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Management Commentary

The fund's management team discussed several key themes during the recent quarterly period. The preferred securities market demonstrated resilience despite ongoing uncertainty in broader financial markets. Interest rate expectations remained a significant factor influencing preferred stock valuations, with the Federal Reserve's policy trajectory continuing to shape investor sentiment across fixed income and hybrid security categories. Portfolio positioning throughout Q1 2026 reflected a balanced approach between yield generation and credit quality considerations. The management team emphasized their continued focus on securities with attractive income characteristics while maintaining appropriate diversification across issuers and sectors. Credit quality remained a priority throughout the quarter, with the fund maintaining exposure primarily to investment-grade preferred securities. The banking sector continued to represent a substantial portion of the portfolio, given the significant role that financial institutions play in the preferred securities market. Management noted that the fundamental condition of many bank issuers remained adequate, though they continue to monitor asset quality metrics and capital positions closely. The interest rate environment presented both challenges and opportunities during the quarter. While rate sensitivity remained a consideration for portfolio management, the fund's positioning sought to balance current income generation with potential capital appreciation opportunities arising from market volatility. What John (HPS) is doing that smarter investors notice | Real-time updates reduce reaction times and help capitalize on short-term volatility. Traders can execute orders faster and more efficiently.Investors who track global indices alongside local markets often identify trends earlier than those who focus on one region. Observing cross-market movements can provide insight into potential ripple effects in equities, commodities, and currency pairs.What John (HPS) is doing that smarter investors notice | Real-time data enables better timing for trades. Whether entering or exiting a position, having immediate information can reduce slippage and improve overall performance.

Forward Guidance

Looking ahead, management indicated that the fund would continue to pursue its investment objective of providing shareholders with high current income through exposure to preferred securities. The outlook for preferred securities remains closely tied to broader monetary policy expectations and credit market conditions. The fund's distribution policy, which provides regular monthly distributions to shareholders, remains a central component of its value proposition. Management indicated that distributions would continue to be funded primarily through net investment income, with the level of distributions subject to ongoing review based on portfolio performance and market conditions. Interest rate expectations going forward could influence the preferred securities market in several ways. Should rate expectations stabilize or decline, preferred stock valuations might find support from improved demand dynamics. Conversely, persistent inflationary pressures or unexpected policy changes could introduce additional volatility to the preferred securities market. The credit environment remains a key consideration for portfolio positioning. Management suggested they would continue to monitor issuer fundamentals, credit spreads, and economic indicators to inform investment decisions. The fund maintains flexibility to adjust portfolio composition based on evolving market conditions and relative value opportunities within the preferred securities universe. What John (HPS) is doing that smarter investors notice | Observing correlations between different sectors can highlight risk concentrations or opportunities. For example, financial sector performance might be tied to interest rate expectations, while tech stocks may react more to innovation cycles.Market participants often refine their approach over time. Experience teaches them which indicators are most reliable for their style.What John (HPS) is doing that smarter investors notice | Real-time data also aids in risk management. Investors can set thresholds or stop-loss orders more effectively with timely information.

Market Reaction

The market response to John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III's Q1 2026 results reflected broader sentiment in the closed-end fund space. Preferred income funds have attracted renewed investor interest as income-oriented strategies remain popular among yield-seeking investors in the current environment. Analysts noted that the fund's focus on quality preferred securities positions it appropriately within the current market landscape. The closed-end fund structure provides certain advantages, including the potential for net asset value stability and access to preferred securities that may not be available through open-end fund structures. Trading activity in HPS shares demonstrated normal market dynamics during the quarter, with the fund's shares continuing to trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The relationship between the fund's market price and net asset value remained an area of interest for investors assessing potential opportunities in the preferred securities fund space. The broader preferred securities market offered mixed signals as Q1 2026 progressed, with demand dynamics influenced by changing interest rate expectations and credit market conditions. Closed-end funds specializing in preferred securities may continue to benefit from investor demand for income-generating strategies, though the market environment will likely remain subject to broader economic and monetary policy developments. Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. What John (HPS) is doing that smarter investors notice | Trading strategies should be dynamic, adapting to evolving market conditions. What works in one market environment may fail in another, so continuous monitoring and adjustment are necessary for sustained success.Market behavior is often influenced by both short-term noise and long-term fundamentals. Differentiating between temporary volatility and meaningful trends is essential for maintaining a disciplined trading approach.What John (HPS) is doing that smarter investors notice | Visualization tools simplify complex datasets. Dashboards highlight trends and anomalies that might otherwise be missed.