Debt prices plummet, dollar gains… U.S. stocks fall on profit-taking but rise in Europe…  Dollar at 3-week high vs euro on hopes for stimulus plan… Oil gains as Gaza fighting raises Mideast supply worries.

Quote of the week: I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph. – Shirley Temple

Here are eight stocking stuffers to unwrap.

Report: Russia, China Biggest Bribers; Coffee Prices Continue Falling; October Existing Home Sales Slump; China Wants More Help From BHP; Yahoo Closing in on New CEO; FedEx Lowers Guidance 26%; Lehman Selling French Unit for $1; NFL to Cut 150 Jobs

Toll Brothers 4Q Revenue Caves; Vodaphone Focuses on Cash; Tyco Doubles 4Q Net Income; StatOilHydro Buys Shale Gas from Chesapeake; Oil Hits 20-month Low; Sirius Posts Profit Loss Despite Increase in Revenue

Verizon Wireless has agreed to buy Alltel Corp. (PINK: ALTEO) for $28.1 billion in a deal that should vault Verizon past AT&T Inc. (T) as the country’s No. 1 mobile phone company.

Bank of America Boosts China Bank Stake; Home Prices Continue to Fall; Record Profit and Resignation for Vodafone; Standard Pacific Stock Shoots Up; Landis&Gyr Lands 7 Million “Smart Meter” Contract; S. Africa Grows a Slow 2.1% in 1Q; Gold Futures Fall $18.