Mad Money 03/18/26 | Audio Only
Speakers
Jim Cramer -- Host of Mad Money
— CNBC host, Mad Money
Summary
- Market plunged (Dow -768 pts) due to oil price spike from Middle East conflict, poor PPI data, and Fed meeting with no rate cut hope.
- Cramer contends this is not stagflation; inflation rise is temporary and artificial from geopolitics/tariffs, not a 1970s-style shock.
- Market oversold per S&P oscillator at -7, suggesting potential bounce; advocates buying selectively in downturn, not selling.
- AI is central: Nvidia at heart of "fourth industrial revolution"; GTC conference highlighted AI agents (e.g., Nemo Claw) as next growth driver.
- Uber viewed as value stock (23x P/E, down ~25% from highs); robo-taxi partnerships (e.g., with Nvidia) mitigate disruption fears.
- Sera (utility) simplifies business, focuses on core utilities in Texas/California with $65B capital plan; growth from data centers without spiking rates.
- Mistral AI offers open-source alternative to concentrated AI power, reducing costs and increasing control for enterprises.
- Lightning round: Buy HCA (aging population, AI efficiency), McDonald's (after drop), Nio (speculative), Blackstone (over Blue Owl); avoid Joby Aviation, Big Bear AI, Wendy's due to losses/speculation.
Trade Ideas
Cramer says if he didn't own Nvidia, he would buy it; calls it "best in show," one of the fastest-growing firms with low valuation, not hemmed in by Iran or stagflation fears. AI and the fourth industrial revolution drive demand; agents like Nemo Claw will increase need for Nvidia's hardware and software platform. Long-term prospects strong despite short-term market pressure; buying opportunity. Market structure (over-owned by institutions, option activity pressure), macro events temporarily weighing on stock.
Cramer says Uber is "basically a value stock," trading at 23x earnings, down almost 25% from highs, with a "terrific buying opportunity." Robo-taxi competition worries are overblown; partnerships with autonomous driving companies (e.g., Nvidia) integrate into Uber's network, not direct competition. Attractive entry point as growth potential aligns with value valuation; Nvidia endorsement adds credibility. AI disruption fears persisting, slower adoption of robo-taxis, macroeconomic softness impacting ride-share.
Cramer says Joby Aviation is "incredibly speculative," "losing too much money," and not suitable in a "tough market." Era of "magical investing" is over; companies with heavy losses are risky amid macroeconomic headwinds. Avoid due to high risk of continued losses and speculative nature despite partnerships (e.g., with Uber). Funding shortfalls, slower adoption of air taxis, persistent losses.
Cramer recommends buying HCA Healthcare "in big clumps" with spaces between prices (e.g., 500, 475, 450). Benefits from aging population and AI cost efficiency; stock can decline quickly, so accumulate on dips. Accumulation strategy capitalizes on volatility for long-term gain in a solid hospital operator. Healthcare sector risks, reimbursement pressures, market downturns affecting stock price.
Cramer prefers Blackstone over Blue Owl, saying it yields 5% and is "better run." In the private equity/credit space, Blackstone's management and yield make it superior for exposure. Go with Blackstone for better performance and income in the financial sector. Private market downturns, interest rate sensitivity, credit losses.
