Jim Cramer, the host of Mad Money, laid out his game plan for the week and explained how the next several economic reports could shape sentiment.
“Now, what are we doing next week?… Tuesday morning starts with the December Consumer Price Index, and it matters. Today, we had an inconsequential set of labor department figures that didn’t really impact the stock market. I don’t think the CPI will be weak. We’re getting some indication that the holiday shopping season was very strong, the strongest in years. Look for some tension between the president who’s trying to contain inflation and the consumer who’s borne the brunt of it, with the Federal Reserve in the middle, trying to figure out if it’s safe to keep cutting interest rates in a rising inflation environment.”
READ ALSO: Jim Cramer Discussed These 11 Stocks and Recent Market Rotation and 15 Stocks Jim Cramer Talked About.
Talking about coming Wednesday, Cramer noted that two major reports arrive at once: retail sales and the producer price index. He said these figures, much like the CPI the day before, could give the Fed justification to move forward with rate cuts, but he also emphasized an important limitation. He said that, unlike the CPI, both reports are delayed and cover November, a lag caused by a backlog tied to the government shutdown. Due to that, he said the data will miss what he expects was a very strong December driven by heavy holiday spending across the country.
“The bottom line: A strong start to the earnings season could lead to a nice tone going forward. Yes, you can take your cue from the bank earnings, and you know what? I bet there’ll be darn good ones.”
Our Methodology
For this article, we compiled a list of 11 stocks that were discussed by Jim Cramer during the episode of Mad Money aired on January 9. We listed the stocks in the order that Cramer mentioned them. We also provided hedge fund sentiment for each stock as of the third quarter of 2025, which was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of 978 hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
11 Stocks on Jim Cramer’s Game Plan For This Week
11. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer finished his game plan with the company, as he commented:
“On Friday, we get a big bank break when we can focus on just PNC, a regional bank that’s been an up-and-down performer after years where it did nothing but go up. I prefer the other bank stocks. Now, the beginning of earnings season sets the tone for a bushel of quarters ahead. It makes sense. The banks always kick things off, and it’s reasonable to extrapolate all sorts of trends for consumers, right, and corporations from the financials.”
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC) provides money management tools, including banking, home and auto loans, and professional investment planning. Cramer discussed the company during his game plan on January 10, 2025. He said:
“Thursday we have more of the same. This time, Bank of America, U.S. Bancorp, Morgan Stanley, and PNC Financial. I actually expect all these to be good too. But the best one, the most admirable [is] likely to be PNC. You know, PNC has become kind of a cult bank stock.”
It should be noted that since the above comment was aired, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC) stock has gained slightly over 15%.
10. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:JBHT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:JBHT) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer mentioned the stock during the episode and remarked:
“After the close, we hear from truck giant, J.B. Hunt, probably seen their trucks on the road. I think this group has finally broken out of its doldrums, the freight recession. I don’t typically recommend truckers, very hard business, but a good number from J.B. Hunt emboldens me to keep pushing Federal Express, FedEx. What a winner that’s been. Raj Subramaniam’s just done a fantastic job there.”
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:JBHT) provides freight, delivery, and logistics solutions across multiple transportation modes. The company operates extensive fleets of tractors and trailers. Cramer mentioned the stock during the December 10, 2025, episode and said:
“Hey, you know what? You can buy the transports. They thrive when rates go down. I think J.B. Hunt can be bought for the truckers. I never recommend them, but I think the long trucking recession’s over.”
9. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 194
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer noted that he expects a “monster quarter” from the company, as he said:
“Taiwan Semi reports, yes, and that’s the manufacturing partner of both AMD and NVIDIA. It should be a monster quarter, but I think everyone knows that. I want to point out that NVIDIA stock has been incredibly weak despite a steady drumbeat of good news. Maybe a strong quarter from partner Taiwan Semi can help shake off some of the sellers.
The winners in the semi area so far, though, have been the opposite of the very complicated NVIDIA. They’re data storage simple names like Western Digital, Sandisk, and Seagate, also a little more complicated Micron. These are the companies right now that are moving up, along with the semiconductor capital equipment companies. Two that I’m focused on: Applied Materials and Lam Research.”
