Challenges in the Life of Jim Cramer in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Jim Cramer. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Jim Cramer is an American television personality, author, entertainer, and former hedge fund manager, best known as the host of CNBC's "Mad Money." After graduating from Harvard, he worked at Goldman Sachs and later founded his own hedge fund, Cramer Berkowitz. He also co-founded TheStreet.com. Cramer's career transitioned into media, where he gained prominence for his energetic and often controversial commentary on the stock market and investment strategies. He has written several books providing investment advice.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1998: Negative Returns

In 1998, Cramer stated he had one year of negative returns while the S&P 500 Index rose 29%.

2000: Settled Lawsuit with Fox News Channel

In 2000, Jim Cramer and TheStreet settled a lawsuit with Fox News Channel, which involved claims of Cramer reneging on a deal and counter-suits related to promoting TheStreet stock.

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August 2001: Start of Wharton study

From August 2001, a study by Wharton researchers found that Jim Cramer's charitable trust underperformed the S&P 500 primarily as a result of underexposure to market returns in years after the 2008 financial crisis, up until March 2016.

August 20, 2007: Barron's Article on Performance

On August 20, 2007, an article in Barron's criticized Jim Cramer for his stock picks not beating the market over the past two years.

March 14, 2008: Bear Stearns stock value plummets

On March 14, 2008, Bear Stearns stock lost more than half its value due to news of a Fed bailout and a $2/share takeover by JPMorgan Chase.

August 8, 2008: Recommended Investing in Bank Stocks

On August 8, 2008, Jim Cramer recommended investing in bank stocks before the climax of the 2008 financial crisis.

October 6, 2008: Suggested Investors Remove Money from Stock Market

On October 6, 2008, with the S&P 500 Index at 1,056, Jim Cramer advised investors to take money needed for the next five years out of the stock market.

2008: Start of Wharton study

February 9, 2009: Article on Trading Against Cramer's Recommendations

On February 9, 2009, The Wall Street Journal published an article stating that trading against Jim Cramer's Buy recommendations had historically yielded 25% in a month.

March 2016: End of Wharton study

Until March 2016, a study by Wharton researchers found that Jim Cramer's charitable trust underperformed the S&P 500 primarily as a result of underexposure to market returns in years after the 2008 financial crisis, from August 2001.

March 31, 2016: Cumulative Return of Cramer's Trust

As of March 31, 2016, Jim Cramer's trust since inception had a cumulative return of 64.5%, whereas the S&P 500 fewer dividends returned 70% during the same timeframe.