Big Tech Earnings and Fed Meeting 2026: Jim Cramer’s High-Stakes Market Preview

Your portfolio is about to hit a major crossroads. CNBC's Jim Cramer alerted investors on Friday that next week will be a consequential one for Wall Street. With earnings from Apple, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms looming alongside a critical Federal Reserve meeting, the stakes couldn't be higher. "Make no mistake, next week matters," Cramer warned, urging investors to keep their heads up.

Early Week: Industrials and Recovery Plays

The week kicks off on Monday with Nucor, a company Cramer calls the best steelmaker in the world. Despite a lackluster update in December, the stock has rallied on rate-cut hopes. On Tuesday, attention shifts to Boeing and General Motors. While Boeing is in the first year of its massive turnaround, Cramer believes GM CEO Mary Barra hasn't received enough credit for revamping the automaker, making any post-earnings dip a potential buying opportunity.

The Wednesday Showdown: Big Tech Meets the Fed

Wednesday is the centerpiece of the week. Microsoft and Meta will release results, with Wall Street laser-focused on the return on investment (ROI) from artificial intelligence. Cramer dismissed current fears of AI-driven disruption for Microsoft as "false worries." Meanwhile, he cautioned that Starbucks is entering its report "wildly overbought," requiring exceptionally strong numbers to keep its momentum alive.

That same afternoon, the Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision. While rates are expected to remain unchanged, a political wildcard exists: the possibility of President Donald Trump announcing a replacement for Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Cramer suggests this could move the market even more than the rate news itself.

Apple's Margin Test and Industrial Roll

On Thursday, Apple reports after eight consecutive weeks of decline. Concerns about rising memory costs squeezing margins have weighed on the stock, but Cramer maintains his "own it, don't trade it" mantra. Industrial giant Honeywell also reports, though its upcoming breakup later this year makes for a complex setup for investors.