May 8, 2023
Dollar-cost Averaging for segregated fund contracts
An easier way to navigate volatile markets
Reap the benefits of Dollar-cost Averaging
No one likes to miss out on market gains, but it’s understandable to be concerned about market volatility and investment timing. Dollar-cost averaging can give investors a systematic approach to investing in the markets over time. If you’re concerned about the current state of the financial markets and wondering about the right time to invest, Manulife Investment Management offers a dollar-cost averaging solution for investors looking to spread out their purchases in segregated funds and take advantage of market fluctuations.
Plus, from May 1 to October 31, 2023, investors can earn a rate of return of 4%* on their money while it’s waiting to be put to work in the market.
* The Manulife DCA Program interest rate of 4% is subject to change throughout the enhancement period without notice starting May 1, 2023. The enhanced rate only applies during the enhanced rate period to any balance in the DCA Program. Once the period ends on October 31, 2023, any remaining DCA balance will earn the current rate applicable to the DCA. Please check the fund profiles at the time of initial and any subsequent deposits for current rates.
• GIF Select InvestmentPlus
• MPIP Segregated Pools
• Manulife Segregated Fund RESP
How it works?
Initial deposits can be made to the Dollar-Cost Averaging Program (DCA Program) with instructions to process systematic switches over a maximum of 12 months. Each switch will be a fixed amount funded by the original investment in the fund.
Manulife Dollar-Cost Averaging Program — At a glance
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Dollar-Cost Averaging Program |
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Investment objective |
The fund seeks to provide investors with interest income by generally holding all of its portfolio assets on deposit in a demand deposit (cashable) account with an administered interest rate at its affiliate, Manulife Bank of Canada. |
Target investor |
The DCA Program is intended to help take advantage of fluctuating prices by systematically investing in the market without the challenge of trying to determine the best times to invest. Over time, dollar-cost averaging can help to lower the average price per unit purchased and provide the potential for higher capital appreciation. |
Products |
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Deposit minimums |
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MER |
Currently, the MER is 0%. As noted in the Fund Facts, Manulife is presently waiving the management fee of this fund. We reserve the right to charge up to 1%. |
Timing |
Up to 12 months allowed for scheduled switches to destination fund(s) with at least two scheduled switches. Funds must be switched out within 12 months of deposit. |
Frequency of switches |
Options include weekly, bi-weekly or monthly switches. A date within the range of the 1st- 28th of the month can be chosen for the recurring monthly switch option. |
Interest rate* |
From May 1 to October 31, 2023, investors can earn a rate of return of 4%* on their money while it’s waiting to be put to work in the market.
* The Manulife DCA Program interest rate of 4% is subject to change throughout the enhancement period without notice starting May 1, 2023. The enhanced rate only applies during the enhanced rate period to any balance in the DCA Program. Once the period ends on October 31, 2023, any remaining DCA balance will earn the current rate applicable to the DCA.
The current rate can be found on the fund profiles:
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Switches-in |
Switches into the DCA Program and PAC deposits are not permitted; the fund is only available to new deposits. |
Switches-out |
Switches out of the DCA Program are permitted to all asset type funds or pools within the same sales charge, excluding the Manulife High-Interest Savings Fund. |
Manulife Dollar-Cost Averaging Program — Frequently asked questions for advisors
1. When and for how long will the enhanced rate be available?
The DCA Program will benefit from enhanced rates from May 1 to October 31, 2023. Throughout the enhancement period, the rate may be modified without notice. Likewise, the enhancement period may be extended. Consult our fund profiles found in the Price and Performance tool for the current rate. For instance, when an investor deposits $100,000 into the MPIP DCA Program on May 15, 2023, with 12 monthly switches into market funds, they will earn the enhanced rate from May 15 until October 31, 2023, on any holdings in the DCA Program. On November 1, 2023, any balance remaining in the DCA Program will revert to earning the rate that comes into effect on that date.
2. Why are we enhancing the rate?
We believe it’s the right time to invest in segregated funds. Investing through the DCA Program meets the needs of our clients who may be concerned about the current state of the markets and uncertain of the right time to invest. The rate enhancement is intended to incentivize clients who may have been on the sidelines with their investments to use the DCA Program and earn an enhanced interest rate on their money pending the systematic switch to their destination-segregated fund of choice.
3. In which segregated fund contracts can the DCA Program be purchased?
The DCA Program is available for new deposits within the following segregated fund contracts:
Note: Back-end and low-load sales charge options are only available for deposits until May 26, 2023, 4pm ET.
4. Is this rate enhancement available for new and existing deposits?
New and existing clients will receive the enhanced rate on the market value held within the DCA Program, while the enhanced rate is in effect.
5. What happens after the rate enhancement is no longer available?
Once the enhanced rate is no longer in effect, new and existing clients will receive the current rate at that time, as posted on the fund profiles.
6. How can I submit dollar-cost-averaging instructions?
You can submit dollar-cost averaging instructions electronically using Online Transactions. If you’re submitting paperwork manually to Head Office for processing, you must complete the Dollar-Cost Averaging Program form (MK1412).
7. What happens if switch instructions are not given following the deposit?
Within a few days following the deposit into the DCA Program, a communication is sent to the advisor confirming the deposit was made and switch instructions are needed with the DCA form. A reminder request for switch instructions is sent 30 days after the deposit. A final request for switch instructions will be sent 90 days after the initial deposit.
8. What happens if Manulife doesn’t receive switch instructions after the communications and grace period?
If Manulife doesn’t receive the paperwork within 90 days, the investment will be moved to the Manulife High Interest Savings Fund and advisor commissions will be charged back.
9. Is the DCA rate different for mutual funds and segregated funds?
The funds are not the same. The rate credited and the timing of rate changes may be different.
10. Can I switch money that’s already invested in a segregated fund contract into the DCA Program?
No, the DCA Program is only available for new deposits. If you want to dollar-cost average using existing funds, systematic switches can be set up using the Fund Switches and Transitions form (NN0827).
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Important disclosures
1 The Manulife Dollar-Cost Averaging Fund will provide a 2.75% rate of return (annualized), effective as of February 6, 2023.
2 The Manager pays all of the operating expenses for the Manulife Dollar-Cost Averaging Fund, other than commissions and brokerage fees.
3 MPIP-eligible Money Market series have been capped for new purchases (including PACs and switches-in from non-MPIP funds). Only switches-in from MPIP pools and trusts are allowed.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the fund facts as well as the prospectus before investing. Mutual fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurances that the fund will be able to maintain its net asset value per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the fund will be returned to you. Past performance may not be repeated.
Any amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the contractholder and may increase or decrease in value.