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Manulife expands MPF funds portfolio for members Two Manulife Fidelity Funds added to broaden options Hong Kong – Manulife has expanded its Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) product portfolio through the addition of two lifestyle funds with underlying investments managed by Fidelity Investments Management (H.K.) Ltd. (Fidelity Investments), a move that reaffirms the Company’s commitment to providing its MPF members with more choices of investment options and management. The two new funds - Manulife MPF Fidelity Growth Fund and Manulife MPF Fidelity Stable Growth Fund (the Manulife Fidelity Funds) - are available to members of the Manulife Global Select (MPF) Scheme. These members are more sophisticated in formulating their investment decisions. The Manulife MPF Fidelity Growth Fund, which features predominantly equities (approximately 90 per cent), is classified as a high-risk fund based on the Manulife MPF Risk/Return Meter. The Manulife MPF Fidelity Stable Growth Fund is, on the other hand, a medium-to-high-risk fund, with approximately 50 per cent investing in equities, 45 per cent in global bonds and the remainder in cash deposits. Both portfolios will be globally diversified. “Service excellence is the cornerstone of Manulife’s continued success,” said Nick Crouch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited. “We endeavour to provide tailor-made and timely services that meet our members’ needs, and the introduction of the two new funds represents a prompt reaction towards the growing need for a more comprehensive range of fund choices as MPF members become more discerning.” Mr. Crouch continued, “Fidelity is renowned for its wealth of global investment experience. By leveraging its investment and portfolio management expertise, we are able to allow our MPF members to pick from a more vibrant selection to achieve their retirement objectives.” Douglas J. Naismith, Managing Director of Fidelity Investments said, “We are confident that Manulife’s MPF members will welcome the addition of two new funds brought about by this collaboration. Our role as an independent MPF fund manager of the underlying investments of the two new funds under the Manulife Global Select (MPF) Scheme will effectively provide Manulife’s MPF members more flexible choices that, in the long run, will help them build and accumulate wealth.” The new Fidelity funds complement existing investment alternatives and offer various asset management style categories for Manulife Global Select (MPF) Scheme members who are currently offered 13 funds - six equity funds, two bond funds and five lifestyle portfolios. Manulife Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (MAMHK) is currently the investment manager for the underlying investments of the 13 existing funds under the Manulife Global Select (MPF) Scheme, and of the five lifestyle portfolios under the Manu-Lifestyle (MPF) Scheme, which is a simpler scheme designed for less sophisticated members. Mr. Crouch said, “The range of funds in the Manulife Global Select (MPF) Scheme provides something for everyone. There are many options for sophisticated investors to choose from, and they encompass regional or country, or bond funds. At the same time, we provide five simple lifestyle portfolios for hassle-free investing that is tailored to different risk appetites, as well as two guaranteed funds for conservative investors. The new addition renders our scheme members an extra choice of funds with underlying investments managed by Fidelity.” Manulife will periodically review the funds made available to its MPF members with the objective of providing a wider range of fund choices for members to create their personalized portfolios and assist them in achieving their long-term retirement goals. Manulife is the second largest MPF provider in Hong Kong.* Its pension accounts stand at nearly 500,000 with pension assets under management at HK$15.8 billion as at June 30, 2003. About Manulife Manulife offers provident fund services in Hong Kong through its three operating companies: Manulife (International) Limited, Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited and Manulife Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited. All are members of the Manulife Financial group of companies. Manulife Financial is one of the 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$144.3 billion (approximately HK$830.3 billion) as at June 30, 2003. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. About Fidelity Fidelity is the world’s largest independent fund management organization** with over 50 years of global investment experience, which they have been bringing to Asia for the last 30 years. As at June 30, 2003, Fidelity managed over US$950 billion in assets for over 19 million private and institutional investors worldwide. Their management expertise is backed by more than 400 investment professionals worldwide, who are supported by the most comprehensive research and trading technology available. Fidelity is an affiliation of two independent companies: FMR Corp. in the United States and Fidelity International Limited outside the United States. Fidelity Investments Management (HK) Ltd. is a subsidiary of Fidelity International Limited. *According to the Annual MPF Watch Report 2002 published by one of the leading provident fund consultants, Watson Wyatt, the top 10 MPF service providers in Hong Kong account for more than 85 per cent of the market share – with Manulife in second spot. **According to the listing of the 100 Largest Asset Managers in the Dec/Jan 2003 issue of Global Investor Magazine, Fidelity ranks first in terms of assets managed on behalf of their clients. Investment involves risk. The Offering Document should be read for further details of the scheme. - End- For more information please contact:
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