John Hancock Investments launches international ETF

BOSTON, Dec. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Investments has expanded its exchange-traded fund (ETF) product lineup today with the launch of John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, a company regarded as one of the pioneers in strategic beta investing, was selected to design the underlying developed-market equity index for the new international ETF based on Dimensional's time-tested factor-based approach. The ETF (ticker JHMD) trades on the NYSE Arca.

"Adding an ETF focused on international investing is a logical extension of our product line, and we are pleased to be able to bring Dimensional's proven multifactor approach to investors seeking to invest in international markets," said Andrew G. Arnott, president and CEO of John Hancock Investments.

Dimensional began applying the concept of multifactor investing more than 30 years ago, and today the firm is one of the most respected managers in the industry. Dimensional's approach is rooted in decades of academic research into the factors that drive expected returns and they offer a compelling track record of delivering results to investors.

"The beauty of Dimensional's philosophy is that it is straightforward and disciplined in its approach, yet so thoughtful and innovative in its implementation. They are truly an exceptional firm to be able to partner with to deliver solutions to our clients," said Steve L. Deroian, head of ETF strategy at John Hancock Investments.

John Hancock Investments has had a relationship with Dimensional and its portfolio management teams since 2006, with strategies offered as both individual John Hancock mutual funds and through John Hancock asset allocation portfolios.

The new international ETF is the 12^th ETF John Hancock Investments has developed with Dimensional Fund Advisors in the past 18 months. John Hancock Investments' previous launches include U.S. large- and mid-cap portfolios and a range of sector-specific offerings. 

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 CAD$966 billion (US$862 billion) as of September 30, 2016. 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, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

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 800-225-5291, or visit our website at jhinvestments.com/etf. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.

Investing involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that a fund's investment strategy will be successful. Foreign investing has additional risks, such as currency and market volatility and political and social instability. Due to various factors, shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market, and a fund's holdings and returns may deviate from those of its index. These variations may be greater when markets are volatile or subject to unusual conditions. Errors in the construction or calculations of a fund's index may occur from time to time. Please see the fund's prospectus for additional risks.

John Hancock Multifactor ETF shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV), and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP receives compensation from John Hancock in connection with licensing rights to the John Hancock Dimensional indexes. Neither John Hancock Advisers, LLC nor Dimensional Fund Advisors LP guarantees the accuracy and/or completeness of an index (each an underlying index) or any data included therein, and neither John Hancock Advisers, LLC nor Dimensional Fund Advisors LP shall have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions therein. Neither John Hancock Advisers, LLC nor Dimensional Fund Advisors LP makes any warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by a fund, owners of the shares of a fund, or any other person or entity from the use of an underlying index, trading based on an underlying index, or any data included therein, either in connection with a fund or for any other use. Neither John Hancock Advisers, LLC nor Dimensional Fund Advisors LP makes any express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties, of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to an underlying index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall either John Hancock Advisers, LLC or Dimensional Fund Advisors LP have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect, or consequential damages, including lost profits, arising out of matters relating to the use of an underlying index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

John Hancock ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, and are subadvised by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. Foreside is not affiliated with John Hancock Funds, LLC or Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.

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SOURCE John Hancock Investments