Manulife Finl Stock Price, News & Analysis

On December 5, 2022, John Hancock Investment Management announced enhancements to the John Hancock Freedom 529 education savings plan. A new Stable Value Portfolio was added to the investment options, aimed at maintaining principal stability and maximizing income. The plan also saw fee reductions, effective October 15, 2022, which lowered total annual asset-based fees by converting several funds to lower-cost share classes, averaging a 12% reduction. The Freedom 529 plan helps families save for education, managing around $5 billion in assets.

Manulife Investment Management has launched the Manulife Forest Climate Fund, a closed-end fund aimed at promoting climate change mitigation through sustainably managed forests. The fund seeks to raise US$500 million in committed capital and will focus on acquiring forests with strong carbon potential. It plans to deliver carbon credits to investors while ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations, including the EU's Article 9. This initiative highlights Manulife's commitment to environmental stewardship and aims to align with the growing demand for sustainable investing.

Manulife Financial Corporation has appointed Don Lindsay as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Lindsay, who brings extensive leadership experience from his tenure at Teck Resources Limited and CIBC World Markets, will succeed John Cassaday as Chair upon Cassaday's retirement on February 15, 2023. The change aims to enhance board leadership as Manulife continues its mission of improving customer experiences.

John Hancock Investment Management announced enhancements to its municipal fund suite, effective October 1, 2022. These changes include management fee reductions and expense cap adjustments for the John Hancock Municipal Opportunities Fund, California Municipal Bond Fund, and High Yield Municipal Bond Fund, resulting in lower expense ratios for shareholders. Additionally, the eligibility for Class A shares was lowered from $1 million to $250,000, increasing access for investors. The launch of the John Hancock Short Duration Municipal Opportunities Fund also aims for tax-exempt total returns while preserving capital.

Manulife Investment Management has announced the acquisition of Alliance Gateway 11, a 788,160 square foot industrial warehouse in Fort Worth, Texas. The property is fully leased to a prominent tenant operating an e-commerce fulfillment center. Strategically located on a 38.2-acre site, it benefits from proximity to over 1.67 million residents and key transport facilities. This acquisition aligns with Manulife's strategy to enhance its industrial portfolio, which has seen growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, now the fourth largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with significant industrial market expansion.