OPINION

Following are five big themes likely to dominate thinking of investors and traders in 2010 and the Reuters stories related to them.

Stocks soared this year; Wells Fargo's big pa day; Auto sales reprieve

China on Thursday decried a U.S. decision to impose duties of 10 to 16 percent on Chinese-made steel pipe, the biggest U.S. trade case to date against China, and said it had been made a scapegoat of protectionist interests.

A U.S. trade panel gave final approval on Wednesday to duties ranging from about 10 to 16 percent on Chinese-made steel pipe in the biggest U.S. trade case to date against China.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday blamed a combination of human and systemic failures in security for allowing the botched Christmas Day attack aboard a U.S. airliner, in his first big test on homeland security.

U.S. consumer confidence rose to a three-month high in December, while prices in the hard-hit housing sector stalled in October, breaking a five-month string of gains

The sex scandal that engulfed Tiger Woods may have cost shareholders of companies endorsed by the world's No. 1 golfer up to $12 billion in losses, according to a study by two economics professors from the University of California, Davis.

U.S. employers expect to hire more new workers in 2010 than they did in 2009, a sign the U.S. recession may be easing its grip, research showed on Tuesday

Tighter security measures at U.S. airports following an attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound jet could dampen enthusiasm for air travel, hurting the airline industry just as it seemed poised to recover from a period of bruising losses, some industry experts say.

A Nigerian man linked to al Qaeda tried to set off an explosive device aboard a U.S. passenger plane as it approached Detroit on Friday, but was overpowered by passengers and crew and the aircraft landed safely, U.S. officials said.

Whether you're an old-world aficionado or new-world evangelist, there's a vineyard hotel out there for you. Boutique hotel website Mr & Mrs Smith (www.mrandmrssmith.com) lists the world's best hotels for wine lovers.

Holidays are the times that try the fitness routine. With family feasts, office parties and champagne soirees, the temptation to overindulge is everywhere, just as your yoga studio moves to holiday hours, your gym cancels classes and your personal trainer leaves town.

Japan approved on Friday a record budget for next year that will inflate the country's already huge debt by $484 billion, as the prime minister vowed to battle on in the face of a growing scandal and sliding poll ratings.

The U.S. Senate approved President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare overhaul on Thursday, backing sweeping changes in the medical insurance market and new coverage for tens of millions of uninsured Americans.

Banks probed on risky securities; Citi's payback; Most pirated film of '09

A self sustaining recovery?; Elderly care with doubts; China's Swedish auto push;

Mass Layoffs Drop; Boeing's Productivity Push; Obama and Small Bankers

Tax credits due to expire on November 30 drove home buyers to boost sales in November, according to an industry report.

Economy Growth Estimate Drops; Popular Home Buyer Tax Credit; State Street's Italian Investment

Inflation's Breathing Room; Innocent Pleas in Galleon Case;Storm May be Costly

Crucial vote for Health Reform; AIG'sBailout Payback Plan; Radio Bankruptcy Woes

Climate Showdown; Ryanair Ends Boeing Talks; Biggest Holiday Shopping Weekend

RIM Beats Views; Climate Talk Trouble; Continuing Recovery

Fed sees openings; FTC Charges Intel; Microsoft's browser pledge

Factory Push for White House; Fed's Market Impact; Citi's Tax Boon

Fed on Cruise Control; Flat Sales Ahead at GE; Boeing's Dream

UBS Bosses Free; Airline Woes 2010; AIG's Personal Struggles

Citi's Stuck with Cut Pay; Post-Holiday Blues; M&A Boon for XTO CEO

Bailout for Dubai; Citi Seeks Independence; CadburyBid Battle