of CNBC’s “Fast Money” know how to read the tape to anticipate the next major move in the stock market. Whether it’s interpreting options activity, volume patterns or fundamental trends, the gang is skilled at dissecting the important data when forming a valuable investing opinion.

The traders know that stocks never lie but that people can. The tape and action in the markets is the only truth investors need to follow. Don’t get left in the dark. Follow the crew and make some fast money on Wall Street.

The gang recently highlighted trading ideas that play off small-cap stocks, oil service stocks and financial stocks. Here are some highlights from over the past week as aggregated from the show.

Fast Money’s Small-Cap Hidden Gems: The traders see big opportunity in small-cap stocks with the Russell 2000 outperforming the S&P 500. On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers: “Insiders are all getting into Digi International, which is why it could be a smart buy right now.” Fast Money’s Small-Cap Hidden Gems include MGIC (MTG).

Fast Money’s Oil Service Stock Picks: What’s the best way to play the recent run in oil? On last Thursday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers: “Right now we’re sitting at the 200-day moving average for the Oil Service HOLDRs.” If it can break and hold above those levels, I would be bullish.” Fast Money’s Oil Service Stock Picks include Diamond Offshore (DO) and Halliburton (HAL).

Fast Money’s Options Plays: The traders highlighted some unusual options action in a number of stocks. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers that investors are putting big money into out-of-the-money calls in Excel Maritime, "one of the many companies that transport cargo such as iron ore, coal and grain across the seas.” Fast Money’s Options Plays include Titanium Metals (TIE) and Rambus (RMBS).

Fast Money’s Commodity Trades: The crew thinks the trading environment in the commodities market is changing. On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Joe Terranova told viewers: “The speculative froth has been lifted from the oil market, and it’s now back to being a fundamental story.” Fast Money’s Commodity Trades include Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and National Oilwell Varco (NOV).

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 MGM Mirage. The casino company was among the most-active names on the NYSE today." Check out Fast Money’s Trader Radar.

Fast Money’s Financial Bottom Stock Picks: Is the bottom finally in place for the financial stocks? On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Anton Schutz of Mendon Capital Advisors told viewers: “I think it was in July when there was the fear of failure in Freddie and Fannie and IndyMac was seized. There was blood in the Street, and we certainly saw plenty of panicking. I don't think we'll retest those lows.” Fast Money’s Financial Bottom Stock Picks include TFS Financial (TFSL) and Annaly Capital (NLY).

Posted on Aug. 27, 2008