Multi Real Asset Strategy

This dynamic real asset strategy blends the expertise of our multi-asset solutions and private markets teams’ capability sets, with a goal of delivering clients access to direct investments in private assets with enhanced liquidity management. With this strategy, the team can invest in commercial real estate, timber, mortgages, private debt, infrastructure, farmland, commodities, and other asset classes.

Philosophy

The team believes that the most effective way of achieving a high, stable real return is through targeting a diversified range of real and private asset classes that, when combined, should have a high beta to inflation in most market environments. The portfolio is constructed with real total returns as a desired outcome: The team uses a differentiated approach to pursue its objective, emphasizing private and real assets, while minimizing reliance on mainstream stocks and bonds. Liquid real assets exposure seeks to enhance liquidity and return profiles while providing the flexibility of cash management.

Managed by

Eric Menzer, CFA, CAIA, AIF

Head of Advisory Solutions, Multi-Asset Solutions Team

Eric’s responsibilities include portfolio management and oversight of pension, outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO), model, and real asset solutions. He’s also a member of the investment committees for Manulife’s U.S. and Canadian employee defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

Previously, Eric was director of trading for John Hancock Financial Network, a retail broker-dealer for Manulife Financial. In that role, he was responsible for managing a team of traders and brokerage representatives trading equity, fixed-income, options, and mutual fund transactions for John Hancock’s U.S. registered representative sales force. 

Eric holds the Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary designations, and is a member of the CFA Society Boston and the CFA Institute.

  • Education: B.Sc. in Finance, Northeastern University; M.B.A., Bentley University
  • Joined the company: 2006
  • Began career: 1997
Eric Menzer, CFA, CAIA, AIF

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 that are available to both institutional and retail investors.


Key facts

  • Inception date

    November 2015

  • Strategy AUM (CAD)

    $342 million

  • Benchmark

    Canadian CPI+4%

  • Style

    Multi private and real assets

  • Portfolio manager experience

    24 years

Important disclosures

All information shown is as of September 30, 2023, 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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