N-CSRS 1 d521546dncsrs.htm NUVEEN INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC. Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-05309

Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Nuveen Investments

333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Kathleen L. Prudhomme

Vice President and Secretary

901 Marquette Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 917-7700

Date of fiscal year end: June 30

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2017

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policy making roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss.3507.


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.


     LOGO
Mutual Funds   

 

      
     Nuveen Income Funds

 

 

       

 

       

 

 

Semi-Annual Report  December 31, 2017

 

              Share Class / Ticker Symbol     
    Fund Name        Class A    Class C    Class R3    Class R6    Class I    Class T    

 

 

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

       FAIIX    NTIBX       NTIFX    FINIX    FIDTX    
 

Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

       FAFIX    FFAIX    FFISX    FPCFX    FFIIX    FFITX    
 

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

       FJSIX    FCSIX    FANSX       FJSYX    FCPTX    
 

Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

       FAIPX    FCIPX    FRIPX    FISFX    FYIPX    FIFTX    
 

Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

       FALTX    FBSCX    NSSRX    NSSFX    FLTIX    NSATX    
 

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

       FCDDX    FCBCX    FABSX    FSFRX    FCBYX    FSFTX    


 

 

     

 

           
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LOGO


Table

of Contents

 

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders

     4  

Portfolio Managers’ Comments

     5  

Risk Considerations and Dividend Information

     18  

Fund Performance and Expense Ratios

     21  

Yields

     28  

Holding Summaries

     30  

Expense Examples

     36  

Portfolios of Investments

     39  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     106  

Statement of Operations

     110  

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

     112  

Financial Highlights

     116  

Notes to Financial Statements

     128  

Additional Fund Information

     149  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     150  

 

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Chairman’s Letter

to Shareholders

 

LOGO

Dear Shareholders,

Financial markets ended 2017 on a high note. Concurrent growth across the world’s major economies, strong corporate profits, low inflation and accommodative central banks provided an optimal environment for rising asset prices with remarkably low volatility. Political risks, which were expected to be a wildcard in 2017, did not materialize. The Trump administration achieved one of its major policy goals with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the European Union (EU) member governments elected EU-friendly leadership, Brexit negotiations moved forward and China’s 19th Party Congress concluded with no major surprises in its economic policy objectives.

Conditions have turned more volatile in 2018, but the positive fundamentals underpinning the markets’ rise over the past year remain intact. In early February, fears of rising inflation, which could prompt more aggressive action by the Federal Reserve, triggered a widespread sell-off across U.S. and global equity markets. Yet, global economies are still expanding and corporate earnings look healthy.

We do believe volatility will feature more prominently in 2018. Interest rates continue to rise and inflation pressures are mounting and investors are uncertain about how markets will react amid tighter financial conditions. After the relative calm of the past few years, it’s anticipated that price fluctuations will begin trending toward a more historically normal range. But we also note that signs foreshadowing recession are lacking at this point.

Maintaining perspective can be difficult with daily headlines focused predominantly on short-term news. Nuveen believes this can be an opportune time to check in with your financial advisor. Strong market appreciation such as that in 2017 may create an imbalance in a diversified portfolio. Your advisor can help you reexamine your investment goals and risk tolerance, and realign your portfolio’s investment mix appropriately. On behalf of the other members of the Nuveen Fund Board, we look forward to continuing to earn your trust in the months and years ahead.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

William J. Schneider

Chairman of the Board

February 23, 2018

 

 

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Portfolio Managers’

Comments

 

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

These Funds feature portfolio management by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, an affiliate of Nuveen, LLC. In this report, the various portfolio management teams for the Funds discuss key investment strategies and the Funds’ performance for the six-month reporting period ended December 31, 2017.

The management teams include:

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

Jeffrey J. Ebert, Wan-Chong Kung, CFA, Chris J. Neuharth and Jason J. O’Brien, CFA, have been part of the management team for the Fund since 2000, 2002, 2012 and 2016, respectively.

Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

Timothy A. Palmer, CFA, has managed the Fund since 2003. Wan-Chong Kung, CFA, Jeffrey J. Ebert and Chris J. Neuharth joined the Fund as portfolio managers in 2001, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Douglas M. Baker, CFA, joined the Fund as portfolio manager in 2016.

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

John T. Fruit, CFA, has managed the Fund since 2005. Jeffrey T. Schmitz, CFA, has been part of the management team for the Fund since 2008.

Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Wan-Chong Kung, CFA, has managed the Fund since its inception in 2004 and Chad W. Kemper joined the Fund as a portfolio manager in 2010.

 

 

This material is not intended to be a recommendation or investment advice, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities, and is not provided in a fiduciary capacity. The information provided does not take into account the specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor’s objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors.

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Discussions of specific investments are for illustration only and are not intended as recommendations of individual investments. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are those of the portfolio managers as of the date of this report. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements and the views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. The Funds disclaim any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein.

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

 

NUVEEN     5  


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

Chris J. Neuharth and Peter L. Agrimson, CFA, have been on the management team since 2004 and 2010, respectively. Jason J. O’Brien, CFA, and Mackenzie S. Meyer joined the Fund in 2016.

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

Timothy A. Palmer, CFA, has managed the Fund since 2005. Jeffrey J. Ebert, Marie A. Newcome, CFA, and Douglas M. Baker, CFA, joined the Fund as co-portfolio managers in 2000, 2011 and 2016, respectively.

What strategies were used to manage the Funds during the six-month reporting period and how did these strategies influence performance?

All of the Funds continued to employ the same fundamental investment strategies and tactics used previously, although implementation of those strategies depended on the individual characteristics of the portfolios, as well as market conditions. The Funds’ management teams use a highly collaborative, research-driven approach that we believe offers the best opportunity to achieve consistent, superior long-term performance on a risk-adjusted basis across the full range of market environments. During the reporting period, the Funds were generally positioned for an environment of continued moderate economic growth. Nonetheless, during the reporting period we made smaller scaled shifts on an ongoing basis that were geared toward improving each Fund’s profile in response to changing conditions and valuations. These strategic moves are discussed in more detail within each Fund’s section of this report.

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

The Fund’s Class A Shares at net asset value (NAV) outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index and the Lipper Core Bond Funds Classification Average for the six-month reporting period. Despite episodes of geopolitical turmoil and policy uncertainty during the reporting period, risk appetites in the financial markets remained supported by economic activity and financial conditions. U.S. Treasury rates were broadly range-bound for most of the reporting period, before moving higher toward the end of the reporting period, responding to developments surrounding Federal Reserve (Fed) policy and U.S. tax reform. In moves well-communicated with the markets in advance, the Fed began its program of balance sheet reduction in the fall. It also raised interest rates by 0.25% at its mid-December meeting due to strength in the job market and economy, while signaling it expects continued increases in 2018. However, most other central banks remained accommodative throughout the reporting period, which along with very low inflation, helped suppress global bond yields. Congress also eventually passed a large tax bill in December 2017, providing substantial cuts to corporate taxes and a near-term fiscal stimulus, while eliminating a recent driver of uncertainty. The U.S. Treasury yield curve flattened dramatically with the 30-year Treasury yield closing slightly lower, while the two-year Treasury yield increased 50 basis points, reaching its highest level of this cycle. Catalysts for the curve flattening included stronger economic data, the Fed’s rate hike, continued benign inflation and a Treasury announcement regarding increased issuance of shorter maturity bonds.

Investment grade bonds enjoyed a fairly strong period as corporate earnings remained strong, overall credit fundamentals were constructive and technicals were supportive due to demand from overseas investors searching for higher yields. Corporates posted an uptick in gross leverage to a level marginally higher than pre-crisis in 2008-2009, although because of high cash levels, net leverage remained consistent with a late expansion. Credit spreads continued to contract and ended the reporting period at their tightest levels since 2007. Corporate bond issuance remained elevated with several industries taking advantage of tight spreads and low rates to fund merger and acquisition activity and share buybacks.

In the securitized sectors, range-bound rates and relatively low levels of volatility provided a solid backdrop for mortgage-backed securities (MBS). In October 2017, the Fed began its quantitative tightening by reducing its monthly reinvestments in MBS by $4 billion per month. However, the runoff was easily absorbed by banks, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and foreign buyers because overall MBS supply declined due to seasonal factors in the housing market. The asset-backed securities (ABS) sector recovered following the summer’s devastating hurricanes because losses were lighter than initially feared. Buyers quickly returned to the sector after low levels of volatility and the need for yield brought increased demand for ABS. The commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) sector outperformed Treasuries, although heavier-than-normal issuance late in the reporting period caused the segment to lag corporates.

 

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Generally speaking, our sector positioning had a positive impact on the Fund’s relative returns versus the benchmarks. Our investment grade credit exposure was the main positive driver of returns during the reporting period, particularly the Fund’s significant overweight to BBB rated securities. Stronger economic data and the signing of the new tax plan was favorable for spread-related assets. However, security selection was a modest detractor because higher-beta securities generally outperformed in the “risk on” environment. Historically, we have focused the Fund’s exposure in lower-beta securities at the lower rated end (A and BBB) of the investment grade sector.

Also noted above, interest rates rose fairly significantly at the short end of the yield curve during the reporting period as economic data improved and the Fed moved ahead with another rate hike in December. We had positioned the Fund with a modestly shorter duration than the benchmark, which lessened its interest rate sensitivity, focused on the front of the yield curve. This shorter duration stance benefited the Fund’s performance. At the long end of the curve, rates moved lower for 30-year securities, the only segment where rates were down over the reporting period. Better economic data, tax reform, relatively subdued inflation data and increased investor demand for longer maturity Treasuries drove 30-year yields lower. We tactically traded securities along the yield curve for much of the reporting period; however, our positioning for a flatter curve proved only modestly beneficial to the Fund’s performance.

Our collective exposure to securitized asset classes also had a positive impact on the Fund’s results. In particular, the Fund’s overweight positions in the ABS and CMBS sectors benefited performance. In the ABS sector, we emphasized high quality, short maturity securities, which benefited from strong demand for yield at the short end of the yield curve. In the Fund’s CMBS exposure, we maintained a bias toward securities rated below AAA. The mortgage sector posted positive excess returns during this reporting period despite the Fed’s announcement regarding the start date for unwinding its balance sheet. Therefore, the Fund’s modest underweight to the MBS sector was a slight detractor from performance. Although the Fed eventually began to decrease its monthly reinvestments in MBS starting in October 2017, the MBS sector was able to outperform because this was already priced into the market and the additional supply was easily absorbed. The MBS market was also supported by the low volatility environment and modestly higher interest rates.

We continued to manage the Fund with essentially the same overarching investment themes during the reporting period with a strategic focus on generating above-market income and managing credit risk. We invested primarily in securities from the investment grade corporate and securitized sectors, with an emphasis on bottom-up security selection. Because the macroeconomic backdrop remained constructive for spread sectors, we maintained the Fund’s overweight position in the investment grade credit sector and more specifically an overweight in BBB rated credits versus the benchmark. Although corporate and consumer credit fundamentals are steady and benefit from the current economic environment, credit spread valuations have compressed close to their tightest levels in years. While we do not see a catalyst for a large near-term widening, these levels warrant a more balanced overall risk posture. We continue to find opportunities in individual credits and are focusing closely on bottom-up fundamental research for both return and risk management. From an industry standpoint, we continued to favor financials in light of strong fundamentals, supportive issuance trends and relative valuations.

High quality income from securitized sectors continued to play a role in the Fund’s positioning. In terms of the Fund’s specific exposures to the securitized sectors, we strategically maintained its modest underweight to MBS versus the benchmark because we believed the Fed’s balance sheet unwind would weigh on performance over the longer term. However, the mortgage sector does provide attractive, high quality income so we continued to look for opportunities to reinvest paydowns on weakness to stay fairly close to the benchmark weight. We believed the short end of the ABS market still offered value to investors versus positions in short maturity Treasuries. Therefore, we maintained the Fund’s overweight to that sector, while continuing to look for bottom-up opportunities in that space. We maintained a relatively steady allocation to the CMBS sector throughout the reporting period because valuations were not attractive enough for us to add exposure. However, we will continue to overweight this sector versus the benchmark because commercial real estate fundamentals are still trending in the right direction.

Given our outlook for moderate economic growth and a measured pace for the Fed’s interest rate and balance sheet normalization, we continued to believe interest rates were more likely to move higher. Therefore, we remained defensive by keeping the Fund’s duration strategically shorter than the benchmark’s duration. We tactically traded duration as we hit near-term rate targets and will continue to do so to manage the overall duration and yield curve exposure of the Fund.

 

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Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

In addition, we continued to use various derivative instruments in the Fund during the reporting period. We used U.S. Treasury note and bond futures as part of an overall construction strategy to manage the Fund’s duration and yield curve exposure. The effect of these activities during the reporting period was positive.

Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

The Fund’s Class A Shares at net asset value (NAV) outperformed both the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index and the Lipper Core Plus Bond Funds Classification Average for the six-month reporting period. Despite episodes of geopolitical turmoil and policy uncertainty during the reporting period, risk appetites in the financial markets remained supported by economic activity and financial conditions. U.S. Treasury rates were broadly range-bound for most of the period, before moving higher into the end of the reporting period, responding to developments surrounding Federal Reserve (Fed) policy and U.S. tax reform. In moves well-communicated with the markets in advance, the Fed began its program of balance sheet reduction in the fall. It also raised interest rates by 0.25% at its mid-December meeting due to strength in the job market and economy, while signaling it expects continued increases in 2018. However, most other central banks remained accommodative throughout the reporting period as they’ve done all year, which along with very low inflation, helped suppress global bond yields. Congress also eventually passed a large tax bill in December 2017, providing substantial cuts to corporate taxes and a near-term fiscal stimulus, while eliminating a recent driver of uncertainty. The U.S. Treasury yield curve flattened dramatically with the 30-year Treasury yield closing slightly lower, while the two-year Treasury yield increased 50 basis points, reaching its highest level of the reporting period. Catalysts for the curve flattening included stronger economic data, the Fed’s rate hike, continued benign inflation and a Treasury announcement regarding increased issuance of shorter maturity bonds.

Investment grade bonds enjoyed a fairly strong period as corporate earnings remained strong, overall credit fundamentals were constructive and technicals were supportive due to demand from overseas investors searching for higher yields. Corporates posted an uptick in gross leverage to a level marginally higher than pre-crisis in 2008-2009, although because of high cash levels, net leverage remained consistent with a late expansion. Credit spreads continued to contract and ended the reporting period at their tightest levels since 2007. Corporate bond issuance remained elevated with several industries taking advantage of tight spreads and low rates to fund merger and acquisition activity and share buybacks. Globally, credit also performed well with European corporates keeping pace with U.S. credit and emerging market (EM) credit outperforming developed market (DM) credit.

High yield credit continued to benefit from the tailwinds of accelerating global growth and a reflationary macro backdrop, which drove double-digit earnings growth in 2017, along with low levels of market volatility. Funding and refinancing conditions also remained largely supportive of the segment throughout the reporting period, resulting in a high level of refinancing activity that helped to extend the current credit cycle. Therefore, high yield spreads versus Treasuries still managed to grind tighter, broaching the lows reached in mid-2014, despite continued rate hikes, the Fed’s balance sheet runoff announcement and the worst year for high yield mutual fund flows in the post-crisis period.

In the securitized sectors, range-bound rates and relatively low levels of volatility provided a solid backdrop for mortgage-backed securities (MBS). In October, the Fed began its quantitative tightening by reducing its monthly reinvestments in MBS by $4 billion per month. However, the runoff was easily absorbed by banks, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and foreign buyers because overall MBS supply declined due to seasonal factors in the housing market. The asset-backed securities (ABS) sector recovered following the summer’s devastating hurricanes because losses were lighter than initially feared. Buyers quickly returned to the sector after low levels of volatility and the need for yield brought increased demand for ABS. The commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) sector outperformed Treasuries, although heavier-than-normal issuance late in the reporting period caused the segment to lag corporates.

EM debt capped a year of strong relative and absolute performance supported by the risk-on, low volatility market environment and continued robust investor inflows. Broad strength in both EM and DM economies and higher commodity prices outweighed potential concerns from continued policy normalization and balance sheet reduction from the Fed and other central banks. Although some geopolitical risks remained, they failed to drive any broadly negative impact on the markets. Latin America and Africa outperformed given these regions’ higher yields and significant spread tightening in higher risk countries during the reporting period. Local EM markets benefited from a constructive global backdrop, although several markets saw big moves based on country specific political factors, including South Africa, Mexico and Turkey. EM currencies generally benefited from the weaker dollar and low volatility.

 

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Global interest rates remained largely range bound during the reporting period and exhibited relatively low volatility, finishing the reporting period with modest returns. Robust economic data, combined with continued low inflation, supported risk while keeping a lid on interest rates. As widely expected, the European Central Bank extended its quantitative easing until late 2018. However, Canada increased interest rates twice, removing cuts from 2015 made in response to the oil collapse, while the Bank of England raised rates in November 2017 for the first time in a decade. With this backdrop, yield curves flattened significantly and developed markets generally outperformed the U.S. The dollar was pressured lower during the six-month reporting period by a combination of factors including relative interest rate policy, strong growth outside the U.S., capital flows and policy uncertainty, including trade relations.

The Fund’s performance benefited from its yield advantage versus the benchmark and broad overweight to credit sectors. We continued to maintain a large underweight in Treasuries, given our constructive economic view and the relatively unattractive duration and yield profile of that sector.

The largest driver of outperformance versus the benchmark during the reporting period was the Fund’s meaningful overweight to investment grade corporates. Additionally, the Fund’s overweight position in BBB rated credits proved rewarding because lower quality issues led in excess returns, driven by favorable economic conditions and strong demand for yield from investors. The portfolio’s overweight to preferred and contingent capital (CoCo) securities was also a substantial driver of outperformance. These securities performed well during the reporting period due to strong bank fundamentals, attractive valuations, limited supply, strong demand and low interest rate volatility.

A reduced weight in high yield, along with hedges in the sector, resulted in a small net impact on performance from the sector. Although our high yield portfolio outperformed Treasuries, it did not outperform other spread sectors, given our hedging. The Fund’s exposures to securitized sectors, including CMBS and ABS, had minimal influence on performance over this reporting period, but did contribute to portfolio income. Additionally, non-U.S. positions had very little impact, given the Fund’s small foreign exposure and our hedging of currency risk.

Our overall interest rate positioning had a marginally negative effect on performance. An overweight position on the yield curve to intermediate maturities detracted more than the gains from the Fund’s slightly defensive duration stance, which lessened its sensitivity to rising short-term rates.

Our strategy during the reporting period remained biased toward income generation through diversified holdings, while continuing to look for opportunities to reduce risk in areas where risk premiums had tightened meaningfully, reducing forward-looking attractiveness. Economic and corporate fundamentals remained firm and continued robust investor demand drove further spread tightening in corporates. In November 2017, we significantly reduced the Fund’s large overweight in investment grade corporates through sales and reductions in positions that had met or exceeded our valuation targets. Sales included industrials as well as financials, focusing on BBB rated credits. Within credit, we maintained the Fund’s significant overweight to financials, including positions in preferred securities and CoCos, given attractive valuations and strong fundamentals in the segment. Proceeds from corporate sales were largely reinvested in MBS, moving the Fund closer to a neutral weighting in the segment, while providing additional liquidity and increasing our flexibility to take advantage of market opportunities likely to arise in 2018. Other activity during the reporting period was focused on managing company specific exposures based on our research views, fundamental developments and valuation changes.

We increased the Fund’s weights in the CMBS and ABS segments as sources of attractive diversified, high quality income. We continued to implement our bottom-up focused approach to finding opportunities in the securitized asset classes, as well as in select foreign markets. However, with U.S. rates high relative to global peers and rising idiosyncratic risk in some markets, global bond positioning is at the low end of the Fund’s range. As mentioned, we also continued to maintain the Fund’s significant underweight in Treasuries.

Interest rate positioning was marginally defensive for most of the reporting period, but we made adjustments based on valuations and risk management. At the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s duration remained moderately shorter than the benchmark index, given our bias for higher yields in 2018. Although the potential for volatility continues, particularly associated with central bank

 

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Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

balance sheet and policy transition, we expect the current rate cycle to be drawn out and the upside move in rates to be contained by macro factors. As a result, we do not believe that an aggressive positioning in interest rates is a beneficial strategy from a risk/reward perspective at this time.

During the reporting period, we also continued to use various derivative instruments. We used Treasury note and bond futures as part of an overall construction strategy to manage the Fund’s duration and yield curve exposure. These derivative positions had a positive impact on performance during the reporting period.

We used forward foreign currency exchange contracts to manage the Fund’s foreign currency exposure. For example, the Fund may reduce unwanted currency exposure from the Fund’s bond portfolio, or may take long forward positions in select currencies in an attempt to benefit from the potential price appreciation. These positions had a negligible impact on performance during the reporting period.

The Fund also entered into credit default swaps to take on credit risk and earn a commensurate credit spread. The effect of these activities on performance was negative during the reporting period.

The Fund also purchased a small amount of call options on futures during the period. The call options had a negligible impact on performance and these positions were terminated prior to the end of the reporting period.

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

The Fund’s Class A Shares at net asset value (NAV) outperformed both the Bloomberg Barclays High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index and the Lipper High Yield Funds Classification Average for the six-month reporting period. Despite episodes of geopolitical turmoil and policy uncertainty during the reporting period, risk appetites in the financial markets remained supported by economic activity and financial conditions. U.S. Treasury rates were broadly range-bound for most of the period, before moving higher into year-end, responding to developments surrounding Federal Reserve (Fed) policy and U.S. tax reform. In moves well-communicated with markets in advance, the Fed began its program of balance sheet reduction in the fall. It also raised interest rates by 0.25% at its mid-December meeting due to strength in the job market and economy, while signaling it expects continued increases in 2018. However, most other central banks remained accommodative throughout the reporting period, which along with very low inflation, helped suppress global bond yields. Congress also eventually passed a large tax bill in December 2017, providing substantial cuts to corporate taxes and a near-term fiscal stimulus, while eliminating a recent driver of uncertainty. The U.S. Treasury yield curve flattened dramatically with the 30-year Treasury yield closing slightly lower during the reporting period, while the two-year Treasury yield increased 50 basis points, reaching its highest level of this cycle. Catalysts for the curve flattening included stronger economic data, the Fed’s rate hike, continued benign inflation and a Treasury announcement regarding increased issuance of shorter maturity bonds.

Strong global growth and a supportive macro backdrop were both drivers of improved corporate fundamentals and, combined with collapsing market volatility, were strong tailwinds for high yield credit throughout the reporting period. The second half of the reporting period did not offer as much in the way of upside as the market experienced during the first half of the reporting period. The overall high yield market returned 2.46% during the reporting period as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index, even as enthusiasm for the new U.S. tax reform bill was helping U.S. equities deliver outsized gains. The S&P 500® Index surpassed 2,600 for the first time ever in late November 2017 and flirted with 2,700 by the end of the reporting period, advancing 11.42% over the reporting period. Despite the favorable macro backdrop, the high yield market was kept in check by historically tight spreads versus Treasuries, outflows from the asset class and mixed effects from tax reform. In addition, the high yield sector has disproportionate exposure to some of the more fundamentally and secularly challenged industries such as retail, auto rentals, wirelines and hospitals, all of which experienced difficulties during the reporting period. And finally, the market was impacted by the specter of a notable and growing shift in central bank policy, which represents a reversal of the friendly monetary backdrop that has been extremely supportive for credit markets for years.

Following the year-to-date rally, high yield spreads ended the reporting period trading at multi-year lows; however, the risk of a downturn in the credit cycle also seemed diminished. For the first time in many years, the world economy enjoyed a synchronized recovery during the reporting period and corporate fundamentals followed suit. Inflation came in weaker than expectations and kept

 

  10      NUVEEN


financial conditions easy and rates very well behaved. The global appetite for yield kept funds flowing into U.S. credit and even with spreads at rich valuations, the ultra-low volatility made yields on U.S. credit look attractive. The record pace of refinancing across both loans and bonds has had the effect of extending the current credit cycle. That has led to realized and projected default rates well below the 3.5% long-term average.

Lower rated securities continued to perform well during the reporting period, with CCC rated bonds outperforming both B and BB rated securities. Much of the strength in lower rated securities was due to the rebound in energy and commodity prices, which helped lead to outperformance in energy bonds and metals/mining bonds. Elsewhere from a sector standpoint, the weak spots within U.S. high yield as mentioned above were retail (including supermarkets), wireline communications and health care, most notably hospitals. Besides energy and basic materials, other strong performers were cyclical sectors such as transportation and industrials.

The U.S. tax reforms have introduced an element of uncertainty, by lowering the corporate tax rate but also limiting interest deductibility. While the exact impact is not known, we do know that the new limitations on interest deductibility will be a bigger issue for CCC rated/stressed issuers. However, we do believe the changes will likely be manageable for the leveraged finance space as a whole. For much of high yield companies, the benefit of a lower corporate rate and the ability to depreciate more capital expenditures outweigh the inability to fully deduct interest expense.

The Fund’s outperformance during the reporting period was mainly driven by the better environment for risk appetites that led to a significant improvement in market liquidity and the outperformance of lower quality credit. The Fund generally benefited from relative strength in a number of cyclical sectors as well as its broader down-in-quality positioning. More specifically, the Fund’s performance was aided by our overweights to cyclical areas of the market including basic materials, energy, transportation and select industrials. The increase in global economic activity led to a rebound in a variety of commodity prices, which helped the metals and mining and chemical sectors in particular to experience attractive gains. Although the Fund’s energy exposure was roughly in line with the benchmark weighting, we benefited from our security selection and slight bias to lower rated energy issues. Underweight positions in the telecommunications and health care sectors were also positive contributors. Additionally, the Fund’s allocation to European financial credits continued to be a positive source of performance. The credit quality of European Union banks has remained positive because of better asset quality and stronger regulatory ratios in the past year. Despite the overall strength in the cyclical areas, the Fund did have two underperforming coal credits and one underperforming energy credit that detracted from performance. The coal sector in particular continued to feel pressure from environmental regulation and low natural gas prices. In addition, weakness in an individual shipping credit detracted from performance.

We also maintained a down-in-quality bias in the Fund’s portfolio with a keen focus on bottom-up fundamental research, which worked well during the reporting period as CCC rated securities outperformed higher quality debt. For a variety of reasons, lower quality high yield issuers had underperformed for much of the first half of the reporting period, but perhaps mainly due to a pervasive view that the credit cycle was overextended and valuations were stretched. This, combined with the specter of tightening liquidity conditions, had led to an up-in-quality bias in the high yield market during the first half of the reporting period. These fears dissipated as the second half of the reporting period wore on, while the strength in higher beta energy also helped CCC rated bonds outperform the overall index and single B rated securities in particular. We believed lower quality debt would continue to perform well during an environment of strong credit conditions and potentially higher interest rates. Low volatility and a sideways-to-tighter move in spreads are consistent with an extension of the credit cycle. Long economic expansions are typically good news for credit because higher free cash flow from sustained economic growth improves company balance sheets and generally leads to credit rating upgrades.

We are maintaining the Fund’s underweight to the BB rated portion of the high yield market because we don’t see much in the way of upside, given valuations at the end of the reporting period and this segment’s greater sensitivity to higher rates. We still prefer to search for improving fundamental stories among single B and CCC rated issuers that have higher yields and the potential for capital gains, because we believe the improvement in credit fundamentals should favor lower rated segments of the market. We believe the ongoing global economic expansion should be constructive for the basic materials sectors of chemicals, paper, packaging and mining as well as energy, causing us to continue overweighting those sectors during the reporting period. The overall high yield market, including the energy sector, exhibited less sensitivity to the decline in oil prices earlier in the reporting period compared with 2016. We also added selectively to the retail sector because valuations looked compelling among select issuers.

 

NUVEEN     11  


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

Although these sectors were generally stable fundamentally, we continued to underweight health care, cable/satellite communications and technology based on valuation considerations. However, we did find select opportunities in those sectors. We also continued to find value in European financial preferred securities and maintained a small allocation to that area of the market.

We maintained the Fund’s average duration (interest rate sensitivity) of around 3.7 years at the end of the reporting period, which was in line with the benchmark’s duration. The high yield asset class has an inherently low duration compared to other fixed income asset classes, while its incremental yield helps mitigate price movements in a rising rate environment. Therefore, we continue to believe this segment offers more of a hedge against interest rate moves compared to other fixed income alternatives.

During the reporting period, we also continued to use various derivative instruments. We used U.S. Treasury note and bond futures as part of an overall portfolio construction strategy to manage the Fund’s duration and yield curve exposure. The effect of these activities during the reporting period was negligible.

We used foreign currency exchange contracts to manage the Fund’s foreign currency exposures. During the reporting period, these instruments were used primarily for hedging purposes to reduce unwanted currency exposure from the Fund’s bond portfolio. These positions had a negligible impact on performance during the reporting period.

Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

The Fund’s Class A Shares at net asset value (NAV) underperformed the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. TIPS Index and outperformed the Lipper Inflation-Protected Bond Funds Classification Average for the six-month reporting period. Despite episodes of geopolitical turmoil and policy uncertainty during the reporting period, risk appetites in the financial markets remained supported by economic activity and financial conditions. U.S. Treasury rates were broadly range-bound for most of the reporting period, before moving higher into year-end, responding to developments surrounding Federal Reserve (Fed) policy and U.S. tax reform. In moves well-communicated with markets in advance, the Fed began its program of balance sheet reduction in the fall. It also raised interest rates by 0.25% at its mid-December meeting due to strength in the job market and economy, while signaling it expects continued increases in 2018. However, most other central banks remained accommodative throughout the reporting period. This stance, which along with very low inflation, helped suppress global bond yields. Congress also eventually passed a large tax bill in December 2017, providing substantial cuts to corporate taxes and a near-term fiscal stimulus, while eliminating a recent driver of uncertainty. The U.S. Treasury yield curve flattened dramatically with the 30-year Treasury yield closing slightly lower on the reporting period, while the two-year Treasury yield increased 50 basis points, reaching its highest level of this cycle. Catalysts for the curve flattening included stronger economic data, the Fed’s rate hike, continued benign inflation and a Treasury announcement regarding increased issuance of shorter maturity bonds.

Inflation readings arrested their softening from earlier in the reporting period, but still remained fairly benign. Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) performed well during the reporting period supported by stronger energy prices, renewed hopes of tax reform and its eventual passage, higher real yields from early in the reporting period and attractive breakeven rates. (Breakeven rates measure the difference between the yields of nominal Treasuries versus TIPS with the same maturity.) The TIPS market also continued to see positive inflows into the segment, although the inflows slowed as the period progressed. The TIPS yield curve flattened during the reporting period with real yields for five-year TIPS slightly higher, ending the year at 0.29% after hitting their highest point of the year at 0.40% on December 20th. Yields across the rest of the TIPS curve fell during the reporting period with 10-year TIPS down 14 basis points to 0.43%, and 30-year TIPS yields down 27 basis points to end the reporting period at 0.72%. Breakeven rates moved wider (or improved) across the TIPS yield curve, and ended the reporting period at their widest level since first quarter 2017 in the five- and 10-year segments. The TIPS sector outperformed versus nominal Treasury securities with the Bloomberg Barclays TIPS Index posting a 2.14% return.

Investment grade bonds enjoyed a fairly strong period as corporate earnings remained strong, overall credit fundamentals were constructive and technicals were supportive due to demand from overseas investors searching for higher yields. Corporates posted an uptick in gross leverage to a level marginally higher than pre-crisis in 2008-2009, although because of high cash levels, net leverage remained consistent with a late expansion. Credit spreads continued to contract and ended the reporting period at their tightest levels since 2007. Corporate bond issuance remained elevated with several industries taking advantage of tight spreads and low rates to fund merger and acquisition activity and share buybacks. High yield credit continued to benefit from the tailwinds of

 

  12      NUVEEN


accelerating global growth and a reflationary macro backdrop, which drove double-digit earnings growth in 2017, along with low levels of market volatility. Funding and refinancing conditions also remained largely supportive of the segment throughout the reporting period, resulting in a high level of refinancing activity that helped to extend the current credit cycle. Therefore, high yield spreads versus Treasuries still managed to grind tighter, broaching the lows reached in mid-2014, despite continued rate hikes, the Fed’s balance sheet runoff announcement and the worst year for high yield mutual fund flows in the post-crisis period.

In the securitized sectors, range-bound rates and relatively low levels of volatility provided a solid backdrop for mortgage-backed securities (MBS). In October 2017, the Fed began its quantitative tightening by reducing its monthly reinvestments in MBS by $4 billion per month. However, the runoff was easily absorbed by banks, real; estate investment trusts (REITs) and foreign buyers because overall MBS supply declined due to seasonal factors in the housing market. The asset-backed securities (ABS) sector recovered following the summer’s devastating hurricanes because losses were lighter than initially feared. Buyers quickly returned to the sector after low levels of volatility and the need for yield brought increased demand for ABS. The commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) sector outperformed Treasuries, although heavier-than-normal issuance late in the reporting period caused the segment to lag corporates.

In terms of performance, the Fund’s modest exposures to non-government spread sectors, including ABS, CMBS, high yield credit and investment grade credit, were beneficial. These sectors produced excess returns over Treasuries during the reporting period. We also benefited from further reducing the Fund’s short duration profile and maintaining that positioning through the end of the reporting period. This shorter duration stance lessened the Fund’s interest rate sensitivity, which proved beneficial in light of rising short-term rates throughout the reporting period. The Fund ended the reporting period with a duration of 7.12 years, which was shorter than the 7.63 year duration of the Bloomberg Barclays TIPS Index. In terms of yield curve positioning, we did not make any major shifts during the reporting period. Therefore, yield curve was not a major performance driver. On the other hand, the Fund’s underweight position in TIPS hindered performance because this segment outperformed nominal Treasury securities, especially late in the reporting period as the tax deal was being finalized. Although we slightly increased the Fund’s TIPS exposure from approximately 85% of the Fund’s assets to about 86% of the portfolio by year-end 2017, our position still represented a significant underweight versus the index’s 100% TIPS exposure.

