Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Mad Money, shared his insights on bitcoin and Microstrategy’s stock (Nasdaq: MSTR) during his show’s Lightning Round segment this week. Cramer is a well-known TV host, author, and former hedge fund manager.
A caller told Cramer: “I’ve owned this stock for a long time since 2023. I’m up over 1,000% right now. I don’t plan on selling it. In fact, after today’s correction, I plan on buying more. I love what the CEO does. He’s the man, the myth, the legend — Michael Saylor. The stock is Microstrategy.” Saylor, now executive chairman and previously the CEO of Microstrategy, has championed bitcoin adoption, steering the company to amass the largest corporate holdings of the cryptocurrency. Recently, Microstrategy announced a three-year initiative to raise $42 billion to acquire additional BTC.
Responding to the caller, Cramer remarked: “MSTR—we used to call that Mister. I’ve got to tell you, it’s a bitcoin play. I prefer to actually own bitcoin.” Noting that “Citron put some sort of short on it,” Cramer advised:
All I can tell you is own bitcoin. That’s a winner.
The Mad Money host’s comments emphasized confidence in BTC itself rather than businesses heavily invested in the cryptocurrency, including Microstrategy.
Cramer’s relationship with BTC has shifted over time. Initially, he ventured into bitcoin investments but eventually exited, citing concerns over its uncertain trajectory. By late 2022, he urged investors to divest from cryptocurrency altogether, warning of market instability. However, a year later, he softened his stance, admitting his earlier caution may have been premature and advising those intrigued by bitcoin to consider purchasing it. In early 2024, amidst a robust bitcoin rally, he observed, “You can’t kill it,” referencing its resilience against economic downturns and regulatory pressures. He further described Bitcoin as a “technological marvel,” a sharp contrast to his prior criticisms.
Despite his evolving views, not all listeners follow Cramer’s advice. The “Inverse Cramer” meme has gained popularity in cryptocurrency circles, poking fun at what some perceive as a trend where bitcoin prices often move counter to Cramer’s predictions. When he projects a bearish outlook, bitcoin frequently surges; when he expresses optimism, its value often declines.
