Manulife Launches Hedged Equity ETF to Expand Active Management Lineup
Event summary
- Manulife John Hancock Investments launched the John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF (JHDG) on April 8, 2026, bringing its ETF platform to 19 funds with over $12 billion in assets under management.
- The new ETF combines high-conviction equity selection with a dynamic options overlay to reduce volatility and downside risk.
- The strategy has been managed by Manulife IM (US) since 2020 and is also offered in a similar style to Canadian investors.
- Kristie Feinberg, President and CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments, highlighted growing advisor interest in active ETFs for cost and tax efficiency.
The big picture
The launch of JHDG underscores the growing preference for active ETFs among advisors seeking cost-efficient, outcome-oriented portfolio construction. Manulife's expansion into hedged equity strategies aligns with broader industry trends toward risk management and volatility reduction in equity investments. With over $12 billion in ETF assets under management, the firm is positioning itself as a significant player in the active ETF space.
What we're watching
- Advisor Adoption
- How the pace of advisor adoption of active ETFs will impact JHDG's growth trajectory.
- Market Volatility
- Whether the ETF's hedging strategy can deliver on its promise of lower volatility during market downturns.
- Competitive Positioning
- The extent to which Manulife can differentiate JHDG in a crowded active ETF market.