Later in the reporting period, we slightly decreased the Fund’s nominal Treasury exposure. We also slightly decreased exposure to both the high yield and investment grade corporate sectors. Although corporate and consumer credit fundamentals are steady and benefit from the current economic environment, credit spread valuations have compressed close to their tightest levels in years. While we do not see a catalyst for a large near-term widening, these levels warrant a more balanced overall risk posture. The Fund’s high yield and investment grade corporate exposures are focused in the industrial segment. With the proceeds, we slightly increased the Fund’s allocations across the MBS, CMBS and ABS sectors because we believe the macroeconomic backdrop remains constructive for these spread sectors. The Fund continued to have a fairly significant underweight to the TIPS segment relative to the benchmark. We also continued to position the portfolio’s duration shorter than the benchmark at the end of the reporting period in anticipation of rising interest rates. Although the potential for volatility continues, we expect the current rate cycle to be drawn out and the upside move in rates to be contained by macro factors.

We also used U.S. Treasury note and bond futures as part of an overall portfolio construction strategy to manage the Fund’s duration and yield curve exposure. These derivative positions had a negligible impact on performance during the reporting period.

Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

The Fund’s Class A Shares at net asset value (NAV) outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays 1-3 Year Government/Credit Bond Index and underperformed the Lipper Short Investment Grade Debt Funds Classification Average for the six-month reporting period. Despite episodes of geopolitical turmoil and policy uncertainty during the reporting period, risk appetites in the financial markets remained supported by economic activity and financial conditions. In moves well-communicated with markets in advance, the Federal Reserve (Fed) began its program of balance sheet reduction in the fall. It also raised interest rates by 0.25% at its mid-December meeting due to strength in the job market and economy, while signaling it expects continued increases in 2018. However, most other central banks remained accommodative throughout the reporting period as they’ve done all year, which along with very low inflation, helped suppress global bond yields. Congress also eventually passed a large tax bill in December 2017, providing substantial cuts to corporate taxes and a near-term fiscal stimulus, while eliminating a recent driver of uncertainty.

 

NUVEEN     13  


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

The U.S. Treasury yield curve flattened dramatically during the reporting period. At the long end of the yield curve, rates moved slightly lower for 30-year securities, the only segment where rates were down. At the short end, the two-year Treasury yield reached its highest level of this reporting period, increasing by 50 basis points over the six-month reporting period as a whole. Five-year Treasury rates were 28 basis points higher. Catalysts for the curve flattening included stronger economic data, the Fed’s December rate hike, continued benign inflation and a Treasury announcement regarding increased issuance of shorter maturity bonds. The return of the Fund’s shorter duration benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays 1-3 Year Government/Credit Index, was 0.13%.

In the corporate market, investment grade bonds enjoyed a fairly strong period as corporate earnings remained strong, overall credit fundamentals were constructive and technicals were supportive due to robust demand from overseas investors searching for higher yields. Corporates posted an uptick in gross leverage to a level marginally higher than pre-crisis in 2008-2009, although because of high cash levels, net leverage remained consistent with a late expansion. Credit spreads continued to contract and ended the reporting period at their tightest levels since 2007. Corporate bond issuance remained elevated with several industries taking advantage of tight spreads and low rates to fund merger and acquisition activity and share buybacks.

In the securitized sectors, both the commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and asset-backed securities (ABS) segments outperformed in the first two months of the six-month reporting period, but took a step back in September 2017 on the heels of the hurricanes, North Korea tensions and the Toys-R-Us bankruptcy filing. Later in the reporting period, however, the ABS sector recovered as buyers quickly returned to the sector after low levels of volatility and the need for yield brought increased demand for these securities. The CMBS sector outperformed Treasuries because investors continued to view the sector as a relatively safe source of yield, taking comfort in improved underwriting in the segment. Short maturity, residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS) performed well supported by relatively low levels of volatility, continued strong fundamentals in the housing market and strong investor demand.

Generally speaking, the most significant driver of the Fund’s outperformance relative to the benchmark was its broad overweight to the corporate and securitized sectors and corresponding underweight to Treasuries. Our overweight positions in industrials and financials contributed most of the outperformance in investment grade corporate bonds. Also, the Fund’s modest exposure to short-duration, high yield credit contributed to relative performance due primarily to the higher income levels of these securities. The Fund’s high yield exposure is focused on bonds rated BB and single B with two- to four-year maturities.

The Fund’s overall exposure to securitized sectors was a positive contributor because these segments saw spreads move mostly tighter during the reporting period. Typically between 40-45% of the Fund’s portfolio is allocated to securitized products, broadly diversified across the residential MBS, CMBS and ABS sectors. Rising short-term interest rates and a flatter yield curve contributed to demand for short maturity ABS, benefiting that sector. Spreads versus Treasuries remained tight in the ABS segment in the face of the heavy new issue supply. Net supply of CMBS shifted positive after the majority of bonds issued before the financial crisis reached their maturity dates; however, CMBS spreads stayed fairly stable because investor demand for yield remained strong.

In aggregate, the Fund also benefited modestly from our interest rate strategy. Throughout the reporting period, we positioned the Fund defensively to limit its sensitivity to rising rates with a duration between 0.10 and 0.40 years shorter than the benchmark. The short end of the Treasury yield curve repriced meaningfully higher over the reporting period; therefore, the Fund’s short duration stance relative to its benchmark had a positive impact on performance. On the other hand, our yield curve positioning did not have a noticeable effect on performance.

Throughout the reporting period, we continued to focus our efforts on generating income by maintaining the Fund’s overweight to the non-government sectors of the bond market. However, we did reduce the Fund’s overweight to credit, trimming approximately 5-6% from investment grade and high yield corporates combined, based on the continued strength in the two sectors. Strong global demand and modest supply helped the credit sector reach spreads not seen since before the financial crisis. In the investment grade segment, the robust technical backdrop of inflows coupled with stable corporate balance sheets allowed us to capture some of the year-to-date performance, while still maintaining a healthy overweight to credit. Additionally, we wanted to prepare for a large and active supply calendar during the first few months of 2018, while remaining cognizant of the risk that spreads are more likely to widen than to continue to grind tighter. Given the Fed’s expected tightening path, we favor financials as well as higher quality securities over lower rated securities. We ended the reporting period with approximately 38% of the portfolio allocated to investment grade credit and 3% to high yield credit.

 

  14      NUVEEN


We slightly increased the Fund’s weightings in the securitized sectors to 45% during the reporting period, incrementally increasing exposure to high quality ABS and agency CMBS. Both sectors provided opportunities for us to upgrade portfolio quality, while still offering incremental yield. In the CMBS market, we expect fundamentals to slow on the margin in 2018. With properties at lofty valuations, we will target segments that are fundamentally sound, while offering an attractive risk/return profile. The non-agency MBS sector provides attractive, short duration yields, while residential housing continues to provide a positive fundamental backdrop for the segment.

Short-term interest rates moved meaningfully higher during the reporting period after the Fed hiked for the third time in 2017. Given the positive momentum in economic growth throughout the reporting period, we believed it was prudent to maintain the Fund’s defensive duration strategy. However, given the magnitude of the increase in short-term rates, we covered a portion of the Fund’s short duration position relative to the benchmark. We targeted a portfolio duration that was around 1.5 to 1.8 years during the reporting period.

In addition, we used U.S. Treasury note futures as part of an overall portfolio construction strategy to manage the Fund’s duration and yield curve exposure. These derivative positions had a negative impact on performance during the reporting period.

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

The Fund’s Class A Shares at net asset value (NAV) outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index, but underperformed the Lipper Multi-Sector Income Funds Classification Average for the six-month reporting period. Despite episodes of geopolitical turmoil and policy uncertainty during the reporting period, risk appetites in the financial markets remained supported by economic activity and financial conditions. U.S. Treasury rates were broadly range-bound for most of the reporting period, before moving higher into year-end, responding to developments surrounding Fed policy and U.S. tax reform. In moves well-communicated with markets in advance, the Federal Reserve (Fed) began its program of balance sheet reduction in the fall. It also raised interest rates by 0.25% at its mid-December meeting due to strength in the job market and economy, while signaling it expects continued increases in 2018. However, most other central banks remained accommodative throughout the reporting period as they’ve done all year, which along with very low inflation, helped suppress global bond yields. Congress also eventually passed a large tax bill in December 2017, providing substantial cuts to corporate taxes and a near-term fiscal stimulus, while eliminating a recent driver of uncertainty. The U.S. Treasury yield curve flattened dramatically with the 30-year Treasury yield closing slightly lower during the reporting period, while the two-year Treasury yield increased 50 basis points, reaching its highest level of the reporting period. Catalysts for the curve flattening included stronger economic data, the Fed’s rate hike, continued benign inflation and a Treasury announcement regarding increased issuance of shorter maturity bonds.

Investment grade bonds enjoyed a fairly strong period as corporate earnings remained strong, overall credit fundamentals were constructive and technicals were supportive due to demand from overseas investors searching for higher yields. Corporates posted an uptick in gross leverage to a level marginally higher than pre-crisis in 2008-2009, although because of high cash levels, net leverage remained consistent with a late expansion. Credit spreads continued to contract and ended the reporting period at their tightest levels since 2007. Corporate bond issuance remained elevated with several industries taking advantage of tight spreads and low rates to fund merger and acquisition activity and share buybacks. Globally, credit also performed well with European corporates keeping pace with U.S. credit and emerging market (EM) credit outperforming developed market (DM) credit.

High yield credit continued to benefit from the tailwinds of accelerating global growth and a reflationary macro backdrop, which drove double-digit earnings growth in 2017, along with low levels of market volatility. Funding and refinancing conditions also remained largely supportive of the segment throughout the reporting period, resulting in a high level of refinancing activity that helped to extend the current credit cycle. Therefore, high yield spreads versus Treasuries still managed to grind tighter, broaching the lows reached in mid-2014, despite continued rate hikes, the Fed’s balance sheet runoff announcement and the worst year for high yield mutual fund flows in the post-crisis period.

In the securitized sectors, range-bound rates and relatively low levels of volatility provided a solid backdrop for mortgage-backed securities (MBS). In October, the Fed began its quantitative tightening by reducing its monthly reinvestments in MBS by $4 billion per month. However, the runoff was easily absorbed by banks, real estate investments trusts (REITs) and foreign buyers because overall MBS supply declined due to seasonal factors in the housing market. The asset-backed securities (ABS) sector recovered

 

NUVEEN     15  


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

following the summer’s devastating hurricanes because losses were lighter than initially feared. Buyers quickly returned to the sector after low levels of volatility and the need for yield brought increased demand for ABS. The commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) sector outperformed Treasuries, although heavier-than-normal issuance late in the reporting period caused the segment to lag corporates.

EM debt capped a year of strong relative and absolute performance supported by the risk-on, low volatility market environment and continued robust investor inflows. Broad strength in both EM and DM economies and higher commodity prices outweighed potential concerns from continued policy normalization and balance sheet reduction from the Fed and other central banks. Although some geopolitical risks remained, they failed to drive any broadly negative impact on the markets. Latin America and Africa outperformed given these regions’ higher yields and significant spread tightening in higher risk countries during the reporting period. Local EM markets benefited from a constructive global backdrop, although several markets saw big moves based on country-specific political factors, including South Africa, Mexico and Turkey. EM currencies generally benefited from the weaker dollar and low volatility.

Global interest rates remained largely range bound during the reporting period and exhibited relatively low volatility, finishing the reporting period with modest returns. Robust economic data, combined with continued low inflation, supported risk while keeping a lid on interest rates. As widely expected, the European Central Bank extended its quantitative easing until late 2018. However, Canada increased interest rates twice, removing cuts from 2015 made in response to the oil collapse, while the Bank of England raised rates in November 2017 for the first time in a decade. With this backdrop, yield curves flattened significantly and developed markets generally outperformed the U.S. The dollar was pressured lower during the six-month reporting period by a combination of factors including relative interest rate policy, strong growth outside the U.S., capital flows and policy uncertainty, including trade relations.

The Fund’s performance benefited from its yield advantage versus the benchmark and broad overweight to non-government sectors. We continued to maintain a large underweight in Treasuries, given our constructive economic view and the relatively unattractive duration and yield profile of that sector.

The largest driver of outperformance versus the benchmark during the reporting period was the Fund’s positioning in investment grade corporates, both through an overweight and from issue selection. In particular, the Fund’s overweight to BBB rated credits proved rewarding because lower quality issues led in excess returns, driven by favorable economic conditions and strong demand for yield from investors. The portfolio’s overweight to preferred and contingent capital (CoCo) securities was also a substantial driver of outperformance. These securities performed well during the reporting period due to strong bank fundamentals, attractive valuations, limited supply, strong demand and low interest rate volatility.

A reduced weight in high yield, along with hedges in the sector, resulted in a small net impact on performance from the sector. Although our high yield portfolio outperformed Treasuries, it did not outperform other spread sectors, given our hedging. Additionally, the Fund’s exposures to securitized sectors, including CMBS and ABS, had minimal impact on performance during this reporting period, but did contribute to portfolio income.

Foreign bond exposure benefited returns because selected markets performed well, even though our positioning in the Fund was relatively light in this area. Currency positioning had virtually no impact on performance because of our currency hedging activities.

Our overall interest rate positioning had a marginally negative impact on performance. An overweight position on the yield curve to intermediate maturities detracted more than the gains from the Fund’s slightly defensive duration stance, which lessened its sensitivity to rising short-term rates.

Our strategy during the reporting period remained biased toward income generation through diversified holdings, while continuing to look for opportunities to reduce risk in areas where risk premiums had tightened meaningfully, reducing forward-looking attractiveness. Economic and corporate fundamentals remained firm and continued robust investor demand drove further spread tightening in corporates. In November 2017, we reduced the Fund’s weight in investment grade corporates through sales and reductions in positions that had met or exceeded our valuation targets. Much of our activity during the reporting period was focused on managing company specific exposures based on our research views, fundamental developments and valuation changes. Within credit, we maintained the Fund’s significant overweight to financials, including positions in preferred securities and CoCos, given

 

  16      NUVEEN


attractive valuations and strong fundamentals in the segment. Proceeds from corporate sales were largely reinvested in MBS, reducing the Fund’s large underweight in the segment, while providing additional liquidity and increasing our flexibility to take advantage of market opportunities likely to arise in 2018.

We increased the Fund’s weights in the CMBS and ABS segments as sources of attractive diversified, high quality income. We continued to implement our bottom-up focused approach to finding opportunities in the securitized asset classes, as well as in select foreign markets. However, with U.S. rates high relative to global peers and rising idiosyncratic risk in some markets, global bond positioning is at the low end of the Fund’s range. As mentioned, we also continued to maintain the Fund’s significant underweight in Treasuries.

Interest rate positioning was marginally defensive for most of the reporting period, but we made adjustments based on valuations and risk management. At the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s duration remained moderately shorter than the benchmark index, given our bias for higher yields in 2018. Although the potential for volatility continues, particularly associated with central bank balance sheet and policy transition, we expect the current rate cycle to be drawn out and the upside move in rates to be contained by macro factors. As a result, we do not believe that an aggressive positioning in interest rates is a beneficial strategy from a risk/reward perspective at this time.

During the reporting period, we also continued to use various derivative instruments. We used foreign currency exchange forward contracts to manage the Fund’s foreign currency exposure. For example, the Fund may reduce unwanted currency exposure from the Fund’s portfolio, or may take long forward positions in select currencies in an attempt to benefit from the potential price appreciation. These positions had a negligible impact on performance during the reporting period.

We used U.S. Treasury futures and Eurodollar futures as part of an overall portfolio construction strategy to manage portfolio duration and yield curve exposure and selected foreign bond futures to actively manage exposure to those markets. These positions had a positive impact on performance during the reporting period.

In addition, we entered into credit default swaps as a way to assume and take on credit risk and earn credit spread. The effect of these activities on performance was negative during the reporting period.

The Fund also purchased a small amount of call options on futures during the period. The call options had a negligible impact on performance and these positions were terminated prior to the end of the reporting period.

 

NUVEEN     17  


Risk Considerations

and Dividend Information

 

Risk Considerations

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, derivatives risk, dollar roll transaction risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Foreign investments involve additional risks, including currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, lack of liquidity, and differing legal and accounting standards. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to additional risks such as prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default risk and adverse economic developments.

Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, derivatives risk, dollar roll transaction risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Below investment grade or high yield debt securities are subject to liquidity risk and heightened credit risk. Foreign investments involve additional risks, including currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, lack of liquidity and differing legal and accounting standards. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to additional risks such as prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default risk and adverse economic developments.

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, derivatives risk, income risk, and other investment company risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Below investment grade or high yield debt securities are subject to liquidity risk and heightened credit risk. Foreign investments involve additional risks, including currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, lack of liquidity and differing legal and accounting standards.

Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, derivatives risk, income risk, and index methodology risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Below investment grade or high yield debt securities are subject to liquidity risk and heightened credit risk. The guarantee provided by the U.S. government to treasury inflation protected securities (TIPS) relates only to the prompt payment of principal and interest and does not remove the market risks of investing in the Fund shares. Foreign investments involve additional risks, including currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, lack of liquidity and differing legal and accounting standards. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to additional risks such as prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default risk, and adverse economic developments. The Fund’s investment in inflation protected securities has tax consequences that may result in income distributions to shareholders.

Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, derivatives risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Below investment grade or high yield debt securities are subject to liquidity risk and heightened credit risk. Foreign investments involve additional risks, including currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, lack of liquidity and differing legal and accounting standards. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to additional risks such as prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default risk and adverse economic developments.

 

  18      NUVEEN


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, derivatives risk, dollar roll transaction risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Below investment grade or high yield debt securities are subject to liquidity risk and heightened credit risk. Foreign investments involve additional risks, including currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, lack of liquidity and differing legal and accounting standards. The Fund gains additional exposure to currency rates, and therefore to the risk of currency fluctuation, through investment in foreign currency contracts. The risks of foreign investments are magnified in emerging markets. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to additional risks such as prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default risk and adverse economic developments.

Dividend Information

Each Fund seeks to pay regular monthly dividends out of its net investment income at a rate that reflects its past and projected net income performance. To permit each Fund to maintain a more stable monthly dividend, the Fund may pay dividends at a rate that may be more or less than the amount of net income actually earned by the Fund during the period. If a Fund has cumulatively earned more than it has paid in dividends, it will hold the excess in reserve as undistributed net investment income (UNII) as part of the Fund’s net asset value. Conversely, if a Fund has cumulatively paid in dividends more than it has earned, the excess will constitute a negative UNII that will likewise be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. Each Fund will, over time, pay all its net investment income as dividends to shareholders.

As of December 31, 2017, Nuveen High Income Bond Fund and Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund had positive UNII balances while the other Funds in this report had zero UNII balances, based upon our best estimate, for tax purposes. Nuveen High Income Bond Fund and Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund had positive UNII balances, while the other Funds in this report had negative UNII balances for financial reporting purposes.

All monthly dividends paid by each Fund during the current reporting period were paid from net investment income. If a portion of a Fund’s monthly distributions was sourced from or comprised of elements other than net investment income, including capital gains and/or a return of capital, shareholders would have received a notice to that effect. For financial reporting purposes, the composition and per share amounts of each Fund’s dividends for the reporting period are presented in this report’s Statement of Changes in Net Assets and Financial Highlights, respectively. For income tax purposes, distribution information for each Fund as of its most recent tax year end is presented in Note 6 – Income Tax Information within the Notes to Financial Statements of this report.

Special Dividend Information for Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund and Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

Like the other Funds in this report, Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund and Nuveen Strategic Income Fund seek to pay regular monthly distributions at a level rate that reflects past and projected net income of the Funds. Because these two Funds invest substantially in non-U.S. debt and fixed-income securities, in certain periods they can experience foreign currency exchange losses on those non-U.S. holdings. These Funds account for any such foreign currency losses (or gains) as capital items for financial reporting purposes, which do not impact the Funds’ net income and therefore are not taken into account in setting and paying monthly income dividends. However, under applicable tax rules, foreign currency exchange gains or losses are treated as income items. Consequently, if a Fund experiences a foreign currency exchange loss in a given fiscal period, that loss would offset and reduce net income. If such a circumstance were to occur for an entire calendar year the aggregate amount of the Fund’s distributions could exceed the amount of its net income for tax purposes, resulting in any over-distribution being reported on the Fund’s Form 1099 as a return of capital. For the 6-month fiscal period ended December 31, 2017, both of these Funds experienced significant amounts of realized foreign exchange losses, and if such losses are not offset with foreign exchange gains during the remaining six months of a Funds’ fiscal year, a portion of the Fund’s dividends will be characterized as a return of capital for tax purposes at fiscal year-end.

 

NUVEEN     19  


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  20      NUVEEN


Fund Performance

and Expense Ratios

 

The Fund Performance and Expense Ratios for each Fund are shown within this section of the report.

Returns quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate so that when shares are redeemed, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Total returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized. Returns at net asset value (NAV) would be lower if the sales charge were included. Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. For performance current to the most recent month-end visit nuveen.com or call (800) 257-8787.

Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

Returns may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the investment adviser during the periods presented. If any such waivers and/or reimbursements had not been in place, returns would have been reduced. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 7—Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates for more information.

Returns reflect differences in sales charges and expenses, which are primarily differences in distribution and service fees, and assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

Comparative index and Lipper return information is provided for Class A Shares at NAV only.

The expense ratios shown reflect total operating expenses (before fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, if any) as shown in the most recent prospectus. The expense ratios include management fees and other fees and expenses.

 

NUVEEN     21  


Fund Performance and Expense Ratios (continued)

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

 

Refer to the first page of this Fund Performance and Expense Ratios section for further explanation of the information included within this section. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for definitions of terms used within this section.

Fund Performance

Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2017

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  

Class A Shares at NAV

       1.28%          3.64%          1.55%          3.55%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

       (1.74)%          0.51%          0.93%          3.24%  

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

       1.24%          3.54%          2.10%          4.01%  

Lipper Core Bond Classification Average

       1.13%          3.56%          1.95%          3.83%  

Class I Shares

       1.41%          3.91%          1.78%          3.76%  

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        Since
Inception
 

Class C Shares

       0.91%          2.88%        0.78%          1.77%  

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        Since
Inception
 

Class R6 Shares

       1.40%          4.01%        1.36%  

Since inception return for Class C Shares is from 1/18/11. Since inception return for Class R6 Shares is from 1/20/15. Indexes and Lipper averages are not available for direct investment.

Class A Shares have a maximum 3.00% sales charge (Offering Price). Class A Share purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset value without an up-front sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%, if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares have a 1% CDSC for redemptions within less than twelve months, which is not reflected in the total returns. Class R6 Shares have no sales charge and are available only to certain limited categories as described in the prospectus. Class I Shares have no sales charge and may be purchased under limited circumstances or by specified classes of investors.

Expense Ratios as of Most Recent Prospectus

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R6        Class I  

Gross Expense Ratios

       0.93%          1.68%          0.61%          0.68%  

Net Expense Ratios

       0.78%          1.53%          0.46%          0.53%  

The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse other Fund expenses through July 31, 2019 so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees incurred in acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.53% of the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares. However, because Class R6 Shares are not subject to sub-transfer agent and similar fees, the total annual Fund operating expenses for the Class R6 Shares will be less than the expense limitation. Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will not be terminated prior to that time without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Fund.

 

 

  22      NUVEEN


Fund Performance and Expense Ratios (continued)

Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

 

Refer to the first page of this Fund Performance and Expense Ratios section for further explanation of the information included within this section. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for definitions of terms used within this section.

Fund Performance

Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2017

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  

Class A Shares at NAV

       1.53%          4.81%          2.57%          4.38%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

       (2.79)%          0.38%          1.68%          3.93%  

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

       1.24%          3.54%          2.10%          4.01%  

Lipper Core Bond Plus Classification Average

       1.34%          4.39%          2.46%          4.57%  

Class C Shares

       1.15%          4.04%          1.78%          3.59%  

Class R3 Shares

       1.41%          4.56%          2.33%          4.15%  

Class I Shares

       1.73%          5.17%          2.83%          4.64%  

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        Since
Inception
 

Class R6 Shares

       1.64%          5.06%          2.71%  

Since inception return for Class R6 Shares is from 1/20/15. Indexes and Lipper averages are not available for direct investment.

Class A Shares have a maximum 4.25% sales charge (Offering Price). Class A Share purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset value without an up-front sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%, if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares have a 1% CDSC for redemptions within less than twelve months, which is not reflected in the total returns. Class R3 Shares have no sales charge and are only available for purchase by eligible retirement plans. Class R6 Shares have no sales charge and are available only to certain limited categories as described in the prospectus. Class I Shares have no sales charge and may be purchased under limited circumstances or by specified classes of investors.

Expense Ratios as of Most Recent Prospectus

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Gross Expense Ratios

       0.89%          1.64%          1.14%          0.57%          0.64%  

Net Expense Ratios

       0.77%          1.52%          1.02%          0.45%          0.52%  

The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse other Fund expenses through July 31, 2019 so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees incurred in acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.52% of the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares. However, because Class R6 Shares are not subject to sub-transfer agent and similar fees, the total annual Fund operating expenses for the Class R6 Shares will be less than the expense limitation. Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will not be terminated prior to that time without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Fund.

 

NUVEEN     23  


Fund Performance and Expense Ratios (continued)

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

 

Refer to the first page of this Fund Performance and Expense Ratios section for further explanation of the information included within this section. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for definitions of terms used within this section.

Fund Performance

Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2017

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  

Class A Shares at NAV

       3.20%          7.30%          4.43%          6.61%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

       (1.72)%          2.16%          3.42%          6.09%  

Bloomberg Barclays High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index

       2.46%          7.50%          5.78%          8.09%  

Lipper High Current Yield Funds Classification Average

       2.33%          6.58%          4.63%          6.43%  

Class C Shares

       2.81%          6.50%          3.65%          5.86%  

Class R3 Shares

       3.18%          7.01%          4.17%          6.37%  

Class I Shares

       3.44%          7.52%          4.71%          6.91%  

 

       Cumulative  
        6-Month        Since
Inception
 

Class T Shares*

       3.32%          2.73%  

Class T Shares at maximum Offering Price*

       0.74%          0.19%  

Since inception return for Class T Shares is from 5/31/17. Indexes and Lipper averages are not available for direct investment.

Class A Shares have a maximum 4.75% sales charge (Offering Price). Class A Share purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset value without an up-front sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%, if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares have a 1% CDSC for redemptions within less than twelve months, which is not reflected in the total returns. Class R3 Shares have no sales charge and are only available for purchase by eligible retirement plans. Class I Shares have no sales charge and may be purchased under limited circumstances or by specified classes of investors. Class T Shares have a maximum 2.50% sales charge (Offering Price).

Expense Ratios as of Most Recent Prospectus

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class I        Class T*  

Expense Ratios

       1.07%          1.82%          1.32%          0.82%          1.07%  

 

* Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

  24      NUVEEN


Fund Performance and Expense Ratios (continued)

Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

 

Refer to the first page of this Fund Performance and Expense Ratios section for further explanation of the information included within this section. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for definitions of terms used within this section.

Fund Performance

Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2017

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  

Class A Shares at NAV

       1.94%          2.84%          (0.31)%          3.19%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

       (2.40)%          (1.57)%          (1.17)%          2.75%  

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. TIPS Index

       2.14%          3.01%          0.13%          3.53%  

Lipper Inflation-Protected Bond Funds Classification Average

       1.78%          2.47%          (0.27)%          2.65%  

Class C Shares

       1.50%          2.07%          (0.98)%          2.48%  

Class R3 Shares

       1.73%          2.52%          (0.57)%          2.86%  

Class I Shares

       1.97%          3.08%          0.01%          3.49%  

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        Since
Inception
 

Class R6 Shares

       2.14%          3.34%          1.20%  

Since inception return for Class R6 Shares is from 1/20/15. Indexes and Lipper averages are not available for direct investment.

Class A Shares have a maximum 4.25% sales charge (Offering Price). Class A Share purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset value without an up-front sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%, if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares have a 1% CDSC for redemptions within less than twelve months, which is not reflected in the total returns. Class R3 Shares have no sales charge and are only available for purchase by eligible retirement plans. Class R6 Shares have no sales charge and are available only to certain limited categories as described in the prospectus. Class I Shares have no sales charge and may be purchased under limited circumstances or by specified classes of investors.

Expense Ratios as of Most Recent Prospectus

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Gross Expense Ratios

       0.96%          1.71%          1.21%          0.48%          0.71%  

Net Expense Ratios

       0.78%          1.53%          1.03%          0.30%          0.53%  

The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse other Fund expenses through July 31, 2019 so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees incurred in acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.56% of the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares. However, because Class R6 Shares are not subject to sub-transfer agent and similar fees, the total annual Fund operating expenses for the Class R6 Shares will be less than the expense limitation. Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will not be terminated prior to that time without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Fund.

 

NUVEEN     25  


Fund Performance and Expense Ratios (continued)

Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

 

Refer to the first page of this Fund Performance and Expense Ratios section for further explanation of the information included within this section. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for definitions of terms used within this section.

Fund Performance

Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2017

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  

Class A Shares at NAV

       0.28%          1.29%          1.16%          2.19%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

       (2.00)%          (1.03)%          0.70%          1.96%  

Bloomberg Barclays 1-3 Year Government/Credit Bond Index

       0.13%          0.84%          0.84%          1.85%  

Lipper Short Investment Grade Debt Funds Classification Average

       0.49%          1.68%          1.04%          2.04%  

Class I Shares

       0.41%          1.53%          1.42%          2.41%  

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        Since
Inception
 

Class C Shares

       (0.01)%          0.59%          0.43%          1.05%  

Class R3 Shares

       0.23%          1.08%          0.89%          1.50%  

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        Since
Inception
 

Class R6 Shares

       0.51%          1.63%          1.49%  

Since inception return for Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 Shares are from 10/28/09, 9/22/11 and 1/20/15, respectively. Indexes and Lipper averages are not available for direct investment.

Class A Shares have a maximum 2.25% sales charge (Offering Price). Class A Share purchases of $250,000 or more are sold at net asset value without an up-front sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%, if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares have a 1% CDSC for redemptions within less than twelve months, which is not reflected in the total returns. Class R3 Shares have no sales charge and are only available for purchase by eligible retirement plans. Class R6 Shares have no sales charge and are available only to certain limited categories as described in the prospectus. Class I Shares have no sales charge and may be purchased under limited circumstances or by specified classes of investors.

Expense Ratios as of Most Recent Prospectus

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Gross Expense Ratios

       0.77%          1.52%          1.02%          0.48%          0.52%  

Net Expense Ratios

       0.72%          1.47%          0.97%          0.42%          0.47%  

The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse other Fund expenses through July 31, 2019 so that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees incurred in acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.47% of the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares. However, because Class R6 Shares are not subject to sub-transfer agent and similar fees, the total annual Fund operating expenses for the Class R6 Shares will be less than the expense limitation. Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will not be terminated prior to that time without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Fund.

 

  26      NUVEEN


Fund Performance and Expense Ratios (continued)

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

Refer to the first page of this Fund Performance and Expense Ratios section for further explanation of the information included within this section. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for definitions of terms used within this section.

Fund Performance

Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2017

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  

Class A Shares at NAV

       1.79%          5.16%          3.30%          5.77%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

       (2.51)%          0.69%          2.41%          5.31%  

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

       1.24%          3.54%          2.10%          4.01%  

Lipper Multi-Sector Income Funds Classification Average

       2.25%          6.09%          3.32%          5.16%  

Class C Shares

       1.40%          4.36%          2.53%          4.96%  

Class R3 Shares

       1.67%          4.91%          3.06%          5.46%  

Class I Shares

       1.90%          5.50%          3.56%          6.01%  

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        Since
Inception
 

Class R6 Shares

       1.90%          5.49%          3.35%  

 

       Cumulative  
        6-Month        Since
Inception
 

Class T Shares*

       1.79%          2.02%  

Class T Shares at maximum Offering Price*

       (0.73)%          (0.49)%  

Since inception return for Class R6 Shares is from 1/20/15. Since inception return for Class T shares is from 5/31/17. Indexes and Lipper averages are not available for direct investment.

Class A Shares have a maximum 4.25% sales charge (Offering Price). Class A Share purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset value without an up-front sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1%, if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares have a 1% CDSC for redemptions within less than twelve months, which is not reflected in the total returns. Class R3 Shares have no sales charge and are only available for purchase by eligible retirement plans. Class R6 Shares have no sales charge and are available only to certain limited categories of investors as described in the prospectus. Class I Shares have no sales charge and may be purchased under limited circumstances or by specified classes of investors. Class T Shares have a maximum 2.50% sales change (Offering Price).

Expense Ratios as of Most Recent Prospectus

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I        Class T*  

Gross Expense Ratios

       0.93%          1.68%          1.18%          0.60%          0.68%          0.93%  

Net Expense Ratios

       0.83%          1.58%          1.08%          0.51%          0.58%          0.83%  

The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse other Fund expenses through July 31, 2019, so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees incurred in acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.59% of the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares. However, because Class R6 shares are not subject to sub-transfer agent and similar fees, the total annual Fund operating expenses for the Class R6 shares will be less than the expense limitation. Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will not be terminated prior to that time without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Fund.

* Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

NUVEEN     27  


Yields as of December 31, 2017

 

Dividend Yield is the most recent dividend per share (annualized) divided by the offering price per share.

The SEC 30-Day Yield is a standardized measure of a fund’s yield that accounts for the future amortization of premiums or discounts of bonds held in the fund’s portfolio. The SEC 30-Day Yield is computed under an SEC standardized formula and is based on the maximum offer price per share. Subsidized yields reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements from the investment adviser during the period. If any such waivers and/or reimbursements had not been in place, yields would have been reduced. Unsubsidized yields do not reflect waivers and/or reimbursements from the investment adviser during the period. Refer to the Notes to Financial Statements, Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates for further details on the investment adviser’s most recent agreement with the Fund to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses, where applicable. Dividend Yield may differ from the SEC 30-Day Yield because the fund may be paying out more or less than it is earning and it may not include the effect of amortization of bond premium.

