Manulife Singapore has launched a new fund that aims to provide a regular stream of income for investors as they retire.

The Manulife Income Series - Singapore Fund is an investment-linked plan that targets a dividend of S$3.6 ($2.90) per unit per year while leveraging the strengths of the Singapore economy and its potential as an Asian hub. Singapore has held high marks from credit rating agenices despite the challenging global economic climate.

The fund seeks to provide medium to long-term capital appreciation income by mainly investing 60 per cent into the Manulife Singapore Bond Fund and 40 per cent into the Manulife Singapore Equity Fund, both of which are managed by Manulife Asset Management Singapore. According to the firm, the proportion of elderly residents had gone up from 6 per cent in 1990 to 9.3 per cent in 2011, necessitating a specific investment programme.

Investors may choose between two single-premium investment-linked plans: Manulink and Manulink Investor. Manulife offers higher protection while Manulink Investor is more focused on investment. Manulife Asset Management has around 100 investment professionals in 10 markets across Asia.