The traders of CNBC’s “Fast Money” rarely disappoint viewers when it comes to new trading and investment ideas. The crew has made some outstanding calls in the market this year -- and, at times, some real stinkers. Whether the gang is right or wrong on its market calls, it offers up transparency and accountability to "Fast Money" viewers. That’s the type of integrity that every market player should look for when considering the opinion of a Wall Street professional.

The gang recently highlighted trading ideas that play off unusual options activity, chart patterns for the brokerage stocks and medical device stocks. Here are some highlights from over the past week as aggregated from the show.

Fast Money’s Brokerage Chart Plays: The traders discussed the technical outlook for the brokerage sector. On Wednesday’s “Fast Money” show, Carter Worth told viewers: “If you’re looking to get into financials, the online brokers, which make most of their money on trading volume, may be the place to play.” Fast Money’s Brokerage Chart Plays include TD Ameritrade (AMTD) and Charles Schwab (SCHW).

Fast Money’s Options Trades: The traders highlighted some unusual options activity in a number of stocks. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers: “The options action in Lockheed Martin (LMT) suggests to me that this stock could go higher.” Fast Money’s Options Trades include Frontier Oil (FTO) and Apple (AAPL).

Fast Money’s Medical Device Stock Picks: The crew found one sector that looks bullish in this tough market environment. On Wednesday’s “Fast Money,” Carter Worth told viewers: “The device area is showing relative strength, which is impressive, and the sector is prone to innovation.” Fast Money’s Medical Device Stock Picks include Stryker (SYK).

Fast Money’s Back-to-School Trades: The traders see opportunity in buying retail stocks with the back-to-school season at hand. “On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Karen Finerman told viewers: “Expectations for some retailers are so low that they present interesting risk/rewards.” Fast Money’s Back-to-School Trades include Sears (SHLD) and Urban Outfitters (URBN).

Fast Money’s Trader Radar: In a segment called “Trader Radar,” the crew highlights stocks with unusual volume that are lighting up screens across Wall Street. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Dylan Ratigan told viewers: “On the trader radar tonight we’re watching Bank of America (BAC). The second-largest U.S. bank was among the most-active names on the NYSE today. Check out Fast Money’s Trader Radar.

Fast Money’s Emerging-Market Stocks: Is it time to get long some emerging-market stocks following the largest buyout in China by a foreign firm? On Wednesday’s “Fast Money” show, Jeff Macke told viewers: “I like the deal Coca-Cola (KO) inked. They’re developing a consumer nation in China.” Fast Money’s Emerging-Market Stocks include Nokia (NOK).

Posted on Sept. 4, 2008