Bangkok--16 Mar--Manulife Asset Management
Manulife Asset Management (Thailand) today announces that the Manulife Strength-Equity Dividend Fund (MS-EQ DIV) will pay out a dividend of THB 1.25 per unit, the 8th dividend payment since its inception on August 28, 2009. Since inception, dividend payments have reached a total of THB 6.20 per unit representing a 62% return. The Fund’s NAV as at March 15, 2012 is THB 10.6853 per unit. The book closing date (XD) and payment date are set for March 15 and 22, 2012 respectively.
Tor Indhavivadha, Manulife Asset Management (Thailand)’s CEO said “We are pleased that the Manulife Strength-Equity Dividend Fund has posted solid returns leading to the payment of dividends to unit holders. This is indicative of overall positive sentiment in the Thai equity market. Since the beginning of the year, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has moved upwards, recently reaching 1,170 points, up 145 points from 1,025 points at the end of 2011.”
“The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) expects Thailand's economy to rebound strongly this year with a forecasted GDP rate of 5.5-6.5% which we believe will be due to increased public investments, rising domestic demand and a recovery in the manufacturing sector after last year’s tragic floods. The interest rate is likely to remain stable or slightly decrease in the short-to-medium term and listed companies’ earnings are expected to grow at a rate of 10-15%.”
He continued: “Most importantly, the decision by the European Central Bank (ECB) to conduct longer-term refinancing operations (LTRO) has given rise to hopes that the European sovereign debt crisis can be resolved which could result in higher liquidity flow. As such, the Thai stock market has continued to gain momentum as we have seen investors re-allocating assets, leading to a boost in fund flows into Asia.”
“Investors who want to increase their exposure to Thai equities can consider the Manulife Strength-Equity Dividend Fund (MS-EQ DIV). The fund aims to deliver regular returns in form of dividends. With a new investment schedule, we plan to pay out dividends on a quarterly basis.”
For more information, please call Manulife AM (Thailand) Tel. 0-2354-1001 or visit the website: www.manulife-asset.co.th
About Manulife Asset Management (Thailand)
Manulife Asset Management (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. As a part of a global investment organization with more than 300 investment professionals around the world in 10 countries and territories throughout Asia, we are fully supported by and interconnected with Manulife Asset Management’s team worldwide. We are one of only a few asset management companies in Thailand that have expertise in offshore fund management. This is the strength of Manulife Asset Management (Thailand).
About Manulife Asset Management
Manulife Asset Management is the global asset management arm of Manulife Financial. Manulife Asset Management provides comprehensive asset management solutions for institutional investors and investment funds in key markets around the world. Manulife Asset Management also provides investment management services to affiliates’ retail clients through product offerings of Manulife and John Hancock. This investment expertise extends across a broad range of asset classes including equity, fixed income and alternative investments such as real estate, timber, farmland, as well as asset allocation strategies.
Manulife Asset Management has offices with full investment capabilities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In addition, it has a joint venture asset management business in China, Manulife TEDA. It also has operations in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Uruguay. John Hancock Asset Management, Hancock Natural Resource Group and Declaration Management and Research are units of Manulife Asset Management. Manulife Asset Management was named a 2011 Bond Manager of the Year finalist in the United States by Money Management Intelligence (MMI) and Best Asian Bond House by Asia Asset Management.
As at December 31, 2011, assets under management were C$211 billion (US$208 billion). Additional information about Manulife Asset Management can be found at ManulifeAM.com.
About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, we celebrate 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$500 billion (US$491 billion) as at December 31, 2011. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.