Time passes as Republicans and Democrats continue negotiations on a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff." Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ken Langone, Invemed Associates chairman, discuss where the negotiations stand and what needs to be done.

CNBC's Jon Fortt breaks down Oracle's quarterly earnings, which beat the Street's expectations. New licensing and cloud revenue were $2.4 billion. Wall Street was expecting $2.2 billion.

Discussing whether there are more market gains ahead, with Liz Ann Sonders, Charles Schwab; Alan Gayle, RidgeWorth Capital Management; Erik Ristuben, Russell Investments; and David Pearl, Epoch Investment, who reacts to Oracle's earnings.

Discussing the U.S. economy, and how the "fiscal cliff" talks are impacting businesses, with, Ken Langone, Invemed Associates chairman.

As the "fiscal cliff" talks continue, CNBC's Sharon Epperson reports gold prices have plunged to a nearly 4-month low.

Discussing the current state of the markets and what they might look like in 2013, with Richard Bernstein, Richard Bernstein Advisors; Joseph Tanious, JPMorgan Funds; and CNBC's Bob Pisani.

Checking the charts on JC Penney and Groupon after a tough year for both stocks, with Richard Ross, Auerbach Grayson and Steve Cortes, Veracruz.

Discussing the state of the financial sector, with Meredith Whitney of Meredith Whitney Advisory Group CEO. "There is more clarity today on financials than over the past 5 years," she explains.

CNBC's Bertha Coombs reports Vanguard is a top holder in Smith & Wesson, and the firm is saying it cannot manage its funds to meet the "social concerns" of all shareholders.

CNBC's Herb Greenberg reveals the name of the CEO he thinks did the worst job in 2012. (5:02)

The most popular video game franchise of all time is one Adam Lanza reportedly spent hours playing every day - "Call of Duty," reports CNBC's Julia Boorstin; and Todd Haselton, TechnoBuffalo senior editor, shares his take on how much censorship is appropriate on violent video games.

Where the markets in housing are now, with Tanya Marchiol, Team Investments president. Property values will continue to grow, but the market will not boom, she says.

CNBC's Herb Greenberg says his choice for the second worst CEO of 2012 is Microsoft's Steve Ballmer; and Ed Maguire, CLSA senior analyst, shares his take on Ballmer's performance at Microsoft.

America will reach the current $16.4 trillion debt limit in a matter of weeks. Alice Rivlin, Brookings Institution senior fellow, says the debt ceiling is extraneous; and Andy Roth, Club for Growth Government Affairs VP, discusses the need for tax and entitlement reform.

CNBC's John Carney and Bob Pisani discuss Apple's 25 percent drop over the last three months, and McDonald's decision to ask franchisees to open restaurants on Christmas.

CNBC's Courtney Reagan reports Dick's Sporting Goods has suspended the sale of modern sporting rifles in all of its stores chainwide, and removed all guns from sale and from display in their store nearest to Newtown; and Dr. Tevi Troy, Hundson Institute senior fellow, weighs in on whether mental illness spending should be increased.

Technology is the best performing S&P sector today, reports CNBC's Seema Mody.

Jeff Kilburg, Killir Kapital, offers insight on why gold is trading below $1,700 and whether it can fall even further.

CNBC's Herb Greenberg offers the third worst CEO of 2012 from his list.

From the futures pits, the "Futures Now" traders look at where the gas futures market is headed.