The fund is managed by three experienced portfolio managers with complementary expertise. Jeffrey N. Given, CFA, serves as Head of Developed-Market Fixed Income and Senior Portfolio Manager at Manulife Investment Management, managing the fund since June 2006. Michael J. Scanlon, Jr., CFA, joined as portfolio manager in June 2015, serving as Co-Head of the Manulife Capital Appreciation Team with over 20 years of experience since joining the company in 2004 after completing his MBA at Boston University. Susan A. Curry became portfolio manager in December 2019, leading the capital appreciation team with specialization in financial sector research, bringing experience that began in 1993 and includes tenure with Manulife since 1998. The team combines fixed income expertise with equity fundamental analysis to deliver the fund's balanced allocation strategy through systematic security selection and risk management.

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The John Hancock Balanced Fund seeks current income, long-term growth of capital and income, and preservation of capital through a diversified allocation approach. Under normal market conditions, the fund maintains at least 25% of assets in equity securities and at least 25% in senior debt securities. The investment team employs fundamental financial analysis combined with proprietary financial models to identify companies of any size selling at a discount to intrinsic value. The approach emphasizes identifying undervalued companies positioned for growth through positive catalysts such as new products, management changes, or favorable economic shifts. For fixed income, the portfolio focuses on enhancing income and stability primarily through investment-grade bonds while allowing up to 20% in below-investment-grade securities. Environmental, social, and governance factors are systematically incorporated into the investment process across both equity and fixed income selections.

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