Manulife Income Series–Singapore Fund hits S$30m mark

It is the first fund for an investment-linked plan to provide a monthly income.

The Manulife Income Series – Singapore Fund has reached the S$30 millionth mark in fund size, in just 3 months following its launch period. 

According to data from Manulife Singapore, female customers show greater appetite for this Fund to help provide for their retirement needs and fulfil other financial objectives, with about twice the number of women investing in the Fund compared to men.

Since its launch at the end of April 2012, despite the uncertain economic environment, the Fund has delivered a return of 4.5 per cent in three months. Investments per customer averaged S$34,000 and more significantly, 44 per cent of these policyholders have opted for regular monthly pay-outs, whilst 56 per cent have chosen to reinvest in the Fund.

Ms Annette King, President & CEO of Manulife Singapore said: “The feedback from our customers on the Manulife Income Series – Singapore Fund has been overwhelmingly positive. Singaporeans, particularly women, are looking for a regular stream of income as a hedge against the market volatility and global uncertainties.

This is a logical extension of most women’s investment profiles and risk appetites. Our customers have found that the
Fund provides a good match of assets to the liabilities of many Singaporeans.” The Fund seeks to provide medium to long term capital appreciation and income by primarily investing 60 per cent into the Manulife Singapore Bond Fund and 40 per cent into
the Manulife Singapore Equity Fund, both of which are managed by Manulife Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. This balanced portfolio approach is designed to cushion the impact of market volatility, while still providing growth potential.

The Fund targets to pay a dividend of 3.6 cents (SGD) per unit per annum or 0.3 cents (SGD) per unit per month. The Fund’s Annual Management Charge (AMC) is 1.2 per cent per annum.

Investors can invest into the Fund with cash or SRS with as little as S$5000. Some clients have invested up to S$500,000 and investors can invest into the Fund by choosing from two products: Manulink or Manulink Investor.

Both are single premium investment-linked plans. Manulink offers higher protection while Manulink Investor is more focused on investment. The Fund is sold through the 1,000 Manulife Financial Planners as well as through authorised financial advisory firms