A recent jobs report reveals a 78,000 drop in manufacturing positions so far this year, which has prompted CNBC’s Jim Cramer to question why hiring remains slow. Despite billions in corporate investment, Cramer highlights a mounting unease among CEOs about expanding their workforce.
15 Stocks Jim Cramer Discussed As He Said CEOs Were Afraid Of Hiring

Key Takeaways:
- CEOs appear hesitant to hire, despite significant corporate resources.
- Manufacturing jobs have declined by 78,000 year-to-date.
- Jim Cramer cites these figures on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street.
- Fifteen diverse stocks are at the heart of his discussion.
- The hiring slowdown could indicate deeper uncertainties for the economy.
Why CEOs Are Holding Back
Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, has taken note of a troubling trend: corporate leaders are showing reluctance to bring on new staff—even as their companies appear to have the resources to do so. “Billions of dollars have been poured into these companies,” Cramer remarked, yet CEOs still seem “afraid of hiring.”
A Deeper Look at Manufacturing Troubles
Recent data from the latest jobs report shows a decline of 78,000 manufacturing jobs since the start of the year. Cramer stresses that this downward shift could reflect broader vulnerabilities in the economy. He has questioned why hiring has stalled if companies theoretically possess ample funding to reverse the slide.
Cramer’s 15-Stock Rundown
In his discussion, Cramer touched on 15 stocks spanning industries from retail to financial services. Although details on each stock are only available through paid plans, he hinted that this hiring hesitancy among corporate leaders might have significant implications for businesses’ future performance and for the economy as a whole.
Reflections on the Road Ahead
Cramer’s concerns underscore broader debates about America’s labor market. Manufacturers, retailers, and technology firms alike must reckon with the paradox of strong capital positions but slow hiring. As the year progresses, analysts will be watching to see if—or when—these numbers improve.