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A1        Class C        Class R6        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       2.20%          1.60%          2.58%          2.59%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       2.25%          1.63%          2.65%          2.64%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       2.14%          1.46%          2.52%          2.45%  

Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A1        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       2.89%          2.41%          2.92%          3.38%          3.38%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       2.37%          1.83%          2.33%          2.87%          2.83%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       2.36%          1.72%          2.21%          2.78%          2.72%  

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A1        Class C        Class R3        Class I        Class T1  

Dividend Yield

       6.22%          6.10%          6.57%          7.07%          6.67%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       6.90%          6.86%          7.36%          7.86%          7.22%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       6.90%          6.83%          7.33%          7.82%          7.22%  

Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A1        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       0.99%          0.33%          0.82%          1.33%          1.34%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       (0.51)%          (1.29)%          (0.80)%          (0.08)%          (0.31)%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       (0.72)%          (1.49)%          (1.00)%          (0.25)%          (0.50)%  

 

  28      NUVEEN


Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A1        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       1.52%          0.79%          1.28%          1.83%          1.83%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       1.75%          1.09%          1.58%          2.11%          2.08%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       1.72%          1.02%          1.52%          2.06%          2.01%  

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A1        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I        Class T1  

Dividend Yield

       3.57%          3.07%          3.61%          4.06%          4.07%          3.75%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       2.70%          2.20%          2.69%          3.29%          3.19%          2.75%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       2.70%          2.10%          2.59%          3.17%          3.09%          2.75%  
1 The SEC Yield for Class A Shares and Class T Shares quoted in the table reflects the maximum sales load. Investors paying a reduced load because of volume discounts, investors paying no load because they qualify for one of the several exclusions from the load, and existing shareholders who previously paid a load but would like to know the SEC Yield applicable to their shares on a going-forward basis, should understand that the SEC Yield effectively applicable to them would be higher than the figure quoted in the table.

 

NUVEEN     29  


Holding

Summaries as of December 31, 2017

 

This data relates to the securities held in each Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of this reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

Corporate Bonds

    45.4%  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

    45.1%  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

    8.3%  

$1,000 Par (or similar)
Institutional Preferred

    0.5%  

Investments Purchased with
Collateral from Securities Lending

    0.7%  

Money Market Funds

    1.4%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

    (1.4)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

Banks

       14.0%  

Capital Markets

       11.7%  

Insurance

       9.4%  

Media

       5.6%  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

       5.0%  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

       4.4%  

Food & Staples Retailing

       3.6%  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

       3.4%  

Diversified Financial Services

       3.2%  

Health Care Providers & Services

       3.0%  

Beverages

       3.0%  

Biotechnology

       2.9%  

Specialty Retail

       2.5%  

Machinery

       2.4%  

Pharmaceuticals

       2.3%  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

       2.3%  

Consumer Finance

       1.7%  

Other

       19.6%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

U.S. Treasury/Agency

       33.2%  

AAA

       14.4%  

AA

       5.7%  

A

       26.0%  

BBB

       20.7%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

 

  30      NUVEEN


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

    44.4%  

Corporate Bonds

    39.4%  

$1,000 Par (or similar)
Institutional Preferred

    5.5%  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

    5.3%  

Contingent Capital Securities

    1.8%  

Sovereign Debt

    1.6%  

Municipal Bonds

    0.2%  

Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending

    0.6%  

Money Market Funds

    9.0%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

    (7.8)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

Banks

       19.2%  

Capital Markets

       12.5%  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

       6.7%  

Insurance

       6.3%  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

       4.1%  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

       4.0%  

Specialty Retail

       3.4%  

Media

       3.4%  

Diversified Financial Services

       3.2%  

Aerospace & Defense

       3.1%  

Food Products

       2.9%  

Consumer Finance

       2.4%  

Industrial Conglomerates

       2.3%  

Chemicals

       2.2%  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

       2.1%  

Machinery

       2.0%  

Airlines

       1.9%  

Other

       18.3%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

U.S. Treasury/Agency

       31.2%  

AAA

       12.8%  

AA

       1.6%  

A

       24.7%  

BBB

       24.9%  

BB or Lower

       4.8%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

 

NUVEEN     31  


Holding Summaries as of December 31, 2017 (continued)

 

 

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

Corporate Bonds

    81.3%  

$1,000 Par (or similar)
Institutional Preferred

    2.6%  

Contingent Capital Securities

    2.8%  

Variable Rate Senior Loan
Interests

    2.7%  

Common Stocks

    1.9%  

Investment Companies

    1.9%  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail
Preferred

    1.8%  

Convertible Preferred Securities

    0.6%  

Warrants

    0.0%  

Convertible Bonds

    0.0%  

Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending

    9.3%  

Money Market Funds

    3.4%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

    (8.3)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

       15.7%  

Metals & Mining

       8.8%  

Media

       7.6%  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

       6.7%  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

       4.6%  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

       4.2%  

Chemicals

       4.0%  

Food & Staples Retailing

       3.1%  

Diversified Financial Services

       3.1%  

Commercial Services & Supplies

       2.6%  

Specialty Retail

       2.4%  

Real Estate Management & Development

       2.3%  

Internet Software & Services

       2.2%  

Household Durables

       2.0%  

Aerospace & Defense

       2.0%  

Energy Equipment & Services

       2.0%  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

       1.8%  

Health Care Providers & Services

       1.8%  

Consumer Finance

       1.6%  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

       1.6%  

Other

       19.9%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term fixed-income investments)

 

BBB

       2.9%  

BB or Lower

       91.4%  

N/R (not rated)

       5.7%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

 

  32      NUVEEN


Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

U.S. Government and Agency
Obligations

    86.8%  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

    8.3%  

Corporate Bonds

    2.5%  

Sovereign Debt

    0.5%  

Municipal Bonds

    0.3%  

Convertible Preferred Securities

    0.0%  

Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending

    0.3%  

Money Market Funds

    1.3%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

    0.0%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term
investments)

 

U.S. Treasury/Agency

       88.2%  

AAA

       3.6%  

AA

       0.6%  

A

       0.1%  

BBB

       5.7%  

BB or Lower

       1.3%  

N/R (not rated)

       0.5%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

 

NUVEEN     33  


Holding Summaries as of December 31, 2017 (continued)

 

Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

     46.4%  

Corporate Bonds

     40.9%  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     9.1%  

Municipal Bonds

     0.2%  

Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending

     1.5%  

Money Market Funds

     0.2%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

     1.7%  

Net Assets

     100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

Banks

       22.8%  

Capital Markets

       8.2%  

Insurance

       6.5%  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

       5.7%  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

       4.9%  

Consumer Finance

       4.4%  

Media

       4.0%  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

       3.8%  

Food & Staples Retailing

       3.6%  

Tobacco

       3.1%  

Food Products

       3.0%  

Chemicals

       2.6%  

Health Care Providers & Services

       2.2%  

Industrial Conglomerates

       1.9%  

Automobiles

       1.9%  

Biotechnology

       1.7%  

Other

       19.7%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term investments)

 

U.S. Treasury/Agency

     14.9%  

AAA

     25.7%  

AA

     7.6%  

A

     25.3%  

BBB

     21.2%  

BB or Lower

     2.8%  

N/R (not rated)

     2.5%  

Total

     100%  
 

 

 

  34      NUVEEN


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

Corporate Bonds

    50.2%  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

    28.6%  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

    6.7%  

Contingent Capital Securities

    4.9%  

Sovereign Debt

    4.0%  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

    2.8%  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

    0.7%  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

    0.3%  

Municipal Bonds

    0.2%  

Common Stocks

    0.0%  

Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending

    2.3%  

Money Market Funds

    9.7%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

    (10.4)%  

Net Assets

    100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

Banks

       18.0%  

Capital Markets

       11.5%  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

       6.7%  

Insurance

       5.5%  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

       5.3%  

Media

       3.4%  

Consumer Finance

       3.3%  

Chemicals

       2.8%  

Beverages

       2.8%  

Aerospace & Defense

       2.6%  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

       2.5%  

Industrial Conglomerates

       2.3%  

Metals & Mining

       2.2%  

Diversified Financial Services

       2.2%  

Specialty Retail

       2.1%  

Airlines

       1.9%  

Household Durables

       1.7%  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

       1.7%  

Energy Equipment & Services

       1.5%  

Food & Staples Retailing

       1.5%  

Other

       18.5%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term fixed-income investments)

 

U.S. Treasury/Agency

       16.6%  

AAA

       11.1%  

AA

       0.6%  

A

       26.4%  

BBB

       29.4%  

BB or Lower

       15.7%  

N/R (not rated)

       0.2%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

 

NUVEEN     35  


Expense

Examples

 

As a shareholder of one or more of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including up-front and back-end sales charges (loads) or redemption fees, where applicable; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees, where applicable; and other Fund expenses. The Examples below are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Examples below are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the period ended December 31, 2017.

The beginning of the period for the funds is July 1, 2017.

The information under “Actual Performance,” together with the amount you invested, allows you to estimate actual expenses incurred over the reporting period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60) and multiply the result by the cost shown for your share class, in the row entitled “Expenses Incurred During Period” to estimate the expenses incurred on your account during this period.

The information under “Hypothetical Performance,” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expense you incurred for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs. Therefore, the hypothetical information is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds or share classes. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

Nuveen Core Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R6        Class I  

Actual Performance

                                           

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,012.80        $ 1,009.10        $ 1,014.00        $ 1,014.10  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.96        $ 7.75        $ 2.34        $ 2.69  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                           

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,021.27        $ 1,017.49        $ 1,022.89        $ 1,022.53  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.97        $ 7.78        $ 2.35        $ 2.70  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.78%, 1.53%, 0.46% and 0.53% for Classes A, C, R6 and I, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

  36      NUVEEN


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Actual Performance

                                                      

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,015.30        $ 1,011.50        $ 1,014.10        $ 1,016.40        $ 1,017.30  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.91        $ 7.71        $ 5.18        $ 2.34        $ 2.64  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                                      

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,021.32        $ 1,017.54        $ 1,020.06        $ 1,022.89        $ 1,022.58  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.92        $ 7.73        $ 5.19        $ 2.35        $ 2.65  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.77%, 1.52%, 1.02%, 0.46% and 0.52% for Classes A, C, R3, R6 and I, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        A Shares        C Shares        R3 Shares        I Shares        T Shares*  

Actual Performance

                                                      

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,032.00        $ 1,028.10        $ 1,031.80        $ 1,034.40        $ 1,033.20  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 5.12        $ 8.95        $ 6.40        $ 3.85        $ 5.12  

Hypothetical Performance

                                                      

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,020.16        $ 1,016.38        $ 1,018.90        $ 1,021.42        $ 1,020.16  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 5.09        $ 8.89        $ 6.36        $ 3.82        $ 5.09  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 1.00%, 1.75%, 1.25%, 0.75% and 1.00% for Classes A, C, R3, I, and T respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

* Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Actual Performance

                                                      

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,019.40        $ 1,015.00        $ 1,017.30        $ 1,021.40        $ 1,019.70  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.97        $ 7.77        $ 5.24        $ 1.43        $ 2.70  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                                      

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,021.27        $ 1,017.49        $ 1,020.01        $ 1,023.79        $ 1,022.53  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.97        $ 7.78        $ 5.24        $ 1.43        $ 2.70  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.78%, 1.53%, 1.03%, 0.28% and 0.53% for Classes A, C, R3, R6 and I, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

NUVEEN     37  


Expense Examples (continued)

 

Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class R6        Class I  

Actual Performance

                                                      

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,002.80        $ 999.90        $ 1,002.30        $ 1,005.10        $ 1,004.10  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.63        $ 7.41        $ 4.90        $ 2.12        $ 2.37  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                                      

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,021.58        $ 1,017.80        $ 1,020.32        $ 1,023.09        $ 1,022.84  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.67        $ 7.48        $ 4.94        $ 2.14        $ 2.40  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.72%, 1.47%, 0.97%, 0.42% and 0.47% for Classes A, C, R3, R6 and I, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

       Share Class  
        A Shares        C Shares        R3 Shares        R6 Shares        I Shares        T Shares*  

Actual Performance

                                                                 

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,017.90        $ 1,014.00        $ 1,016.70        $ 1,019.00        $ 1,019.00        $ 1,017.90  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 4.22        $ 8.02        $ 5.49        $ 2.54        $ 2.95        $ 4.22  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                                                 

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,021.02        $ 1,017.24        $ 1,019.76        $ 1,022.68        $ 1,022.28        $ 1,021.02  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 4.23        $ 8.03        $ 5.50        $ 2.55        $ 2.96        $ 4.23  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.83%, 1.58%, 1.08%, 0.50%, 0.58% and 0.83% for Classes A, C, R3, R6, I, and T respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

* Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

  38      NUVEEN


Nuveen Core Bond Fund

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 99.3%

                
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 45.4%

                
      Airlines – 0.3%                                 
$ 366    

American Airlines Inc., Pass Through Trust 2016-1A

    3.575%          1/15/28          AA+        $ 372,995  
      Auto Components – 0.3%                                 
  355    

Lear Corporation

    5.375%          3/15/24          BBB–          375,484  
      Automobiles – 0.6%                                 
  750    

General Motors Corporation

    4.000%          4/01/25          BBB          770,033  
      Banks – 6.3%                                 
  157    

Bank of America Corporation

    4.000%          4/01/24          A          165,935  
  490    

Bank of America Corporation

    3.875%          8/01/25          A          516,741  
  1,000    

Bank of America Corporation

    4.450%          3/03/26          A–          1,067,135  
  140    

Bank of America Corporation, 144A

    3.419%          12/20/28          A          139,987  
  460    

Barclays Bank PLC

    3.650%          3/16/25          A          459,180  
  645    

Citigroup Inc.

    4.500%          1/14/22          A          686,049  
  650    

Citigroup Inc.

    3.300%          4/27/25          A          655,905  
  365    

Citigroup Inc.

    4.300%          11/20/26          A–          381,585  
  807    

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    3.500%          3/15/22          A–          830,700  
  400    

ING Groep N.V

    3.950%          3/29/27          A+          416,891  
  505    

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    3.200%          1/25/23          A+          515,027  
  695    

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    3.875%          9/10/24          A          724,814  
  700    

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    4.260%          2/22/48          A+          756,923  
  810    

Santander UK PLC

    2.125%          11/03/20          Aa3          803,426  
  570    

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    2.450%          8/01/22          A–          561,973  
  8,394    

Total Banks

                                     8,682,271  
      Beverages – 1.3%                                 
  1,395    

Anheuser Busch InBev Financial Incorporated, Fixed Rate Note, Series 2016

    3.650%          2/01/26          A–          1,439,249  
  420    

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc.

    2.550%          9/15/26          BBB+          398,042  
  1,815    

Total Beverages

                                     1,837,291  
      Biotechnology – 1.3%                                 
  500    

Baxalta, Inc.

    4.000%          6/23/25          BBB–          516,670  
  630    

Biogen Inc.

    3.625%          9/15/22          A–          652,815  
  595    

Celgene Corporation, Convertible Notes

    3.625%          5/15/24          BBB+          611,800  
  1,725    

Total Biotechnology

                                     1,781,285  

 

NUVEEN     39  


Nuveen Core Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Capital Markets – 5.3%                                 
$ 665    

Charles Schwab Corporation

    3.000%          3/10/25          A        $ 662,640  
  1,280    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    5.750%          1/24/22          A          1,419,145  
  800    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    6.750%          10/01/37          A–          1,070,192  
  460    

Lazard Group LLC

    3.625%          3/01/27          A–          458,918  
  1,740    

Morgan Stanley

    4.000%          7/23/25          A          1,821,432  
  685    

Morgan Stanley

    3.950%          4/23/27          A–          695,406  
  1,105    

State Street Corporation

    3.300%          12/16/24          AA–          1,141,071  
  6,735    

Total Capital Markets

                                     7,268,804  
      Chemicals – 0.8%                                 
  500    

Agrium Inc.

    3.375%          3/15/25          BBB          502,200  
  550    

LYB International Finance BV

    4.000%          7/15/23          BBB+          575,645  
  1,050    

Total Chemicals

                                     1,077,845  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.3%                                 
  430    

AerCap Ireland Capital Limited / AerCap Global Aviation Trust

    3.950%          2/01/22          BBB–          443,128  
      Consumer Finance – 0.8%                                 
  490    

Capital One Bank

    3.375%          2/15/23          Baa1          494,766  
  545    

Discover Financial Services

    5.200%          4/27/22          BBB+          586,548  
  1,035    

Total Consumer Finance

                                     1,081,314  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.4%                                 
  480    

Packaging Corporation of America

    3.650%          9/15/24          BBB          492,071  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.4%                                 
  525    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    4.375%          5/12/26          A          548,832  
  365    

Jefferies Group Inc.

    4.850%          1/15/27          BBB–          387,940  
  995    

Rabobank Nederland

    3.875%          2/08/22          Aa2          1,045,012  
  1,885    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                                     1,981,784  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.5%                                 
  360    

AT&T, Inc.

    3.800%          3/15/22          A–          372,010  
  685    

AT&T, Inc.

    3.400%          8/14/24          A–          688,366  
  365    

AT&T, Inc.

    4.750%          5/15/46          A–          356,682  
  750    

Verizon Communications

    4.125%          8/15/46          A–          692,229  
  2,160    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                                     2,109,287  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.4%                                 
  565    

Origin Energy Finance Limited, 144A

    3.500%          10/09/18          BBB–          568,362  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 2.3%                                 
  635    

American Tower Company

    5.000%          2/15/24          BBB          695,423  
  380    

Crown Castle International Corporation

    3.700%          6/15/26          BBB–          379,641  
  2,020    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

    3.598%          4/15/43          BBB          2,019,059  
  3,035    

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                                     3,094,123  

 

  40      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 1.6%                                 
$ 930    

CVS Health Corporation

    3.875%          7/20/25          BBB+        $ 957,555  
  730    

Sysco Corporation

    3.750%          10/01/25          A3          758,883  
  515    

Walgreen Company

    3.100%          9/15/22          BBB          516,990  
  2,175    

Total Food & Staples Retailing

                                     2,233,428  
      Food Products – 0.4%                                 
  500    

Bunge Limited Finance Company

    3.250%          8/15/26          BBB          477,704  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 1.4%                                 
  630    

Anthem, Inc.

    3.125%          5/15/22          A          635,487  
  1,215    

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

    2.875%          3/15/22          A+          1,229,820  
  1,845    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                     1,865,307  
      Household Durables – 0.4%                                 
  545    

Newell Brands Inc.

    4.200%          4/01/26          BBB–          569,061  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.5%                                 
  635    

GE Capital International Funding CO

    4.418%          11/15/35          A+          686,753  
      Insurance – 4.3%                                 
  131    

AFLAC Insurance

    6.450%          8/15/40          A–          179,396  
  620    

American International Group, Inc.

    3.750%          7/10/25          BBB+          639,086  
  990    

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

    3.125%          3/15/26          AA          1,000,941  
  375    

CNA Financial Corporation

    3.450%          8/15/27          BBB+          369,436  
  750    

Lincoln National Corporation

    4.000%          9/01/23          A–          782,815  
  600    

MetLife Inc.

    3.000%          3/01/25          A–          600,406  
  940    

Prudential Financial Inc.

    3.500%          5/15/24          A          976,159  
  465    

Symetra Financial Corporation

    4.250%          7/15/24          Baa1          472,022  
  435    

Unum Group

    4.000%          3/15/24          BBB          452,890  
  365    

Willis North America, Inc.

    3.600%          5/15/24          BBB          370,982  
  5,671    

Total Insurance

                                     5,844,133  
      Internet and Direct Marketing Retail – 0.4%                                 
  560    

Amazon.com Incorporated

    3.800%          12/05/24          AA–          591,321  
      Internet Software & Services – 0.5%                                 
  655    

eBay Inc.

    3.800%          3/09/22          BBB+          679,870  
      IT Services – 0.7%                                 
  955    

Visa Inc.

    3.150%          12/14/25          A+          976,049  
      Leisure Products – 0.8%                                 
  1,025    

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

    3.375%          7/15/23          BBB          1,047,222  
      Machinery – 1.1%                                 
  830    

Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Finance SA

    3.550%          11/01/24          BBB          857,297  

 

NUVEEN     41  


Nuveen Core Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Machinery (continued)                                 
$ 640    

John Deere Capital Corporation

    2.650%          6/24/24          A        $ 633,769  
  1,470    

Total Machinery

                                     1,491,066  
      Media – 2.5%                                 
  605    

21st Century Fox America Inc.

    4.000%          10/01/23          BBB+          632,536  
  510    

CBS Corporation

    4.900%          8/15/44          BBB          535,544  
  885    

Comcast Corporation

    6.400%          4/30/40          A–          1,195,124  
  435    

Cox Communications Inc., 144A

    3.350%          9/15/26          BBB+          424,985  
  660    

Discovery Communications Inc.

    3.800%          3/13/24          BBB–          669,398  
  3,095    

Total Media

                                     3,457,587  
      Metals & Mining – 0.4%                                 
  495    

Nucor Corporation

    4.000%          8/01/23          A–          518,231  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 2.0%                                 
  335    

BP Capital Markets PLC

    2.520%          9/19/22          A1          333,290  
  550    

EOG Resources Inc.

    4.100%          2/01/21          BBB+          573,421  
  340    

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

    3.400%          4/15/26          A          348,110  
  270    

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC

    5.875%          6/30/26          BBB–          303,264  
  590    

Spectra Energy Partners LP

    4.750%          3/15/24          BBB+          641,312  
  540    

Valero Energy Corporation

    3.400%          9/15/26          BBB          542,050  
  2,625    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                     2,741,447  
      Pharmaceuticals – 1.1%                                 
  995    

Merck & Company Inc.

    2.750%          2/10/25          AA          990,738  
  550    

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance III, (3)

    3.150%          10/01/26          BBB–          453,982  
  1,545    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                     1,444,720  
      Road & Rail – 0.7%                                 
  895    

Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC

    3.400%          9/01/24          A          926,818  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 1.0%  
  740    

Applied Materials Inc.

    4.300%          6/15/21          A–          784,706  
  630    

Intel Corporation

    3.150%          5/11/27          A+          642,298  
  1,370    

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

                                     1,427,004  
      Specialty Retail – 1.1%                                 
  520    

Home Depot, Inc.

    2.625%          6/01/22          A          522,837  
  455    

Lowes Companies, Inc.

    3.100%          5/03/27          A–          456,476  
  525    

Swiss Re Treasury US Corporation, 144A

    4.250%          12/06/42          AA–          545,441  
  1,500    

Total Specialty Retail

                                     1,524,754  
      Tobacco – 0.4%                                 
  520    

Reynolds American Inc.

    3.250%          11/01/22          BBB+          526,970  

 

  42      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.8%                                 
$ 510    

Rogers Communications Inc.

    3.625%          12/15/25          BBB+        $ 520,768  
  525    

Telefonica Emisiones SAU

    4.103%          3/08/27          BBB          542,330  
  1,035    

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                                     1,063,098  
$ 59,896    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $60,305,855)

                                     62,028,620  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGED-BACKED SECURITIES – 45.1%  
$ 866    

American Homes 4 Rent, Series 2014-SFR2, 144A

    3.786%          10/17/36          Aaa        $ 899,963  
  500    

American Homes 4 Rent, Series 2015-SFR2, 144A

    5.036%          10/17/45          Baa2          538,474  
  600    

AmeriCold LLC Trust, Series 2010, 144A

    6.031%          1/14/29          AA          645,841  
  1,061    

Atlantic City Electric Transition Funding LLC, Transition Bonds, Series 2002-1

    5.550%          10/20/23          AAA          1,128,578  
  260    

Bank of America Commercial Mortgage Inc., Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-UBS7

    4.366%          9/15/48          A–          268,549  
  165    

Bank of America Commercial Mortgage Inc., Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-UBS7

    3.167%          9/15/48          BBB–          135,183  
  700    

CarNow Auto Receivables Trust 2017-1A, 144A

    2.920%          9/15/22          A          699,720  
  810    

CitiBank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2017-A8

    1.860%          8/08/22          AAA          802,309  
  1,000    

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2012-GC8

    3.024%          9/10/45          Aaa          1,013,694  
  725    

Cold Storage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities, Series 2017-ICE3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.000% spread), (4)

    2.559%          4/15/36          AAA          726,796  
  1,667    

Colony American Homes Trust 2014-1A, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.150% spread), (4)

    2.709%          5/17/31          Aaa          1,671,329  
  625    

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-CR26

    4.493%          10/10/48          A–          606,820  
  500    

Conns Receivables Funding Trust II, Series 2017-B, 144A

    2.730%          7/15/20          BBB          499,979  
  455    

Countrywide Asset-Backed Securities Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2003-BC3, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.620% spread), (4)

    2.181%          9/25/33          A          445,171  
  370    

DB Master Finance LLC, Series 2015-1A, 144A

    3.980%          2/20/45          BBB          377,203  
  400    

Exeter Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2013-2A, 144A

    6.810%          8/17/20          AA          403,879  
  200    

Fannie Mae Grantor Trust, Series 2014-T1

    2.898%          6/25/27          N/R          198,510  
  569    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 725205

    5.000%          3/01/34          N/R          616,160  
  884    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 960605

    5.000%          8/01/37          N/R          960,650  
  1,093    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AD1593

    4.500%          2/01/40          N/R          1,169,454  
  1,447    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AE0217

    4.500%          8/01/40          N/R          1,548,797  
  1,088    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 890310

    4.500%          12/01/40          N/R          1,166,287  
  1,696    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AB2085

    4.000%          1/01/41          N/R          1,782,504  
  649    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AH3804

    4.000%          2/01/41          N/R          681,800  
  1,743    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AH5575

    4.000%          2/01/41         
N/R
 
       1,831,363  
  1,381    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AE0981

    3.500%          3/01/41          N/R          1,427,098  
  1,558    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AL0215

    4.500%          4/01/41         
N/R
 
       1,670,752  
  1,404    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AH8954

    4.000%          4/01/41          N/R          1,475,116  

 

NUVEEN     43  


Nuveen Core Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGED-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)  
$ 818    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AL0160

    4.500%          5/01/41          N/R        $ 876,857  
  1,277    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN MA1028

    4.000%          4/01/42         
N/R
 
       1,341,531  
  2,479    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AB9659

    3.000%          6/01/43          N/R          2,497,377  
  1,126    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AU3353

    3.000%          8/01/43          N/R          1,132,498  
  1,561    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AY3376

    3.500%          4/01/45          N/R          1,603,951  
  1,402    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AS6398

    3.500%          12/01/45          N/R          1,440,999  
  793    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN BC0830

    3.000%          4/01/46          N/R          793,806  
  1,567    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN BH7626

    4.000%          8/01/47          N/R          1,641,632  
  1    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1990-89 K

    6.500%          7/25/20          N/R          1,464  
  1,150    

Fannie Mae TBA, Mortgage Pool, (WI/DD)

    3.000%          TBA          N/R         
1,148,658
 
  2    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC R 1167 E

    7.500%          11/15/21          N/R          2,183  
  4    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC R 1286 A

    6.000%          5/15/22          N/R          4,146  
  533    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-2, 144A

    3.500%          10/25/47          Aaa          538,997  
  618    

Freddie Mac Gold Pool FG G05852

    5.500%          3/01/39          N/R          679,325  
  490    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust, Structured Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2011 K-10

    3.500%          1/01/46          N/R          504,001  
  1,715    

Freddie Mac MultiFamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates FHMS K053

    2.995%          12/25/25          Aaa          1,741,745  
  777    

Ginnie Mae Mortgage Pool G2 MA 2521

    3.500%          1/20/45          N/R          805,414  
  534    

GLS Auto Receivables Trust 2017-1A, 144A

    2.670%          4/15/21          A          534,052  
  2,139    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool GN AA5391

    3.500%          6/15/42          N/R          2,220,715  
  1,092    

Invitation Homes Trust 2015-SFR3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.300% spread), (4)

    2.859%          8/17/32          Aaa          1,099,090  
  339    

Invitation Homes Trust 2017-SFR3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.850% spread), (4)

    2.406%          12/17/36          Aaa          339,666  
  949    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-A5, 144A

    3.500%          5/25/46          Aaa          962,916  
  630    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-1, 144A

    3.500%          1/25/47          Aaa          638,952  
  155    

Master Resecuritization Trust 2009-1, 144A

    6.000%          10/25/36          AA          156,595  
  1,033    

Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2017-A

    1.530%          8/15/19          AAA          1,030,989  
  750    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust, Series 2016-T3, 144A

    2.833%          10/16/51          AAA          736,580  
  775    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust, Series 2017-T1, 144A

    3.214%          2/15/51          AAA          775,666  
  610    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-3A, 144A

    4.000%          4/25/57          AAA          627,848  
  568    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-6A, 144A

    4.000%          8/27/57          Aaa          583,058  
  598    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2017-1A, 144A

    4.000%          2/25/57          AAA          615,967  
  950    

OMART Receivables Trust, Series 2016-T1, 144A

    2.521%          8/17/48          AAA          949,808  
  650    

OMART Receivables Trust, Series 2017-T1, 144A

    2.499%          9/15/48          AAA          650,483  
  415    

OneMain Financial Issuance Trust, Series 2015-2A, 144A

    3.100%          7/18/25          BBB+          415,036  
  749    

Prosper Marketplace Issuance Trust, Series 2017-3A, 144A

    2.360%          11/15/23          A–          749,002  

 

  44      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGED-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)  
$ 69    

Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes, 2013-DN2, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.450% spread), (4)

    3.011%          11/25/23          Aa1        $ 69,501  
  710    

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2017-1

    1.930%          6/15/23          Aaa          703,317  
  745    

TCF Auto Receivables Owner Trust, Series 2016-1A, 144A

    1.710%          4/15/21          AAA          742,554  
  535    

Tricon American Homes Trust, Series 2017-SFRI, 144A

    2.716%          9/17/34          Aaa          528,301  
  901    

U.S. Small Business Administration Guaranteed Participating Securities, Participation Certificates, Series 2010-P10B

    3.215%          9/10/20         
N/R
 
       911,955  
  1,590    

United States Department of Veterans, Affairs, Guaranteed REMIC Pass-Through Certificates, Vendee Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-1

    3.750%          2/15/35         
N/R
 
       1,627,993  
  63    

Walter Investment Management Company Capital Trust, Series 2012-AA, 144A

    4.549%          10/16/50          A          63,255  
  628    

Wendy’s Funding LLC, Series 2015-1A, 144A

    4.080%          6/15/45          BBB          642,384  
  645    

Wendy’s Funding LLC, Series 2015-1A, 144A

    3.371%          6/15/45          BBB          646,879  
  650    

Wendy’s Funding LLC, Series 2018-1A, 144A, (WI/DD)

    3.573%          3/15/48          BBB          649,797  
$ 60,201    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $60,916,989)

 

       61,818,922  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 8.3%  
$ 60    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Notes

    1.750%          5/30/19          Aaa        $ 59,907  
  2,055    

Freddie Mac Reference Notes

    5.000%          12/14/18          Aa2          2,116,406  
  1,390    

United States of America Treasury Bonds

    2.250%          8/15/46          Aaa          1,252,422  
  1,890    

United States of America Treasury Bonds

    2.750%          8/15/47          Aaa          1,890,238  
  1,650    

United States of America Treasury Bonds, (3)

    2.750%          11/15/47          Aaa          1,650,850  
  4,235    

United States Treasury Notes

    2.875%          11/15/46          Aaa          4,339,534  
$ 11,280    

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $10,878,399)

 

       11,309,357  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 0.5%

 

      Banks – 0.5%                                 
$ 700    

Wachovia Capital Trust III, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.930% spread), (4)

    5.570%          N/A (5)          BBB        $ 705,250  
$ 700    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $621,577)

                                     705,250  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $132,722,820)

 

                             135,862,149  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                            Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 0.7%

 

      Money Market Funds – 0.7%                                 
  1,008,625    

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, (6)

    1.196% (7)                              $ 1,008,625  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $1,008,625)

 

       1,008,625  

 

NUVEEN     45  


Nuveen Core Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                            Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.4%

                
      Money Market Funds – 1.4%                                 
  1,981,954    

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class Z

    1.181% (7)                              $ 1,981,954  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $1,981,954)

                                     1,981,954  
 

Total Investments (cost $135,713,399) – 101.4%

                                     138,852,728  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (1.4)% (8)

                                     (1,850,269)  
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                   $ 137,002,459  

Investments in Derivatives

Futures Contracts

 

Description      Contract
Position
   Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount*
     Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Note

     Long      17        3/18      $ 3,646,548      $ 3,639,859      $ (6,689    $ 1,063  

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note

     Short      (15      3/18        (1,745,003      (1,742,461      2,542        (1,406

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note

     Short      (68      3/18        (8,477,255      (8,435,187      42,068        (13,813

U.S. Treasury Long Bond

     Short      (9      3/18        (1,364,718      (1,377,000      (12,282      (2,531

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Note

     Short      (52      3/18        (6,955,498      (6,945,250      10,248        (14,625

U.S. Treasury Ultra Bond

     Long      45        3/18        7,497,537        7,544,531        46,994        19,651  

Total

                            $ (7,398,389    $ (7,315,508    $ 82,881      $ (11,661

Total receivable for variation margin on futures contracts

                                                       $ 20,714  

Total payable for variation margin on futures contracts

                                                       $ (32,375
* The aggregate notional amount of long and short positions is $11,144,085 and $(18,542,474), respectively.

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets.

 

(2) For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.

 

(3) Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $982,630.

 

(4) Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(5) Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(6) The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the fair value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks and other institutions. The Fund maintains collateral equal to at least 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Securities Lending for more information.

 

(7) The rate shown is the annualized seven-day subsidized yield as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(8) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

144A Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

TBA To be announced. Maturity date not known prior to the settlement of this transaction.

