The latest news in investment offerings, financial products and other services relevant to wealth advisors and their clients.

UOB
UOB Asset Management has launched its latest managed portfolio solution, UOBAM Gold+, which blends an exchange-traded fund backed by gold with a fund investing in precious metals.

The MPS is composed of 49 per cent SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust ETF (GLDM), 49 per cent United Gold & General Fund (UGGF) and a 2 per cent cash buffer.

UOBAM said the equal-weight structure offers investors “balanced, cost-efficient exposure to the global gold market by pairing physically backed gold bullion with predominantly gold-focused but diversified mining equities.”

The launch comes at a time when gold prices are strong, buoyed by a depreciating US dollar, expectations of possible further rate cuts and geopolitical tensions. Over the 12 months to 10 September, the spot gold price rose from $2,574 per ounce to $3,645 per ounce, an increase of more than 41 per cent (price source: BullionVault).

“In today’s uncertain market, investors are actively seeking smarter ways to protect and grow their wealth. The UOBAM Gold+ is designed to offer the best of both worlds for investors who are looking for portfolio diversification – combining the stability of physical gold and the growth potential of gold-related equities in a balanced and resilient strategy,” Rachel Ong, chief marketing officer of UOBAM, said.

“With gold reaching successive all-time highs this year and central banks continuing to add bullion to their reserves, this portfolio provides a timely and accessible gateway to tap into the momentum while supporting portfolio hedging and tactical positioning in a dynamic investment landscape,” Ong added.

The Gold & General Fund (UGGF) is an actively managed strategy with a track record of more than 30 years. It is available exclusively on the UOBAM Invest app. There are currently no advisory or platform charges.

Prudential Singapore
Prudential Singapore has launched two index-linked plans – PRUIndex Income Boost (PIIB) and PRUIndex Lifetime Income (PILI).

The firm said these offerings are designed to grow wealth while protecting savings from market uncertainty.

PIIB and PILI are first-in-market regular premium participating plans with index-linked cash payout income, the firm said in a statement this week. The plans provide guaranteed monthly cash benefits starting from the very first month, and the potential for higher monthly cash payouts linked to uncapped index growth from the 13th month onwards. 

“As Singaporeans are living longer, many are preparing for retirement and seeking secure ways to grow their wealth by investing more and building passive income streams,” Jason Lim, head of product management, Prudential Singapore, said.