UCPB launches new stock fund

MANILA, Philippines - The United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) has introduced the UCPB Philippine Index Equity Fund (UPIEF), a new investment product in the bank’s suite of trust investment instruments for investors.

The UPIEF is a passively managed equity fund that replicates the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) as a benchmark.

It is best suited for investors who have an aggressive risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon. It is also a good entry point for those who are only starting to invest in equities as it is simple, affordable and easy to understand.

The investment product is structured as a unit investment trust fund (UITF), making participation and redemption of the investment uncomplicated.

With an initial investment and maintaining account balance of only P10,000, an investor can already start growing his funds through additional increments of P5,000.

Proceeds may be redeemed after a 30-day holding period by filling out a form in any UCPB branch. To fully maximize the earning potential of the UPIEF, investors are encouraged to keep investments for the long-term.

UPIEF follows the movements of 30 constituent stocks of the PSEi, including big-ticket companies and conglomerates such as Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Jollibee Food Corp.

First-time investors who may be intimidated or intrigued by the stock market would benefit from UPIEF as it just tracks the movements of Philippine equities.

UCPB Trust Banking Group head and first vice president Alexandra C. Deveras said it is a good time to invest in the UPIEF as investors will be able to buy stocks while the market still offers low prices. 

“It will give them more options and greater value before this temporary period corrects itself and the market recovers in due time,” Deveras added.