WATERLOO, ON, Jan. 26, 2004 – Manulife Investments will add several investment funds to its segregated fund line-up, GIF and GIF encore.
“As a leader in the financial services industry, Manulife Investments is proud of our reputation as a prudent and diligent manager of our customers’ investments,” said J. Roy Firth, Senior Vice-President of Individual Wealth Management, Manulife Financial. “That is why we continually review the fund line-up across all of our products. All new funds are chosen based on their ability to provide diversification for our investors and to enhance the choice available within the product suites.”
Two new segregated funds — the Manulife Elliott & Page Dividend GIF and Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF — will be added today to the line-up of GIF and GIF encore segregated funds offered by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company for Canadian investors.
Manulife Elliott & Page Dividend GIF
“After a period of stock market uncertainty, investors are taking another look at the role dividend funds play in their portfolio” said Alan Wicks, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of MFC Global Investment Management.
“Dividend-paying stocks are being recognized as investments that deliver steady, long-term performance, a measure of protection in down markets, and tax-efficient income.” Co-managers Alan Wicks and Michael Hatcher of MFC Global Investment Management, have a strong, long-term record of accomplishments when it comes to income-oriented investments, including the award-winning Elliott & Page Monthly High Income Fund.
Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF
Manulife segregated funds will also offer a new global equity choice to the GIF & GIF encore line-up – the Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF. Fidelity NorthStar(TM) will be available exclusively through Manulife GIF & GIF encore segregated funds until December 31, 2004. Fidelity NorthStar(TM) is a registered trademark of FMR Corp.
“The strength and expertise of Fidelity makes this fund an excellent addition to the segregated fund line-up,” said Eric Grove, Vice President, Investment Funds, Manulife Financial.
Designed to offer investors a more complete range of investment choices to suit their individual approaches and personal investment styles, these new funds are available through Manulife Financial’s broad national advisor network.
About Manulife Investments
Manulife Investments is the brand name identifying the personal wealth management lines of business offered by Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries in Canada. As one of Canada’s leading integrated financial services providers, Manulife Investments offers a variety of products and services including segregated fund contracts, mutual funds, annuities and guaranteed interest contracts.
About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 15 countries and territories worldwide. Through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners, Manulife Financial offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services. Funds under management by Manulife Financial were Cdn$150.8 billion as at September 30, 2003.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.
