Cramer’s week in focus: Meta, Microsoft, and Apple report earnings as the Fed meets — and according to CNBC’s Jim Cramer, investors should be paying very close attention.
On Friday, Cramer warned that the coming week could be a defining moment for the markets, packed with heavyweight earnings reports and a closely watched Federal Reserve meeting. With momentum stocks in play, industrials running hot, and central bank policy looming, he made it clear this is not a week to tune out.
“Make no mistake, next week matters,” Cramer said, emphasizing that market leadership, especially among the Magnificent Seven, continues to reward investors who stay alert. Between fast-moving industrial names, mega-cap tech results, and potential Fed-driven volatility, he believes there’s plenty ahead for Wall Street to digest.
Monday: Nucor Kicks Off the Week
The week begins with earnings from steel giant Nucor, which Cramer calls the best steel company in the world. Even though the company issued a softer mid-quarter update back in December, the stock has climbed since then as investors bet that future rate cuts could reignite economic growth.
If shares stumble after Monday’s report, Cramer suggested that weakness could present a buying opportunity rather than a red flag.
Tuesday: Boeing and GM Take the Spotlight
Tuesday brings results from Boeing and General Motors.
Boeing’s stock has already surged over the past couple of months, leading Cramer to temper expectations for another major jump. Still, he cautioned against selling, pointing out that the company is still in the early stages of its turnaround.
As for GM, Cramer praised CEO Mary Barra for her leadership and strategic overhaul of the automaker, saying she hasn’t gotten enough credit. If GM shares dip following earnings, he believes investors may want to step in.
Wednesday: A Flood of Earnings and the Fed Decision
Wednesday is shaping up to be the busiest — and arguably most important — day of the week. Earnings are due from Corning, Danaher, Starbucks, GE Vernova, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft, all of which are holdings in Cramer’s Charitable Trust portfolio.
Cramer said expectations for GE Vernova are extremely high, making it difficult for the stock to impress in the short term. While he likes the company’s long-term story, he suggested waiting for a better entry point. Corning, meanwhile, remains a long-term favorite due to its exposure to AI trends, especially the shift from copper to fiber optics.
Danaher could be a standout, according to Cramer, as renewed biotech orders may drive what he sees as the company’s strongest quarter in years.
When it comes to Starbucks, Cramer expressed concern that the stock may be heading into earnings overbought. He believes it will take exceptionally strong results to justify further gains, though he remains bullish on the company’s long-term prospects.
For Microsoft, Cramer pushed back against fears that AI disruption is weighing on the broader software sector, calling those concerns overblown. As for Meta, investors will be laser-focused on CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s commentary, particularly around the return on investment from the company’s massive AI spending.
Adding to the drama, the Federal Reserve will announce its latest interest rate decision Wednesday afternoon. Rates are widely expected to remain unchanged, but Cramer noted that any surprise political developments — including a possible announcement regarding Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s replacement — could move markets even more than the policy decision itself.
Thursday: Honeywell and Apple Close Out the Week
On Thursday, Honeywell reports earnings. While industrial stocks have been on a strong run, Cramer warned that high expectations could set the stage for a disappointing reaction, especially as investors await details on the company’s planned breakup later this year.
Later in the day, Apple will release its results. The stock has fallen for eight straight weeks amid concerns that rising memory costs could pressure margins. Despite the recent slide, Cramer is standing firm on his long-held stance: Apple is a stock to own for the long term, not one to trade around short-term noise.