(Source – NBC New York)
On Wednesday, CNBC’s Jim Cramer provided an insightful review of the rapid ascension of several market-leading giants, with a particular focus on Nvidia. The well-known market commentator suggested that Nvidia might soon surpass Microsoft’s market capitalization, but also delved into the skepticism surrounding the artificial intelligence powerhouse’s swift climb.
Investor Skepticism and Unfamiliarity
Cramer pointed out that part of the skepticism from Wall Street stems from the general public’s lack of interaction with Nvidia’s products. “Somehow, to so many, it just doesn’t seem right that a company they rarely interact with could be this big,” he remarked. Drawing a parallel to historical market shifts, he added, “To me? It’s as right as when Apple dethroned Exxon.”
He elaborated that Nvidia’s rise is surprising to many because the company was relatively obscure for a long time before making a sudden, impactful move in the market. “I say all that happened is that Nvidia, at the far turn, was nowhere to be seen, but as we got to the stretch, it made its move. It shocked us,” Cramer said.
The primary reason behind investor suspicions, according to Cramer, is the limited consumer exposure to Nvidia’s products. Much of Nvidia’s recognition comes from the enterprise sector and the niche community of hardcore gamers, which contrasts sharply with the consumer familiarity enjoyed by giants like Apple and Microsoft.
Familiar Faces in the Market
Cramer noted that investors typically find comfort in companies that have become integral parts of everyday life and the cultural zeitgeist. He highlighted how Apple’s iPhone, Microsoft Windows, Amazon’s vast consumer services, and Alphabet’s Google are all ingrained in the daily experiences of consumers. These brands are universally recognized and understood, contributing to their market stability and investor confidence.
In contrast, Nvidia, despite its significant contributions to technology and artificial intelligence, remains less visible to the average consumer. This relative obscurity can make its rapid market capitalization growth appear sudden and unsettling to some investors. Cramer also mentioned Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett as a familiar and reassuring figure in finance, underscoring the importance of familiarity in investor confidence.
Currently, Microsoft holds the title of the largest company in the market with a capitalization of around $3.2 trillion, followed by Apple at approximately $2.9 trillion. Nvidia, at about $2.8 trillion, is closing in on these tech titans.
“Is a photo finish in the cards? No. Because, in the end, the race is eternal,” Cramer commented, suggesting that the competition among these giants is ongoing and dynamic. “And for all we know Nvidia, not Apple, not Microsoft, is Secretariat, the greatest of them all.”
In summary, while Nvidia’s swift rise to prominence has raised some eyebrows, Cramer believes it is well-deserved and parallels other historical shifts in market leadership. As the company continues to grow and its technologies become more widespread, it may eventually achieve the same level of consumer recognition and investor confidence as its predecessors.
