Six AI-linked stocks surged after Jim Cramer declared the sector’s summer slump over, outperforming the S&P 500 in 2026.
Jim Cramer stated on CNBC that the AI data center trade has reclaimed market leadership after a summer pullback. The shift followed a single-session rally on August 12, where six key stocks rose together, marking a turning point for the sector.
The underperformance stemmed from a leveraged fund liquidation, not weak fundamentals. Situational Awareness, a hedge fund peaking at $45 billion, faced margin calls and sold its portfolio at a discount, pressuring AI stocks temporarily.
All six stocks closed higher after Cramer’s remarks and have outperformed the S&P 500 in 2026, signaling renewed investor interest in AI infrastructure.