Investor Strategies for the Week: Focus on Retail and Tech Earnings Amidst Market Volatility

By James Bennett

Dec 24th, 2024

image art

The week ahead in the stock market promises a flurry of activity with crucial earnings reports from major retailers and technology firms. As investors brace themselves, CNBC's Jim Cramer offers a strategic perspective on managing portfolio volatility amidst the bustling landscape.

Cramer notes that the upcoming week has historically been favorable for market movements. In light of this, he encourages investors to consider securing profits from their more volatile positions, particularly those that have appreciated significantly. "If you've seen substantial gains this November, perhaps it's time to express a little gratitude by taking some risk off the table," he suggests.

Monday marks the release of quarterly earnings from Bath & Body Works and Zoom. Cramer highlights the potential impact of optimistic holiday season forecasts from the management of Bath & Body Works, a stock that hasn't seen much love from Wall Street recently. He also comments on the ongoing tug-of-war between Zoom's short sellers and potential buyers, noting the company's tendency to maintain numerous strategic projects simultaneously.

Tuesday heralds a crucial day for the retail sector, with earnings reports expected from Best Buy, Abercrombie & Fitch, Kohl's, Macy's, Burlington Stores, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Cramer cautions that many of these stocks have rallied ahead of earnings, making the current period a precarious time to invest further. He questions which retailers will capture Wall Street's attention, observing that some stocks have soared despite lackluster earnings, whereas others, like Target, have stumbled.

Tuesday will also reveal J.M. Smucker's earnings, amid investor dissatisfaction with the company's costly Hostess acquisition. Cramer posits that if the results align with expectations, the stock might experience an upward trajectory.

In the tech sector, Tuesday will feature reports from CrowdStrike, Dell, and Workday, with Cramer expressing optimism towards these companies. He underscores Dell's role as a pivotal partner to Nvidia in deploying cutting-edge technology. He advises prudent investment in Dell stocks, suggesting a possible buy before and after earnings, particularly if a dip occurs. HP is also set to release its results post-market close; Cramer is keen to see if HP's AI-integrated PCs are gaining traction.

Despite the holiday week's typical slowdown, Wednesday stands out with the government's scheduled release of the personal consumption expenditures index. This inflation metric is closely watched by the Federal Reserve and may provide insight into the possibility of another interest rate cut by year-end.

For investors eager to track every move in the market, subscription to the CNBC Investing Club grants access to Jim Cramer's insights and strategies.

For those interested in providing feedback or raising questions, reach out to the "Mad Money" team at madcap@cnbc.com.

Posts You Might Find Interesting

Welcome to our financial and investment blog where we provide you with the latest news, tips, and strategies to help you navigate the financial markets. Stay informed and make better investment decisions with our expert insights!

© 2025 TradeTopics. All rights reserved.