 

WI/DD Investment, or portion of investment, purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  46      NUVEEN


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 98.2%

          
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGED-BACKED SECURITIES – 44.4%                           
$ 2,420    

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-3

    2.010%        3/15/22        AAA      $ 2,403,077  
  2,590    

American Express Credit Card Master Trust, Series 2017-1

    1.930%        9/15/22        Aaa        2,577,629  
  1,543    

American Homes 4 Rent, Series 2014-SFR2, 144A

    3.786%        10/17/36        Aaa        1,603,212  
  3,165    

AmeriCold LLC Trust, Series 2010, 144A

    6.811%        1/14/29        A+        3,456,159  
  2,165    

Bank 2017, Mortgage Series BNK4

    3.625%        5/15/50        Aaa        2,250,554  
  540    

Bank of America Commercial Mortgage Inc., Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-UBS7

    4.366%        9/15/48        A–        557,755  
  345    

Bank of America Commercial Mortgage Inc., Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-UBS7

    3.167%        9/15/48        BBB–        282,655  
  2,500    

Bank of America Credit Card Trust, Series 2017-A1

    1.950%        8/15/22        Aaa        2,488,404  
  104    

Bank of America Funding Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-4

    5.500%        6/25/37        C        13,912  
  1,100    

Barclays Commercial Mortgage, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-STP, 144A

    4.284%        9/10/28        BBB–        1,107,622  
  842    

Bayview Financial Mortgage Pass-Through Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificate Series 2005-D

    5.500%        12/28/35        A+        844,328  
  3,010    

capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust, Series 2016-A4

    1.330%        6/15/22        AAA        2,972,619  
  2,342    

CitiBank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2014-A1

    2.880%        1/23/23        Aaa        2,383,865  
  2,360    

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2014-A6

    2.150%        7/15/21        Aaa        2,362,435  
  2,040    

CitiBank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2017-A8

    1.860%        8/08/22        AAA        2,020,629  
  1,785    

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates 2015-CR22

    4.122%        3/10/48        A–        1,772,756  
  1,485    

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-CR26

    4.493%        10/10/48        A–        1,441,805  
  1,795    

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2016-SAVA, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.300% spread), (3)

    3.854%        10/15/34        AA–        1,799,445  
  1,844    

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corporation, Mortgage-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2003-8

    6.148%        4/25/33        Ba1        1,832,551  
  1,556    

DB Master Finance LLC, Series 2015-1A, 144A

    3.980%        2/20/45        BBB        1,588,225  
  1,165    

Discover Card Execution Note Trust 2012-A6

    1.670%        1/18/22        AAA        1,158,403  
  930    

Discover Card Execution Trust 2015-A2

    1.900%        10/17/22        AAA        924,348  
  1,485    

Discover Card Execution Trust 2017-A2

    2.390%        7/15/24        AAA        1,484,590  
  1,741    

Dominos Pizza Master Issuer LLC, Series 2017-1A, 144A

    3.082%        7/25/47        BBB+        1,721,525  
  232    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 254413

    6.000%        10/01/22        N/R        259,558  
  693    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 255575

    5.500%        1/01/25        N/R        759,143  
  53    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN340798

    7.000%        4/01/26        N/R        56,787  
  44    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 250551

    7.000%        5/01/26        N/R        48,482  
  471    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 256852

    6.000%        8/01/27        N/R        525,981  
  203    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 252255

    6.500%        2/01/29        N/R        227,676  

 

NUVEEN     47  


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGED-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                           
$ 370    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 254169

    6.500%        12/01/31       
N/R
 
   $ 412,276  
  459    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 745101

    6.000%        4/01/32        N/R        505,505  
  396    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 254379

    7.000%        7/01/32       
N/R
 
     451,438  
  149    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 545813

    7.000%        7/01/32        N/R        168,510  
  90    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 545815

    7.000%        7/01/32        N/R        104,271  
  657    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 688330

    6.000%        3/01/33        N/R        745,258  
  503    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 555798

    6.500%        5/01/33        N/R        565,883  
  1,337    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 709446

    5.500%        7/01/33        N/R        1,491,256  
  968    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 735273

    6.500%        6/01/34        N/R        1,093,737  
  118    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 781776

    6.000%        10/01/34        N/R        133,298  
  326    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 885536

    6.000%        8/01/36        N/R        371,094  
  399    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 900555

    6.000%        9/01/36        N/R        456,332  
  119    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 256845

    6.500%        8/01/37        N/R        134,609  
  100    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 256890

    6.000%        9/01/37        N/R        104,112  
  (4)   

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 983077

    5.000%        5/01/38        N/R        140  
  (4)   

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 985344

    5.500%        7/01/38        N/R        91  
  1,644    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AC1877

    4.500%        9/01/39        N/R        1,757,701  
  1,404    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 932323

    4.500%        12/01/39        N/R        1,499,905  
  1,595    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AD4375

    5.000%        5/01/40        N/R        1,718,660  
  2,982    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AE7265

    4.000%        1/01/41        N/R        3,126,043  
  753    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN MA1028

    4.000%        4/01/42        N/R        791,355  
  2,760    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AT2722

    3.000%        5/01/43        N/R        2,775,220  
  1,658    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AS3907

    4.000%        11/01/44        N/R        1,736,930  
  1,599    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN MA2484

    4.000%        12/01/45        N/R        1,673,569  
  3,602    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AS6386

    3.000%        12/01/45        N/R        3,604,828  
  2,090    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AS6652

    3.500%        2/01/46        N/R        2,148,020  
  2,274    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AS6880

    3.500%        3/01/46        N/R        2,337,678  
  3,373    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AS7544

    3.500%        7/01/46        N/R        3,466,892  
  6,210    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN MA2808

    4.000%        11/01/46        N/R        6,501,040  
  3,398    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN MA3058

    4.000%        7/01/47        N/R        3,558,119  
  3,828    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN BC0823

    3.500%        4/01/46        N/R        3,934,879  
  (4)   

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1988-24 G

    7.000%        10/25/18        N/R        375  
  (4)   

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1989-44 H

    9.000%        7/25/19        N/R        425  
  (4)   

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1989-90 E

    8.700%        12/25/19        N/R        409  
  1    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1990-30 E

    6.500%        3/25/20       
N/R
 
     868  

 

  48      NUVEEN


Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGED-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                           
$ 3    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1990-61 H

    7.000%        6/25/20        N/R      $ 3,021  
  3    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1990-72 B

    9.000%        7/25/20        N/R        2,861  
  4    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1990-102 J

    6.500%        8/25/20        N/R        4,464  
  29    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1990-105 J

    6.500%        9/25/20        N/R        29,840  
  10    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1991-56 M

    6.750%        6/25/21        N/R        10,621  
  21    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1991-134 Z

    7.000%        10/25/21        N/R        22,002  
  2    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1992-120 C

    6.500%        7/25/22        N/R        2,041  
  113    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 1996-35 Z

    7.000%        7/25/26        N/R        124,776  
  738    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates R 2005-62 JE

    5.000%        6/25/35        N/R        769,453  
  698    

Fannie Mae REMIC Pass-Through Certificates W 2003-W1 B1

    3.724%        12/25/42        CCC        304,871  
  1,395    

Fannie Mae TBA, Mortgage Pool, (WI/DD)

    4.500%        TBA        N/R        1,482,397  
  6,435    

Fannie Mae TBA, Mortgage Pool, (WI/DD)

    4.000%        TBA        N/R        6,723,891  
  11,810    

Fannie Mae TBA, Mortgage Pool, (WI/DD)

    3.500%        TBA        N/R        12,113,037  
  7,360    

Fannie Mae TBA, Mortgage Pool, (WI/DD)

    3.000%        TBA        N/R        7,351,409  
  1,000    

Fannie Mae TBA, Mortgage Pool, (WI/DD)

    5.000%        TBA        N/R        1,074,375  
  (4)   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC R 6 C

    9.050%        6/15/19        N/R        15  
  3    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC R 1022 J

    6.000%        12/15/20        N/R        2,556  
  4    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC R 162 F

    7.000%        5/15/21        N/R        3,632  
  4    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC R 1118 Z

    8.250%        7/15/21        N/R        4,146  
  18    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC R 188 H

    7.000%        9/15/21        N/R        18,918  
  3    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC R 1790 A

    7.000%        4/15/22        N/R        2,781  
  1,815    

Fifth Third Auto Trust, Series 2017-1

    1.800%        2/15/22        N/R        1,801,768  
  8,932    

Freddie Mac Gold Mortgage Pool, (WI/DD)

    3.500%        11/01/47        N/R        9,191,063  
  3    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various FG P10023

    4.500%        3/01/18        N/R        2,795  
  31    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various FG P10032

    4.500%        5/01/18        N/R        31,372  
  210    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various FG C00676

    6.500%        11/01/28        N/R        233,455  
  334    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various FG A17212

    6.500%        7/01/31        N/R        370,291  
  151    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various FG A15521

    6.000%        11/01/33        N/R        168,968  
  84    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various FG H09059

    7.000%        8/01/37        N/R        90,457  
  225    

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass- Through Certificates R 3591 FP, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.600% spread), (3)

    2.159%        6/15/39        N/R        226,180  
  405    

Goldman Sachs Mortgage Securities Corporation, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-RP2 1A2, 144A

    7.500%        3/25/35        B1        436,279  

 

NUVEEN     49  


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGED-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                           
$ 461    

Goldman Sachs Mortgage Securities Corporation, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-RP3 1A2, 144A

    7.500%        9/25/35        B3      $ 486,710  
  1,175    

Goldman Sachs Mortgage Securities Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-GC32

    3.345%        7/10/48        BBB–        971,898  
  81    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool GN 537699

    7.500%        11/15/30        N/R        87,757  
  2,133    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool G2 4946

    4.500%        2/20/41        N/R        2,262,480  
  851    

Invitation Homes Trust 2017-SFR3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.850% spread), (3)

    2.406%        12/17/36        Aaa        854,160  
  1,910    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corporation, Pass Through Certificates Trust 2017-MAUI, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.830% spread), (3)

    2.383%        7/15/34        AAA        1,911,205  
  2,055    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Pass-Through Certificates 2017-JP5

    3.723%        3/15/50        Aaa        2,151,499  
  233    

Master Resecuritization Trust 2009-1, 144A

    6.000%        10/25/36        AA        234,892  
  1,373    

Mid-State Capital Corporation Trust Notes, Series 2005-1

    5.745%        1/15/40        AA        1,482,158  
  1,290    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2014-C16, 144A

    4.755%        6/15/47        BBB–        1,136,617  
  895    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2015-C22, 144A

    4.241%        4/15/48        BBB–        771,648  
  479    

Mortgage Asset Securitization Transaction Inc., Alternative Loan Trust Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Series 2004-1

    7.000%        1/25/34        BBB–        488,235  
  970    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust , Series 2016-T1, 144A

    4.377%        6/15/49        BBB        969,927  
  1,455    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust, Series 2017-T1, 144A

    4.002%        2/15/51        BBB        1,447,274  
  1,506    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-6A, 144A

    4.000%        8/27/57        Aaa        1,545,104  
  1,915    

OMART Receivables Trust, Series 2016-T2, 144A

    4.446%        8/16/49        BBB        1,866,501  
  1,993    

Shellpoint Co-Originator Trust, Series 2017-2, 144A

    3.500%        10/25/47        Aaa        2,043,799  
  1,435    

Starwood Waypoint Homes Trust, 2017-1, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.950% spread), (3)

    2.506%        1/17/35        Aaa        1,441,565  
  864    

Taco Bell Funding LLC, Series 2016-1A, 144A

    4.377%        5/25/46        BBB        891,384  
  1,400    

Tricon American Homes Trust, Series 2017-SFRI, 144A

    2.716%        9/17/34        Aaa        1,382,470  
  2,411    

United States Department of Veterans, Affairs, Guaranteed REMIC Pass-Through Certificates, Vendee Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-1

    3.750%        2/15/35        N/R        2,468,037  
  1,221    

Wachovia Mortgage Loan Trust LLC, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-B

    3.740%        10/20/35        D        1,168,629  
  2,650    

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-C29

    3.637%        6/15/48        Aaa        2,753,039  
  920    

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-C30, 144A

    4.497%        9/15/58        BBB–        826,661  
  1,240    

World Omni Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-B

    1.300%        2/15/22        AAA        1,227,895  
$ 162,469    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgaged-Backed Securities (cost $163,412,921)

                               165,772,135  

 

  50      NUVEEN


Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 39.4%

          
      Aerospace & Defense – 1.2%                           
$ 1,530    

Airbus SE, 144A

    3.150%        4/10/27        A+      $ 1,534,389  
  1,295    

BAE Systems Holdings, 144A

    3.850%        12/15/25        BBB        1,342,660  
  1,625    

Rockwell Collins Inc.

    3.500%        3/15/27        BBB        1,654,072  
  4,450    

Total Aerospace & Defense

                               4,531,121  
      Air Freight & Logistics – 0.3%                           
  1,095    

FedEx Corporation

    3.250%        4/01/26        BBB        1,103,066  
      Airlines – 0.7%                           
  1,242    

American Airlines Inc., Pass Through Trust 2016-1A

    3.575%        1/15/28        AA+        1,264,306  
  1,404    

Northwest Airlines Trust Pass Through Certificates 2007-1

    7.027%        11/01/19        A        1,511,382  
  2,646    

Total Airlines

                               2,775,688  
      Banks – 7.6%                           
  1,105    

Banco Santander SA

    3.800%        2/23/28        A–        1,104,815  
  792    

Bank of America Corporation

    4.000%        4/01/24        A        837,074  
  2,250    

Bank of America Corporation

    4.250%        10/22/26        A–        2,370,487  
  2,322    

Bank of America Corporation, 144A

    3.419%        12/20/28        A        2,321,783  
  1,815    

Barclays Bank PLC

    3.650%        3/16/25        A        1,811,764  
  1,695    

Citigroup Inc.

    4.500%        1/14/22        A        1,802,873  
  1,000    

Citigroup Inc.

    3.750%        6/16/24        A        1,037,024  
  795    

Citigroup Inc.

    3.200%        10/21/26        A        788,568  
  2,000    

Citigroup Inc.

    4.300%        11/20/26        A–        2,090,874  
  1,080    

HSBC Holdings PLC

    4.375%        11/23/26        A+        1,127,235  
  1,000    

ING Groep N.V

    3.950%        3/29/27        A+        1,042,229  
  1,330    

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    4.500%        1/24/22        A+        1,423,008  
  1,665    

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    3.200%        1/25/23        A+        1,698,060  
  660    

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    3.900%        7/15/25        A+        691,745  
  1,250    

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    4.260%        2/22/48        A+        1,351,647  
  1,095    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    3.100%        7/06/21        A+        1,105,937  
  1,135    

PNC Financial Services Inc.

    3.150%        5/19/27        A+        1,138,550  
  1,200    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

    6.100%        6/10/23        BBB        1,321,207  
  1,445    

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    2.450%        8/01/22        A–        1,424,652  
  1,680    

Wells Fargo & Company

    4.600%        4/01/21        A+        1,785,178  
  27,314    

Total Banks

                               28,274,710  
      Beverages – 0.7%                           
  1,600    

Anheuser Busch InBev Financial Incorporated, Fixed Rate Note, Series 2016

    3.650%        2/01/26        A–        1,650,752  
  1,085    

Heineken NV, 144A

    3.500%        1/29/28        BBB+        1,106,587  
  2,685    

Total Beverages

                               2,757,339  

 

NUVEEN     51  


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Building Products – 0.4%                           
$ 1,385    

Owens Corning Incorporated

    4.200%        12/15/22        BBB      $ 1,452,055  
      Capital Markets – 4.9%                           
  2,225    

Charles Schwab Corporation

    2.650%        1/25/23        A        2,223,319  
  1,665    

Deutsche Bank AG

    4.875%        12/01/32        BBB        1,659,173  
  660    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    5.250%        7/27/21        A        715,230  
  3,000    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    5.750%        1/24/22        A        3,326,121  
  1,910    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    4.000%        3/03/24        A        2,003,450  
  1,655    

Lazard Group LLC

    3.625%        3/01/27        A–        1,651,109  
  3,250    

Morgan Stanley

    5.500%        7/28/21        A        3,554,620  
  2,010    

Morgan Stanley

    3.950%        4/23/27        A–        2,040,534  
  1,140    

Northern Trust Company

    3.950%        10/30/25        A+        1,207,402  
  17,515    

Total Capital Markets

                               18,380,958  
      Chemicals – 0.9%                           
  1,260    

Agrium Inc.

    3.375%        3/15/25        BBB        1,265,543  
  450    

Chemours Co

    5.375%        5/15/27        BB–        465,750  
  1,425    

LYB International Finance BV

    4.000%        7/15/23        BBB+        1,491,443  
  3,135    

Total Chemicals

                               3,222,736  
      Communications Equipment – 0.3%                           
  1,080    

Qualcomm, Inc.

    2.100%        5/20/20        A1        1,075,390  
      Consumer Finance – 0.9%                           
  1,148    

Capital One Bank

    3.375%        2/15/23        Baa1        1,159,165  
  850    

Discover Financial Services

    5.200%        4/27/22        BBB+        914,799  
  1,425    

Ford Motor Credit Company

    3.810%        1/09/24        BBB        1,454,437  
  3,423    

Total Consumer Finance

                               3,528,401  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.3%                           
  1,720    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    4.375%        5/12/26        A        1,798,077  
  935    

Jefferies Group Inc.

    4.850%        1/15/27        BBB–        993,765  
  1,880    

Rabobank Nederland

    3.950%        11/09/22        A        1,959,821  
  4,535    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                               4,751,663  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.6%                           
  2,270    

AT&T, Inc.

    3.800%        3/15/22        A–        2,345,732  
  800    

AT&T, Inc.

    3.400%        8/14/24        A–        803,931  
  830    

Qwest Corporation

    6.750%        12/01/21        BBB–        893,717  
  800    

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes Sarl, 144A

    5.500%        3/01/28        BB        794,874  
  1,260    

Verizon Communications

    4.125%        8/15/46        A–        1,162,945  
  5,960    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                               6,001,199  

 

  52      NUVEEN


Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.6%                           
$ 1,110    

Baker Hughes a GE Co LLC, 144A

    2.773%        12/15/22        A–      $ 1,108,391  
  1,070    

Nabors Industries Inc., (5)

    5.500%        1/15/23        BB+        1,035,225  
  2,180    

Total Energy Equipment & Services

                               2,143,616  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 1.6%                           
  1,410    

American Tower Company

    5.000%        2/15/24        BBB        1,544,167  
  785    

Crown Castle International Corporation

    3.700%        6/15/26        BBB–        784,257  
  870    

Piedmont Operating Partnership LP

    4.450%        3/15/24        BBB        905,341  
  2,610    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

    3.598%        4/15/43        BBB        2,608,784  
  5,675    

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                               5,842,549  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.3%                           
  1,225    

Sysco Corporation

    3.300%        7/15/26        A3        1,232,357  
      Food Products – 1.2%                           
  1,200    

Bunge Limited Finance Company

    3.250%        8/15/26        BBB        1,146,491  
  1,045    

Kraft Heinz Foods Company

    4.375%        6/01/46        BBB–        1,034,196  
  1,045    

Smithfield Foods Inc., 144A

    4.250%        2/01/27        BBB        1,072,084  
  1,025    

Tyson Foods

    3.950%        8/15/24        BBB        1,077,740  
  4,315    

Total Food Products

                               4,330,511  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.6%                           
  430    

HCA Inc.

    5.500%        6/15/47        BBB–        428,925  
  540    

Lifepoint Health Inc.

    5.375%        5/01/24        Ba2        535,950  
  1,150    

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

    4.750%        7/15/45        A+        1,357,151  
  2,120    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                               2,322,026  
      Health Care Technology – 0.1%                           
  535    

Exela Intermediate LLC / Exela Financial Inc., 144A

    10.000%        7/15/23        B        520,288  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.1%                           
  345    

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance Inc., 144A

    5.000%        10/15/25        B–        347,588  
      Household Durables – 0.3%                           
  875    

Harman International Industries, Inc.

    4.150%        5/15/25        BBB+        904,498  
  10    

Lennar Corporation

    4.750%        4/01/21        BB+        10,400  
  885    

Total Household Durables

                               914,898  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.9%                           
  1,700    

GE Capital International Funding CO

    4.418%        11/15/35        A+        1,838,553  
  1,550    

Siemens Financieringsmaatschappij NV, 144A

    3.400%        3/16/27        A+        1,578,974  
  3,250    

Total Industrial Conglomerates

                               3,417,527  
      Insurance – 2.5%                           
  385    

AFLAC Insurance

    6.450%        8/15/40        A–        527,232  
  975    

CNA Financial Corporation

    3.450%        8/15/27        BBB+        960,535  

 

NUVEEN     53  


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Insurance (continued)                           
$ 555    

Genworth Holdings Inc.

    4.800%        2/15/24        B      $ 471,750  
  1,530    

Liberty Mutual Group Inc., 144A

    4.950%        5/01/22        BBB        1,650,736  
  1,215    

Lincoln National Corporation

    4.000%        9/01/23        A–        1,268,160  
  1,000    

Symetra Financial Corporation

    4.250%        7/15/24        Baa1        1,015,100  
  1,020    

Unum Group

    4.000%        3/15/24        BBB        1,061,949  
  850    

Willis North America, Inc.

    3.600%        5/15/24        BBB        863,930  
  1,440    

XLIT Limited

    4.450%        3/31/25        BBB        1,472,503  
  8,970    

Total Insurance

                               9,291,895  
      Internet Software & Services – 0.4%                           
  1,370    

eBay Inc.

    3.800%        3/09/22        BBB+        1,422,018  
      Machinery – 0.8%                           
  1,120    

Cummins Engine Inc.

    4.875%        10/01/43        A+        1,341,540  
  1,590    

John Deere Capital Corporation

    2.650%        6/24/24        A        1,574,521  
  2,710    

Total Machinery

                               2,916,061  
      Media – 1.3%                           
  685    

Comcast Corporation

    6.400%        5/15/38        A–        924,360  
  1,500    

Comcast Corporation

    6.400%        4/30/40        A–        2,025,633  
  715    

SES SA, 144A

    3.600%        4/04/23        BBB        716,502  
  1,290    

Time Warner Inc.

    3.875%        1/15/26        BBB+        1,301,984  
  4,190    

Total Media

                               4,968,479  
      Metals & Mining – 0.3%                           
  1,100    

Glencore Funding LLC, 144A

    3.875%        10/27/27        BBB        1,085,436  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 2.7%                           
  1,087    

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company

    6.125%        4/01/36        A–        1,457,494  
  850    

BP Capital Markets PLC

    2.520%        9/19/22        A1        845,660  
  455    

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC

    5.125%        6/30/27        BB–        470,652  
  885    

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

    3.400%        4/15/26        A        906,111  
  630    

Petro Canada

    6.800%        5/15/38        A–        867,686  
  750    

Petroleos del Peru SA, 144A

    4.750%        6/19/32        BBB+        758,437  
  1,050    

Petroleos Mexicanos, 144A

    5.375%        3/13/22        BBB+        1,113,000  
  645    

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC

    5.875%        6/30/26        BBB–        724,465  
  895    

Sunoco Logistics Partners LP

    4.000%        10/01/27        BBB–        877,335  
  495    

Targa Resources Inc.

    4.250%        11/15/23        BB–        489,431  
  1,380    

Woodside Finance Limited, 144A

    3.650%        3/05/25        BBB+        1,388,059  
  9,122    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                               9,898,330  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.3%                           
  975    

Domtar Corporation

    6.750%        2/15/44        BBB–        1,126,598  

 

  54      NUVEEN


Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Personal Products – 0.3%                           
$ 840    

International Paper Company

    8.700%        6/15/38        BBB      $ 1,269,695  
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.5%                           
  1,215    

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance III, (5)

    3.150%        10/01/26        BBB–        1,002,889  
  670    

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, 144A

    5.500%        11/01/25        BB–        681,725  
  1,885    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                               1,684,614  
      Road & Rail – 0.2%                           
  655    

The Hertz Corporation, 144A

    7.625%        6/01/22        BB–        686,113  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.6%                           
  1,255    

Intel Corporation

    3.150%        5/11/27        A+        1,279,499  
  1,105    

Texas Instruments Incorporated

    2.900%        11/03/27        A+        1,101,007  
  2,360    

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

                               2,380,506  
      Software – 0.3%                           
  1,165    

Microsoft Corporation

    3.300%        2/06/27        AAA        1,201,361  
      Specialty Retail – 1.3%                           
  1,005    

AutoNation Inc.

    4.500%        10/01/25        BBB–        1,051,541  
  1,380    

Bed Bath and Beyond Incorporated

    5.165%        8/01/44        Baa1        1,213,010  
  1,145    

Lowes Companies, Inc.

    3.100%        5/03/27        A–        1,148,715  
  1,515    

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.

    4.875%        1/14/21        BBB+        1,608,674  
  5,045    

Total Specialty Retail

                               5,021,940  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.5%                           
  1,000    

Apple Inc.

    3.850%        5/04/43        AA+        1,038,017  
  710    

Western Digital Corporation, 144A

    7.375%        4/01/23        BBB–        765,912  
  1,710    

Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

                               1,803,929  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.1%                           
  245    

Ashtead Capital Inc., 144A

    4.125%        8/15/25        BBB–        247,450  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.8%                           
  470    

Millicom International Cellular SA, 144A

    5.125%        1/15/28        BB+        470,000  
  1,322    

Sprint Spectrum Co LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co II LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co III LLC, 144A

    3.360%        9/20/21        Baa2        1,330,137  
  1,275    

Telefonica Emisiones SAU

    4.103%        3/08/27        BBB        1,317,086  
  3,067    

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                               3,117,223  
$ 141,162    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $142,719,700)

                               147,047,334  

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 5.5%

          
      Automobiles – 0.0%                           
$ 155    

General Motors Financial Company Inc.

    5.750%        N/A (6)        BB+      $ 159,624  

 

NUVEEN     55  


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Banks – 1.7%                           
$ 835    

Bank of America Corporation

    6.300%        N/A (6)        BBB–      $ 943,550  
  645    

Citigroup Inc.

    6.250%        N/A (6)        BB+        711,435  
  2,250    

JP Morgan Chase & Company

    6.750%        N/A (6)        BBB–        2,548,125  
  1,100    

KeyCorp

    5.000%        N/A (6)        Baa3        1,133,000  
  1,085    

SunTrust Bank Inc.

    5.050%        N/A (6)        Baa3        1,098,562  
  5,915    

Total Banks

                               6,434,672  
      Capital Markets – 0.6%                           
  755    

Bank of New York Mellon

    4.950%        N/A (6)        Baa1        781,463  
  780    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    5.300%        N/A (6)        Ba1        828,750  
  625    

State Street Corporation

    5.250%        N/A (6)        Baa1        655,500  
  2,160    

Total Capital Markets

                               2,265,713  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.2%                           
  770    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

    6.500%        6/15/45        BB        841,225  
      Consumer Finance – 0.6%                           
  985    

American Express Company

    5.200%        N/A (6)        Baa2        1,012,087  
  1,165    

Capital One Financial Corporation

    5.550%        N/A (6)        Baa3        1,205,775  
  2,150    

Total Consumer Finance

                               2,217,862  
      Food Products – 0.4%                           
  1,300    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

    8.000%        N/A (6)        BB        1,456,000  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.5%                           
  1,851    

General Electric Capital Corporation

    5.000%        N/A (6)        A–        1,907,641  
      Insurance – 1.5%                           
  1,000    

Allstate Corporation

    5.750%        8/15/53        Baa1        1,091,000  
  1,245    

MetLife Inc.

    5.250%        N/A (6)        BBB        1,294,476  
  1,395    

Principal Financial Group

    4.700%        5/15/55        Baa2        1,428,480  
  1,500    

Prudential Financial Inc.

    5.200%        3/15/44        BBB+        1,597,500  
  5,140    

Total Insurance

                               5,411,456  
$ 19,441    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $19,368,188)

                               20,694,193  

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 5.3%

          
$ 20,415    

United States Treasury Notes

    1.750%        9/30/22        Aaa      $ 20,003,455  
$ 20,415    

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $20,140,373)

                               20,003,455  

 

  56      NUVEEN


Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 1.8% (7)

          
      Banks – 1.1%                           
$ 770    

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A

    6.750%        N/A (6)        Baa2      $ 875,875  
  1,525    

Nordea Bank AB, 144A

    6.125%        N/A (6)        BBB        1,641,663  
  590    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

    7.500%        N/A (6)        Ba1        638,675  
  1,125    

Westpac Banking Corp.

    5.000%        N/A (6)        Baa2        1,121,646  
  4,010    

Total Banks

                               4,277,859  
      Capital Markets – 0.3%                           
  1,000    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

    7.125%        N/A (6)        BBB–        1,061,800  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.4%                           
  1,175    

BNP Paribas, 144A

    7.375%        N/A (6)        BBB–        1,357,125  
$ 6,185    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $6,377,589)

                               6,696,784  

Principal

Amount (000) (8)

    Description (1)   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

SOVEREIGN DEBT – 1.6%

          
      Egypt – 0.2%                           
$ 680    

Arab Republic of Egypt, 144A

    6.125%        1/31/22        B      $ 711,314  
      Germany – 1.0%                           
  3,100  EUR   

Deutschland Republic, Reg S

    0.250%        2/15/27        Aaa        3,684,326  
      Honduras – 0.2%                           
  700    

Honduras Government, 144A

    8.750%        12/16/20        BB–        784,315  
      Sri Lanka – 0.2%                           
  700    

Republic of Sri Lanka, 144A

    6.125%        6/03/25        B+        739,934  
 

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $5,671,675)

                               5,919,889  

Principal

Amount (000)

    Description (1)   Optional Call
Provisions (9)
             Ratings (2)      Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS – 0.2%

          
      Georgia – 0.2%                           
$ 750    

Georgia Municipal Electric Authority, Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 Project P Bonds, Refunding Taxable Build America Bonds Series 2010A, 7.055%, 4/01/57

    No Opt. Call                 A–      $ 926,745  
$ 750    

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $816,061)

                               926,745  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $358,506,507)

                               367,060,535  

 

NUVEEN     57  


Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                      Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 0.6%

 

     
 

Money Market Funds – 0.6%

          
  2,110,300    

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, (10)

    1.196% (11)                        $ 2,110,300  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $2,110,300)

 

              2,110,300  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                      Value  
      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 9.0%                           
 

Money Market Funds – 9.0%

          
  33,679,639    

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class Z

    1.181% (11)                      $ 33,679,639  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $33,679,639)

                               33,679,639  
 

Total Investments (cost $394,296,446) – 107.8%

                               402,850,474  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (7.8)% (12)

                               (29,213,824
 

Net Assets – 100%

                             $ 373,636,650  

Investments in Derivatives

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

 

Currency Purchased      Notional Amount
(Local Currency)
   Currency Sold   

Notional Amount

(Local Currency)

     Counterparty      Settlement
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
U.S. Dollar      3,631,749    Euro      3,065,000        Bank of America, N.A.        2/13/18      $ (55,933

Credit Default Swaps – OTC Cleared

 

Referenced Entity      Buy/Sell
Protection (13)
   Notional
Amount
     Fixed Rate
(Annualized)
     Fixed Rate
Payment
Frequency
     Maturity
Date
     Value      Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation
Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 

Markit CDX.NA.HY.29

     Buy      3,410,000        5.000      Quarterly        12/20/22      $ (288,107    $ (262,243    $ (25,864    $ 4,032  

Futures Contracts

 

Description      Contract
Position
   Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount*
     Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation
Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 
U.S Treasury 5-Year Note      Long      44        3/18      $ 5,139,512      $ 5,111,218      $ (28,294    $ 4,125  
U.S Treasury 10-Year Note      Short      (75      3/18        (9,301,404      (9,303,516      (2,112      (11,480
U.S. Treasury Long Bond      Long      24        3/18        3,685,237        3,672,000        (13,237      6,750  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Bond

     Long      66        3/18        11,012,088        11,065,313        53,225        28,875  

Total

                            $ 10,535,433      $ 10,545,015      $ 9,582      $ 28,270  

Total receivable for variation margin on futures contracts

                                                $ 39,750  

Total payable for variation margin on futures contracts

                                                $ (11,480
* The aggregate notional amount of long and short positions is $19,836,837 and $(9,301,404), respectively.

 

  58      NUVEEN


For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets.

 

(2) For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.

 

(3) Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(4) Principal Amount (000) rounds to less than $1,000.

 

(5) Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $2,029,859.

 

(6) Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(7) Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) are hybrid securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms for the benefit of the issuer. For example, the terms may specify an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level.

 

(8) Principal Amount (000) denominated in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise noted.

 

(9) Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be subject to periodic principal paydowns.

 

(10) The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the fair value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks and other institutions. The Fund maintains collateral equal to at least 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Securities Lending for more information.

 

(11) The rate shown is the annualized seven-day subsidized yield as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(12) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

(13) The Fund entered into the credit default swaps to gain investment exposure to the referenced entity. Selling protection has a similar credit risk position to owning the referenced entity. Buying protection has a similar credit risk position to selling the referenced entity short.

 

144A Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

EUR Euro

 

LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

Reg S Regulation S allows U.S. companies to sell securities to persons or entities located outside of the United States without registering those securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, Regulation S provides a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the offers and sales of securities by both foreign and domestic issuers that are made outside the United States.

 

TBA To be announced. Maturity date not known prior to settlement of this transaction.

 

WI/DD Investment, or portion of investment, purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     59  


Nuveen High Income Bond Fund

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000) (1)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 95.6%

                
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 81.3%

                
      Aerospace & Defense – 1.6%                                         
$ 2,500    

Bombardier Inc., 144A

          7.500%        3/15/25        B      $ 2,518,750  
  1,500    

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc., 144A

          6.500%        11/30/25        B        1,560,000  
  1,500    

StandardAero Aviation Holdings Inc., 144A

                      10.000%        7/15/23        B–        1,642,500  
 

Total Aerospace & Defense

                                                 5,721,250  
      Airlines – 1.2%                                         
  2,000    

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited, 144A

          7.875%        10/15/21        B–        2,060,000  
  2,425    

VistaJet Malta Finance PLC, 144A

                      7.750%        6/01/20        B–        2,255,250  
 

Total Airlines

                                                 4,315,250  
      Banks – 0.6%                                         
  1,850    

Curo Financial Technologies Corporation, 144A, (4)

                      12.000%        3/01/22        B–        2,035,000  
      Building Products – 0.8%                                         
  809    

Corporativo Javer S.A. de C.V, 144A

          9.875%        4/06/21        BB–        835,293  
  2,000    

NWH Escrow Corporation, 144A

                      7.500%        8/01/21        B–        1,840,000  
 

Total Building Products

                                                 2,675,293  
      Chemicals – 3.2%                                         
  1,500    

CF Industries Inc.

          5.375%        3/15/44        BB+        1,481,250  
  1,500    

CVR Partners LP / CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp., 144A

          9.250%        6/15/23        B+        1,614,375  
  2,500    

FXI Holdings, Inc., 144A

          7.875%        11/01/24        B        2,494,500  
  2,000    

NOVA Chemicals Corporation, 144A

          5.250%        8/01/23        BBB–        2,057,500  
  1,550    

Rayonier AM Products Inc., 144A

          5.500%        6/01/24        BB–        1,544,188  
  2,000    

Tronox Finance LLC, 144A

                      7.500%        3/15/22        B–        2,090,000  
 

Total Chemicals

                                                 11,281,813  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 2.1%                                         
  2,000    

ADT Corporation

          6.250%        10/15/21        BB–        2,190,000  
  1,000    

APX Group, Inc.

