The GDP grows at a 2.8% clip for the 4th quarter. President Obama announces new energy initiatives.  Apple reports huge earnings. And JC Penney undergoes a big makeover.   Our analysts discuss those stories and share a few stocks on their radar.  Plus, we talk with Alex Goldfayn, author of Evangelist Marketing: What Apple, Amazon, and Netflix Understand About Their Customers (That Your Company Probably Doesn't).

Mortgage rates hit a new low.  Google reports weaker-than-expected earnings.  Yahoo!'s co-founder resigns.   And Apple launches a new initiative.   Our analysts discuss those stores and share some stocks on their radar.  Plus,  Yum! CEO David Novak shares his thoughts on leadership, China, and the Colonel's secret recipe. 

Natural gas prices hit a 2.5 year low.  Six big hotel chains launch up a new online service. Google cranks up its presence in China.  And Sears deals with new financial woes.   On this week's show, our analysts discuss those stories and share some stocks on their radar.  Plus,  we talk with Peter Schweizer, author of Throw Them All Out: How Politicians and Their Friends Get Rich Off Insider Stock Tips, Land Deals, and Cronyism That Would Send the Rest of Us to Prison.

Unemployment drops to 8.5%, holiday retail sales are a mixed bag and Yahoo! has a new CEO.  We analyze the latest with Pepsi, Kodak, Barnes & Noble and talk with Motley Fool columnist Morgan Housel about the economic outlook for 2012.