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Japan Core Equity Strategy

The strategy seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation through investment in high-quality Japanese companies bought at what the team believes is the right price. The strategy’s long-term focus is designed to deliver strong risk-adjusted performance over time.

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Philosophy

The team believes that investing in Japanese companies that are trading below their assessment of intrinsic value, possess strong cash-generative business models, and represent sustainable growth opportunities offers the potential for outperformance over the long term.

Managed by

Edward Ritchie, ASIP

Senior Managing Director, Japan Equities

Edward Ritchie is a senior managing director and head of Japan Equities at Manulife Investment Management (Japan) Ltd. He is portfolio manager of Manulife’s Japan equity funds with US$1bn AUM. He transferred from London to Manulife IM’s Tokyo office in April 2019. He also co-manages the Manulife’s global small cap exposure. Previously, he worked at Schroder Investment Management and Lazard specializing in Japanese equities. Ed was based previously in Tokyo from 2000 to 2007, where he managed a 500 million pound sterling fund investing in Japanese dividend growth stocks, as well as managing the consumer section of the research team. He has completed the Associate Examination of the CFA Society of the UK.

  • Education: University of Oxford, Master of Arts in Philosophy, Politics & Economics, 1993
  • Joined the company: 2010
  • Began career: 1995
Edward Ritchie, ASIP

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.

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Related

September 28, 2021

Corporate governance in Japan—progress in six key areas

Edward Ritchie, ASIP

Edward Ritchie, ASIP,  Senior Managing Director, Japan Equities Manulife Investment Management

Prominent cases of corporate scandals in Japan in recent years seems to suggest that corporate governance in the country has weakened. The reality, however, is quite different.
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November 8, 2021

ESG investing in Asia—the continuing evolution

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The growth in ESG investing in Asia underscores the continent's commitment to create a sustainable future—a development that can lead to compelling fixed-income opportunities.
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January 20, 2022

Why Asia is likely to escape the global inflation scare

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The economic outlook for Asia in 2022 remains mixed as macro headwinds continue to weigh on growth; however, we believe that inflationary pressure in the region is much less acute than in other parts of the world.
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Important information

The material contains information regarding the investment approach described herein and is not a complete description of the investment objectives, risks, policies, guidelines or portfolio management and research that supports this investment approach. Any decision to engage Manulife Investment Management should be based upon a review of the terms of the prospectus, offering documents or investment management agreement, as applicable, and the specific investment objectives, policies and guidelines that apply under the terms of such agreement. There is no guarantee investment objectives will be met. The investment process may change over time. The characteristics set forth above are intended as a general illustration of some of the criteria the strategy team considers in selecting securities for client portfolios. Client portfolios are managed according to mutually agreed upon investment guidelines.

This information has been provided by Manulife Investment Management. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and correct but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instrument nor does it constitute an offer or invitation to invest in any fund managed by Manulife Investment Management and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer. This information does not constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice or recommendations with respect to the securities and sectors listed.

References to securities, transactions or holdings should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell a particular security and there is no assurance that, as of the date of publication, the securities remain in the portfolio. Additionally, it is noted that the securities or transactions referenced do not represent all of the securities purchased, sold or recommended during the period referenced and there is no guarantee as to the future profitability of the securities identified and discussed herein.

The indices cited are widely accepted benchmarks for investment performance within their relevant regions, sectors or asset classes, and represent non managed investment portfolio.