Manulife Asset Management Releases Inflation Guide

Accompanying videos summarize global inflation outlook and explain why it matters to companies and investors

BOSTON, May 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Manulife Asset Management offers insight on the outlook for inflation and what it means for investors around the globe in its recently released Inflation Guide, available at www.ManulifeAM.com.

Accompanying the report, for the first time, the firm is including two animated videos: one summarizing the outlook for inflation in major markets around the world and the factors that could contribute to inflation and/or deflation, and the other explaining why inflation matters to companies and investors.

According to Chief Economist Bill Cheney, the forecast is mainly a temperate one. "In 2014, high inflation is already a reality for certain countries around the world. But elsewhere, we expect inflation will come back up to run at a moderate, normal temperature in most developed markets, hitting or coming close to Central Bank targets in 2014."

However, Cheney adds, it pays to be vigilant. "Although the inflation forecast this year is expected to be moderate for the most part, we need to pay attention to signals the scales could be tipping and that potentially worrisome inflation might be brewing down the line."

About Manulife Asset Management

Manulife Asset Management is the global asset management arm of Manulife Financial, providing comprehensive asset management solutions for institutional investors and investment funds in key markets around the world. This investment expertise extends across a broad range of public and private asset classes, as well as asset allocation solutions. As at March 31, 2014, assets under management for Manulife Asset Management were C$298 billion (US$269 billion).

Manulife Asset Management's public markets units have investment expertise across a broad range of asset classes including public equity and fixed income, and asset allocation strategies. Offices with full investment capabilities are located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In addition, Manulife Asset Management has a joint venture asset management business in China, Manulife TEDA. The public markets units of Manulife Asset Management also provide investment management services to affiliates' retail clients through product offerings of Manulife and John Hancock. John Hancock Asset Management and Declaration Management and Research are units of Manulife Asset Management.

Additional information about Manulife Asset Management may be found at ManulifeAM.com.

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were approximately C$635 billion (US$574 billion) as at March 31, 2014. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

INFR.PUB.41414.MH

SOURCE: Manulife Asset Management

Beth McGoldrick, 617-663-4751, [email protected]

http://www.ManulifeAM.com