          7.625%        9/01/23        Caa2        1,057,500  
  1,800    

Arch Merger Sub Inc., 144A

          8.500%        9/15/25        B–        1,665,000  
  2,375    

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company

                      7.875%        3/15/21        B        2,470,000  
 

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                                 7,382,500  
      Construction & Engineering – 1.1%                                         
  2,500    

HC2 Holdings, Inc., 144A

          11.000%        12/01/19        B–        2,540,625  
  1,500    

Michael Baker Holdings LLC Finance Corporation, 144A

                      8.750%        3/01/23        Caa1        1,451,250  
 

Total Construction & Engineering

                                                 3,991,875  

 

  60      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000) (1)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Consumer Finance – 1.3%                                         
$ 2,000    

Enova International, Inc., 144A

          8.500%        9/01/24        B–      $ 2,050,000  
  1,018    

Enova International, Inc.

          9.750%        6/01/21        B–        1,076,535  
  1,500    

Navient Corporation

                      5.500%        1/25/23        BB        1,496,250  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                                                 4,622,785  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.6%                                         
  2,000    

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC and Ardagh MP Holdings USA, Inc., 144A

                      4.625%        5/15/23        BB        2,040,000  
      Diversified Consumer Services – 0.6%                                         
  1,100    

Jones Group Inc.

          6.125%        11/15/34        Ca        110,000  
  2,000    

Weight Watchers International Inc., 144A

                      8.625%        12/01/25        B3        2,090,000  
 

Total Diversified Consumer Services

                                                 2,200,000  
      Diversified Financial Services – 2.5%                                         
  2,470    

CNG Holdings Inc., 144A

          9.375%        5/15/20        CCC        2,395,900  
  2,250    

Hexion 2 US Financial Corp., 144A, (4)

          13.750%        2/01/22        CCC        1,845,000  
  2,000    

Jefferies Finance LLC Corporation, 144A

          7.250%        8/15/24        BB–        2,052,500  
  2,200    

Stoneway Capital Corporation, 144A

                      10.000%        3/01/27        B        2,339,260  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                                                 8,632,660  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 5.5%                                         
  2,350    

Consolidated Communications Finance Company

          6.500%        10/01/22        B–        2,115,000  
  2,000    

Embarq Corporation

          7.995%        6/01/36        BB        1,945,000  
  3,425    

GCI Inc.

          6.875%        4/15/25        BB–        3,647,625  
  1,500    

Inelsat Connect Finance SA, 144A, (4)

          12.500%        4/01/22        CCC–        1,312,500  
  2,900    

Level 3 Financing Inc.

          5.250%        3/15/26        BB        2,846,495  
  2,000    

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes Sarl, 144A, Reg S

          5.500%        3/01/28        BB        1,987,186  
  1,164    

Windstream Corporation, (4)

          7.750%        10/15/20        B        983,580  
  4,014    

Xplornet Communications, Inc., 144A, (cash 9.625%, PIK 10.625%)

                      9.625%        6/01/22        CCC        4,204,173  
 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                                                 19,041,559  
      Electric Utilities – 0.4%                                         
  1,350    

ACWA Power Management And Investment One Ltd, 144A

 

        5.950%        12/15/39        BBB–        1,381,995  
  1,000    

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co LLC / TCEH Finance, Inc., 144A

                      11.500%        10/01/20        N/R        7,500  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                                                 1,389,495  
      Electrical Equipment – 0.8%                                         
  2,750    

Park Aerospace Holdings Limited, 144A

                      5.500%        2/15/24        BB        2,729,375  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 1.6%                                         
  2,750    

Ensco PLC, (4)

          4.500%        10/01/24        BB–        2,310,000  
  1,275    

Murray Energy Corporation, 144A

          11.250%        4/15/21        CCC        650,250  

 

NUVEEN     61  


Nuveen High Income Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000) (1)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Energy Equipment & Services (continued)                                         
$ 1,170    

Pacific Drilling V Limited, 144A, (5)

          7.250%        12/01/18        N/R      $ 620,100  
  1,929    

Parker Drilling Company

          6.750%        7/15/22        B–        1,581,780  
  615    

SAExploration Holdings Inc., 144A, (cash 10.000%, PIK 11.000%)

                      10.000%        4/14/19        N/R        390,712  
 

Total Energy Equipment & Services

                                                 5,552,842  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 1.3%                                         
  2,000    

CBL & Associates LP, (4)

          5.950%        12/15/26        BBB–        1,860,093  
  3,000    

Communications Sales & Leasing Inc., 144A, (4)

                      7.125%        12/15/24        BB–        2,730,000  
 

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                                                 4,590,093  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 2.5%                                         
  2,400    

Albertsons Cos LLC/Safeway Inc./New Albertson’s Inc./Albertson’s LLC, (4)

          6.625%        6/15/24        B+        2,292,000  
  1,819    

Albertson’s, Inc.

          7.450%        8/01/29        B–        1,587,078  
  2,000    

Pomegranate Merger Sub, Inc., 144A

          9.750%        5/01/23        Caa1        1,240,000  
  1,500    

Rite Aid Corporation, 144A, (4)

          6.125%        4/01/23        B        1,353,750  
  1,250    

Supervalu Inc., (4)

          7.750%        11/15/22        B–        1,221,875  
  1,750    

Tops Holding LLC / Tops Markets II Corporation, 144A

                      8.000%        6/15/22        CCC+        945,000  
 

Total Food & Staples Retailing

                                                 8,639,703  
      Food Products – 1.2%                                         
  1,500    

ESAL GmbH, 144A

          6.250%        2/05/23        BB–        1,425,000  
  1,500    

Marfrig Holding Europe BV, 144A

          7.000%        3/15/24        BB–        1,505,625  
  1,200    

Nova Austral SA, 144A, Reg S

                      8.250%        5/26/21        N/R        1,200,440  
 

Total Food Products

                                                 4,131,065  
      Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 1.3%                                         
  3,375    

Tenet Healthcare Corporation

          6.000%        10/01/20        BB–        3,568,387  
  1,000    

THC Escrow Corp III, 144A

                      5.125%        5/01/25        Ba3        975,000  
 

Total Health Care Equipment & Supplies

                                                 4,543,387  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 1.5%                                         
  1,800    

Community Health Systems, Inc., (4)

          6.875%        2/01/22        CCC        1,035,000  
  1,775    

HCA Inc.

          5.250%        6/15/26        BBB–        1,881,500  
  2,000    

Kindred Healthcare Inc.

                      8.000%        1/15/20        B–        2,166,900  
 

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                 5,083,400  
      Health Care Technology – 0.7%                                         
  2,500    

Exela Intermediate LLC / Exela Financial Inc., 144A

                      10.000%        7/15/23        B        2,431,250  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 3.4%                                         
  2,250    

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance Inc., 144A

          4.250%        5/15/24        Ba3        2,244,375  
  2,000    

Carlson Travel, Inc., 144A

          6.750%        12/16/23        B        1,810,000  
  2,000    

CRC Escrow Issuer LLC, 144A

          5.250%        10/15/25        B–        2,020,600  

 

  62      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000) (1)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)                                         
$ 1,500    

Golden Nugget, Inc., 144A

          8.750%        10/01/25        CCC+      $ 1,575,000  
  1,300    

Grupo Posadas SAB de CV, 144A

          7.875%        6/30/22        B+        1,342,250  
  1,500    

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP / MGP Escrow Co-Issuer, Inc., 144A

          4.500%        1/15/28        BB–        1,470,000  
  1,600 CAD   

River Cree Enterprises LP, 144A

                      11.000%        1/20/21        B–        1,322,196  
 

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                 11,784,421  
      Household Durables – 1.6%                                         
  1,750    

K. Hovnanian Enterprises Inc., 144A

          10.000%        7/15/22        CCC+        1,925,000  
  2,200    

New Home Company Inc.

          7.250%        4/01/22        B–        2,304,500  
  1,500    

William Lyon Homes Incorporated

                      5.875%        1/31/25        B+        1,531,875  
 

Total Household Durables

                                                 5,761,375  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 1.5%  
  1,000    

GenOn Energy Inc., (5)

          9.500%        10/15/18        N/R        795,000  
  1,000    

NRG Energy Inc., 144A

          5.750%        1/15/28        BB–        1,010,000  
  1,000    

NRG Energy Inc.

          7.250%        5/15/26        BB–        1,088,740  
  2,850    

Talen Energy Supply LLC, (4)

                      6.500%        6/01/25        B+        2,315,625  
 

Total Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

 

     5,209,365  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.2%                                         
  750    

Techniplas, LLC, 144A

                      10.000%        5/01/20        B–        615,000  
      Insurance – 0.3%                                         
  1,000    

Genworth Financial Inc.

                      7.625%        9/24/21        B        977,500  
      Internet Software & Services – 1.8%                                         
  2,720    

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.

          8.250%        10/15/24        B        2,910,400  
  2,300    

Inception Merger Sub Inc. / Rackspace Hosting Inc., 144A, (4)

          8.625%        11/15/24        BB–        2,455,250  
  1,500    

Sungard Availability Services Capital, Inc., 144A

                      8.750%        4/01/22        Caa2        926,250  
 

Total Internet Software & Services

                                                 6,291,900  
      Leisure Products – 1.0%                                         
  1,750    

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited, 144A

          8.250%        3/01/24        CCC+        1,872,500  
  1,500    

Mattel Inc., 144A

                      6.750%        12/31/25        Ba2        1,520,175  
 

Total Leisure Products

                                                 3,392,675  
      Machinery – 0.6%                                         
  2,050    

Navistar International Corporation, 144A

                      6.625%        11/01/25        B–        2,138,929  
      Marine – 1.1%                                         
  2,000    

Eletson Holdings Inc., 144A

          9.625%        1/15/22        CCC+        1,060,000  
  1,500    

Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation, 144A

          8.125%        11/15/21        B        1,271,250  

 

NUVEEN     63  


Nuveen High Income Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000) (1)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Marine (continued)                                         
$ 1,500    

Navios Maritime Holdings Inc., 144A, (4)

                      11.250%        8/15/22        B–      $ 1,447,500  
 

Total Marine

                                                 3,778,750  
      Media – 6.1%                                         
  2,500    

Altice S.A, 144A

          7.750%        5/15/22        B        2,450,000  
  1,000    

CBS Radio, Inc., 144A, (4)

          7.250%        11/01/24        B–        1,054,375  
  2,500    

Dish DBS Corporation

          5.875%        7/15/22        Ba3        2,512,500  
  925    

iHeartCommunications, Inc.

          11.250%        3/01/21        Caa1        659,063  
  1,950    

iHeartCommunications, Inc.

          7.250%        10/15/27        CC        526,500  
  1,750    

Lee Enterprises Inc., 144A

          9.500%        3/15/22        B2        1,811,250  
  2,200    

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings, 144A, (4)

          7.875%        5/15/24        BB+        2,172,500  
  2,000    

Midcontinent Communications Finance Company, 144A

          6.875%        8/15/23        B        2,122,500  
  2,000    

Post Holdings Inc., 144A

          5.625%        1/15/28        B        2,007,500  
  2,800    

SFR Group SA, 144A

          7.375%        5/01/26        B+        2,884,000  
  750    

SiTV Inc., 144A

          10.375%        7/01/19        CCC+        506,250  
  1,975 CAD   

Videotron Limited, 144A

          5.625%        6/15/25        BB        1,685,679  
  1,000    

VTR Finance BV, 144A

                      6.875%        1/15/24        BB–        1,055,000  
 

Total Media

                                                 21,447,117  
      Metals & Mining – 7.2%                                         
  3,450    

Alcoa Nederland Holding BV, 144A

          7.000%        9/30/26        BB+        3,872,625  
  2,000    

Aleris International Inc., 144A

          9.500%        4/01/21        B2        2,110,000  
  1,500    

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., 144A

          4.875%        1/15/24        BB–        1,496,250  
  1,500    

FMG Resources, 144A, (4)

          5.125%        5/15/24        BB+        1,518,750  
  2,045    

Hudbay Minerals, Inc., 144A

          7.250%        1/15/23        B+        2,167,700  
  2,000    

IAMGOLD Corporation, 144A

          7.000%        4/15/25        B+        2,065,000  
  3,504    

Northland Resources AB, 144A, Reg S, (5)

          15.000%        7/15/19        N/R        35,044  
  1,583    

Northland Resources AB, 144A, Reg S, (5)

          4.000%        10/15/20        N/R        16  
  2,000    

Northwest Acquisition/Dominion Finco Inc. , 144A

          7.125%        11/01/22        BB        2,065,000  
  2,150    

SunCoke Energy Partners LP / SunCoke Energy Partners Finance Corp., 144A

          7.500%        6/15/25        BB–        2,246,750  
  2,630    

Taseko Mines Limited, 144A

          8.750%        6/15/22        B–        2,692,462  
  1,000    

Teck Resources Limited, 144A

          8.500%        6/01/24        BB+        1,130,000  
  2,000    

United States Steel Corporation

          6.875%        8/15/25        B        2,087,600  
  1,000    

Warrior Met Coal LLC, 144A

          8.000%        11/01/24        B–        1,032,500  
  1,050    

Westmoreland Coal Co, 144A

                      8.750%        1/01/22        CCC        475,125  
 

Total Metals & Mining

                                                 24,994,822  
      Multiline Retail – 0.3%                                         
  1,675    

J.C. Penney Company Inc., (4)

                      7.400%        4/01/37        B+        1,080,375  

 

  64      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000) (1)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 12.7%                                         
$ 2,834    

Armstrong Energy Inc., (5)

          11.750%        12/15/19        N/R      $ 446,355  
  2,625    

Ascent Resources – Utica LLC / AEU Finance Corporation, 144A

          10.000%        4/01/22        B–        2,815,312  
  2,150    

Bellatrix Exploration Limited, 144A

          8.500%        5/15/20        B+        2,031,750  
  2,500    

California Resources Corporation, 144A, (4)

          8.000%        12/15/22        CCC+        2,062,500  
  1,800    

Calumet Specialty Products

          6.500%        4/15/21        CCC+        1,791,000  
  1,500    

Chesapeake Energy Corporation, 144A, (4)

          8.000%        6/15/27        Caa1        1,440,000  
  1,000    

Cloud Peak Energy Resources LLC and Cloud Peak Energy Finance Corporation

          12.000%        11/01/21        B–        1,077,500  
  1,750    

Denbury Resources Inc., 144A

          9.000%        5/15/21        B        1,787,187  
  2,000    

Denbury Resources Incorporated

          4.625%        7/15/23        Caa3        1,280,000  
  2,000    

DOF Subsea AS, 144A, Reg S

          9.500%        3/14/22        N/R        1,760,438  
  2,675    

Everest Acquisition LLC Finance

          9.375%        5/01/20        Caa3        2,260,375  
  2,900    

Genesis Energy LP

          6.500%        10/01/25        BB–        2,943,500  
  831    

Golden Close Maritime Corporation Limited, 144A, Reg S, (cash 10.000%, PIK 15.000%) (5)

          8.000%        3/29/22        N/R        722,872  
  1,285    

Martin Mid-Stream Partners LP Finance

          7.250%        2/15/21        B–        1,297,850  
  2,704    

Metro Exploration Holding Inc., (5)

          11.500%        2/16/20        N/R        270  
  1,000    

PBF Holding Company LLC

          7.250%        6/15/25        BB        1,051,250  
  3,000    

Peabody Energy Corporation, (6)

          6.500%        9/15/20        N/R         
  1,000    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

          6.250%        3/17/24        BB        1,062,000  
  1,750    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

          7.375%        1/17/27        BB        1,926,750  
  2,000    

Sanchez Energy Corporation, (4)

          6.125%        1/15/23        B–        1,695,000  
  2,000    

Shelf Drill Holdings Limited, 144A

          9.500%        11/02/20        B2        2,037,500  
  2,800    

Southwestern Energy Company

          7.500%        4/01/26        BB        2,975,000  
  1,952    

Talos Production LLC, 144A

          9.750%        2/15/18        N/R        1,464,000  
  1,660    

Teekay Corporation

          8.500%        1/15/20        B+        1,689,050  
  2,000    

Transocean Inc., 144A

          9.000%        7/15/23        BB        2,162,500  
  1,500    

Ultra Resources, Inc., 144A, (4)

          7.125%        4/15/25        BB        1,496,250  
  1,648    

W&T Offshore, Inc., (4)

          8.500%        6/15/19        CC        1,557,360  
  1,500    

Whiting Petroleum Corporation, 144A

                      6.625%        1/15/26        BB–        1,530,000  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                 44,363,569  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.2%                                         
  781    

Millar Western Forest Products Ltd

                      9.000%        5/01/22        N/R        788,810  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 1.9%                                         
  2,612    

Crescent Communities LLC, 144A

          8.875%        10/15/21        B+        2,768,720  
  1,500    

Hunt Companies Inc., 144A

          9.625%        3/01/21        N/R        1,580,625  
  2,000    

Mattamy Group Corporation, 144A

                      6.500%        10/01/25        BB        2,115,000  
 

Total Real Estate Management & Development

                                                 6,464,345  

 

NUVEEN     65  


Nuveen High Income Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000) (1)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (3)      Value  
      Road & Rail – 0.9%                                        
$ 1,115    

Herc Rentals, Inc., 144A

          7.500%        6/01/22       B+      $ 1,201,412  
  2,000    

The Hertz Corporation, (4)

                      5.875%        10/15/20       B–        2,005,000  
 

Total Road & Rail

                                                3,206,412  
      Software – 0.6%                                        
  2,000    

Olympus Merger Sub, Inc., 144A

          8.500%        10/15/25       B3        1,975,000  
  180    

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

                      5.875%        7/15/23       B+        189,900  
 

Total Software

                                                2,164,900  
      Specialty Retail – 2.0%                                        
  2,000    

goeasy Ltd, 144A

          7.875%        11/01/22       BB–        2,087,500  
  2,000    

L Brands, Inc.

          6.875%        11/01/35       BB+        2,020,000  
  1,571    

Neiman Marcus Group Inc., 144A, (cash 8.750%, PIK 9.500%)

          8.750%        10/15/21       Caa3        840,305  
  2,500    

PetSmart, Inc., 144A

                      5.875%        6/01/25       Ba3        1,918,750  
 

Total Specialty Retail

                                                6,866,555  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 1.1%                                        
  3,350    

Western Digital Corporation

                      10.500%        4/01/24       BB+        3,881,813  
      Transportation Infrastructure – 0.5%                                        
  1,900    

Navigator Holdings Limited, 144A, Reg S

 

              7.750%        2/10/21       N/R        1,833,800  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 3.9%                                    
  1,500    

Altice Financing SA, 144A

          7.500%        5/15/26       BB–        1,597,500  
  1,900    

C&W SR Financing Designated Activity Co, 144A

          6.875%        9/15/27       BB–        1,990,250  
  750    

Colombia Telecommunicaciones S.A. ESP, 144A

 

        8.500%        N/A (7)      B+        806,250  
  1,000    

Digicel Limited, 144A

          6.000%        4/15/21       B1        984,240  
  1,000    

Millicom International Cellular SA, 144A, (4)

 

        6.000%        3/15/25       BB+        1,062,500  
  4,150    

Sprint Capital Corporation

          6.875%        11/15/28       B+        4,175,938  
  2,250    

UPC Holding BV, 144A

          5.500%        1/15/28       B        2,188,125  
  960    

Windstream Services LLC / Windstream Finance Corp., 144A, (4)

                      8.625%        10/31/25       BB        924,000  
 

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

 

                                        13,728,803  
 

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $297,137,208)

 

                                        283,801,831  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (3)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 2.6%

 

       
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.8%                                    
$ 2,500    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

                      6.500%        6/15/45       BB      $ 2,731,250  
      Electric Utilities – 0.1%                                        
  300  

DCP Midstream Operating LP, 144A

                      5.850%        5/21/43       BB–        279,000  

 

  66      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
      Food Products – 1.3%                                         
$ 2,000    

Dairy Farmers of America Inc., 144A

          7.125%        N/A (7)        Baa3      $ 2,205,000  
  2,000  

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

                      7.250%        N/A (7)        BB        2,180,000  
  4,000    

Total Food Products

                                                 4,385,000  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.0%                                         
  2,000  

OAS Financial Limited, 144A, (5)

                      8.875%        N/A (7)        N/R        95,000  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.4%                                         
  1,500    

Plains All American Pipeline L.P, (4)

                      6.125%        N/A (7)        BB        1,497,750  
$ 10,300    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $10,390,507)

 

                                8,988,000  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 2.8% (8)

 

           
      Banks – 2.2%                                         
$ 1,200  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A

          6.125%        N/A (7)        Ba2      $ 1,237,500  
  3,000    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

          7.700%        N/A (7)        BB–        3,247,500  
  3,000    

UniCredit SpA, Reg S

                      8.000%        N/A (7)        B+        3,283,332  
  7,200  

Total Banks

                                                 7,768,332  
      Capital Markets – 0.6%                                         
  2,000  

Deutsche Bank AG, Reg S

                      6.250%        N/A (7)        BB–        1,994,280  
$ 9,200  

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $8,612,989)

 

                                9,762,612  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (2)   Coupon (9)      Reference
Rate (9)
     Spread (9)      Maturity (10)      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 2.7% (9)

 

           
      Containers & Packaging – 0.3%                                         
$ 1,000  

Packaging Coordinators Inc., Second Lien Term Loan

    10.320%        3-Month LIBOR        8.750%        6/30/24        CCC+      $ 1,000,000  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.5%                                         
  1,749  

Jill Acquisition LLC, First Lien Term Loan B

    6.380%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        5/08/22        B        1,664,882  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.1%                                         
  297  

Amaya BV, Second Lien Term Loan

    8.693%        3-Month LIBOR        7.000%        7/29/22        B        299,102  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.3%  
  130  

Empire Generating Company LLC, Term Loan C

    5.630%        3-Month LIBOR        4.250%        3/13/21        B        109,239  
  1,319  

Empire Generating Company LLC

    5.630%        3-Month LIBOR        4.250%        3/13/21        B        1,104,905  
  1,449    

Total Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

 

                                1,214,144  
      IT Services – 0.1%                                         
  500    

Optiv Security Inc., Second Lien Term Loan

    8.250%        3-Month LIBOR        7.250%        1/13/25        Caa1        450,625  

 

NUVEEN     67  


Nuveen High Income Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (2)   Coupon (9)      Reference
Rate (9)
     Spread (9)      Maturity (10)      Ratings
(3)
     Value  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.3%                                         
$ 2,493  

Fieldwood Energy LLC, Second Lien Term Loan, (5)

    8.818%        3-Month LIBOR        7.125%        9/30/20        Ca      $ 870,333  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.2%                                         
  684  

Verso Paper Holdings LLC, First Lien Term Loan

    12.472%        3-Month LIBOR        11.000%        10/14/21        BB        703,243  
      Professional Services – 0.9%                                         
  2,000  

Sedgwick Claims Management Service Inc., Second Lien Term Loan

    7.319%        3-Month LIBOR        5.750%        2/28/22        CCC+        2,017,500  
  1,000  

Sedgwick Claims Management Service Inc., Second Lien Term Loan

    7.229%        3-Month LIBOR        5.750%        2/28/22        CCC+        1,010,000  
  3,000    

Total Professional Services

                                                 3,027,500  
$ 11,172  

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $10,370,551)

 

                                9,229,829  
Shares     Description (2)                                           Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS – 1.9%

                
      Building Products – 0.0%                                         
  527    

Dayton Superior Corporation, (6), (11)

                 $ 30,195  
  585    

Dayton Superior, (6)

                                                 33,550  
 

Total Building Products

                                                 63,745  
      Capital Markets – 0.0%                                         
  2,293    

Adamas Finance Asia Limited, (11)

                   1,731  
  10,000    

Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, Class A Shares

                                                 25,000  
 

Total Capital Markets

                                                 26,731  
      Electric Utilities – 0.5%                                         
  40,000    

Exelon Corporation

                                                 1,576,400  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.0%                                         
  1,644    

Key Energy Services Inc., (4), (11)

                                                 19,388  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.4%                              
  46,774    

Dynegy Inc., (11)

                   554,272  
  41,625    

Vistra Energy Corporation, (11)

                                                 762,570  
 

Total Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

 

     1,316,842  
      Metals & Mining – 0.0%                                         
  499,059    

Northland Resources SA, (6), (11)

                                                 1,497  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.2%                                         
  10,000    

Dominion Resources, Inc.

                                                 810,584  

 

  68      NUVEEN


Shares     Description (2)                                           Value  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.8%                                         
  13,200  

Arch Coal Inc.

                 $ 1,229,712  
  50,119    

Connacher Oil and Gas Limited, (11), (12)

                   5  
  19,121    

Golden Close Maritime Corporation Limited, (11), (12)

                   4,657  
  37,000    

Peabody Energy Corporation, (11)

                   1,456,690  
  4,145    

Penn Virginia Corporation, (11)

                                                 162,121  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                 2,853,185  
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $7,355,720)

                                                 6,668,372  
Shares     Description (2), (13)                                           Value  
 

INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 1.9%

                
  12,000    

Adams Natural Resources Fund Inc., (4)

                 $ 238,080  
  80,000    

Blackrock Credit Allocation Income Trust IV

                   1,065,600  
  63,807    

First Trust Strategic High Income Fund II

                   821,196  
  7,000    

Gabelli Global Gold Natural Resources and Income Trust

                   36,470  
  147,500    

Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund

                   1,727,225  
  72,500    

Pimco Income Strategy Fund

                   846,800  
  63,000    

Pioneer Floating Rate Trust

                   722,610  
  44,421    

Western Asset Emerging Market Debt Fund Incorporated

                   690,747  
  34,351    

WhiteHorse Finance Incorporated

                                                 460,990  
 

Total Investment Companies (cost $6,263,777)

                                                 6,609,718  
Shares     Description (2)                   Coupon              Ratings (3)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 1.8%

                
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.8%                                         
  60,000    

Colony Northstar, Inc.

          7.500%           N/R      $ 1,509,000  
  50,960    

Colony Northstar, Inc.

                      7.125%                 N/R        1,274,509  
 

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                                                 2,783,509  
      Food Products – 0.3%                                         
  34,685    

CHS Inc.

                      6.750%                 N/R        918,112  
      Household Durables – 0.1%                                         
  63,610    

Hovnanian Enterprises Incorporated

                      7.625%                 Ca        490,433  
      Insurance – 0.2%                                         
  27,310  

AmTrust Financial Services Inc.

                      7.250%                 N/R        596,997  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.4%                                         
  60,000    

Nustar Energy LP, (4)

                      8.500%                 Ba3        1,491,000  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $6,511,987)

 

                                6,280,051  

 

NUVEEN     69  


Nuveen High Income Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (2)                   Coupon              Ratings (3)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 0.6%

                
      Multi-Utilities – 0.3%                                         
  20,000    

DTE Energy Company

                      5.000%                 N/R      $ 1,079,200  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.3%                                         
  29,700  

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

                      7.500%                 N/R        1,029,402  
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $2,172,454)

                                                 2,108,602  
Shares     Description (2)                                           Value  
 

WARRANTS – 0.0%

                
      Energy – 0.0%                                         
  336,891  

Iona Energy Inc., (6)

                                               $  
      Telecommunication Services – 0.0%                                         
  6,707    

FairPoint Communications Inc., (12)

                                                 34  
      Transportation – 0.0%                                         
  8,907    

Jack Cooper Enterprises, Warrants, 144A, (6)

                                                  
 

Total Warrants (cost $0)

                                                 34  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (2)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (3)      Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE BONDS – 0.0%

                
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.0%                                         
$ 123    

Golden Close Maritime Corporation Limited

                      0.000%        3/29/22        N/R      $ 19  
$ 123    

Total Convertible Bonds (cost $46)

                                                 19  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $348,815,239)

                                                 333,449,068  
Shares     Description (2)                   Coupon                      Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 9.3%

 

        
      Money Market Funds – 9.3%                                         
  32,559,058  

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, (14)

 

              1.196% (15)                        $ 32,559,058  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $32,559,058)

 

                       32,559,058  
Shares     Description (2)                   Coupon                      Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 3.4%

                
      Money Market Funds – 3.4%                                         
  11,637,062  

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class Z

                      1.181% (15)                        $ 11,637,062  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $11,637,062)

                                                 11,637,062  
 

Total Investments (cost $393,011,359) – 108.3%

                                                 377,645,188  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (8.3)% (16)

                                                 (28,859,741
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                               $ 348,785,447  

 

  70      NUVEEN


Investments in Derivatives

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

 

Currency Purchased      Notional Amount
(Local Currency)
   Currency Sold      Notional Amount
(Local Currency)
     Counterparty      Settlement
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Canadian Dollar      1,440,000      U.S. Dollar        1,120,161        Goldman Sachs Bank USA        1/16/18      $ 25,788  
U.S. Dollar      841,441      Canadian Dollar        1,080,000        Goldman Sachs Bank USA        1/16/18        (18,020
U.S. Dollar      3,334,670      Canadian Dollar        4,243,000        Goldman Sachs Bank USA        1/16/18        (41,901
Total                                                 (34,133
Total unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                                 $ 25,788  
Total unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                                 $ (59,921

Futures Contracts

 

Description      Contract
Position
     Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation
Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 
U.S Treasury 10-Year Note        Long        18        3/18      $ 2,247,514      $ 2,232,844      $ (14,670    $ 3,656  

 

NUVEEN     71  


Nuveen High Income Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1) Principal Amount (000) denominated in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise noted.

 

(2) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets.

 

(3) For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.

 

(4) Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $31,071,317.

 

(5) As of, or subsequent to, the end of the reporting period, this security is non-income producing. Non-income producing, in the case of a fixed-income security, generally denotes that the issuer has (1) defaulted on the payment of principal or interest, (2) is under the protection of the Federal Bankruptcy Court or (3) the Fund’s Adviser has concluded that the issue is not likely to meet its future interest payment obligations and has ceased accruing additional income on the Fund’s records.

 

(6) Investment valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by, or at the discretion, of the Board. For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 3. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 2 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(7) Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(8) Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) are hybrid securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer. For example, the terms may specify an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level.

 

(9) Senior loans generally pay interest at rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term, floating lending rate (Reference Rate) plus an assigned fixed rate (Spread). These floating lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate referenced by the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks. Senior loans may be considered restricted in that the Fund ordinarily is contractually obligated to receive approval from the agent bank and/or borrower prior to the disposition of a senior loan. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(10) Senior loans generally are subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment. Because of these mandatory prepayment conditions and because there may be significant economic incentives for a borrower to prepay, prepayments of senior loans may occur. As a result, the actual remaining maturity of senior loans held may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown.

 

(11) Non-income producing; issuer has not declared a dividend within the past twelve months.

 

(12) For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 2 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(13) A copy of the most recent financial statements for these investment companies can be obtained directly from the Securities and Exchange Commission on its website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

(14) The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the fair value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks and other institutions. The Fund maintains collateral equal to at least 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Securities Lending for more information.

