Manulife Investments Philippines has broadened its investment offerings beyond real estate investment trusts (REITs), introducing a multi-asset fund that gives Filipino investors exposure to global infrastructure, natural resources and inflation-linked securities.
The company launched the Manulife Global Diversified Real Asset Feeder Fund by converting its existing Global REIT Feeder Fund into an income-paying, multi-asset unit investment trust fund (UITF).
The move expands the fund’s investment scope as investors navigate inflation, market volatility and the search for income-generating assets that can support long-term wealth accumulation.
While the predecessor focused on REITs, the expanded portfolio combines global listed infrastructure, natural resources equities and US Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). The combination offers exposure to different segments of the real asset market, including securities designed to adjust with inflation.
The fund also targets investment opportunities linked to longer-term economic shifts, including artificial intelligence, digitalization, infrastructure modernization and the energy transition. These developments are driving demand for data centers, electricity networks, transportation infrastructure and natural resources, creating potential opportunities beyond traditional property investments.
Aira Gaspar, president and chief executive officer of Manulife Investments Philippines, said the fund brings together multiple global real asset opportunities in one professionally managed investment vehicle.
“The Manulife Global Diversified Real Asset Feeder Fund brings together a broad range of global real asset opportunities into a single professionally managed solution,” Gaspar said.
The fund aims to generate income and long-term inflation-adjusted returns while giving investors another option for diversifying their portfolios across asset classes and market cycles.
However, real assets do not eliminate investment risks. Infrastructure and resource equities can fluctuate with market conditions, while inflation-linked securities remain sensitive to interest rates. Income distributions and investment returns are not guaranteed.
The launch reflects efforts to broaden local investors’ access to international markets and investment strategies through locally available products. The fund’s ability to meet its income and inflation-protection objectives will ultimately depend on market performance, portfolio management and prevailing economic conditions.
