The investment firm's semiconductor, technology, clean energy, Asia equity, and short-duration bond funds placed first in several Philippine peso-denominated UITF categories.
Several unit investment trust funds (UITFs) managed by Manulife Investments Philippines ranked among the country's top performers for the first nine months of 2026, with funds covering technology, clean energy, Asian equities, and fixed income securing leading positions in their respective categories.
Based on performance figures for January 1 to September 30, 2026, published through the Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) Performance and Returns portal, Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation placed three funds in the top positions of the Feeder Fund - Equity category. It also secured the top spot in the separate Equity category and the Feeder Fund - Fixed Income category.
The results span investment strategies with different market exposures, from semiconductor and technology stocks to Asian bonds, illustrating the range of investment products available to Filipino investors.
Semiconductor fund posts 100.74% return
The Manulife Global Semiconductor Opportunities Equity Feeder Fund ranked first in the Feeder Fund - Equity category, posting a reported return of 100.74% for the period.
The fund provides exposure to companies in the global semiconductor industry, whose products support artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, smartphones, vehicles, and other digital technologies.
Two other Manulife funds followed in the same category. The Manulife Global Technology Equity Feeder Fund ranked second, with a 38.43% return, while the Manulife Global Clean Energy Equity Feeder Fund placed third, returning 29.57%.
The technology fund invests across technology subsectors, while the clean energy fund focuses on companies involved in renewable power, electric vehicles, and the technologies and infrastructure supporting the energy transition.
The results highlight three distinct investment themes: semiconductor manufacturing and related technologies, the broader technology sector, and the shift toward cleaner energy.
Asia-focused equity fund leads its category
In the Equity category, the Manulife Asia Best Select Equity Fund (PHP Unhedged Class A) ranked first among retail share classes, posting a reported return of 38.01%.
The fund invests in a diversified portfolio of companies listed across Asian markets, excluding Japan. Its regional focus gives investors exposure to businesses operating in different Asian economies and industries.
While the three leading feeder funds focus on specific global investment themes, the Asia Best Select Equity Fund offers a different approach through exposure to companies across multiple markets in the region.
Short-duration bond fund tops fixed-income feeder category
Manulife also secured the leading position in the Feeder Fund - Fixed Income category through the Manulife Asia Short Duration Bond Feeder Fund (PHP Unhedged Class A), which posted a reported return of 6.36%.
The fund focuses on high-quality Asian bonds with maturities of less than three years. Its strategy differs from the equity funds, which are exposed to stock-market movements and specific sectors or regions.
Fixed-income funds and equity funds have different risk and return characteristics. Investors need to assess those differences in relation to their financial goals, investment horizon, and ability to withstand potential losses.
Digital access expands investment options
The funds form part of Manulife Investments Philippines' wider UITF offering, which provides access to local and international investment strategies.
Investors can explore the firm's available funds through Manulife Investments Philippines and open a UITF account online through Manulife iFUNDS, its digital investment platform.
Aira Gaspar, president and chief executive officer of Manulife Investments Philippines, said the company's range of UITFs is intended to serve Filipinos with different financial goals, needs, and risk appetites.
She added that the firm's investment strategies draw on global expertise to provide options for investors working toward long-term financial objectives.
What investors should consider
Strong historical returns can help investors understand how a fund performed over a specific period, but they do not guarantee similar results in the future.
A UITF is an investment product, not a bank deposit. It is not insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), and its value can rise or fall with the market. Investors may receive less than the amount they initially invested.
The reported returns for the first nine months of 2026 should therefore be viewed in the context of each fund's investment strategy, risk classification, fees, and market exposure. Before investing, individuals should review the fund's disclosure documents and determine whether its objectives and risks match their financial circumstances.
More information about UITFs, their performance, and the risks involved is available through the UITF Performance and Returns portal and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' regulatory guidance.