 

(15) The rate shown is the annualized seven-day subsidized yield as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(16) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

144A Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

CAD Canadian Dollar

 

PIK Payment-in-kind (“PIK”) security. Depending on the terms of the security, income may be received in the form of cash, securities, or a combination of both. The PIK rate shown, where applicable, represents the annualized rate of the last PIK payment made by the issuer as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Reg S Regulation S allows U.S. companies to sell securities to persons or entities located outside of the United States without registering those securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, Regulation S provides a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the offers and sales of securities by both foreign and domestic issuers that are made outside the United States.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  72      NUVEEN


Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 98.4%

                
      U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 86.8%                                 
$ 5,964    

U.S. Treasury Bonds

    3.875%          4/15/29          Aaa        $ 8,136,949  
  1,105    

U.S. Treasury Bonds

    2.250%          8/15/46          Aaa          995,631  
  3,760    

U.S. Treasury Bonds

    0.875%          2/15/47          Aaa          3,914,235  
  2,790    

U.S. Treasury Bonds

    3.000%          5/15/47          Aaa          2,930,082  
  400    

U.S. Treasury Bonds, (3)

    2.750%          11/15/47          Aaa          400,206  
  3,185    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          4/15/18          Aaa          3,181,430  
  8,421    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          4/15/19          Aaa          8,403,479  
  2,470    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    1.375%          1/15/20          Aaa          2,534,627  
  34,022    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          4/15/20          Aaa          33,958,586  
  3,048    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    1.250%          7/15/20          Aaa          3,148,076  
  21,537    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    1.125%          1/15/21          Aaa          22,185,401  
  32,096    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          4/15/21          Aaa          31,973,012  
  12,597    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.625%          7/15/21          Aaa          12,842,771  
  28,335    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          1/15/22          Aaa          28,230,654  
  22,593    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          4/15/22          Aaa          22,440,454  
  19,189    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          7/15/22          Aaa          19,170,536  
  29,403    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          1/15/23          Aaa          29,187,122  
  16,747    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.375%          7/15/23          Aaa          16,880,197  
  23,754    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.625%          1/15/24          Aaa          24,181,779  
  11,666    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          7/15/24          Aaa          11,535,059  
  58,126    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.250%          1/15/25          Aaa          53,513,364  
  4,393    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    2.000%          1/15/26          Aaa          4,944,490  
  55,107    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.625%          1/15/26          Aaa          56,023,929  
  18,502    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.125%          7/15/26          Aaa          18,090,331  
  4,587    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    2.375%          1/15/27          Aaa          5,369,808  
  10,467    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.375%          1/15/27          Aaa          10,398,363  
  3,933    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.375%          7/15/27          Aaa          3,914,406  
  1,760    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    1.750%          1/15/28          Aaa          1,979,816  
  1,563    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    3.625%          4/15/28          Aaa          2,052,381  
  2,866    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    2.500%          1/15/29          Aaa          3,479,712  
  3,652    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    2.125%          2/15/40          Aaa          4,757,917  
  5,682    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    2.125%          2/15/41          Aaa          7,455,082  
  20,064    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.750%          2/15/42          Aaa          20,289,540  
  21,586    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.625%          2/15/43          Aaa          21,154,702  
  4,958    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    1.375%          2/15/44          Aaa          5,732,937  

 

NUVEEN     73  


Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (continued)                                 
$ 11,894    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    0.750%          2/15/45          Aaa        $ 11,973,630  
  19,789    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    0.375%          7/15/25          Aaa          19,830,750  
$ 532,011    

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $531,462,177)

                                     537,191,444  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 8.3%                                 
$ 3,000    

Bank of America Commercial Mortgage Inc. , Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-UBS7

    3.167%          9/15/48          BBB–        $ 2,457,870  
  2,000    

Cabela’s Master Credit Card Trust, Series 2013-2A A2, 144A

    2.170%          8/16/21          AAA          2,003,962  
  2,208    

Carmax Auto Owners Trust, Series 2016-4

    1.210%          11/15/19          Aaa          2,203,784  
  2,654    

Colony American Homes Trust 2014-1A, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.150% spread), (4)

    2.709%          5/17/31          Aaa          2,661,103  
  899    

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2012-CR4

    1.801%          10/15/45          AAA          898,274  
  2,820    

DB Master Finance LLC, Series 2015-1A, 144A

    3.980%          2/20/45          BBB          2,878,657  
  2,968    

Dominos Pizza Master Issuer LLC, Series 2017-1A, 144A

    3.082%          7/25/47          BBB+          2,934,979  
  2,205    

Driven Brands Funding LLC, HONK 2015-1A, 144A

    5.216%          7/20/45          BBB–          2,278,448  
  1,550    

Finance of America Structured Security Trust, Series 2017-HB1, 144A

    3.624%          11/25/27          Baa2          1,546,822  
  2,809    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-2, 144A

    3.500%          10/25/47          Aaa          2,839,360  
  2,050    

Goldman Sachs Mortgage Securities Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-GC32

    3.345%          7/10/48          BBB–          1,695,652  
  629    

Honor Automobile Trust, Series 2016-1A, 144A

    2.940%          11/15/19          A          631,023  
  1,429    

Invitation Homes Trust 2017-SFR3, 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.850% spread), (4)

    2.406%          12/17/36          Aaa          1,433,590  
  2,743    

Jimmy Johns Funding LLC, Series 2017-1A, 144A

    3.610%          7/30/47          BBB          2,753,686  
  2,230    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2014-C16, 144A

    4.755%          6/15/47          BBB–          1,964,849  
  2,000    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2015-C22, 144A

    4.241%          4/15/48          BBB–          1,724,354  
  1,500    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2015-C25

    3.068%          10/15/48          BBB–          1,217,472  
  2,350    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust , Series 2016-T1, 144A

    4.377%          6/15/49          BBB          2,349,823  
  1,000    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust Series 2016-T2, 144A

    4.005%          10/15/49          BBB          992,596  
  2,565    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust, Series 2017-T1, 144A

    4.002%          2/15/51          BBB          2,551,381  
  2,529    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-6A, 144A

    4.000%          8/27/57          Aaa          2,594,608  
  447    

OneMain Direct Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, 144A

    2.040%          1/15/21          Aaa          446,745  
  1,488    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-CH2, 144A

    4.000%          12/25/47          Aaa          1,514,714  
  3,190    

Shellpoint Co-Originator Trust, Series 2017-2, 144A

    3.500%          10/25/47          Aaa          3,271,080  
  2,000    

TCF Auto Receivables Owner trust, Series 2015-2A, 144A

    2.550%          4/15/21          AAA          2,002,067  
  1,580    

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-C30, 144A

    4.497%          9/15/58          BBB–          1,419,700  
$ 52,843    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $50,748,832)

                                     51,266,599  

 

  74      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 2.5%

                
      Airlines – 0.1%                                 
$ 354    

American Airlines Inc., Pass Through Trust 2013-2B

    5.600%          7/15/20          BBB–        $ 365,537  
      Auto Components – 0.1%                                 
  300    

American & Axle Manufacturing Inc., (3)

    6.625%          10/15/22          BB–          311,250  
  300    

Tenneco Inc.

    5.375%          12/15/24          BB+          314,250  
  600    

Total Auto Components

                                     625,500  
      Automobiles – 0.1%                                 
  465    

General Motors Corporation

    4.000%          4/01/25          BBB          477,420  
      Banks – 0.0%                                 
  170    

CIT Group Inc.

    5.000%          8/01/23          BB+          181,050  
      Building Products – 0.0%                                 
  250    

Owens Corning Incorporated

    4.200%          12/15/22          BBB          262,104  
      Chemicals – 0.1%                                 
  515    

CF Industries Inc., (3)

    3.450%          6/01/23          BB+          507,919  
  250    

NOVA Chemicals Corporation, 144A

    5.250%          8/01/23          BBB–          257,187  
  765    

Total Chemicals

                                     765,106  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.1%                                 
  512    

Covanta Energy Corporation, Synthetic Letter of Credit

    6.375%          10/01/22          B1          523,520  
  400    

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company

    7.875%          3/15/21          B          416,000  
  912    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                     939,520  
      Construction & Engineering – 0.1%                                 
  500    

AECOM Technology Corporation

    5.750%          10/15/22          BB          521,250  
      Construction Materials – 0.1%                                 
  300    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

    5.700%          1/11/25          BB          316,500  
  130    

Norbord Inc., 144A

    5.375%          12/01/20          BB+          137,150  
  430    

Total Construction Materials

                                     453,650  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.0%                                 
  175    

Graphic Packaging International Inc.

    4.875%          11/15/22          BB+          185,938  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                                 
  400    

CenturyLink Inc.

    5.625%          4/01/20          BB          403,000  
  200    

CenturyLink Inc., (3)

    6.750%          12/01/23          BB          196,000  
  600    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                                     599,000  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.6%                                 
  200    

Realogy Group LLC / Realogy Co-Issuer Corporation, 144A

    5.250%          12/01/21          B+          207,500  
  3,060    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

    3.598%          4/15/43          BBB          3,058,575  
  400    

Vereit Operating Partnership LP

    3.000%          2/06/19          BBB–          401,895  
  3,660    

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

                                     3,667,970  

 

NUVEEN     75  


Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.4%                                 
$ 200    

Community Health Systems, Inc., (3)

    5.125%          8/01/21          Ba3        $ 180,000  
  500    

HCA Inc.

    4.250%          10/15/19          BBB–          510,625  
  1,715    

Mayo Clinic Rochester

    3.774%          11/15/43          AA          1,736,505  
  2,415    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                     2,427,130  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.1%                                 
  475    

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance Inc., 144A

    4.250%          5/15/24          Ba3          473,812  
      Media – 0.1%                                 
  200    

Charter Communications, CCO Holdings LLC

    5.125%          2/15/23          BB+          204,500  
  300    

Dish DBS Corporation

    4.250%          4/01/18          Ba3          301,125  
  200    

SFR Group SA, 144A

    6.000%          5/15/22          B+          202,500  
  700    

Total Media

                                     708,125  
      Metals & Mining – 0.2%                                 
  470    

Freeport McMoRan, Inc.

    3.875%          3/15/23          BB+          467,650  
  550    

Hudbay Minerals, Inc., 144A

    7.250%          1/15/23          B+          583,000  
  1,020    

Total Metals & Mining

                                     1,050,650  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.0%                                 
  150    

Targa Resources Inc.

    4.250%          11/15/23          BB–          148,312  
      Road & Rail – 0.1%                                 
  375    

The Hertz Corporation, 144A

    7.625%          6/01/22          BB–          392,813  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.1%                                 
  500    

NCR Corporation

    5.000%          7/15/22          BB          508,750  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                                 
  200    

Softbank Corporation, 144A

    4.500%          4/15/20          BB+          204,306  
  200    

Sprint Communications Inc., 144A

    7.000%          3/01/20          BB          214,000  
  400    

Telecom Italia SpA, 144A

    5.303%          5/30/24          BBB–          427,000  
  800    

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                                     845,306  
$ 15,316    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $15,407,385)

                                     15,598,943  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

SOVEREIGN DEBT – 0.5%

                
      Tunisia – 0.5%                                 
$ 3,000    

Tunisia Government AID Bonds

    1.416%          8/05/21          N/R        $ 2,900,700  
$ 3,000    

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $3,000,000)

                                     2,900,700  

 

  76      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Optional Call
Provisions (5)
                 Ratings (2)        Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS – 0.3%

                
      National – 0.3%                                 
$ 1,500    

Quebec Province, 7.500%, 7/15/23

    No Opt. Call                     Aa2        $ 1,850,871  
$ 1,500    

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $1,839,223)

                                     1,850,871  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                  Ratings (2)        Value  
 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES – 0.0%

                
      Banks – 0.0.%                                 
  200    

Bank of America Corporation

    7.250%                     BBB–        $ 263,800  
 

Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $174,350)

                                     263,800  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $602,631,967)

                                     609,072,357  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                            Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 0.3%

 

         
      Money Market Funds – 0.3%                                 
  1,642,688    

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, (7)

    1.196% (6)                              $ 1,642,688  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $1,642,688)

 

                  1,642,688  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                            Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.3%

                
      Money Market Funds – 1.3%                                 
  8,108,769    

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class Z

    1.181% (6)                              $ 8,108,769  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $8,108,769)

                                     8,108,769  
 

Total Investments (cost $612,383,424) – 100.0%

                                     618,823,814  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 0.0% (8)

                                     300,311  
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                   $ 619,124,125  

Investments in Derivatives

Futures Contracts

 

Description      Contract
Position
     Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount*
     Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Note

       Long        112        3/18      $ 24,026,135      $ 23,980,250      $ (45,885    $ 7,000  

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note

       Short        (188      3/18        (21,912,757      (21,838,844      73,913        (15,275

U.S. Treasury Long Bond

       Short        (61      3/18        (9,303,108      (9,333,000      (29,892      (17,156

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Note

       Short        (53      3/18        (7,106,208      (7,078,812      27,396        (14,906

U.S. Treasury Ultra Bond

       Long        51        3/18        8,495,007        8,550,469        55,462        22,203  

Total

                                $ (5,800,931    $ (5,719,937    $ 80,994      $ (18,134

Total receivable for variation margin on futures contracts

 

                                                $ 29,203  

Total payable for variation margin on futures contracts

 

                                                $ (47,337
* The aggregate notional amount of long and short positions is $24,026,135 and $(29,827,066), respectively.

 

NUVEEN     77  


Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets.

 

(2) For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.

 

(3) Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $1,595,375.

 

(4) Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(5) Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be subject to periodic principal paydowns.

 

(6) The rate shown is the annualized seven-day subsidized yield as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(7) The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the fair value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks and other institutions. The Fund maintains collateral equal to at least 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Securities Lending for more information.

 

(8) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

144A Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  78      NUVEEN


Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 96.6%

                
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 46.4%                                 
$ 2,020    

321 Henderson Receivables LLC, Series 2005-1A, 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.230% spread), (3)

    1.789%          11/15/40          AAA        $ 1,922,037  
  1,541    

321 Henderson Receivables LLC, Series 2006-4A,144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.200% spread), (3)

    1.759%          12/15/41          AAA          1,504,480  
  448    

ACE Securities Corporation, Manufactured Housing Trust Series 2003-MH1, 144A

    6.500%          8/15/30          AA          506,576  
  4,198    

American Express Credit Account Master Trust, Series 2013-1 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.420% spread), (3)

    1.979%          2/16/21          Aaa          4,205,956  
  2,700    

American Express Credit Account Master Trust, Series 2017-6

    2.040%          5/15/23          AAA          2,686,704  
  2,649    

AmeriCold LLC Trust, Series 2010,144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.500% spread), (3)

    3.059%          1/14/29          AAA          2,651,652  
  214    

Amortizing Residential Collateral Trust Series 2002-BC4 M1 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.050% spread), (3)

    2.611%          7/25/32          A3          214,239  
  2,739    

Asset Backed Securities Corp Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2002-HE1 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.650% spread), (3)

    3.209%          3/15/32          BBB          2,723,103  
  2,915    

Bank of the West Auto Trust, Series 2017-1, 144A

    2.110%          1/15/23          AAA          2,899,025  
  3,000    

Barclays Commercial Mortgage, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-STP, 144A

    4.284%          9/10/28          A–          3,062,691  
  2,375    

Cabela’s Master Credit Card Trust, Series 2014-2 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.450% spread), (3)

    2.009%          7/15/22          AAA          2,383,109  
  2,557    

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-4

    1.840%          6/15/20          AAA          2,555,695  
  4,155    

Capital One Multi Asset Execution Trust, Series 2014-A3 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.380% spread), (3)

    1.939%          1/18/22          AAA          4,168,420  
  3,928    

Capital One Multi Asset Execution Trust, Series 2015-A5

    1.600%          5/17/21          AAA          3,923,632  
  2,930    

Capital One Multi Asset Execution Trust, Series 2016-A1 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.450% spread), (3)

    2.009%          2/15/22          AAA          2,943,876  
  1,346    

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2017-1 A2

    1.540%          2/18/20          Aaa          1,344,487  
  3,300    

CarNow Auto Receivables Trust 2017-1A, 144A

    2.920%          9/15/22          A          3,298,678  
  2,379    

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2013-A9 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.420% spread), (3)

    1.979%          11/16/20          AAA          2,385,458  
  2,000    

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2015-A7

    1.620%          7/15/20          AAA          1,998,400  
  4,700    

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2016-A1 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.410% spread), (3)

    1.969%          5/17/21          AAA          4,718,828  
  4,000    

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2016-A3 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.550% spread), (3)

    2.109%          6/15/23          AAA          4,045,316  
  1,905    

CIG Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017- 1A, 144A

    2.710%          5/15/23          A3          1,901,902  
  1,444    

CITI Held for Asset Issuance, Series 2015-PM3, 144A

    4.310%          5/16/22          A1          1,449,427  
  13    

Citicorp Mortgage Securities I, REMIC Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-9

    5.500%          12/25/22          Baa2          13,122  
  83    

Citicorp Mortgage Securities Inc., REMIC Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1 5A1

    5.500%          2/25/26          Ba2          83,682  

 

NUVEEN     79  


Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                 
$ 2,000    

Cold Storage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities, Series 2017-ICE3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.000% spread), (3)

    2.559%          4/15/36          AAA        $ 2,004,953  
  1,707    

Colony American Homes Trust 2015-1A, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.200% spread), (3)

    2.754%          7/17/32          Aaa          1,712,906  
  2,960    

Colony American Homes Trust 2015-1A, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.950% spread), (3)

    3.504%          7/17/32          A2          2,979,879  
  2,000    

Colony American Homes Trust 2014-1A, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.350% spread), (3)

    2.909%          5/17/31          Aaa          2,004,642  
  2,000    

Colony Starwood Homes, Series 2016-1A,144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.100% spread), (3)

    4.659%          7/17/33          Baa2          2,049,401  
  1,505    

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2016-SAVA, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.300% spread), (3)

    3.854%          10/15/34          AA–          1,508,727  
  1,114    

Conns Receivables Funding Trust II, Series 2017-A, 144A

    2.730%          7/15/19          BBB          1,115,127  
  1,975    

Conns Receivables Funding Trust II, Series 2017-B, 144A

    2.730%          7/15/20          BBB          1,974,916  
  1,750    

CPS Auto Trust, 144A

    5.540%          11/15/19          Aa3          1,781,610  
  2,050    

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2015-2, 144A

    3.000%          2/25/45          AAA          2,050,664  
  322    

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corporation, Mortgage-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2003-23

    5.750%          9/25/33          AA+          336,609  
  2,594    

Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust 2017-HL2, 144A

    3.500%          10/25/47          AAA          2,618,232  
  2,007    

Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization Pool 2007-SP1, 144A

    5.751%          12/25/37          AA          2,059,570  
  1,971    

Dominos Pizza Master Issuer LLC, Series 2015-1A, 144A

    3.484%          10/25/45          BBB+          1,977,844  
  750    

DT Auto Owner Trust, Series 2016-4A, 144A

    2.740%          10/17/22          A          749,258  
  2,114    

Exeter Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2013-2A, 144A

    6.810%          8/17/20          AA          2,132,479  
  431    

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities , Series 2016-C03 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.220% spread), (3)

    3.761%          10/25/28          BBB–          435,367  
  195    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Interest Strips

    5.000%          9/25/24          N/R          8,894  
  2,558    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN MA2869

    2.500%          1/01/27          N/R          2,567,273  
  2,995    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN MA3220

    2.500%          12/01/27          N/R          3,013,595  
  10    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates

    5.500%          9/25/22          N/R          10,332  
  161    

Fannie Mae Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit, Pass Through Certificates (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.300% spread), (3)

    1.861%          11/25/34          N/R          161,501  
  93    

Fannie Mae REMIC Pass-Through Certificates

    2.750%          6/25/20          N/R          93,865  
  1,395    

Fannie Mae, Connecticut Avenue Securities, Series 2016-C07 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.300% spread), (3)

    2.861%          5/25/29          BBB–          1,404,271  
  944    

FDIC Structures Sale Guaranteed Notes, Series 2010-S1, 144A

    3.250%          4/25/38          N/R          945,816  
  2    

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, REMIC

    6.000%          12/15/20          N/R          2,521  
  1,396    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-1, 144A

    3.500%          3/25/47          Aaa          1,412,742  
  2,481    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-2, 144A

    3.500%          10/25/47          Aaa          2,507,299  
  2,775    

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust 2017-C

    2.010%          3/15/22          AAA          2,766,381  
  30    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various FG M30035

    4.500%          4/01/22          N/R          30,232  
  3,030    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust, 2011-K704 B 144A

    4.536%          10/25/30          A1          3,060,477  

 

  80      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                 
$ 4,015    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust 2011-K702 B, 144A

    4.793%          4/25/44          Aa3        $ 4,016,018  
  2,000    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust 2013-K712 C, 144A

    3.362%          5/25/45          AA          2,002,767  
  1,556    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust 2013-KF02 B, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.000% spread), (3)

    4.564%          12/25/45          Baa1          1,562,008  
  1,995    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust 2012-K707 B, 144A

    3.883%          1/25/47          Aa2          2,015,932  
  1,805    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust 2011-K10 B, 144A

    4.622%          11/25/49          A          1,877,292  
  1,300    

Freddie Mac MultiFamily Mortgage Trust, Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series 2012-K710, 144A

    3.812%          6/25/47          A–          1,320,825  
  1,926    

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass- Through Certificates FHMS K029

    2.839%          10/25/22          Aaa          1,948,765  
  1,680    

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass- Through Certificates FHMS K068 (1-Month LIBOR + 0.200% spread), (3)

    1.780%          10/25/19          N/R          1,682,130  
  241    

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass- Through Certificates FHMS K068 (1-Month LIBOR + 0.400 spread), (3)

    1.959%          12/15/20          N/R          241,952  
  2,416    

Freddie Mac MultiFamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates K722 A1

    2.183%          5/25/22          AAA          2,393,400  
  2,235    

Freddie Mac MultiFamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.700% spread), (3)

    2.264%          11/25/22          N/R          2,245,799  
  1,616    

Freddie Mac MultiFamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates K034 A1

    2.669%          2/25/23          Aaa          1,630,473  
  5,515    

Freddie Mac MultiFamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates K052 A1

    2.598%          1/25/25          Aaa          5,543,679  
  2,215    

Freddie Mac MultiFamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates K726 A1

    2.596%          8/25/23          AAA          2,222,722  
  3,307    

Freddie Mac Notes K031 A1

    2.778%          9/25/22          Aaa          3,341,630  
  495    

GAHR Commercial Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-NRF, 144A

    2.778%          12/15/34          AAA          495,446  
  2,135    

GLS Auto Receivables Trust 2017-1A, 144A

    2.670%          4/15/21          A          2,136,207  
  2,625    

GM Financial Consumers Auto Receivables Trust 2017-2A, 144A

    1.610%          5/18/20          AAA          2,620,202  
  822    

Goldman Sachs Mortgage Securities Corporation II, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2010-C1, 144A

    3.679%          8/10/43          Aaa          834,057  
  13    

Government National Mortgage Association, Guaranteed REMIC Pass-Through Securities and MX Securities Trust

    4.500%          5/16/38          N/R          13,349  
  2,025    

GP Portfolio Trust 2014-GPP A, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.000% spread), (3)

    4.559%          2/15/27          BBB–          2,029,837  
  1,044    

Honor Automobile Trust, Series 2016-1A, 144A

    2.940%          11/15/19          A          1,046,755  
  546    

IMC Home Mortgage Company, Home Equity Loan Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1998-3

    6.720%          8/20/29          AA          545,963  
  2,479    

Invitation Homes Trust 2015-SFR3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.300% spread), (3)

    2.859%          8/17/32          Aaa          2,494,457  
  1,314    

Invitation Homes Trust 2017-SFR3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.850% spread), (3)

    2.406%          12/17/36          Aaa          1,318,703  
  2,494    

Jimmy Johns Funding LLC, Series 2017-1A, 144A

    3.610%          7/30/47          BBB          2,503,351  
  3,407    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corporation, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2010-C2 A3, 144A

    4.070%          11/15/43          AAA          3,525,255  
  2,113    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corporation, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2011-C3 A1, 144A

    4.717%          2/15/46          AAA          2,227,544  

 

NUVEEN     81  


Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                 
$ 2,970    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corporation, Pass Through Certificates Trust 2017-MAUI, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.830% spread), (3)

    2.383%          7/15/34          AAA        $ 2,971,874  
  2,419    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-1, 144A

    3.500%          1/25/47          Aaa          2,453,039  
  2,536    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-2, 144A

    3.500%          5/25/47          Aaa          2,573,402  
  465    

Master Resecuritization Trust 2009-1, 144A

    6.000%          10/25/36          AA          469,783  
  2,329    

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2017-CLS, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.700% spread), (3)

    2.259%          11/15/34          Aaa          2,330,830  
  117    

Murray Hill Marketplace Trust, Series 2016-LC1, 144A

    4.190%          11/25/22          N/R          117,625  
  1,000    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust , Series 2016-T1, 144A

    4.377%          6/15/49          BBB          999,925  
  600    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust, Series 2017-T1, 144A

    3.214%          2/15/51          AAA          600,515  
  1,798    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-2A, 144A

    3.750%          5/25/54          AAA          1,824,862  
  1,085    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-3A, 144A

    3.750%          11/25/54          AAA          1,107,894  
  1,818    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-A1, 144A

    3.750%          5/28/52          Aaa          1,859,574  
  2,001    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2016-1A, 144A

    3.750%          3/25/56          AAA          2,035,920  
  2,284    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2017-1A, 144A

    4.000%          2/25/57          AAA          2,351,496  
  3,185    

OMART Receivables Trust, Series 2016-T2, 144A

    2.722%          8/16/49          AAA          3,164,616  
  2,600    

OMART Receivables Trust, Series 2017-T1, 144A

    2.499%          9/15/48          AAA          2,601,931  
  1,112    

OneMain Direct Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, 144A

    2.040%          1/15/21          Aaa          1,112,319  
  531    

Opteum Mortgage Acceptance Corporation, Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-1 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.855% spread), (3)

    2.416%          2/25/35          AAA          530,673  
  1,601    

OWS Structured Asset Trust, Series 2016-NPL1, 144A

    3.750%          7/25/56          N/R          1,613,173  
  3,279    

Pretium Mortgage Credit Partners I, Series 2017-NPL1, 144A

    3.500%          4/29/32          N/R          3,284,479  
  2,216    

Progress Residential Trust, Series 2017 -SFRI, 144A

    2.768%          8/17/34          Aaa          2,198,771  
  2,995    

Prosper Marketplace Issuance Trust, Series 2017-3A, 144A

    2.360%          11/15/23          A–          2,996,008  
  321    

RBSSP Resecuritization Trust 2009-10, 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.100% spread), (3)

    1.652%          3/26/37          N/R          147,455  
  1,311    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-CH2, 144A

    4.000%          12/25/47          Aaa          1,334,152  
  2,580    

Structured Agency Credit Risk Notes, Series 2017-DNA3 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.750% spread), (3)

    2.311%          3/25/30          BBB–          2,589,730  
  2,409    

Structured Agency Credit Risk Notes, Series 2017-HQA2 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.800% spread), (3)

    2.361%          12/25/29          BBB–          2,416,450  
  2,950    

Structured Agency Credit Risk Notes, Series 2017-HQA3 (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.550% spread), (3)

    2.111%          4/25/30          Baa3          2,949,976  
  2,179    

Sunset Mortgage Loan Company, Series 2017-NPL1, 144A

    3.500%          6/15/47          N/R          2,169,922  
  3,080    

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2015-3

    1.740%          9/15/21          AAA          3,076,197  

 

  82      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                 
$ 2,750    

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2016-1

    2.040%          3/15/22          Aaa        $ 2,749,064  
  2,469    

Taco Bell Funding LLC, Series 2016-1A, 144A

    3.832%          5/25/46          BBB          2,502,251  
  2,890    

TCF Auto Receivables Owner Trust, Series 2016-1A, 144A

    1.710%          4/15/21          AAA          2,880,511  
  3,000    

Toyota Auto Receivables Owner Trust, Series 2017-B

    2.050%          9/15/22          AAA          2,984,495  
  2,170    

Tricon American Homes Trust, Series 2017-SFRI, 144A

    2.716%          9/17/34          Aaa          2,142,829  
  2,500    

US Residential Opportunity Fund Trust, Series 2017-1III, 144A

    3.352%          11/27/37          N/R          2,492,922  
  1,403    

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Transferee, Series 2017-NP12, 144A

    3.875%          9/25/45          N/R          1,405,745  
  1,746    

Veros Auto Receivables Trust 2017-1, 144A

    2.840%          4/17/23          N/R          1,742,197  
  1,565    

VNO Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-PENN, 144A

    3.808%          12/13/29          AAA          1,613,108  
  172    

Volkswagen Auto Loan Enhanced Trust, Series 2014-2

    0.950%          4/22/19          AAA          172,010  
  2,225    

Vornado DP LLC Commercial Mortgage Credit Tenant Lease Series 2010-VNO, 144A

    2.970%          9/13/28          AAA          2,249,658  
  155    

Walter Investment Management Company Capital Trust, Series 2012-AA, 144A

    4.549%          10/16/50          A          154,580  
  11    

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities, 2005-AR16 Class 3A2

    3.500%          3/25/35          AA+          10,697  
  2,346    

Wendy’s Funding LLC, Series 2015-1A, 144A

    3.371%          6/15/45          BBB          2,352,287  
  2,349    

World Omni Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-A

    1.680%          12/16/19          Aaa          2,343,086  
  1,312    

Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding LLC, Senior Secured Storm Recovery Bonds, Series 2010-A

    2.300%          8/01/21          AAA          1,312,647  
$ 245,022    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $246,662,679)

                                     245,895,074  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 40.9%

                
      Aerospace & Defense – 0.6%                                 
$ 1,565    

BAE Systems Holdings, 144A

    6.375%          6/01/19          BBB        $ 1,650,001  
  1,580    

L-3 Communications Corporation

    4.950%          2/15/21          BBB–          1,673,234  
  3,145    

Total Aerospace & Defense

                                     3,323,235  
      Airlines – 0.5%                                 
  994    

Delta Air Lines Pass Through Certificates, Series 2012-1B, 144A

    6.875%          5/07/19          BBB          1,036,526  
  249    

Delta Airlines

    5.300%          4/15/19          A1          257,650  
  859    

Northwest Airlines Trust Pass Through Certificates 2007-1

    7.027%          11/01/19          A          924,282  
  412    

US Airways Pass Through Trust

    7.076%          3/20/21          A          444,609  
  2,514    

Total Airlines

                                     2,663,067  
      Auto Components – 0.2%                                 
  853    

American & Axle Manufacturing Inc., (4)

    6.625%          10/15/22          BB–          884,987  
      Automobiles – 0.7%                                 
  2,000    

Daimler Finance NA LLC, 144A

    1.500%          7/05/19          A          1,976,415  
  2,000    

General Motors Financial Company Inc.

    3.200%          7/13/20          BBB          2,027,017  
  4,000    

Total Automobiles

                                     4,003,432  

 

NUVEEN     83  


Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Banks – 9.3%                                 
$ 8,540    

Bank of America Corporation

    2.250%          4/21/20          A        $ 8,545,449  
  2,065    

Bank of Montreal

    1.500%          7/18/19          AA–          2,044,746  
  2,870    

Barclays PLC

    2.750%          11/08/19          A          2,876,170  
  3,280    

BB&T Corporation

    2.450%          1/15/20          A+          3,290,687  
  4,000    

Citigroup Inc.

    2.650%          10/26/20          A          4,013,095  
  1,500    

Citizens Bank NA

    2.500%          3/14/19          A–          1,503,447  
  1,900    

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    2.875%          7/27/20          A–          1,919,957  
  3,440    

HSBC USA Inc.

    2.750%          8/07/20          AA–          3,458,628  
  1,600    

ING Bank NV, 144A

    2.300%          3/22/19          Aa3          1,600,734  
  5,780    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    1.850%          3/22/19          A+          5,756,725  
  1,445    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    2.250%          1/23/20          A+          1,443,955  
  2,000    

PNC Bank NA

    2.400%          10/18/19          A+          2,002,738  
  2,160    

Santander UK PLC

    2.125%          11/03/20          Aa3          2,142,469  
  2,000    

Societe Generale, 144A

    2.500%          4/08/21          A+          1,989,700  
  1,720    

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    2.900%          3/03/21          A–          1,739,098  
  4,995    

Wells Fargo & Company

    2.125%          4/22/19          A+          4,993,803  
  49,295    

Total Banks

                                     49,321,401  
      Beverages – 0.5%                                 
  2,540    

Anheuser Busch InBev

    5.375%          1/15/20          A–          2,694,315  
      Biotechnology – 0.7%                                 
  1,375    

Biogen Inc.

    2.900%          9/15/20          A–          1,393,632  
  2,285    

Celgene Corporation

    2.875%          8/15/20          BBB+          2,306,139  
  3,660    

Total Biotechnology

                                     3,699,771  
      Capital Markets – 3.4%                                 
  4,000    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    2.000%          4/25/19          A          3,987,611  
  1,870    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    2.750%          9/15/20          A          1,879,217  
  1,570    

Lazard Group LLC

    4.250%          11/14/20          A–          1,635,160  
  5,995    

Morgan Stanley

    2.650%          1/27/20          A          6,021,742  
  2,250    

Nomura Holdings Incorporated

    2.750%          3/19/19          A–          2,266,653  
  2,000    

UBS AG Stamford

    2.350%          3/26/20          AA–          1,998,285  
  17,685    

Total Capital Markets

                                     17,788,668  
      Chemicals – 1.1%                                 
  2,215    

Eastman Chemical Company

    2.700%          1/15/20          BBB          2,229,171  
  1,935    

LyondellBasell Industries NV

    5.000%          4/15/19          BBB+          1,986,588  
  1,490    

Sherwin-Williams Company

    2.250%          5/15/20          BBB          1,484,919  
  5,640    

Total Chemicals

                                     5,700,678  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.4%                                 
  2,000    

AerCap Ireland Capital Limited / AerCap Global Aviation Trust

    3.750%          5/15/19          BBB–          2,031,480  

 

  84      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Consumer Finance – 1.8%                                 
$ 1,200    

Ally Financial Inc.

    8.000%          12/31/18          BB–        $ 1,257,000  
  2,750    

American Express Credit Corporation

    2.600%          9/14/20          A2          2,763,730  
  1,355    

Capital One Financial Corporation

    2.450%          4/24/19          A–          1,358,058  
  845    

Capital One Financial Corporation

    2.500%          5/12/20          A–          843,890  
  2,000    

Ford Motor Credit Company

    2.597%          11/04/19          BBB          2,001,079  
  1,250    

Navient Corporation

    5.000%          10/26/20          BB          1,267,187  
  9,400    

Total Consumer Finance

                                     9,490,944  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.2%                                 
  1,240    

Packaging Corporation of America

    2.450%          12/15/20          BBB          1,241,652  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.6%                                 
  1,645    

BNP Paribas

    2.375%          5/21/20          Aa3          1,646,945  
  1,280    

Synchrony Financial

    3.000%          8/15/19          BBB–          1,288,778  
  2,925    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                                     2,935,723  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 2.0%                                 
  4,440    

AT&T, Inc.

    2.300%          3/11/19          A–          4,444,412  
  1,500    

CenturyLink Inc.

    5.625%          4/01/20          BB          1,511,250  
  1,250    

Frontier Communications Corporation, (4)

    8.125%          10/01/18          B+          1,245,187  
  1,665    

Orange SA

    1.625%          11/03/19          BBB+          1,644,070  
  1,815    

Verizon Communications

    3.450%          3/15/21          A–          1,870,150  
  10,670    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                                     10,715,069  
      Electric Utilities – 0.4%                                 
  2,000    

Exelon Generation Co. LLC

    2.950%          1/15/20          BBB          2,020,319  
      Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.3%                                 
  1,500    

Corning Incorporated

    4.250%          8/15/20          BBB+          1,566,060  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.6%                                 
  3,420    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

    3.598%          4/15/43          BBB          3,418,407  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 1.5%                                 
  2,000    

CVS Health Corporation

    2.800%          7/20/20          BBB+          2,008,202  
  750    

Supervalu Inc.

    6.750%          6/01/21          B–          747,187  
  2,015    

Sysco Corporation

    2.600%          10/01/20          A3          2,023,499  
  3,000    

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    2.700%          11/18/19          BBB          3,017,874  
  7,765    

Total Food & Staples Retailing

                                     7,796,762  
      Food Products – 1.2%                                 
  2,175    

Bunge Limited Finance Company, (4)

    3.500%          11/24/20          BBB          2,220,209  
  1,635    

Kraft Heinz Foods Co

    2.800%          7/02/20          BBB–          1,644,323  
  2,500    

Tyson Foods

    2.650%          8/15/19          BBB          2,511,802  
  6,310    

Total Food Products

                                     6,376,334  

 

NUVEEN     85  


Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 0.2%                                 
$ 1,120    

Abbott Laboratories

    2.900%          11/30/21          BBB        $ 1,132,841  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.9%                                 
  1,355    

Cardinal Health Inc.

    2.400%          11/15/19          BBB+          1,354,033  
  1,500    

HCA Inc.

    4.250%          10/15/19          BBB–          1,531,875  
  1,765    

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

    3.875%          10/15/20          A+          1,832,247  
  4,620    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                     4,718,155  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.2%                                 
  1,250    

MGM Resorts International Inc.

    6.750%          10/01/20          BB          1,350,000  
      Household Durables – 0.4%                                 
  2,009    

Newell Brands Inc.

