If you’re looking for a trade Terranova suggests putting Aruba Networks on your radar. And as a second derivative trade he recommends Skyworks Solutions.
On a related note, Pete Najarian has spotted unusual options action in Akamai . He explains that on Wednesday, “15,000 calls versus 2,500 puts traded;” with so many options investors favoring calls the action suggests to him this stock could make a sharp upside move. “I’m seeing a lot of activity even up to the $52.50 calls in January," he says. (Najarian doesn't say if the move is on takeover chatter or some other catalyst.)
True to his contrarian nature, Steve Cortes sees these developments in a different way. He thinks it’s a sign that the environment is very hospitable for M&A. “I suspect M&A will be a major theme of the new year. (Companies with cash) want to put cash to work." But rather than look at takeover targets he prefers playing the brokers. These developments are very constructive for Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley,” he says. “I want to buy both on the pullbacks.”
Patty Edwards is focused on the chatter in retail. She says Urban Outfitters making a counter offer for JCrew makes much more sense that Sears.
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OIL GOES HIGHER AFTER INVENTORIES FALL
The traders are keeping a close eye on oil, which ticked higher Wednesday after the latest data showed a 4 million drop in inventories.
What’s the trade?
I think it's a signal that we’re seeing true demand recovery, says Joe Terranova. I’m bullish.
I’d keep an eye on airlines such as AMR and United , says Pete Najarian. That’s often a related trade.
Priceline and Expedia are also worth a look, adds Patty Edwards. If higher fuel costs translate into higher airfares, travelers will probably shop for their plane tickets more carefully.
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DOLLAR SURGES
Stronger-than-expected jobs data boosted optimism about the economic recovery, which in turn sent the dollar surging and gold to its lowest levels in 6 weeks.
What's the trade?
I’m short precious metals, says Steve Cortes, and I think weakness in gold has broader implications for commodities across the board.
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Trader disclosure: On January 5, 2010, following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC’s "Fast Money" were owned by the "Fast Money" traders; Pete Najarian owns (F) bonds; Pete Najarian owns (AXP); Pete Najarian owns (V) call spreads; Pete Najarian owns (HPQ) call spreads; Pete Najarian owns (YHOO); Pete Najarian owns (MSFT) call spreads; Pete Najarian owns (MS); Pete Najarian owns (C); Pete Najarian owns (BAC) call spreads; Pete Najarian owns (DD) calls; Pete Najarian owns (AKAM) call spreads; Pete Najarian owns (TCK) call spreads; Pete Najarian owns (WLT) call spreads; Cortes owns (TSN); Cortes owns (EXC); Cortes is short (LVS); Cortes is short (MOS); Cortes is short (BCS); Cortes is short (XRT) vs. S&P; Cortes is short (XHB) vs. S&P; Cortes is short Gold; Cortes is short Corn; Terranova owns (GM); Terranova owns (C); Terranova owns (VRTS); Terranova owns (UPL); Terranova owns (PEP); Terranova owns (OXY); Terranova owns (GS); Terranova owns (SLW) puts; Terranova owns (GLD) puts; Terranova is short (SLV) futures
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