Jim Cramer Backs Intel; Fed Meeting and Tech Stocks Lead Market Watch

Jim Cramer has named Intel as a top stock pick, citing rising demand for CPUs in AI-driven data center infrastructure and the company's aggressive manufacturing expansion. Cramer argues that the market currently underestimates the critical role of CPUs within AI systems, projecting a favorable CPU-to-GPU balance that positions Intel to benefit from chip scarcity. The semiconductor giant has also commenced production of its advanced 18A-P manufacturing node, aimed at securing high-profile foundry contracts.

Equity markets are preparing for a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting, the first under new leadership, with futures remaining largely flat as investors wait for policy signals. Tech-heavy indices, particularly the Nasdaq, are currently outperforming as traders anticipate a hold on interest rates, though the market remains fixated on commentary regarding future monetary policy path. Simultaneously, institutional analysts have increased price targets for semiconductor equipment firms such as Applied Materials and Lam Research, reflecting high capital expenditure expectations through 2028.

Broadcom remains a key point of focus following institutional support, while cybersecurity firm SailPoint faces scrutiny despite recent investor optimism. For the Indian investor, these shifts indicate that volatility in global semiconductor supply chains and US monetary policy will continue to drive price movements in Indian tech and manufacturing stocks. The persistent growth in the AI infrastructure segment remains the primary driver of capital allocation for major global portfolios.