John Hancock Investments launches Global Focused Strategies Fund

BOSTON, April 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Investments today announced the launch of John Hancock Global Focused Strategies Fund, managed by the multi-asset investing team at Standard Life Investments (SLI) of Edinburgh, Scotland.

The multi-asset alternative fund seeks long-term total returns comparable to those of developed stock markets, but with a third less volatility over time. With a broad investment mandate, the portfolio team expects to implement a range of global macroeconomic and microeconomic investment strategies that employ equity and fixed-income assets, derivative contracts, and other instruments.

"Investors are looking for ways to generate market-like returns, but given the volatility we've seen in recent months, downside protection is a real concern," said Andrew G. Arnott, president and CEO, John Hancock Investments. "John Hancock Global Focused Strategies Fund is designed to offer just such an approach and extends our relationship with Standard Life Investments, one of the world's most talented managers of alternative strategies."

The new fund joins an established lineup of multi-asset alternative strategies at John Hancock Investments that are managed by SLI, including John Hancock Global Absolute Return Strategies Fund, John Hancock Global Conservative Absolute Return Fund, and John Hancock Global Real Estate Fund.

John Hancock Global Focused Strategies Fund's portfolio managers are SLI's Neil Richardson and David Sol. Mr. Richardson joined SLI in 2011 and has managed the firm's global focused strategies accounts since their inception in January of 2012. Mr. Sol joined SLI in April 2010, bringing an extensive background in credit markets. Both are members of SLI's 50+ strong multi-asset investing team. SLI managed over $373 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2015.

John Hancock Global Focused Strategies Fund Class A (JGFOX), Class C (JGFEX), Class I (JGFGX), and Class R6 (JGFDX) shares are now available for sale.

Absolute return funds are not designed to outperform stocks and bonds in strong markets. There is no guarantee of a positive return, of the fund achieving its objective, or that volatility-reducing strategies will be successful. The use of hedging and derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses and may increase costs. Liquidity—the extent to which a security may be sold or a derivative position closed without negatively affecting its market value, if at all—may be impaired by reduced trading volume, heightened volatility, rising interest rates, and other market conditions. Currency transactions are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. Foreign investing, especially in emerging markets, has additional risks, such as currency and market volatility and political and social instability. Investments in higher-yielding, lower-rated securities include a higher risk of default. The stock prices of midsize and small companies can change more frequently and dramatically than those of large companies. Please see the fund's prospectus for additional risks. A fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses should be considered carefully before investing.

A fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the fund. To obtain a prospectus, contact your financial professional, call John Hancock Investments at 1-800-225-5291, or visit jhinvestments.com.  Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.

About John Hancock Investments
John Hancock has helped individuals and institutions build and protect wealth since 1862. Today, we are one of America's strongest and most-recognized brands. As a manager of managers, John Hancock Investments searches the world to find proven portfolio teams with specialized expertise for every fund we offer, then we apply vigorous investment oversight to ensure they continue to meet our uncompromising standards and serve the best interests of our shareholders. Our unique approach to asset management has led to a diverse set of investments deeply rooted in investor needs, along with strong risk-adjusted returns across asset classes.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife
John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada, and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, our group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents, and distribution partners. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were C$935 billion (US$676 billion) as of December 31, 2015. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments,  401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Investments