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) produces and sells integrated circuits and semiconductor devices. The company provides fabrication and other related services. A caller inquired about the stock during the January 7 episode, and Cramer responded:
“I get up at 2 a.m. to listen to their conference call. It’s magnificent. They really know what they’re doing. Why do I not own it for the Charitable Trust? Well, frankly, it’s because we own NVIDIA, which is, you know, one of the largest clients, probably arguably the largest, and I don’t think there’s a need to own both of them, but Taiwan Semi is a very good company. NVIDIA’s got the same Taiwan risk, actually, as Taiwan Semi to some degree, although obviously one’s located in Taiwan.”
8. BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 63
BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer noted that the firm manages more money than “any company on earth,” as he said:
“We also get to hear results from BlackRock. Remember, they have the most money under management of any company on earth. These guys have been emphasizing all sorts of new kinds of funds. So when the largest repository of money reports, I think I’ll be able, you know, it’s going to be a pretty good number. Unfortunately, in a period when some banks are reporting extraordinary quarters, that might not be good enough for this Charitable Trust holding. Stocks within the same sector compete with each other for dollars. And right now, the banks are running circles around the rest of the financials.”
BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) is a global investment manager that offers portfolio management, mutual funds, ETFs, hedge funds, and alternative investments. The firm provides risk management and advisory services, and invests across equities, fixed income, real estate, and alternative markets. A caller sought Cramer’s advice during the November 10, 2025, episode. The Mad Money host replied:
“Okay, BlackRock, I think that BlackRock’s pretty good now. It did have a dip here, and I like it. I’m going to throw in Blackstone. I’ll give a twofer. I like BlackRock and Blackstone, but I own BlackRock for the Charitable Trust. I think Larry Fink is terrific. I want to buy that stock right here, right now.”
7. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 75
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer expects “excellent numbers” from the bank, as he remarked:
“Thursday, we’ll get some fireworks. Two investment banks, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, should both report excellent numbers. The amount of activity in financial markets is unusually strong… Goldman’s takeover business should be tremendous, David Solomon… I expect number increases for both Goldman and Morgan Stanley.”
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) provides financial services, including investment banking, asset and wealth management, and banking solutions. Cramer mentioned the company during the January 5 episode and stated:
“Take Goldman Sachs. I’ve been shouting from the rooftops that this will be the year of mergers and acquisitions, not to mention gigantic equity offerings. Goldman stock opened almost unchanged. It sells at just 17 times earnings, less than the average S&P 500 stock, even though it’s much better than they are, and it’s a huge player in M&A and issuance IPOs. That’s worth buying. The stock ended up rallying nearly 4% after it caught fire. You could have made all that today, and I think it’s still got lots more room to run. Not a trade.”
6. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer praised the CEO of the company during the episode, as he commented:
“Thursday, we’ll get some fireworks. Two investment banks, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, should both report excellent numbers. The amount of activity in financial markets is unusually strong. The asset gathering in Morgan Stanley has been extraordinary. Ted Pick, good job there… I expect number increases for both Goldman and Morgan Stanley.”
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) provides financial products and services, including investment banking, wealth management, and asset management, for institutions and individuals. Cullen Capital Management, LLC stated the following regarding Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:
“Our strong stock selection within Financials made the sector the largest contributor to relative performance for the quarter. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) (+13.6%) reported record Capital Markets revenue in the second quarter, driven by equity capital markets activity and equities trading volumes. The company’s Wealth Management division reported 14% y/y revenue growth, as fund flows grew 7% and market share was strong. Management was able to control expenses well despite the strong revenue growth, as a 70.7% efficiency ratio was 130 bps below consensus estimates.”
5. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 111
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer noted that a “solid growth quarter” should be good for the stock over time, as he said:
“Bank of America reports too, and it’s been consistently good with very few surprises. I expect none this time, just a solid growth quarter that will help drive up the stock over time.”
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) provides banking, investment, and financial services, including lending, wealth management, trading, and advisory solutions. During the episode aired on October 6, 2025, a caller asked about the company’s stock, and in response, the Mad Money host remarked:
“Let Bank of America ride. It’s very inexpensive. I think it can go much higher. I don’t think it’s going to be stuck at this level, and I like the way the financials trade very much. You’ll do well with Bank of America.”
It is worth noting that since the above comment was aired, the company’s stock has gained nearly 11%.
4. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 76
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer said that the “stock has been fabulous to us,” as he stated:
“You know what? It’s not the only one. We also hear from Wells Fargo, which we own for the Charitable Trust. Now, this bank stock has been fabulous to us. And Charlie Scharf, the CEO of Wells, has pivoted the bank from a plain old banking company to a full corporate and individual bank, which includes a lucrative merger and acquisition practice. They’re on the Netflix deal. Wells is constantly paring costs and surprising us with its efficiency. I am optimistic. Maybe he talks a little about how AI’s helping them. He’s a visionary, Charlie.”
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) provides financial services, including banking, lending, investment, and wealth management solutions. Cramer suggested owning the stock during the December 11, 2025, episode. He commented:
“For ages, banks have been valued on their net interest income, meaning how much they make on the difference between what they pay for your deposits and what they charge you for your loans. Now, you have to switch direction and think which banks will lend more, as there’s going to be plenty of demand. And that’s a much better way to own a bank stock. That’s why I like Wells Fargo now that its asset cap has been lifted, and Capital One because it bought Discover and is about to rival the big other credit card companies. They’re up on a spike, both of them. Maybe you got to wait a bit, but I got to tell you something, you want to own them now.”
3. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 107
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer explained why the stock “keeps surprising the upside,” as he said:
“Wednesday also brings more bank earnings. The star most likely will be the one that’s been the star for a while now, Citigroup. It’s gone from ugly duckling to beautiful swan, but the analysts haven’t caught up with the new numbers yet. So it just keeps surprising the upside. We get the upside estimate revisions, and then the stock flies.”
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) provides financial products and services across banking, markets, and wealth management. Cramer highlighted the company’s low valuation during the January 5 episode, as he remarked:
“Or how about Citi, which was up huge in the last year, but still only sells for 12 times this year’s earnings estimates. I think Citi will exceed those estimates, continue its resurrection from the dead. The stock opened just a little bit higher, so if you bought it here, you would have made, had a decent shot at making money as Citi finished up almost 4% as well.”
2. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 70
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer was bullish on the company’s upcoming earnings during the episode, as he commented:
“Delta reports too. And I gotta tell you, the airlines are putting up some terrific numbers. I expect a fine quarter from Delta as it’s arguably the best-run airline.”
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) provides passenger and cargo air transportation. The company operates a large fleet and global network across major hubs and also offers aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Cramer highlighted the stock during the December 11, 2025, episode, and said:
“So, what exactly is working in the consumer travel space? Why don’t we start with the airlines, which have really roared from their November lows, the Jets… ETF, the best proxy for the group, is up nearly 20% from its low… three weeks ago, 20%. Delta, United, [and] American Air, they’re up more than 20% over the same period… In a great note published on Sunday, Melius Research analyst Conor Cunningham pointed out that investors had been on the sidelines with the airline stocks waiting to see what kind of impact the government shutdown would have on them. And what we’ve seen is that the hit was much smaller than expected, with holiday travel demand also looking real good. For example, Delta, I regard that as… kind of the biggest and best in the airlines, they published an 8-K last week where they estimated that they’d taken a $200 million hit to pre-tax profit from the government shutdown. At the same time, they said, I’m going to quote here, ‘Demand remains healthy for the December quarter and trends are strong for early 2026.’ That sounds good to me.”
1. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 120
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s game plan for this week. Cramer highlighted his expectations from the company’s post-earnings conference call, as he stated:
“Tuesday also marks the start of earnings season with none other than the quarterly report of, yes, JPMorgan. Now, I am worried about this conference call, not the quarter, the call. The stock’s coming in red hot, and I don’t think the company will be as ebullient as the stock would indicate. You gotta remember, CEO Jamie Dimon has a certain style. When things are good, he likes to talk about what could go wrong, not what could go right. Things are good. That orientation’s what often terrifies people, though.
I want to emphasize, I think JPMorgan’s actual quarter will be amazing, but that’s not the point. Jamie’s cautious comments crushed his own stock last quarter. He could do it again. Remember, I told you, buy it into that weakness. I hope I can be as clairvoyant at this time. My suggestion is wait to see if Jamie’s worried, cautious, even pessimistic. Watch the stock go down. If that happens, you can pounce on some of it at the end of the day, and you buy some, and then you may have to buy some the next day.”
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) provides financial services, including banking, lending, payments, and investment management. In addition, the company offers investment banking, asset management, and advisory solutions.
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