    2.600%          3/29/19          BBB–          2,015,705  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.8%                                 
  2,020    

General Electric Capital Corporation

    4.625%          1/07/21          A+          2,142,730  
  2,000    

Siemens Financieringsmaatschappij NV, 144A

    1.300%          9/13/19          A+          1,969,927  
  4,020    

Total Industrial Conglomerates

                                     4,112,657  
      Insurance – 2.7%                                 
  2,000    

AFLAC Insurance

    2.400%          3/16/20          A–          2,001,545  
  2,415    

American International Group, Inc.

    3.375%          8/15/20          BBB+          2,467,623  
  2,760    

Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation

    4.250%          1/15/21          AA          2,918,411  
  1,500    

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

    5.500%          3/30/20          BBB+          1,598,627  
  2,025    

Marsh & McLennan Companies

    2.350%          3/06/20          A–          2,023,734  
  1,500    

Met Life Global Funding I, 144A

    2.000%          4/14/20          AA–          1,488,423  
  1,570    

Prudential Financial Inc.

    4.500%          11/15/20          A          1,658,972  
  13,770    

Total Insurance

                                     14,157,335  
      Internet Software & Services – 0.4%                                 
  2,185    

eBay Inc.

    2.200%          8/01/19          BBB+          2,179,321  
      Leisure Products – 0.4%                                 
  1,980    

Carnival Corporation

    3.950%          10/15/20          A–          2,066,981  
      Machinery – 0.3%                                 
  1,365    

Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Finance SA

    2.625%          5/01/20          BBB          1,364,548  
      Media – 1.6%                                 
  1,735    

21st Century Fox America Inc.

    4.500%          2/15/21          BBB+          1,833,595  
  1,660    

CBS Corporation

    2.300%          8/15/19          BBB          1,658,670  
  2,000    

Charter Communications Operating LLC/ Charter Communications Operating Capital Corporation

    3.579%          7/23/20          BBB–          2,037,152  
  1,600    

Discovery Communications Inc.

    5.050%          6/01/20          BBB–          1,681,907  
  1,500    

Dish DBS Corporation

    4.250%          4/01/18          Ba3          1,505,625  
  8,495    

Total Media

                                     8,716,949  

 

  86      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Metals & Mining – 0.2%                                 
$ 1,250    

Arconic Inc.

    6.150%          8/15/20          BBB–        $ 1,343,875  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 2.3%                                 
  1,700    

BP Capital Markets PLC

    2.521%          1/15/20          A1          1,714,180  
  645    

Calumet Specialty Products

    6.500%          4/15/21          CCC+          641,775  
  1,143    

ConocoPhillips

    4.200%          3/15/21          A–          1,201,834  
  1,290    

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

    4.100%          2/01/21          A          1,350,945  
  1,645    

Petroleos Mexicanos

    5.500%          2/04/19          BBB+          1,700,025  
  750    

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC

    5.625%          2/01/21          BBB–          803,979  
  1,595    

Schlumberger Holdings Corporation, 144A

    3.000%          12/21/20          AA–          1,615,449  
  1,000    

Southwestern Energy Company, (4)

    5.800%          1/23/20          BB          1,080,000  
  1,300    

Valero Energy Corporation

    6.125%          2/01/20          BBB          1,400,027  
  750    

WPX Energy Inc.

    7.500%          8/01/20          B+          811,875  
  11,818    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                     12,320,089  
      Software – 0.4%                                 
  2,015    

Microsoft Corporation

    1.850%          2/06/20          AAA          2,008,931  
      Specialty Retail – 0.4%                                 
  2,020    

Hyundai Capital America, 144A

    2.400%          10/30/18          A–          2,018,037  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.6%                                 
  2,720    

Apple Inc.

    2.100%          5/06/19          AA+          2,726,015  
  500    

Dell Inc.

    5.875%          6/15/19          Ba2          520,625  
  3,220    

Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

                                     3,246,640  
      Tobacco – 1.3%                                 
  1,700    

Altria Group Inc.

    2.625%          1/14/20          A-          1,710,871  
  1,970    

Philip Morris International

    1.375%          2/25/19          A          1,954,507  
  2,915    

Reynolds American Inc.

    3.250%          6/12/20          BBB+          2,961,729  
  6,585    

Total Tobacco

                                     6,627,107  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.3%                                 
  1,500    

Air Lease Corporation

    3.375%          6/01/21          BBB          1,532,087  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 1.5%                                 
  1,570    

America Movil S.A. de C.V.

    5.000%          3/30/20          A-          1,654,541  
  2,000    

Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV

    6.000%          7/08/19          BBB+          2,108,684  
  1,250    

Softbank Corporation, 144A

    4.500%          4/15/20          BB+          1,276,912  
  3,035    

Vodafone Group PLC

    4.375%          3/16/21          BBB+          3,211,279  
  7,855    

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                                     8,251,416  
$ 213,639    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $217,091,541)

                                     216,834,978  

 

NUVEEN     87  


Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 9.1%                                 
$ 13,000    

Federal National Mortgage Association

    1.000%          2/26/19          Aaa        $ 12,874,004  
  5,500    

Freddie Mac Notes, (4)

    1.500%          1/17/20          Aaa          5,447,233  
  4,500    

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Obligations

    1.000%          10/15/19          Aaa          4,430,976  
  8,000    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    1.000%          8/15/18          Aaa          7,968,080  
  4,000    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    1.000%          3/15/18          Aaa          3,997,191  
  6,000    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    1.250%          11/30/18          Aaa          5,970,543  
  2,500    

U.S. Treasury Notes, (4)

    1.000%          8/31/19          Aaa          2,464,421  
  5,000    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    0.875%          9/15/19          Aaa          4,915,736  
$ 48,500    

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $48,294,377)

                                     48,068,184  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Optional Call
Provisions (5)
                 Ratings (2)        Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS – 0.2%

                
      Guam – 0.2%                                 
$ 1,190    

Government of Guam, Business Privilege Tax Bonds, Taxable Series 2012B-2, 3.301%, 1/01/18

    No Opt. Call                     A        $ 1,190,000  
  1,190    

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $1,190,000)

                                     1,190,000  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $513,238,597)

 

                             511,988,236  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                            Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 1.5%

 

              
      Money Market Funds – 1.5%                                 
  7,882,205    

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, (7)

    1.196% (6)                              $ 7,882,205  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $7,882,205)

 

                             7,882,205  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                            Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.2%

                
      Money Market Funds – 0.2%                                 
  875,738    

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class Z

    1.181% (6)                              $ 875,738  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $875,738)

                                     875,738  
 

Total Investments (cost $521,996,540) – 98.3%

                                     520,746,179  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – 1.7% (8)

                                     8,802,188  
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                   $ 529,548,367  

 

  88      NUVEEN


Investments in Derivatives

Futures Contracts

 

Description      Contract
Position
   Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Note

     Long      472        3/18      $ 101,284,229      $ 101,059,626      $ (224,603    $ 29,499  

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note

     Short      (104      3/18        (12,969,505      (12,900,875      68,630        (21,125

Total

                            $ 88,314,724      $ 88,158,751      $ (155,973    $ 8,374  

Total receivable for variation margin on futures contracts

                                                $ 29,499  

Total payable for variation margin on futures contracts

                                                $ (21,125

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets.

 

(2) For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.

 

(3) Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(4) Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $7,655,969.

 

(5) Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be subject to periodic principal paydowns.

 

(6) The rate shown is the annualized seven-day subsidized yield as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(7) The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the fair value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks and other institutions. The Fund maintains collateral equal to at least 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Securities Lending for more information.

 

(8) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

144A Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     89  


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 98.4%

                
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 50.2%

                
      Aerospace & Defense – 1.3%                                         
$ 2,785    

BAE Systems Holdings, 144A

          3.850%        12/15/25        BBB      $ 2,887,497  
  1,200    

Bombardier Inc., 144A

          8.750%        12/01/21        B        1,320,000  
  3,000    

General Dynamics Corporation

          2.625%        11/15/27        A+        2,903,650  
  3,380    

Rockwell Collins Inc.

                      3.500%        3/15/27        BBB        3,440,469  
 

Total Aerospace & Defense

                                                 10,551,616  
      Air Freight & Logistics – 0.3%                                         
  2,280    

FedEx Corporation

                      3.300%        3/15/27        BBB        2,294,641  
      Airlines – 1.0%                                         
  2,000    

American Airlines Group Inc., 144A

          4.625%        3/01/20        BB–        2,025,000  
  1,390    

American Airlines Inc., Pass Through Trust 2013-2B, 144A

          5.600%        7/15/20        BBB–        1,436,559  
  952    

American Airlines Inc., Pass Through Trust 2016-1A

          3.575%        1/15/28        AA+        968,817  
  2,520    

Northwest Airlines Trust Pass Through Certificates 2007-1

          7.027%        11/01/19        A        2,712,111  
  765    

VistaJet Malta Finance PLC, 144A

                      7.750%        6/01/20        B–        711,450  
 

Total Airlines

                                                 7,853,937  
      Auto Components – 0.5%                                         
  750    

American & Axle Manufacturing Inc., 144A, (3)

          6.250%        4/01/25        BB–        789,375  
  1,180    

American & Axle Manufacturing Inc., (3)

          6.625%        10/15/22        BB–        1,224,250  
  2,000    

Lear Corporation

                      5.375%        3/15/24        BBB–        2,115,404  
 

Total Auto Components

                                                 4,129,029  
      Automobiles – 0.7%                                         
  5,680    

General Motors Corporation

                      4.000%        4/01/25        BBB        5,831,715  
      Banks – 9.0%                                         
  2,435    

Banco Santander SA

          3.800%        2/23/28        A–        2,434,593  
  4,064    

Bank of America Corporation

          4.000%        4/01/24        A        4,295,287  
  4,575    

Bank of America Corporation

          4.200%        8/26/24        A–        4,816,772  
  4,105    

Bank of America Corporation

          3.248%        10/21/27        A        4,072,223  
  3,662    

Bank of America Corporation, 144A

          3.419%        12/20/28        A        3,661,658  
  3,800    

Barclays Bank PLC

          3.650%        3/16/25        A        3,793,225  
  1,405    

Citigroup Inc.

          4.500%        1/14/22        A        1,494,417  
  6,495    

Citigroup Inc.

          3.750%        6/16/24        A        6,735,468  
  3,155    

Citigroup Inc.

          3.200%        10/21/26        A        3,129,474  
  4,245    

Citigroup Inc.

          4.300%        11/20/26        A–        4,437,881  
  2,375    

HSBC Holdings PLC

          4.375%        11/23/26        A+        2,478,872  

 

  90      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Banks (continued)                                         
$ 2,100    

ING Groep N.V

          3.950%        3/29/27        A+      $ 2,188,680  
  1,400    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

          4.500%        1/24/22        A+        1,497,903  
  9,750    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

          3.200%        1/25/23        A+        9,943,597  
  1,100    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

          3.875%        9/10/24        A        1,147,187  
  2,715    

JPMorgan Chase & Company

          4.260%        2/22/48        A+        2,935,778  
  2,425    

PNC Financial Services Inc.

          3.150%        5/19/27        A+        2,432,585  
  1,220    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

          6.100%        6/10/23        BBB        1,343,227  
  3,335    

Santander UK PLC, 144A

          5.000%        11/07/23        A–        3,563,644  
  3,090    

SunTrust Banks Inc.

          2.450%        8/01/22        A–        3,046,487  
  3,505    

Wells Fargo & Company

                      4.600%        4/01/21        A+        3,724,435  
 

Total Banks

                                                 73,173,393  
      Beverages – 1.4%                                         
  5,785    

Anheuser Busch InBev Financial Incorporated, Fixed Rate Note, Series 2016

          3.650%        2/01/26        A–        5,968,500  
  1,350    

Constellation Brands Inc.

          4.250%        5/01/23        BBB–        1,427,902  
  3,870    

Heineken NV, 144A

                      3.500%        1/29/28        BBB+        3,946,997  
 

Total Beverages

                                                 11,343,399  
      Building Products – 0.4%                                         
  2,740    

Owens Corning Incorporated

                      4.200%        12/15/22        BBB        2,872,658  
      Capital Markets – 5.8%                                         
  4,845    

Charles Schwab Corporation

          2.650%        1/25/23        A        4,841,340  
  3,630    

Deutsche Bank AG

          4.875%        12/01/32        BBB        3,617,295  
  1,375    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

          5.250%        7/27/21        A        1,490,063  
  900    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

          5.750%        1/24/22        A        997,836  
  10,550    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

          4.000%        3/03/24        A        11,066,177  
  2,295    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

          4.250%        10/21/25        A–        2,397,988  
  4,915    

Lazard Group LLC

          3.625%        3/01/27        A–        4,903,444  
  3,070    

Morgan Stanley

          4.000%        7/23/25        A        3,213,676  
  11,500    

Morgan Stanley

          3.950%        4/23/27        A–        11,674,696  
  2,415    

Northern Trust Company

                      3.950%        10/30/25        A+        2,557,786  
 

Total Capital Markets

                                                 46,760,301  
      Chemicals – 1.4%                                         
  3,000    

Agrium Inc.

          3.375%        3/15/25        BBB        3,013,198  
  995    

Chemours Co

          5.375%        5/15/27        BB–        1,029,825  
  1,000    

CVR Partners LP / CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp., 144A

          9.250%        6/15/23        B+        1,076,250  
  1,000    

FXI Holdings, Inc., 144A

          7.875%        11/01/24        B        997,800  
  1,450    

Hexion Inc.

          6.625%        4/15/20        CCC+        1,301,375  
  1,500    

NOVA Chemicals Corporation, 144A

          5.250%        8/01/23        BBB–        1,543,125  
  1,350    

NOVA Chemicals Corporation, 144A

          5.000%        5/01/25        BBB–        1,346,625  

 

NUVEEN     91  


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Chemicals (continued)                                         
$ 1,000    

Office Cherifien Des Phosphates SA, 144A

                      5.625%        4/25/24        BBB–      $ 1,071,180  
 

Total Chemicals

                                                 11,379,378  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.4%                                         
  2,105    

AerCap Ireland Capital Limited / AerCap Global Aviation Trust

          3.950%        2/01/22        BBB–        2,169,265  
  800    

Arch Merger Sub Inc., 144A

                      8.500%        9/15/25        B–        740,000  
 

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                                 2,909,265  
      Communications Equipment – 0.3%                                         
  2,300    

Qualcomm, Inc.

                      2.100%        5/20/20        A1        2,290,183  
      Consumer Finance – 1.7%                                         
  3,938    

Capital One Bank

          3.375%        2/15/23        Baa1        3,976,300  
  750    

Credit Acceptance Corporation

          7.375%        3/15/23        BB        785,625  
  1,750    

Discover Bank

          4.250%        3/13/26        BBB+        1,824,693  
  3,215    

Discover Financial Services

          5.200%        4/27/22        BBB+        3,460,094  
  3,405    

Ford Motor Credit Company

                      3.810%        1/09/24        BBB        3,475,338  
 

Total Consumer Finance

                                                 13,522,050  
      Diversified Consumer Services – 0.2%                                         
  1,250    

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance, Inc., 144A

                      9.250%        5/15/23        B–        1,387,500  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.1%                                         
  3,510    

BNP Paribas, 144A

          4.375%        5/12/26        A        3,669,332  
  500    

Hexion 2 US Financial Corp., 144A

          13.750%        2/01/22        CCC        410,000  
  1,955    

Jefferies Group Inc.

          4.850%        1/15/27        BBB–        2,077,873  
  2,000    

Quicken Loans Inc., 144A

          5.250%        1/15/28        Ba1        1,974,400  
  650    

Stoneway Capital Corporation, 144A

                      10.000%        3/01/27        B        691,145  
 

Total Diversified Financial Services

                                                 8,822,750  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 2.6%  
  2,335    

AT&T, Inc.

          3.800%        3/15/22        A–        2,412,901  
  7,275    

AT&T, Inc.

          3.400%        8/14/24        A–        7,310,747  
  2,000    

AT&T, Inc.

          4.750%        5/15/46        A–        1,954,424  
  883    

Frontier Communications Corporation, (3)

          8.500%        4/15/20        B+        732,890  
  500    

Frontier Communications Corporation

          11.000%        9/15/25        B+        367,500  
  2,175    

GCI Inc.

          6.875%        4/15/25        BB–        2,316,375  
  900    

IntelSat Jackson Holdings, (3)

          7.500%        4/01/21        CCC+        819,000  
  2,360    

Qwest Corporation

          6.750%        12/01/21        BBB–        2,541,170  
  3,215    

Verizon Communications

                      4.125%        8/15/46        A–        2,967,355  
 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                                                 21,422,362  

 

  92      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Electric Utilities – 0.2%                                         
$ 1,115    

FirstEnergy Transmission LLC, 144A

          4.350%        1/15/25        Baa2      $ 1,176,041  
  680    

Intergen NV, 144A

                      7.000%        6/30/23        B1        657,900  
 

Total Electric Utilities

                                                 1,833,941  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.8%                                         
  2,435    

Baker Hughes a GE Co LLC, 144A

          2.773%        12/15/22        A–        2,431,471  
  1,500    

Ensco PLC

          5.200%        3/15/25        BB–        1,275,000  
  2,000    

Origin Energy Finance Limited, 144A

          3.500%        10/09/18        BBB–        2,011,900  
  500    

Precision Drilling Corporation

                      7.750%        12/15/23        BB        525,000  
 

Total Energy Equipment & Services

                                                 6,243,371  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts – 0.9%  
  3,070    

American Tower Company

          5.000%        2/15/24        BBB        3,362,122  
  2,080    

Piedmont Operating Partnership LP

          4.450%        3/15/24        BBB        2,164,493  
  1,420    

Plum Creek Timberlands LP

                      4.700%        3/15/21        BBB        1,507,823  
 

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts

 

     7,034,438  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.7%                                         
  1,000    

Rite Aid Corporation, 144A, (3)

          6.125%        4/01/23        B        902,500  
  2,975    

Sysco Corporation

          3.300%        7/15/26        A3        2,992,867  
  2,000    

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

                      3.800%        11/18/24        BBB        2,042,070  
 

Total Food & Staples Retailing

                                                 5,937,437  
      Food Products – 0.6%                                         
  2,460    

Bunge Limited Finance Company

          3.250%        8/15/26        BBB        2,350,306  
  2,235    

Kraft Heinz Foods Company

                      4.375%        6/01/46        BBB–        2,211,894  
 

Total Food Products

                                                 4,562,200  
      Gas Utilities – 0.2%                                         
  1,250    

Suburban Propane Partners LP

                      5.500%        6/01/24        BB–        1,237,500  
      Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 0.1%  
  400  EUR   

Synlab Bondco PLC, 144A

                      6.250%        7/01/22        B+        504,698  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.2%  
  1,000    

Community Health Systems, Inc., (3)

          6.875%        2/01/22        CCC        575,000  
  920    

HCA Inc.

          5.500%        6/15/47        BBB–        917,700  
  500    

Kindred Healthcare Inc.

                      6.375%        4/15/22        B–        507,500  
 

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                 2,000,200  
      Health Care Technology – 0.1%                                         
  1,145    

Exela Intermediate LLC / Exela Financial Inc., 144A

                      10.000%        7/15/23        B        1,113,512  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.3%                                         
  720    

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance Inc., 144A

          5.000%        10/15/25        B–        725,400  

 

NUVEEN     93  


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)                                         
$ 2,000    

Carlson Travel, Inc., 144A, (3)

                      6.750%        12/16/23        B      $ 1,810,000  
 

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                 2,535,400  
      Household Durables – 0.9%                                         
  2,940    

Harman International Industries, Inc.

          4.150%        5/15/25        BBB+        3,039,112  
  2,505    

Newell Brands Inc.

          4.200%        4/01/26        BBB–        2,615,590  
  1,350    

RSI Home Products Incorporated, 144A

                      6.500%        3/15/23        BB–        1,414,125  
 

Total Household Durables

                                                 7,068,827  
      Household Products – 0.2%                                         
  1,300    

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V, 144A

                      3.250%        3/12/25        A        1,277,758  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.1%  
  1,000    

Talen Energy Supply LLC

                      6.500%        6/01/25        B+        812,500  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 1.1%                                         
  1,000    

Alfa SAB de CV, 144A, (3)

          5.250%        3/25/24        BBB–        1,057,500  
  3,740    

GE Capital International Funding CO

          4.418%        11/15/35        A+        4,044,816  
  3,200    

Siemens Financieringsmaatschappij NV, 144A

          3.400%        3/16/27        A+        3,259,817  
  1,000    

Stena International SA, 144A, (3)

                      5.750%        3/01/24        BB–        941,250  
 

Total Industrial Conglomerates

                                                 9,303,383  
      Insurance – 2.7%                                         
  646    

AFLAC Insurance

          6.450%        8/15/40        A–        884,655  
  3,000    

Fairfax US Inc., 144A

          4.875%        8/13/24        BBB–        3,125,588  
  3,370    

Liberty Mutual Group Inc., 144A

          4.950%        5/01/22        BBB        3,635,934  
  2,535    

Lincoln National Corporation

          4.000%        9/01/23        A–        2,645,914  
  3,015    

Symetra Financial Corporation

          4.250%        7/15/24        Baa1        3,060,528  
  2,075    

Unum Group

          4.000%        3/15/24        BBB        2,160,336  
  1,805    

Willis North America, Inc.

          3.600%        5/15/24        BBB        1,834,582  
  4,790    

XLIT Limited

                      4.450%        3/31/25        BBB        4,898,116  
 

Total Insurance

                                                 22,245,653  
      Internet Software & Services – 0.6%                                         
  1,500    

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.

          8.250%        10/15/24        B        1,605,000  
  2,865    

eBay Inc.

                      3.800%        3/09/22        BBB+        2,973,781  
 

Total Internet Software & Services

                                                 4,578,781  
      Machinery – 0.5%                                         
  3,370    

John Deere Capital Corporation

          2.650%        6/24/24        A        3,337,192  
  1,000    

Navistar International Corporation, 144A

                      6.625%        11/01/25        B–        1,043,380  
 

Total Machinery

                                                 4,380,572  
      Marine – 0.2%                                         
  1,700    

Eletson Holdings Inc., 144A

          9.625%        1/15/22        CCC+        901,000  

 

  94      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Marine (continued)                                         
$ 500    

Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation, 144A

                      8.125%        11/15/21        B      $ 423,750  
 

Total Marine

                                                 1,324,750  
      Media – 1.7%                                         
  2,260    

CBS Corporation

          4.000%        1/15/26        BBB        2,309,119  
  1,790    

Comcast Corporation

          6.400%        5/15/38        A–        2,415,481  
  1,500    

Lee Enterprises Inc., 144A, (3)

          9.500%        3/15/22        B2        1,552,500  
  800    

Post Holdings Inc., 144A

          5.625%        1/15/28        B        803,000  
  1,800    

Telenet Finance Luxembourg, 144A

          5.500%        3/01/28        BB        1,788,467  
  1,805    

Time Warner Inc.

          3.875%        1/15/26        BBB+        1,821,768  
  1,750  CAD   

Videotron Limited, 144A

          5.625%        6/15/25        BB        1,493,640  
  1,600    

VTR Finance BV, 144A

                      6.875%        1/15/24        BB–        1,688,000  
 

Total Media

                                                 13,871,975  
      Metals & Mining – 1.1%                                         
  1,000    

Aleris International Inc., 144A

          9.500%        4/01/21        B2        1,055,000  
  2,430    

Glencore Funding LLC, 144A

          3.875%        10/27/27        BBB        2,397,827  
  1,520    

Hudbay Minerals, Inc., 144A

          7.250%        1/15/23        B+        1,611,200  
  1,000    

IAMGOLD Corporation, 144A

          7.000%        4/15/25        B+        1,032,500  
  1,000    

Northwest Acquisition/Dominion Finco Inc., 144A

 

        7.125%        11/01/22        BB        1,032,500  
  1,000    

SunCoke Energy Partners LP, 144A

          7.500%        6/15/25        BB–        1,045,000  
  900    

Warrior Met Coal LLC, 144A

                      8.000%        11/01/24        B–        929,250  
 

Total Metals & Mining

                                                 9,103,277  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 3.3%                                         
  2,000    

Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline LLC, 144A

          4.600%        11/02/47        AA        2,057,060  
  1,262    

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company

          6.125%        4/01/36        A–        1,692,141  
  1,410    

Canadian Natural Resources Limited

          5.850%        2/01/35        BBB+        1,651,898  
  1,025    

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC

          5.125%        6/30/27        BB–        1,060,260  
  900    

Global Partners LP/GLP Finance

          6.250%        7/15/22        B+        924,750  
  2,700    

MPLX LP

          4.875%        6/01/25        BBB–        2,892,999  
  1,880    

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

          3.400%        4/15/26        A        1,924,846  
  1,000    

PBF Holding Company LLC

          7.250%        6/15/25        BB        1,051,250  
  1,275    

Petro Canada

          6.800%        5/15/38        A–        1,756,032  
  1,000    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

          7.375%        1/17/27        BB        1,101,000  
  1,575    

Petroleos del Peru SA, 144A

          4.750%        6/19/32        BBB+        1,592,719  
  1,345    

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC

          5.875%        6/30/26        BBB–        1,510,706  
  1,910    

Sunoco Logistics Partners LP

          4.000%        10/01/27        BBB–        1,872,302  
  670    

Targa Resources Inc.

          4.250%        11/15/23        BB–        662,462  
  2,500    

Valero Energy Corporation

          3.400%        9/15/26        BBB        2,509,491  
  2,875    

Woodside Finance Limited, 144A

                      3.650%        3/05/25        BBB+        2,891,789  
 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                 27,151,705  

 

NUVEEN     95  


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.3%                                         
$ 2,100    

Domtar Corporation

                      6.750%        2/15/44        BBB–      $ 2,426,518  
      Personal Products – 0.3%                                         
  1,740    

International Paper Company

                      8.700%        6/15/38        BBB        2,630,083  
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.4%                                         
  2,450    

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance III, (3)

          3.150%        10/01/26        BBB–        2,022,286  
  1,460    

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, 144A

                      5.500%        11/01/25        BB–        1,485,550  
 

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                 3,507,836  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%  
  1,250    

Hunt Companies Inc., 144A

          9.625%        3/01/21        N/R        1,317,187  
  750    

Mattamy Group Corporation, 144A

                      6.500%        10/01/25        BB        793,125  
 

Total Real Estate Management & Development

                                                 2,110,312  
      Road & Rail – 0.4%                                         
  2,222    

Herc Rentals, Inc., 144A, (3)

          7.750%        6/01/24        B+        2,438,645  
  1,100    

The Hertz Corporation, 144A, (3)

                      7.625%        6/01/22        BB–        1,152,250  
 

Total Road & Rail

                                                 3,590,895  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.6%  
  2,655    

Intel Corporation

          3.150%        5/11/27        A+        2,706,828  
  2,425    

Texas Instruments Incorporated

                      2.900%        11/03/27        A+        2,416,238  
 

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

 

     5,123,066  
      Software – 0.4%                                         
  2,450    

Microsoft Corporation

          3.300%        2/06/27        AAA        2,526,467  
  1,000    

Olympus Merger Sub, Inc., 144A

                      8.500%        10/15/25        B3        987,500  
 

Total Software

                                                 3,513,967  
      Specialty Retail – 1.1%                                         
  2,000    

AutoNation Inc.

          4.500%        10/01/25        BBB–        2,092,620  
  2,900    

Bed Bath and Beyond Incorporated

          5.165%        8/01/44        Baa1        2,549,080  
  1,500    

L Brands, Inc.

          6.875%        11/01/35        BB+        1,515,000  
  2,405    

Lowes Companies, Inc.

                      3.100%        5/03/27        A–        2,412,802  
 

Total Specialty Retail

                                                 8,569,502  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.2%  
  1,425    

Western Digital Corporation, 144A

                      7.375%        4/01/23        BBB–        1,537,219  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.3%                                         
  1,995    

Air Lease Corporation

          3.875%        4/01/21        BBB        2,066,185  
  515    

Ashtead Capital Inc., 144A

                      4.125%        8/15/25        BBB–        520,150  
 

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

                                                 2,586,335  
      Transportation Infrastructure – 0.1%                                         
  1,110    

Rumo Luxembourg Sarl, 144A

                      7.375%        2/09/24        BB–        1,194,471  

 

  96      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 1.2%                                        
$ 1,150    

Colombia Telecommunicaciones S.A. ESP, 144A

          8.500%        N/A (4)      B+      $ 1,236,250  
  1,000    

Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation

          6.625%        8/01/26       BB–        1,047,500  
  1,040    

Millicom International Cellular SA, 144A

          5.125%        1/15/28       BB+        1,040,000  
  500    

Sprint Capital Corporation

          6.875%        11/15/28       B+        503,125  
  2,133    

Sprint Spectrum Co LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co II LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co III LLC, 144A

          3.360%        9/20/21       Baa2        2,146,143  
  1,350    

Telecom Italia SpA, 144A

          5.303%        5/30/24       BBB–        1,441,125  
  2,650    

Telefonica Emisiones SAU

                      4.103%        3/08/27       BBB        2,737,474  
 

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                                                10,151,617  
 

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $398,616,314)

                                                407,607,876  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 28.6%  
$ 5,075    

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-3

          2.010%        3/15/22       AAA      $ 5,039,511  
  5,390    

American Express Credit Card Master Trust, Series 2017-1

          1.930%        9/15/22       Aaa        5,364,255  
  2,281    

American Homes 4 Rent, Series 2014-SFR2, 144A

          3.786%        10/17/36       Aaa        2,370,394  
  2,270    

AmeriCold LLC Trust, Series 2010, 144A

          6.811%        1/14/29       A+        2,478,825  
  24    

Bank of America Alternative Loan Trust,
Series 2005-5 2 CB1

          6.000%        6/25/35       Caa1        23,323  
  1,200    

Bank of America Commercial Mortgage Inc. , Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-UBS7

          4.366%        9/15/48       A–        1,239,455  
  770    

Bank of America Commercial Mortgage Inc. , Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-UBS7

          3.167%        9/15/48       BBB–        630,853  
  5,155    

Bank of America Credit Card Trust, Series 2017-A1

          1.950%        8/15/22       Aaa        5,131,088  
  2,400    

Barclays Commercial Mortgage, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-STP, 144A

          4.284%        9/10/28       BBB–        2,416,629  
  4,900    

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2014-A6

          2.150%        7/15/21       Aaa        4,905,056  
  3,000    

Cold Storage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities, Series 2017-ICE3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.000% spread), (5)

          2.559%        4/15/36       AAA        3,007,430  
  4,152    

Colony American Homes Trust 2014-1A, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.150% spread), (5)

          2.709%        5/17/31       Aaa        4,163,129  
  3,940    

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates 2015-CR22

          4.122%        3/10/48       A–        3,912,973  
  3,260    

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-CR26

          4.493%        10/10/48       A–        3,165,174  
  1,610    

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2016-SAVA, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.300% spread), (5)

          3.854%        10/15/34       AA–        1,613,987  
  79    

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-24CB

          5.000%        11/25/19       BB+        78,942  
  721    

Countrywide Home Loans Mortgage, Series 2005-27

          5.500%        12/25/35       Caa1        713,196  

 

NUVEEN     97  


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)  
$ 121    

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corporation, Mortgage-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2003-23

          5.750%        9/25/33        AA+      $ 126,565  
  3,263    

DB Master Finance LLC, Series 2015-1A, 144A

          3.980%        2/20/45        BBB        3,330,309  
  2,430    

Discover Card Execution Note Trust 2012-A6

          1.670%        1/18/22        AAA        2,416,240  
  1,950    

Discover Card Execution Trust 2015-A2

          1.900%        10/17/22        AAA        1,938,150  
  3,115    

Discover Card Execution Trust 2017-A2

          2.390%        7/15/24        AAA        3,114,140  
  3,671    

Dominos Pizza Master Issuer LLC, Series 2017-1A, 144A

          3.082%        7/25/47        BBB+        3,630,495  
  114    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Interest Strips

          5.000%        9/25/24        N/R        5,223  
  3    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AL1187

          5.500%        7/01/24        N/R        3,495  
  671    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 255956

          5.500%        10/01/25        N/R        734,271  
  44    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 745101

          6.000%        4/01/32        N/R        48,059  
  187    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 745324

          6.000%        3/01/34        N/R        203,305  
  85    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 725205

          5.000%        3/01/34        N/R        91,913  
  118    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 725773

          5.500%        9/01/34        N/R        131,266  
  47    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 735060

          6.000%        11/01/34        N/R        53,717  
  35    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 824163

          5.500%        4/01/35        N/R        38,626  
  55    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 831377

          6.500%        4/01/36        N/R        62,025  
  23    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 852909

          6.500%        4/01/36        N/R        25,181  
  86    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 893318

          6.500%        8/01/36        N/R        95,971  
  12    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 905597

          3.548%        12/01/36        N/R        12,293  
  47    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 944340

          6.000%        6/01/37        N/R        53,089  
  34    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 946228

          3.364%        9/01/37        N/R        34,860  
  46    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 256890

          6.000%        9/01/37        N/R        47,996  
  (6)   

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 889618

          5.500%        5/01/38        N/R        120  
  (6)   

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 985344

          5.500%        7/01/38        N/R        71  
  211    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AA0005

          5.500%        11/01/38        N/R        233,272  
  137    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AA0889

          5.500%        12/01/38        N/R        150,286  
  9,511    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AS7348

          3.500%        6/01/46        N/R        9,775,495  
  9,307    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AS8269

          3.000%        11/01/46        N/R        9,313,090  
  5,430    

Fannie Mae TBA, (WI/DD)

          4.500%        TBA        N/R        5,770,190  
  18,600    

Fannie Mae TBA, (WI/DD)

          4.000%        TBA        N/R        19,435,024  
  28,215    

Fannie Mae TBA, (WI/DD)

          3.500%        TBA        N/R        28,938,979  
  15,205    

Fannie Mae TBA, (WI/DD)

          3.000%        TBA        N/R        15,187,253  
  2,000    

Fifth Third Auto Trust, Series 2017-1

          1.800%        2/15/22        AAA        1,985,419  
  2,050    

Finance of America Structured Security Trust, Series 2017-HB1, 144A

          3.624%        11/25/27        Baa2        2,045,797  
  3,714    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-2, 144A

          3.500%        10/25/47        Aaa        3,753,730  
  7,141    

Freddie Mac Gold Mortgage Pool

          3.500%        2/01/47        N/R        7,347,466  

 

  98      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)  
$ 11,683    

Freddie Mac Gold Mortgage Pool, (WI/DD)

          3.500%        11/01/47        N/R      $ 12,021,441  
  226    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various

          6.500%        7/01/31        N/R        250,541  
  46    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various

          7.000%        8/01/37        N/R        49,593  
  2,465    

Goldman Sachs Mortgage Securities Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-GC32

          3.345%        7/10/48        BBB–        2,038,919  
  6    

Government National Mortgage Association, Guaranteed REMIC Pass-Through Securities and MX Securities Trust

          4.500%        5/16/38        N/R        5,575  
  3,000    

Honda Auto Receivables Owner Trust 2017-2

          1.870%        9/15/23        AAA        2,968,113  
  1,149    

Impact Secured Assets Corporation, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2000-3

          8.000%        10/25/30        CCC        1,109,769  
  3,556    

Invitation Homes Trust 2015-SFR1, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.450% spread), (5)

          3.009%        3/17/32        Aaa        3,572,666  
  1,872    

Invitation Homes Trust 2017-SFR3, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.850% spread), (5)

          2.406%        12/17/36        Aaa        1,878,153  
  680    

JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-S1, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.280% spread), (5)

          1.841%        4/25/47        Caa1        663,944  
  5,000    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corporation, Pass Through Certificates Trust 2017-MAUI, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.830% spread), (5)

          2.383%        7/15/34        AAA        5,003,155  
  1,500    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Pass-Through Certificates 2017-JP5

          3.723%        3/15/50        Aaa        1,570,437  
  2,202    

Master RePerforming Loan Trust 2005-1, 144A

          7.500%        8/25/34        B3        2,273,240  
  2,750    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2014-C16, 144A

          4.755%        6/15/47        BBB–        2,423,020  
  1,955    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2015-C22, 144A

          4.241%        4/15/48        BBB–        1,685,556  
  1,930    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust , Series 2016-T1, 144A

          4.377%        6/15/49        BBB        1,929,855  
  3,100    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust, Series 2017-T1, 144A

          4.002%        2/15/51        BBB        3,083,540  
  3,305    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-6A, 144A

          4.000%        8/27/57        Aaa        3,391,454  
  3,900    

OMART Receivables Trust, Series 2016-T2, 144A

          4.446%        8/16/49        BBB        3,801,229  
  82    

Residential Accredit Loans Inc., Mortgage Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-QS12

          5.500%        8/25/35        Caa2        79,134  
  1,710    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-CH2, 144A

          4.000%        12/25/47        Aaa        1,740,416  
  4,401    

Shellpoint Co-Originator Trust, Series 2017-2, 144A

          3.500%        10/25/47        Aaa        4,513,389  
  3,144    

Starwood Waypoint Homes Trust, 2017-1, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.950% spread), (5)

          2.506%        1/17/35        Aaa        3,158,428  
  1,827    

Taco Bell Funding LLC, Series 2016-1A, 144A

          4.377%        5/25/46        BBB        1,884,641  

 

NUVEEN     99  


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)  
$ 199    

Wachovia Mortgage Loan Trust LLC, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-B

          3.740%        10/20/35       D      $ 190,219  
  170    

Washington Mutual Mortgage Securities Corporation, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-RA3

          6.277%        8/25/38       AA        178,077  
  1,635    

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-C30, 144A

          4.497%        9/15/58       BBB–        1,469,120  
  11    

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities, 2005-AR16 Class 3A2

          3.500%        3/25/35       AA+        10,785  
  2,580    

World Omni Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-B

                      1.300%        2/15/22       AAA        2,554,814  
$ 229,989    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $230,971,150)

 

     231,886,824  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 6.7%

 

      Automobiles – 0.3%                                        
$ 2,470    

General Motors Financial Company Inc.

