Manulife Investment Management's Global Intelligence report anticipates sustainable investing growth; forecasts economic recovery to pick up pace in second half of 2021

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Manulife Investment Management's Global Intelligence report forecasts a promising global economic recovery, focusing on COVID-19's impact on sustainable investing and fixed income strategies. Key insights reveal a K-shaped recovery, rising inflation, and opportunities in Asian fixed income. The report emphasizes the growing demand for ESG investments, particularly in light of the Paris Agreement, while also highlighting the importance of flexibility in real estate investments. As of September 30, 2020, the firm manages CAD$923 billion (US$692 billion) in assets.

Positive

• Forecasts a strengthening global economic recovery in 2021.
• Highlights increased demand for sustainable investing and ESG initiatives.
• Identifies compelling opportunities in Asian fixed income post-COVID-19.
• Emphasizes the strategic importance of flexibility in real estate investments.

Negative

• None.

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• Provides extensive analysis of how "macro disruptors" may play an impactful role in the global economy in 2021
• Offers perspectives in how COVID-19 has affected sustainable investing
• Takes an in-depth look at fixed income for the year ahead

 

BOSTON and TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Manulife Investment Management released its semiannual Global Intelligence report, a firmwide outlook highlighting notable perspectives from its private and public markets investment teams. Key themes in the report include the projected global economic recovery, importance of forward-looking climate risk analysis in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, fundamental benefits of fixed income, future of real estate investing, and how COVID-19 has driven policymakers in Asia to take major steps toward sustainable investing.

Christopher P. Conkey, CFA, global head of public markets, Manulife Investment Management said, "We start 2021 with much to be optimistic about—from the distribution of vaccines, the stability and liquidity in the global markets, and the worldwide introduction of fiscal stimulus packages. As we look to turn a corner on economic recovery, the latest edition of Global Intelligence provides an overview of the investment landscape and identifies continued and emerging areas for growth."

Stephen J. Blewitt, global head of private markets, Manulife Investment Management, added, "After a year riddled with economic uncertainty, there are bright spots across a number of private market assets in 2021, as the findings from our real estate team will indicate."

"As corporate accountability and ESG dominate boardroom conversations across the globe, our latest report showcases a rapidly growing appetite for sustainable investing," said Paul R. Lorentz, president and CEO, Manulife Investment Management. "We expect to see increasing demand for carbon solutions from investors, and will continue to seek opportunities for ESG investing across both traditional and alternative asset classes."

Notable asset class themes, shifts, and guidance within Global Intelligence include: 

• "Global economic outlook: the rise of macro disruptors"—Managing Director, Global Chief Economist and Global Head of Macroeconomic Strategy Frances Donald projects the state of this year's global economy with four key themes: a year of two halves, a K-shaped recovery, a temporary spike in inflation, and the continued search for yield.
• "Unlocking sustainable investing opportunities in Asian fixed income"—Deputy CIO, Global Fixed Income, Endre Pedersen, Deputy CIO, Fixed Income, Asia, ex–Japan, Murray Collis, and Asia Head of ESG Eric Nietsch, CFA, dissect how COVID-19 accelerated the growth of sustainable investing in Asia and created compelling opportunities in Asian fixed income.
• "The future of real estate investing resides in flexibility"—Global Head of Real Estate Investment Michael McNamara explores how real estate stays relevant in a world of changing needs and why it should be considered with flexibility in mind.
• "The Paris Agreement as a long-term investment framework"—Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager Patrick Blais, CFA, and Head of ESG, Canada Margaret Eve Childe take a deep dive into the Paris Agreement and how that provides a suitable framework for investors seeking to align their portfolios with the overarching goal of curbing carbon emissions.
• "The case for core: fixed-income investing in an era of yield scarcity"—Senior Portfolio Manager, Head of U.S. Core and Core Plus Fixed Income Howard C. Greene, CFA, and Senior Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager of Core and Core Plus, and Securitized Asset Jeffrey N. Given, CFA, revisit some of the overlooked reasons for owning bonds in the first place and how they can add value in challenging markets.

For more information and to view the full report, please click here.

About Manulife Investment Management
Manulife Investment Management is the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 17 countries and territories. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. 

As of September 30, 2020, Manulife Investment Management had CAD$923 billion (US$692 billion) in assets under management and administration. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

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FAQ

What does Manulife's Global Intelligence report predict for the economy in 2021?

The report predicts a global economic recovery with key themes like a K-shaped recovery, temporary inflation spikes, and a focus on yield.

How has COVID-19 influenced sustainable investing according to Manulife?

COVID-19 has accelerated the growth of sustainable investing, creating significant opportunities in Asian fixed income.

What are the key investment trends highlighted in the Global Intelligence report by Manulife?

Key trends include the rising demand for ESG investments, a focus on flexible real estate strategies, and core fixed-income investments amidst yield scarcity.

What assets does Manulife Investment Management manage?

As of September 30, 2020, Manulife Investment Management manages CAD$923 billion (US$692 billion) in assets.

What is the significance of the Paris Agreement in Manulife's investment strategy?

The Paris Agreement serves as a framework for investors aiming to align their portfolios with goals to curb carbon emissions.