Podcast Summary: Squawk on the Street – Cramer’s Morning Take: JPMorgan 1/7/26

Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Jim Cramer, Carl Quintanilla, David Faber
Focus: Jim Cramer’s daily outlook on the stock market, with particular attention to the banking sector’s performance, upcoming earnings, and current positioning strategies.

Episode Overview

Jim Cramer shares his morning market perspective, focusing on the recent strong run in bank stocks, what’s driving this momentum, and how investors—including himself—should approach the upcoming wave of bank earnings. The discussion touches on tactical strategies (like trimming positions), highlights of specific bank stocks, and the influence of market sentiment and analyst research.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Hot Start for Banks in 2026

• The banking sector has surged early in the new year, with major institutions like JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs posting significant gains.

• Cramer and his colleague question whether such a strong start warrants taking profits before potential volatility around earnings announcements.

  Notable Quote:

  • Jim Cramer (01:11): “Parabolic move or do you think that we shouldn't be trimming some of them? Maybe.”

2. Cautious Optimism Ahead of Earnings

• The team anticipates major bank earnings—JPMorgan on Tuesday, Wells Fargo on Wednesday, and Goldman Sachs on Thursday.

• They note that it's common to see a pullback in banking stocks leading into these reports due to elevated expectations and investors locking in gains.

  Notable Quote:

  • CNBC Analyst (01:15): “I think in terms of the setup when the banks are just so hot into earnings usually see a pullback so I'm just mindful of that.”

3. Portfolio Adjustments & Stock-Specific Commentary

• The hosts mention having recently trimmed exposure to BlackRock.

• Wells Fargo and Capital One are highlighted as strong performers, but the team remains vigilant, especially after selling some Capital One shares at $240+.

• Discussion on Capital One emphasizes it’s potentially a “transformational” name with an attractive PE multiple.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Jim Cramer (01:40): “Wells Fargo has been great for us. I would tell you I'm feeling a little…this, I think Capital One we sold some at 240 and change.”
  • Jim Cramer (01:48): “This one is obviously a transformational—perhaps therefore PE enhancing—on a 12 times earnings multiple.”

4. Jamie Dimon’s Caution & Global Risk

• Cramer points out JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s reputation for caution—likely heightened due to recent events in Venezuela (possibly referring to geopolitical risk or market volatility).

  Notable Quote:

  • Jim Cramer (01:52): “Jamie Dimon is notoriously cautious and I think will be even more cautious given the fact about what's happened in Venezuela.”

5. Analyst Downgrades and Position Constraints

• The impact of Wolf Research’s downgrade on several bank stocks, including JPMorgan, Bank of America, USBancorp, and TD Bank, is discussed.

• Trading restrictions are acknowledged, limiting the ability to trim positions in these names.

  Notable Quotes:

  • CNBC Analyst (02:06): “Wolf Research they downgraded four bank stocks today including JP Morgan, Bank of America, US Bancorp and T Bank.”
  • Jim Cramer (02:18): “That bus bothers me because I'd like to do some trimming today.”

Memorable Moments

• The hosts express the classic tension between riding a hot streak in bank stocks and the discipline required to take profits—a familiar theme at the start of earnings season.
• Cramer’s transparent frustration at not being able to adjust positions due to restrictions, demonstrating the reality of professional portfolio management.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:01] – Cramer’s Market Take begins, focus on banks’ hot start
• [01:11] – Questioning whether to trim bank positions after run-up
• [01:15] – Discussion of anticipating a pullback ahead of earnings
• [01:40] – Specific comments on Wells Fargo and Capital One adjustments
• [01:52] – Reflection on Jamie Dimon’s cautious stance because of Venezuela
• [02:06] – Impact of Wolf Research’s downgrade and trading restrictions
• [02:18] – Cramer’s candid comment on being unable to trim

Notable Quotes

• Jim Cramer (01:11): “Parabolic move or do you think that we shouldn't be trimming some of them? Maybe.”
• CNBC Analyst (01:15): “I think in terms of the setup when the banks are just so hot into earnings usually see a pullback so I'm just mindful of that.”
• Jim Cramer (01:40): “Wells Fargo has been great for us. I would tell you I'm feeling a little… this, I think Capital One we sold some at 240 and change.”
• Jim Cramer (01:48): “This one is obviously a transformational—perhaps therefore PE enhancing—on a 12 times earnings multiple.”
• Jim Cramer (01:52): “Jamie Dimon is notoriously cautious and I think will be even more cautious given the fact about what's happened in Venezuela.”
• CNBC Analyst (02:06): “Wolf Research they downgraded four bank stocks today including JP Morgan, Bank of America, US Bancorp and T Bank.”
• Jim Cramer (02:18): “That bus bothers me because I'd like to do some trimming today.”

Episode Takeaway

This episode delivers a frank, real-time assessment of the banking sector’s red-hot start to 2026, framed by Cramer’s experienced caution and portfolio management realities. The discussion helps investors understand the dynamics at play going into a critical week of big bank earnings and underscores why even the best performing sectors demand discipline as expectations climb.