JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS RATED #1 BY BROKER/DEALER COMMUNITY FOR MARKETING AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT

The ratings are part of Dalbar's 2000 Financial Professionals Program. The #1 marketing rating was derived from the opinions of marketing managers at 67 broker/dealer firms across the country that rated 18 mid-sized investment firms in 13 categories. For being rated the best mid-sized firm in overall marketing support, John Hancock was awarded Dalbar's Crystal Pyramid Award, an annual award recognizing firms that excel in meeting customer needs.

The #1 rating for operations represents the opinions of operations managers of 76 broker/dealer firms. John Hancock received a second Crystal Pyramid Award for its top ranking in terms of overall operations support.

Keith Hartstein, senior vice president of sales and marketing, said, "We view the brokerage community as our partner in helping shareholders achieve their personal finance goals. As such, we have taken the time to listen to brokers, and have placed a great value on meeting their needs. We are excited to hear that the brokers themselves applaud us for our efforts."

Louis S. Harvey, president of Dalbar, Inc., said, "John Hancock's commitment to marketing support has been recognized by the broker/dealer community and is likely to attract more assets to the firm. The strength in operations will also encourage the major distributors to use Hancock more often."

John Hancock Funds, a global investment management firm, manages more than $30 billion in open-end funds, closed-end funds, private accounts, variable annuities and retirement plans for individual and institutional investors.

John Hancock Funds is a wholly owned subsidiary of John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: JHF). John Hancock and its affiliated companies provide a broad array of insurance and investment products and services to retail and institutional customers. As of September 30, 2000, John Hancock Financial Services and its subsidiaries had total assets under management of $127.8 billion.