Despite a challenging start to 2025, John Hancock's Multimanager Lifestyle Balanced Portfolio demonstrated its strength, delivering a negative total return while still outperforming its benchmark index. This latest commentary dives into the key drivers behind the portfolio's performance, offering valuable insights for investors seeking a balanced approach to wealth management.

Navigating a Volatile Market

The first quarter of 2025 presented a complex market environment, characterised by [mention specific market conditions – e.g., rising interest rates, inflation concerns, geopolitical uncertainty]. These factors contributed to widespread market volatility, impacting a range of asset classes. The Balanced Portfolio, designed for long-term growth with a focus on risk mitigation, faced these headwinds head-on.

Key Performance Factors

While the overall return was negative, a closer look reveals specific areas of strength. [Mention specific asset classes that performed well and why – e.g., “Our allocation to defensive sectors like healthcare proved beneficial as investors sought stability.” or “Strategic positioning in [specific sector] helped cushion the impact of broader market declines.”]. Conversely, [mention asset classes that underperformed and explain the reasoning – e.g., “Exposure to [specific sector] was a drag on performance due to [specific reason]”]. The Multimanager approach, leveraging the expertise of multiple investment managers, allowed for dynamic adjustments and tactical opportunities.

The Multimanager Advantage

John Hancock’s Multimanager strategy is built on the principle of diversification and manager selection. By combining the skills of a diverse group of investment professionals, the portfolio benefits from a wider range of perspectives and investment styles. This approach aims to generate consistent, risk-adjusted returns over the long term.

Looking Ahead

The team remains cautiously optimistic about the remainder of 2025. [Discuss the outlook for the economy and markets – e.g., “We anticipate continued volatility as the market digests [specific factors]. However, we believe that long-term fundamentals remain sound.”]. The portfolio is positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities while managing downside risk. [Mention any specific adjustments or strategies being implemented – e.g., “We are actively monitoring [specific indicators] and are prepared to adjust our allocations as needed.”].

Read the Full Commentary

For a detailed analysis of the John Hancock Multimanager Lifestyle Balanced Portfolio's performance in Q1 2025, including a breakdown of asset allocation and manager commentary, click here.

Disclaimer: Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.