The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Feb. 15, edition that Manulife Financial says it had a net income attributed to shareholders of $1.66-billion for the fourth quarter ending Dec. 31, up 81 per cent from $915-million in the same quarter last year (all figures Canadian unless otherwise stated). A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that the insurance giant reported core earnings of $1.77-billion or 0.92 cents per share in the quarter, up from $1.54-billion or 0.77 cents per share last year. Manulife says core earnings exclude the impact of market swings and some other factors to give a better indication of the long-term potential of the business. Results saw its Asia core earnings up 14 per cent to $414-million, Canada core earnings up 19 per cent to $352-million, and U.S. earnings up 16 per cent to $349-million (U.S.). Global wealth and asset management had a 29-per-cent increase in core earnings to $353-million, though unadjusted net income was down 9 per cent to $365-million. Earnings from the 2022 quarter are based on adjusted results following the shift to a new accounting standard.