Manulife launches 2 new UITF products

Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation has launched two new unit investment trust funds (UITFs), Manulife Asia Short Duration Bond Feeder Fund and Manulife Global Dynamic Leaders Equity Feeder Fund.

In a statement, the firm said Manulife Asia Short Duration Bond Feeder Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of mainly investment grade short duration fixed income securities issued by governments, agencies, supranationals, and corporations in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Portfolio duration is a maximum of 3 years.

On the other hand, Manulife Global Dynamic Leaders Equity Feeder Fund invests primarily in a concentrated portfolio of equity and equity-related securities of large capitalization companies listed globally.

Investors may access both UITFs in both Peso and US dollar share classes for a minimum of P1,000 or $100, respectively.

“While global economic growth could remain challenged this year, Manulife Investment Management sees opportunities in high-quality Asian bonds as a resilient investment in the current environment,” said Manulife Investment Management President and CEO Aira Gaspar.

She added that, “For aggressive investors, high-quality global equities can offer long-term potential capital appreciation and dividends.”

The two new funds expand further the firm’s differentiated suite of UITFs, providing investors varied options including access to global and regional markets for capital growth, income generation, and geographical diversification.

“This enables investors to access our leading investment capabilities across different geographies and asset classes to diversify their investment portfolio based on their investment objectives,” noted Gaspar.

The Manulife Asia Short Duration Bond Feeder Fund invests in a defensive portfolio of high credit quality Asia short duration bonds, which are seen to be less sensitive to interest rate and credit risks.