17 May 2024
Traditionally, many Asian investors prefer the perceived safety of the money market and bank deposits, allocating an average of 40% of their assets to cash to achieve their financial goals.1 However, in the close-to-zero interest-rate environment that followed the global financial crisis, investors began to seek different products that offered a higher income.
Even though interest rates are now higher, achieving a regular income remains a priority for Asian investors. Through income investing, Asian investors not only capture a potentially higher income than cash but may also earn capital gains from their investments.
Note that income products are not risk-free and carry no guarantees. Thus, we believe moving towards a “Better Income” approach that balances risk, growth, and income to reflect investors’ needs is important.
The “Better Income” approach is designed to understand an investor’s objectives and the underlying risks associated with certain levels of income generation. Income brings with it varying levels of risk commensurate with the amount of income an investor seeks.
For example, a younger investor with a long-term horizon may be ready to sacrifice some short-term income in pursuit of wealth accumulation, whereas a retiree may want to preserve their capital and seek a regular income level just above cash rates.
Remember, “income” is not “interest”, and it is not “risk-free”. That’s why investors should understand how their portfolios can be built around the level of risk they are willing to take. What’s more, “Better” does not necessarily mean the highest income level but rather the stability and consistency of reasonably higher yields generated throughout various market cycles.
We believe that investors should thoroughly understand a particular source of income and its investment risk profile to achieve a stable income while making their capital last as long as possible.
Different sources of income
*Investors may directly receive an income (in the form of dividends) if they hold equities. Alternatively, they may indirectly receive an income (in the form of distributions) if they own mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other pooled vehicles that hold equities.
Distribution of incomes, the frequency of distribution and the amount/rate of incomes are not guaranteed. Positive distribution yield does not imply positive return.
1 Manulife Investment Management commissioned NielsenIQ to conduct an online survey of 2,000 people from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia – 500 people from each market – who are aged 20 to 60 between 25 August and 6 September 2022. The research aims to assess people’s retirement readiness and aspirations, including savings and investments, and lifestyles and family issues they consider when planning for retirement.
5 ways a budget plan can help you manage your finances
We all know approximately how much money we need each month. However, without a clear spending strategy, you could see a shortfall in savings, face a lack of day-to-day cash, or be caught off guard by unexpected costs. That’s why it’s important to have an effective budget plan that will give you control over your finances.
Risk Diversification
There is no free lunch. But Risk Diversification comes close in investing. A diversified portfolio was shown to optimize returns with lower volatility in the long run.
Get started with managing your personal finances
People often view managing their personal finances as a complicated process. In fact, it’s a lot more straightforward – it’s organising your money by establishing a budget that accounts for current expenditure, as well as building a strategy for the years ahead to achieve your financial goals. In this introductory article, we will provide steps for creating a financial plan and underscore the importance of managing your money effectively.
Global Equity Diversified Income (GEDI) strategy: Recent update amid Middle East developments
Despite the heightened market volatility, the Global Equities Diversified Income (GEDI) strategy has demonstrated resilience. We have made selective portfolio adjustments to address the rising risks and believe that by combining four powerful pillars—growth, value, income, and options—the strategy is well positioned to potentially deliver attractive yield alongside long-term capital growth.
The real asset renaissance: securing power, materials, and energy in a deglobalized world
Global supply chains are being reshaped by deglobalisation, geopolitics, and the race for energy and technological security, shifting the focus from efficiency toward resilience. In this environment of higher costs, persistent inflation pressures, and constrained supply, real assets may play an increasingly important role in helping investors navigate uncertainty and capture long‑term structural trends.
5 ways a budget plan can help you manage your finances
We all know approximately how much money we need each month. However, without a clear spending strategy, you could see a shortfall in savings, face a lack of day-to-day cash, or be caught off guard by unexpected costs. That’s why it’s important to have an effective budget plan that will give you control over your finances.
©1999 - 2026 Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited
