BOSTON, Nov. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock
Investments has expanded its exchange-traded fund (ETF) product lineup today with the launch of John Hancock Multifactor Small
Cap ETF. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP ("Dimensional"), which is regarded as one of the pioneers in strategic beta investing, was
selected to design the underlying equity index for the new small-cap ETF based on Dimensional's time-tested factor-based
approach. The ETF (ticker JHSC) trades on the NYSE Arca.
"We're once again pleased to team up with Dimensional to bring their proven multifactor approach to investors seeking exposure
to small-cap equity markets," said Andrew G. Arnott, president and CEO of John Hancock
Investments. "Our firm's momentum in the ETF space has been strong, and we now have $1 billion in
ETF assets under management."
Dimensional began applying the concept of factor investing more than 30 years ago. Today, the firm is a respected manager in
the industry. Dimensional's approach is rooted in decades of academic research into the factors that drive expected returns and
offers a compelling track record of delivering results to investors.
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF seeks to track and fully replicate a custom small-cap index designed by Dimensional.
The new ETF consists of securities in the U.S. universe issued by companies whose market capitalizations are smaller than the
750th largest U.S. company but larger than the smallest 4% of U.S. companies.
"A focus on small caps is a logical extension of our product line, and complementary to our 12 previously launched multifactor
ETFs," said Steve L. Deroian, head of ETF strategy at John Hancock Investments.
John Hancock Investments has had a relationship with Dimensional and its portfolio management teams since 2006, with
strategies offered as both individual John Hancock mutual funds and through John Hancock asset allocation portfolios. Previous ETF launches have included U.S. large- and mid-cap
portfolios, a developed market international portfolio, and a range of sector-specific offerings.
About John Hancock Investments
John Hancock has helped individuals and institutions build and protect wealth since
1862. Today, we are one of the strongest and most-recognized financial brands. We serve investors globally through a unique
multimanager approach: We search the world to find proven portfolio teams with specialized expertise for every strategy we offer,
then we apply robust investment oversight to ensure they continue to meet our uncompromising standards and serve the best
interests of our shareholders. Our approach to asset management has led to a diverse set of investments deeply rooted in investor
needs, along with strong risk-adjusted returns across asset classes.
About John Hancock and Manulife
John Hancock is a division of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international
financial services group that helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations by putting customers' needs first and providing
the right advice and solutions. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States, and Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance and wealth and asset
management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its
subsidiaries were over $1 trillion (US$806 billion) as of
September 30, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and
under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.
One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John
Hancock supports approximately 10 million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance,
annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, and college savings plans. We also offer advice through Signator, a network of independent
financial advisors. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.
The stock prices of small companies can change more frequently and dramatically than those of large companies, and value
stocks may decline in price. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market, and a fund's
holdings and returns may deviate from those of its index. These variations may be greater when markets are volatile or subject to
unusual conditions. Errors in the construction or calculation of a fund's index may occur from time to time. Please see the
fund's prospectus for additional risks.
John Hancock Multifactor Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV), and are not
individually redeemed from the fund.
Clients should carefully consider a fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing.
To request a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other important information, call us at 800-225-6020, or visit us at
jhinvestments.com.
John Hancock ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, and are subadvised by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. Foreside
is not affiliated with John Hancock Funds, LLC or Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP receives compensation from John Hancock in connection with
licensing rights to the John Hancock Dimensional indexes. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP does not sponsor, endorse, or sell, and
makes no representation as to the advisability of investing in, the John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF.
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SOURCE John Hancock Investments