Technology-focused investment funds led the performance rankings of Philippine peso-denominated unit investment trust funds (UITFs) in the first nine months of 2026, with a semiconductor-focused fund posting a return of more than 100 percent.
Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation (Manulife Investments Philippines) secured top positions across three UITF categories based on returns recorded from January 1 to September 30, 2026.
The Manulife Global Semiconductor Opportunities Equity Feeder Fund topped the Feeder Fund–Equity category with a 100.74-percent return. The fund invests in semiconductor companies involved in artificial intelligence, data centers, and electronic devices.
Two other Manulife funds completed the top three in the same category. The Manulife Global Technology Equity Feeder Fund ranked second with a 38.43-percent return, while the Manulife Global Clean Energy Equity Feeder Fund placed third with a 29.57-percent return.
The technology fund provides exposure to various technology subsectors, while the clean energy fund focuses on renewable power, electric vehicles, and infrastructure supporting the transition to cleaner energy.
In the separate equity category, the Manulife Asia Best Select Equity Fund (PHP Unhedged Class A) ranked first among retail share classes, posting a 38.01-percent return. The fund invests in companies listed across Asian markets, excluding Japan.
Manulife Investments Philippines also led the Feeder Fund–Fixed Income category, with its Asia Short Duration Bond Feeder Fund (PHP Unhedged Class A) recording a 6.36-percent return. The fund primarily invests in high-quality Asian bonds with maturities of less than three years.
Aira Gaspar, president and chief executive officer of Manulife Investments Philippines, said the performance reflects the range of investment strategies available to investors with different financial objectives and risk preferences.
“Filipinos invest to achieve different financial goals, from building wealth and preparing for future milestones to meeting their needs today. Our range of UITFs provides investment choices for different financial goals, needs, and risk appetites,” Gaspar noted.
She added that access to global investment expertise allows the company to offer funds suited to changing market conditions and investor needs.
Manulife Investments Philippines offers UITFs covering domestic and international markets. Investors can open accounts and manage their investments online through its Manulife iFUNDS platform.
UITFs are pooled investment products managed by trust entities, with returns dependent on the performance of underlying assets. Historical returns do not guarantee future investment performance.