John Hancock Investments Launches Global Real Estate Fund

BOSTON, Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Investments announced the launch of the John Hancock Global Real Estate Fund, which is managed by a team of portfolio managers at Standard Life Investments (SLI). Share classes A (Ticker: JHGRX), C (JHGCX), I (JHGSX), and R6 (JHGNX) are now available for sale.

"In an era when traditional asset classes are providing lackluster returns, volatility is a constant challenge, and investors are looking for alternative ways to diversify their portfolios, we are pleased to be able to offer global exposure to a major asset class – real estate – in a mutual fund vehicle," said Andrew G. Arnott, President and CEO of John Hancock Investments. "We've selected Standard Life Investments as manager of the Fund, an extension of our longstanding partnership with the firm and in recognition of Standard Life's considerable experience and specialized expertise in global real estate investing."

The goal of the John Hancock Global Real Estate Fund is to provide consistent long-term returns above the FTSE EPRA NAREIT Developed Index over time, within acceptable levels of risk. The Fund normally invests at least 80 percent of its net assets in securities of real estate-related issuers, which may include real estate investment trusts (REITs) and equity securities of real estate companies. The fund normally invests at least 40 percent of its assets in foreign securities, including both developed- and emerging-market securities. Because it typically invests more than 25 percent of its assets in real estate-related securities, the Fund is considered to be "concentrated" in the real estate industry.

John Hancock Global Real Estate Fund is managed by Andrew Jackson, Head of Wholesale and Listed Real Estate and Portfolio Manager, and Svitlana Gubriy, Portfolio Manager, at Standard Life Investments.

"The co-portfolio managers for the Fund bring decades of experience working in both direct and listed real estate and carry perspective from both a bottom-up security selection and top-down macro point of view," said Leo Zerilli, head of the Investment division at John Hancock Investments.  "At SLI the listed real estate team is fully integrated with the larger, private real estate team, and draws upon that team for a variety of key information and market insights on a regular and ongoing basis."

Standard Life Investments is a leading global asset manager with $379.5 billion of assets under management invested across a wide range of mandates, asset classes and geographies. Headquartered in Edinburgh since 1998, SLI employs more than 1,700 professionals globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Life Investments (Holdings) Limited, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Life plc.  Standard Life Investments is one of Europe's largest real estate investors, with a dedicated team of 152 real estate investment professionals managing $27.0 billion of assets in direct real estate, public listed real estate and real estate debt. (all figures at Sept 30, 2015).

REITs are subject to risks associated with ownership of real estate, including risk of a general or localized decline in the value of real estate, economic and market events risk, and interest-rate risk (as interest rates rise, the value of REITs may decline). Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations. Foreign investing, especially in emerging markets, has additional risks, such as currency and market volatility and political and social instability. Currency transactions are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. The fund's losses could exceed the amount invested in its currency instruments. Certain market conditions, including reduced trading volume, heightened volatility, and rising interest rates, may impair liquidity, the ability of the fund to sell securities or close derivative positions at advantageous prices. The use of hedging and derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses and may increase costs.  A portfolio concentrated in one sector or that holds a limited number of securities may fluctuate more than a diversified portfolio. Please see the fund's prospectus for additional risks.

A fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other 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. 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. John Hancock Investments managed nearly $127 billion in assets as of September 30, 2015.

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$888 billion (US$663 billion) as at September 30, 2015. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet 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