Asia Small Cap Strategy

The strategy seeks to generate excess returns by investing in Asian small-cap companies with strong fundamentals that are underappreciated by the market, particularly those that are underresearched by global investment firms. Notably, Manulife’s extensive presence in the region has enabled the team to build an invaluable network on the ground, giving them access to insight that can help them pursue the best investment opportunities.

Philosophy

The team seeks to achieve sustained outperformance in Asia’s small-cap space by focusing on underresearched companies that are positioned to benefit from the region’s growth. The team believes limited coverage of the segment plays to their strength; Manulife’s extensive footprint in Asia enables the team to conduct the kind of on-the-ground research that leads to uncovering new investment ideas and opportunities. This is reflected in the investment process, which is designed around the central role that fundamental, bottom-up research plays in the strategy. 

Managed by

Jasmine To

Senior Portfolio Manager, Equities

Based in Hong Kong Jasmine is responsible for managing the firm’s Asian Small Cap strategies.  She works closely with the firm’s country and sector specialists as well as our local equity expertise across the Asia region. 

Jasmine has over 10 years of industry experience specializing in Asia small cap research and portfolio management.  She joined from Allianz Global Investors where she was a Portfolio Manager for their Asian Small Cap strategies for five years with a successful track record with clients interests from North America, Europe and Latin America. Prior to that, she spent three years at Point 72 Asset Management  as a research analyst focusing on consumer and industrial companies in the region and started her career with Deutsche Bank as an investment banking analyst.

Jasmine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Political Science from the London School of Economics. 

  • Joined the company: 2022
  • Began career: 2011
Jasmine To

Vehicles

At Manulife Investment Management, we offer investment strategies through a variety of vehicles to suit a broad range of client needs. Contact our institutional sales or consultant relations team to find out if this strategy/vehicle is offered in your region. 

Separate accounts

Our separate accounts and separately managed accounts (SMAs) are designed for institutions and high-net-worth clients seeking tailored investment solutions and direct ownership of securities. 

CITs

Our professionally managed collective investment trusts (CITs) are available in certain qualified retirement plans.

Mutual funds

Mutual funds are liquid, professionally managed portfolios which are available to both institutional and retail investors.


Key facts

Inception date

April 2010

Strategy AUM (USD)

$106.29 million

Benchmark

MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Small Cap Index

Style

Growth at a reasonable price

Expected tracking error

5% to 8%

Average portfolio manager experience

12 years

Important information

All information shown is as of September 30, 2024, unless otherwise indicated. Strategy-level information may differ from vehicle-specific information. Not all vehicles are available in all locations and may be offered through affiliates of Manulife Investment Management.


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