New mutual funds offer easier way for market-weary investors to diversify

Sun Life Granite Managed Portfolios help investors navigate through turbulent markets

TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Sun Life Global Investments (Canada) Inc. (Sun Life Global Investments) today introduced the Sun Life Granite Managed Portfolios, a series of asset allocation portfolios available through advisors for mutual fund investors where the fund allocation mix is managed and adjusted to react to market conditions - helping investors manage risk and providing potential for better returns.

Led by Sadiq S. Adatia, the Sun Life Global Investments' in-house Portfolio Management team adjusts the exposure to various asset classes, optimizing performance and managing risk in response to prevailing market conditions.

"With the volatile and uncertain economic environment over the past year, investors are increasingly looking for solutions that provide appropriate diversification," said Sadiq S. Adatia, Chief Investment Officer, Sun Life Global Investments. "Our new mutual funds help to meet their needs by providing easy access to some of the best asset managers from around the world, while continuing our focus on managing risk."

The series of portfolios contain a diversified asset mix of 10-15 funds from Sun Life Global Investments, Sun Life affiliates and third-party asset managers. "We take diversification a step further by offering investors access to non-traditional asset classes, such as infrastructure and real estate, to help them manage risk and provide future growth potential," added Adatia.

Investors have the option of five portfolios to match their current risk tolerance and investment goals:

• Sun Life Managed Conservative Portfolio
• Sun Life Managed Moderate Portfolio
• Sun Life Managed Balanced Portfolio
• Sun Life Managed Balanced Growth Portfolio
• Sun Life Managed Growth Portfolio

The new portfolios align with Sun Life's strategic focus on continuing to build on its leadership position in Canada in wealth management while broadening its asset management businesses around the world.

Sun Life Granite Managed Portfolios are also available in Series T units allowing investors access to a steady, tax-efficient stream of cash flow.

The new funds will be available through Sun Life's extensive distribution reach, which includes Sun Life advisors, MFDA and IIROC advisors.

The Sun Life Granite Managed Portfolios invest in other funds. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

About Sun Life Global Investments (Canada) Inc.

Sun Life Global Investments brings together the strength of one of Canada's most trusted names in financial services with some of the best asset managers from around the world. With a focus on risk management, our rigorous selection and monitoring process provides access to leading asset managers who use insight and innovation to manage high quality investment solutions for Canadian investors. For more information, visit: www.sunlifeglobalinvestments.com.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2011, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $459 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.