                      5.750%        N/A (4)      BB+      $ 2,543,680  
      Banks – 2.6%                                        
  2,695    

Bank of America Corporation, (3)

          6.300%        N/A (4)      BBB–        3,045,350  
  1,935    

Citigroup Inc.

          6.250%        N/A (4)      BB+        2,134,305  
  2,000    

Cobank Agricultural Credit Bank

          6.250%        N/A (4)      BBB+        2,198,024  
  4,000    

JPMorgan Chase & Company, (3)

          6.750%        N/A (4)      BBB–        4,530,000  
  2,797    

KeyCorp Convertible Preferred Stock

          5.000%        N/A (4)      Baa3        2,880,910  
  1,000    

M&T Bank Corporation

          5.125%        N/A (4)      Baa2        1,066,300  
  4,570    

SunTrust Bank Inc.

          5.050%        N/A (4)      Baa3        4,627,125  
  1,000    

Wachovia Capital Trust III, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.930% spread, 5.570% Floor), (5)

                      5.570%        N/A (4)      BBB        1,007,500  
  19,997    

Total Banks

                                                21,489,514  
      Capital Markets – 1.0%                                        
  2,325    

Bank of New York Mellon

          4.950%        N/A (4)      Baa1        2,406,491  
  3,005    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

          5.300%        N/A (4)      Ba1        3,192,813  
  1,000    

Morgan Stanley

          5.550%        N/A (4)      BB+        1,038,750  
  1,605    

State Street Corporation

                      5.250%        N/A (4)      Baa1        1,683,324  
  7,935    

Total Capital Markets

                                                8,321,378  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.2%                                        
  1,550    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

                      6.500%        6/15/45       BB        1,693,375  
      Consumer Finance – 0.8%                                        
  2,020    

American Express Company

          5.200%        N/A (4)      Baa2        2,075,550  

 

  100      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
      Consumer Finance (continued)                                        
$ 3,920    

Capital One Financial Corporation

                      5.550%        N/A  (4)      Baa3      $ 4,057,200  
  5,940    

Total Consumer Finance

                                                6,132,750  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.5%                                        
  4,086    

General Electric Capital Corporation

          5.000%        N/A  (4)      A–        4,211,032  
  1,000    

OAS Financial Limited, 144A, (7)

                      0.000%        N/A  (4)      N/R        47,500  
  5,086    

Total Industrial Conglomerates

                                                4,258,532  
      Insurance – 0.8%                                        
  2,000    

Allstate Corporation

          5.750%        8/15/23       Baa1        2,182,000  
  3,730    

MetLife Inc.

                      5.250%        N/A  (4)      BBB        3,878,230  
  5,730    

Total Insurance

                                                6,060,230  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.1%                                        
  750    

Plains All American Pipeline L.P, (3)

                      6.125%        N/A  (4)      BB        748,875  
      Food Products – 0.4%                                        
  2,780    

Land O’ Lakes Incorporated, 144A

                      8.000%        N/A  (4)      BB        3,113,600  
$ 52,238    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $52,612,468)

 

     54,361,934  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 4.9% (8)

 

      Banks – 3.7%                                        
$ 1,590    

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited of the United Kingdom, 144A, (3)

          6.750%        N/A  (4)      Baa2      $ 1,808,625  
  1,400    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A

          6.125%        N/A  (4)      BB        1,443,750  
  1,300    

Banco Mercantil del Norte, 144A

          7.625%        N/A  (4)      BB        1,423,500  
  2,000    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

          8.125%        N/A  (4)      BBB–        2,398,424  
  2,410    

HSBC Holdings PLC

          6.875%        N/A  (4)      BBB        2,596,775  
  2,000    

ING Groep N.V

          6.000%        N/A  (4)      BBB–        2,073,000  
  2,300    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

          7.700%        N/A  (4)      BB–        2,489,750  
  3,000    

Lloydys Banking Group PLC

          7.500%        N/A  (4)      BB+        3,401,250  
  1,600    

Nordea Bank AB, 144A

          6.125%        N/A  (4)      BBB        1,722,400  
  3,134    

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

          7.500%        N/A  (4)      BB–        3,314,205  
  1,000    

Societe Generale, 144A

          7.375%        N/A  (4)      BB+        1,083,800  
  1,880    

Standard Chartered PLC, 144A

          7.500%        N/A  (4)      Ba1        2,035,100  
  1,535    

UniCredit SpA, Reg S

          8.000%        N/A  (4)      B+        1,679,972  
  2,395    

Westpac Banking Corp.

                      5.000%        N/A  (4)      Baa2        2,387,860  
  27,544    

Total Banks

                                                29,858,411  
      Capital Markets – 0.9%                                        
  2,000    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

          7.500%        N/A  (4)      BB        2,284,800  

 

NUVEEN     101  


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
      Capital Markets (continued)                                        
$ 2,000    

Macquarie Bank Limited, 144A

          0.000%        N/A  (4)      Ba1      $ 2,077,500  
  2,800    

UBS Group AG, Reg S

                      7.125%        N/A  (4)      BBB–        2,973,040  
  6,800    

Total Capital Markets

                                                7,335,340  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.3%                             
  2,330    

BNP Paribas, 144A

                      7.375%        N/A  (4)      BBB–        2,691,150  
$ 36,674    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $37,764,813)

 

             39,884,901  
Principal
Amount (000) (9)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
 

SOVEREIGN DEBT – 4.0%

 

             
      Egypt – 0.4%                             
$ 3,090    

Arab Republic of Egypt, 144A

                      6.125%        1/31/22       B      $ 3,232,295  
      El Salvador – 0.2%               
  1,100    

Republic of El Salvador, 144A

                      6.375%        1/18/27       B–        1,119,250  
      Germany – 1.5%                                        
  10,300  EUR   

Deutschland Republic, Reg S

                      0.250%        2/15/27       Aaa        12,241,470  
      Honduras – 0.4%                                        
  2,800    

Republic of Honduras, 144A

                      8.750%        12/16/20       BB–        3,137,260  
      Mexico – 0.9%                                        
  1,687 MXN   

Mexico Bonos de DeSarrollo

                      5.750%        3/05/26       A3        7,584,186  
      Saudi Arabia – 0.4%                             
  3,250    

Saudi Government International Bond, 144A

                      3.625%        3/04/28       A1        3,220,750  
      Sri Lanka – 0.2%                                        
  1,400    

Republic of Sri Lanka, 144A

                      6.125%        6/03/25       B+        1,479,867  
 

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $31,705,342)

 

                               32,015,078  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity     Ratings (2)      Value  
 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 2.8%

 

    
$ 23,155    

United States Treasury Notes

                      1.750%        9/30/22       Aaa      $ 22,688,219  
$ 23,155    

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $22,792,800)

 

                      22,688,219  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (10)      Reference
Rate (10)
     Spread (10)      Maturity (11)     Ratings (2)      Value  
 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 0.7% (10)

 

    
      Containers & Packaging – 0.2%                             
$ 1,000    

Packaging Coordinators Inc., Second Lien Term Loan

    10.320%        3-Month LIBOR        8.750%        6/30/24       CCC+      $ 1,000,000  

 

  102      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (10)      Reference
Rate (10)
     Spread (10)      Maturity (11)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Containers & Packaging (continued)                              
$ 993    

Packaging Coordinators Inc., First Lien Term Loan

    5.570%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        6/29/23        B      $ 988,389  
  1,993    

Total Containers & Packaging

 

                                         1,988,389  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.1%                              
  879    

Jill Acquisition LLC, First Lien Term Loan B

    6.380%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        5/08/22        B        832,442  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.1%  
  65    

Empire Generating Company LLC, Term Loan C

    5.630%        3-Month LIBOR        4.250%        3/13/21        B        54,619  
  660    

Empire Generating Company LLC

    5.630%        3-Month LIBOR        4.250%        3/13/21        B        552,452  
  725    

Total Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

 

     607,071  
      Professional Services – 0.3%                              
  1,000    

Sedgwick Claims Management Service Inc., Second Lien Term Loan

    7.319%        3-Month LIBOR        5.750%        2/28/22        CCC+        1,008,750  
  1,000    

Sedgwick Claims Management Service Inc., Second Lien Term Loan

    7.229%        3-Month LIBOR        5.750%        2/28/22        CCC+        1,010,000  
  2,000    

Total Professional Services

 

                                2,018,750  
$ 5,597    

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $5,540,109)

 

     5,446,652  
Shares     Description (1)                   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETIAL PREFERRED – 0.3%

 

      Banks – 0.3%                                         
  20,600    

AgriBank FCB, (12)

                      6.875%                 BBB+      $ 2,255,700  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $2,060,000)

 

     2,255,700  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Optional Call
Provisions (13)
             Ratings (2)      Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS – 0.2%

 

           
      Georgia – 0.2%                                         
$ 1,550    

Georgia Municipal Electric Authority, Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 Project P Bonds, Refunding Taxable Build America Bonds Series 2010A, 7.055%, 4/01/57

                      No Opt. Call                 A–      $ 1,915,273  
$ 1,550    

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $1,686,525)

 

                                1,915,273  

 

NUVEEN     103  


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Shares     Description (1)                                           Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS – 0.0%

 

           
      Building Products – 0.0%                              
  49    

Dayton Superior Class A, (14), (15)

                 $ 2,839  
  55    

Dayton Superior Class 1, (15)

                                                 3,154  
 

Total Building Products

                                                 5,993  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.0%                                         
  8,064    

Dynegy Inc.

                                                 95,558  
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $270,063)

                                                 101,551  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $784,019,584)

                                                 798,164,008  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                                      Value  
      INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 2.3%  
      Money Market Funds – 2.3%                                         
  18,877,725    

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, (17)

    1.196% (16)                                          $ 18,877,725  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $18,877,725)

 

     18,877,725  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                                      Value  
      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 9.7%                                         
      Money Market Funds – 9.7%                                         
  78,670,593    

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class Z

    1.181% (16)                                          $ 78,670,593  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $78,670,593)

                                                 78,670,593  
 

Total Investments (cost $881,567,902) – 110.4%

                                                 895,712,326  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (10.4)% (18)

                                                 (84,133,409
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                               $ 811,578,917  

Investments in Derivatives

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

 

Currency Purchased

   Notional Amount
(Local Currency)
     Currency Sold      Notional Amount
(Local Currency)
     Counterparty      Settlement
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
(U.S. Dollars)
 

U.S. Dollar

     1,052,350        Canadian Dollar        1,339,000        Goldman Sacks Bank USA        1/16/18      $ (13,223

U.S. Dollar

     476,981        Euro        410,000        Citibank, National Association        1/16/18        (15,509

U.S. Dollar

     12,157,177        Euro        10,260,000        Bank of America, N.A.        2/13/18        (187,235

U.S. Dollar

     8,051,982        Mexican Peso        154,900,000        Bank of America, N.A.        1/29/18        223,498  
Total                                                 $ 7,531  
Total unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts      $ 223,498  
Total unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts      $ (215,967

Credit Default Swaps – OTC Cleared

 

Referenced Entity   Buy/Sell
Protection (19)
    Notional
Amount
    Fixed Rate
(Annualized)
    Fixed Rate
Payment
Frequency
    Maturity
Date
    Value     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
   

Unrealized

Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Variation Margin

Receivable/
(Payable)

 
Markit CDX.NA.HY.29     Buy     $ 40,000,000       5.000     Quarterly       12/20/22     $ (3,379,553   $ (3,103,674   $ (275,879   $ (59,122

 

  104      NUVEEN


Futures Contracts

 

Description      Contract
Position
     Number of
Contracts
     Contract
Expiration
     Notional
Amount*
     Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note

       Long        399        3/18      $ 46,606,032      $ 46,349,461      $ (256,571    $ 37,406  

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note

       Short        (655      3/18        (81,631,982      (81,250,703      381,279        (124,350

U.S. Treasury Long Bond

       Long        155        3/18        23,747,775        23,715,000        (32,775      43,594  

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Note

       Short        (345      3/18        (46,221,583      (46,079,063      142,520        (97,031

U.S. Treasury Ultra Bond

       Long        268        3/18        44,694,061        44,931,875        237,814        117,250  

Total

                                $ (12,805,697    $ (12,333,430    $ 472,267      $ (23,131

Total receivable for variation margin on futures contracts

 

                              $ 198,250  

Total payable for variation margin on futures contracts

 

                                       $ (221,381
* Total aggregate notional amount of long and short positions is $91,300,093 and $(104,105,790), respectively.

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets.

 

(2) For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.

 

(3) Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $18,174,658.

 

(4) Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(5) Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(6) Principal Amount (000) rounds to less than $1,000.

 

(7) As of, or subsequent to, the end of the reporting period, this security is non-income producing. Non-income producing, in the case of a fixed-income security, generally denotes that the issuer has (1) defaulted on the payment of principal or interest, (2) is under the protection of the Federal Bankruptcy court or (3) the Fund’s Adviser has concluded that the issue is not likely to meet its future interest payment obligations and has ceased accruing additional income on the Fund’s records.

 

(8) Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) are hybrid securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer. For example, the terms may specify an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level.

 

(9) Principal Amount (000) denominated in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise noted.

 

(10) Senior Loans generally pay interest at rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term, floating lending rate plus an assigned fixed rate. These floating lending rates are generally (i) the lending rate referenced by the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks. Senior Loans may be considered restricted in that the Fund ordinarily is contractually obligated to receive approval from the Agent Bank and/or Borrower prior to the disposition of a Senior Loan. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(11) Senior Loans generally are subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment. Because of these mandatory prepayment conditions and because there may be significant economic incentives for a Borrower to prepay, prepayments of Senior Loans may occur. As a result, the actual remaining maturity of Senior Loans held may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown.

 

(12) For fair value measurement purposes, investment classified as Level 2. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 2 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(13) Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgagebacked securities may be subject to periodic principal paydowns.

 

(14) Non-income producing; issuer has not declared a dividend within the past twelve months.

 

(15) Investment valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by, or at the discretion of, the Board. For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 3. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 2 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(16) The rate shown is the annualized seven-day subsidized yield as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(17) The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the fair value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks and other institutions. The Fund maintains collateral equal to at least 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Securities Lending for more information.

 

(18) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

(19) The Fund entered into the credit default swaps to gain investment exposure to the referenced entity. Selling protection has a similar credit risk position to owning the referenced entity. Buying protection has a similar credit risk position to selling the referenced entity short.

 

144A Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

CAD Canadian Dollar

 

EUR Euro

 

MXN Mexican Peso

 

LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

Reg S Regulation S allows U.S. companies to sell securities to persons or entities located outside of the United States without registering those securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, Regulation S provides a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the offers and sales of securities by both foreign and domestic issuers that are made outside the United States.

 

TBA To be announced. Maturity date not known prior to settlement of this transaction.

 

WI/DD Investment, or portion of investment, purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     105  


Statement of

  Assets and Liabilities   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

      Core
Bond
       Core Plus
Bond
       High Income
Bond
 

Assets

                              

Long-term investments, at value (cost $132,722,820, $358,506,507 and $348,815,239, respectively)

   $ 135,862,149        $ 367,060,535        $ 333,449,068  

Investments purchased with collateral from securities lending, at value (cost approximates value)

     1,008,625          2,110,300          32,559,058  

Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value)

     1,981,954          33,679,639          11,637,062  

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (cost $—, $— and $68,832, respectively)

                       70,480  

Cash

     11,805          72,239           

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in futures contracts(1)

     59,600          334,600          22,000  

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in swaps(1)

              361,376           

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

                       25,788  

Receivable for:

            

Dividends

                       95,018  

Due from broker

     309          1,587          56,232  

Interest

     871,794          2,523,510          5,937,702  

Investments sold

              2,250,081          237,151  

Reclaims

              31,127           

Shares sold

     324,862          1,698,323          2,065,648  

Variation margin on futures contracts

     20,714          39,750          3,656  

Variation margin on swap contracts

              4,032           

Other assets

     52,642          70,387          87,307  

Total assets

     140,194,454          410,237,486          386,246,170  

Liabilities

            

Credit default swaps premiums received

              262,243           

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

              55,933          59,921  

Payable for:

            

Collateral from securities lending program

     1,008,625          2,110,300          32,559,058  

Dividends

     104,199          481,395          285,580  

Investments purchased

     1,793,352          32,590,035           

Shares redeemed

     128,348          697,422          4,167,833  

Variation margin on future contracts

     32,375          11,480           

Variation margin on swap contracts

                        

Accrued expenses:

            

Management fees

     34,641          107,682          158,934  

Directors fees

     20,142          34,349          35,703  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     14,663          61,856          60,431  

12b-1 distribution and service fees

     4,307          18,170          69,063  

Other

     51,343          169,971          64,200  

Total liabilities

     3,191,995          36,600,836          37,460,723  

Net assets

   $ 137,002,459        $ 373,636,650        $ 348,785,447  

 

(1) Cash pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  106      NUVEEN


      Inflation
Protected
Securities
       Short Term
Bond
       Strategic
Income
 

Assets

                              

Long-term investments, at value (cost $602,631,967, $513,238,597 and $784,019,584, respectively)

   $ 609,072,357        $ 511,988,236        $ 798,164,008  

Investments purchased with collateral from securities lending, at value (cost approximates value)

     1,642,688          7,882,205          18,877,725  

Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value)

     8,108,769          875,738          78,670,593  

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (cost $—, $— and $—, respectively)

                        

Cash

     15,329                   360,052  

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in futures contracts(1)

     149,000          180,900          949,600  

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in swaps(1)

                       5,195,398  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

                       223,498  

Receivable for:

            

Dividends

     3,625                   35,407  

Due from broker

     1,189          4,131          8,371  

Interest

     1,529,681          2,652,786          6,773,892  

Investments sold

              14,134,060          662,839  

Reclaims

                        

Shares sold

     2,418,510          1,203,631          1,784,967  

Variation margin on futures contracts

     29,203          29,499          198,250  

Variation margin on swap contracts

                        

Other assets

     63,307          88,082          90,633  

Total assets

     623,033,658          539,039,268          911,995,233  

Liabilities

            

Credit default swaps premiums received

                       3,103,674  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

                       215,967  

Payable for:

            

Collateral from securities lending program

     1,642,688          7,882,205          18,877,725  

Dividends

     401,249          376,205          1,195,279  

Investments purchased

                       73,922,747  

Shares redeemed

     1,249,969          831,044          1,861,975  

Variation margin on future contracts

     47,337          21,125          221,381  

Variation margin on swap contracts

                       59,122  

Accrued expenses:

            

Management fees

     102,784          149,394          285,242  

Directors fees

     27,118          46,513          50,244  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     315,102          62,095          151,332  

12b-1 distribution and service fees

     32,501          38,265          92,303  

Other

     90,785          84,055          379,325  

Total liabilities

     3,909,533          9,490,901          100,416,316  

Net assets

   $ 619,124,125        $ 529,548,367        $ 811,578,917  

 

(1) Cash pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     107  


Statement of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited) (continued)

 

      Core
Bond
       Core Plus
Bond
       High Income
Bond
 

Class A Shares

            

Net assets

   $ 13,547,513        $ 56,327,542        $ 132,791,552  

Shares outstanding

     1,386,879          5,109,434          17,057,836  

Net asset value (“NAV”) per share

   $ 9.77        $ 11.02        $ 7.78  

Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of 3.00%, 4.25% and 4.75%, respectively, of offering price)

   $ 10.07        $ 11.51        $ 8.17  

Class C Shares

            

Net assets

   $ 1,904,363        $ 6,466,311        $ 48,043,571  

Shares outstanding

     195,569          589,315          6,179,636  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 9.74        $ 10.97        $ 7.77  

Class R3 Shares

            

Net assets

   $        $ 1,240,593        $ 603,342  

Shares outstanding

              111,962          75,903  

NAV and offering price per share

   $        $ 11.08        $ 7.95  

Class R6 Shares

            

Net assets

   $ 59,270,174        $ 24,315,787        $  

Shares outstanding

     6,080,715          2,205,995           

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 9.75        $ 11.02        $  

Class I Shares

            

Net assets

   $ 62,280,409        $ 285,286,417        $ 167,322,305  

Shares outstanding

     6,402,120          25,926,351          21,421,987  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 9.73        $ 11.00        $ 7.81  

Class T Shares(1)

            

Net assets

   $        $        $ 24,677  

Shares outstanding

                       3,161  

NAV per share

   $        $        $ 7.81  

Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of —%, —% and 2.50%, respectively, of offering price)

   $        $        $ 8.01  

Net assets consist of:

                              

Capital paid-in

   $ 136,573,828        $ 372,154,180        $ 459,921,967  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income

     (257,967        (3,110,296        1,457,280  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (2,535,612        (3,885,866        (97,180,868

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     3,222,210          8,478,632          (15,412,932

Net assets

   $ 137,002,459        $ 373,636,650        $ 348,785,447  

Authorized shares – per class

     2 billion          2 billion          2 billion  

Par value per share

     0.0001          0.0001          0.0001  

 

(1) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  108      NUVEEN


      Inflation
Protected
Securities
       Short Term
Bond
       Strategic
Income
 

Class A Shares

            

Net assets

   $ 104,425,520        $ 88,190,212        $ 128,697,319  

Shares outstanding

     9,428,657          8,985,575          12,133,679  

Net asset value (“NAV”) per share

   $ 11.08        $ 9.81        $ 10.61  

Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of 4.25%, 2.25% and 4.25%, respectively, of offering price)

   $ 11.57        $ 10.04        $ 11.08  

Class C Shares

       

Net assets

   $ 9,964,206        $ 22,738,580        $ 72,203,819  

Shares outstanding

     914,948          2,306,637          6,843,327  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 10.89        $ 9.86        $ 10.55  

Class R3 Shares

            

Net assets

   $ 5,319,978        $ 423,752        $ 6,751,233  

Shares outstanding

     484,767          43,071          634,174  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 10.97        $ 9.84        $ 10.65  

Class R6 Shares

            

Net assets

   $ 47,011,281        $ 93,607,218        $ 46,638,517  

Shares outstanding

     4,171,588          9,512,233          4,387,194  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 11.27        $ 9.84        $ 10.63  

Class I Shares

            

Net assets

   $ 452,403,140        $ 324,588,605        $ 557,263,181  

Shares outstanding

     40,376,917          33,038,736          52,555,333  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 11.20        $ 9.82        $ 10.60  

Class T Shares(1)

            

Net assets

   $        $        $ 24,848  

Shares outstanding

                       2,343  

NAV per share

   $        $        $ 10.61  

Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of —%, —% and 2.50%, respectively, of offering price)

   $        $        $ 10.88  

Net assets consist of:

                   

Capital paid-in

   $ 615,591,077        $ 544,382,584        $ 897,856,622  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income

     1,713,767          (727,815        (13,352,992

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (4,702,103        (12,700,068        (87,050,419

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     6,521,384          (1,406,334        14,125,706  

Net assets

   $ 619,124,125        $ 529,548,367        $ 811,578,917  

Authorized shares – per class

     2 billion          2 billion          2 billion  

Par value per share

     0.0001          0.0001          0.0001  

 

(1) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     109  


Statement of

  Operations   Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

      Core
Bond
       Core Plus
Bond
       High Income
Bond
 

Investment Income

            

Dividend income

   $        $        $ 646,321  

Interest income

     2,213,961          6,790,985          13,506,578  

Securities lending income

     2,100          28,419          208,384  

Total investment income

     2,216,061          6,819,404          14,361,283  

Expenses

            

Management fees

     329,434          866,533          1,065,593  

12b-1 service fees – Class A Shares

     16,748          71,999          166,630  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class C Shares

     8,568          34,877          241,894  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class R3 Shares

              3,216          1,844  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class T Shares(1)

                       31  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     32,128          124,450          141,542  

Custodian fees

     37,312          68,467          66,160  

Directors fees

     2,488          6,584          6,484  

Professional fees

     27,098          35,947          35,184  

Shareholder reporting expenses

     10,602          25,824          36,127  

Federal and state registration fees

     32,512          41,474          55,676  

Other

     5,540          8,386          40,220  

Total expenses before fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     502,430          1,287,757          1,857,385  

Fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     (124,253        (221,434        (83,775

Net expenses

     378,177          1,066,323          1,773,610  

Net investment income (loss)

     1,837,884          5,753,081          12,587,673  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

            

Net realized gain (loss) from:

            

Investments and foreign currency

     653,894          3,852,842          (1,890,539

Forward foreign currency contracts

              (154,629        (237,092

Futures contracts

     268,199          437,724          (4,816

Options purchased

              (16,404         

Swaps

              (193,771         

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

            

Investments and foreign currency

     (738,149        (3,705,017        550,006  

Forward foreign currency contracts

              138,858          147,942  

Futures contracts

     (108,789        (202,961        (11,807

Options purchased

              13,451           

Swaps

              (22,738         

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     75,155          147,355          (1,446,306

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

   $ 1,913,039        $ 5,900,436        $ 11,141,367  

 

(1) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  110      NUVEEN


      Inflation
Protected
Securities
       Short Term
Bond
       Strategic
Income
 

Investment Income

            

Dividend income

   $ 7,250        $        $ 112,941  

Interest income

     6,864,318          6,422,498          16,487,124  

Securities lending income

     10,634          15,150          79,914  

Total investment income

     6,882,202          6,437,648          16,679,979  

Expenses

            

Management fees

     1,237,935          1,117,341          2,110,547  

12b-1 service fees – Class A Shares

     131,440          115,099          170,501  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class C Shares

     52,118          120,648          375,295  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class R3 Shares

     13,806          1,060          17,907  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class T Shares(1)

                       31  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     723,197          131,420          318,047  

Custodian fees

     47,050          71,049          100,484  

Directors fees

     11,003          9,827          14,316  

Professional fees

     45,655          43,008          52,205  

Shareholder reporting expenses

     48,813          28,848          71,340  

Federal and state registration fees

     42,998          48,441          44,622  

Other

     5,301          8,747          9,943  

Total expenses before fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     2,359,316          1,695,488          3,285,238  

Fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     (571,334        (176,528        (406,910

Net expenses

     1,787,982          1,518,960          2,878,328  

Net investment income (loss)

     5,094,220          4,918,688          13,801,651  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

            

Net realized gain (loss) from:

            

Investments and foreign currency

     172,091          215,493          5,423,284  

Forward foreign currency contracts

                       (908,836

Futures contracts

     309,720          (264,608        1,911,065  

Options purchased

                       (71,345

Swaps

                       (2,558,311

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

            

Investments and foreign currency

     6,208,761          (2,223,062        (4,264,037

Forward foreign currency contracts

                       951,542  

Futures contracts

     (168,421        (186,216        (545,487

Options purchased

                       58,501  

Swaps

                       264,549  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     6,522,151          (2,458,393        260,925  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

   $ 11,616,371        $ 2,460,295        $ 14,062,576  

 

(1) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     111  


Statement of

  Changes in Net Assets  

(Unaudited)

 

     Core Bond            Core Plus Bond  
      Six Months Ended
12/31/17
     Year Ended
6/30/17
            Six Months Ended
12/31/17
    

Year Ended
6/30/17

 

Operations

             

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 1,837,884      $ 3,957,122        $ 5,753,081      $ 13,462,247  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     653,894        1,094,016          3,852,842        3,481,669  

Forward foreign currency contracts

                     (154,629      (377,450

Futures contracts

     268,199        (1,099,892        437,724        117,343  

Options purchased

                     (16,404      (189,915

Swaps

                     (193,771      (2,414,363

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     (738,149      (4,983,483        (3,705,017      (1,417,518

Forward foreign currency contracts

                     138,858        154,851  

Futures contracts

     (108,789      215,835          (202,961      62,649  

Options purchased

                     13,451        (13,451

Swaps

                           (22,738      2,131,286  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     1,913,039        (816,402              5,900,436        14,997,348  

Distributions to Shareholders

             

From net investment income:

             

Class A Shares

     (154,871      (306,135        (928,373      (1,420,028

Class C Shares

     (13,557      (27,096        (86,231      (132,502

Class R3 Shares

                     (19,215      (214,891

Class R6 Shares

     (760,845      (1,414,133        (420,127      (635,081

Class I Shares

     (846,722      (2,106,287        (4,831,059      (7,238,587

Class T Shares(1)

                             

From accumulated net realized gains:

             

Class A Shares

                             

Class C Shares

                             

Class R3 Shares

                             

Class R6 Shares

                             

Class I Shares

                             

Class T Shares(1)

                             

Return of capital:

             

Class A Shares

            (24,751               (796,441

Class C Shares

            (3,373               (107,897

Class R3 Shares

                            (126,056

Class R6 Shares

            (102,536               (320,604

Class I Shares

            (152,775               (3,651,042

Class T Shares(1)

                                   

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (1,775,995      (4,137,086              (6,285,005      (14,643,129

Fund Share Transactions

             

Proceeds from sale of shares

     6,383,514        17,939,062          43,865,890        64,405,698  

Proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

     1,133,927        2,509,337                3,674,113        8,528,468  
     7,517,441        20,448,399          47,540,003        72,934,166  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (13,627,353      (55,410,123              (33,342,021      (107,070,562

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

     (6,109,912      (34,961,724              14,197,982        (34,136,396

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (5,972,868      (39,915,212        13,813,413        (33,782,177

Net assets at the beginning of period

     142,975,327        182,890,539                359,823,237        393,605,414  

Net assets at the end of period

   $ 137,002,459      $ 142,975,327              $ 373,636,650      $ 359,823,237  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period

   $ (257,967    $ (319,856            $ (3,110,296    $ (2,578,372

 

(1) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  112      NUVEEN


    

High Income Bond

          

Inflation Protected Securities

 
      Six Months Ended
12/31/17
    

Year Ended
6/30/17

            Six Months Ended
12/31/17
    

Year Ended
6/30/17

 

Operations

             

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 12,587,673      $ 31,041,673        $ 5,094,220      $ 11,146,193  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     (1,890,539      (1,337,739        172,091        1,334,814  

Forward foreign currency contracts

     (237,092      210,744                  

Futures contracts

     (4,816      (137,663        309,720        (3,448,952

Options purchased

                             

Swaps

            (30,036                

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     550,006        32,917,584          6,208,761        (16,784,072

Forward foreign currency contracts

     147,942        (114,776                

Futures contracts

     (11,807      (275,326        (168,421      (295,008

Options purchased

                             

Swaps

                                   

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     11,141,367        62,274,461                11,616,371        (8,047,025

Distributions to Shareholders

             

From net investment income:

             

Class A Shares

     (4,493,959      (11,349,409        (1,336,068      (1,153,307

Class C Shares

     (1,457,664      (2,883,575        (93,008      (63,715

Class R3 Shares

     (23,925      (52,021        (62,529      (87,641

Class R6 Shares

                     (603,898      (243,084

Class I Shares

     (6,279,811      (16,098,152        (6,373,232      (5,866,832

Class T Shares(1)

     (844      (141                

From accumulated net realized gains:

             

Class A Shares

                             

Class C Shares

                             

Class R3 Shares

                             

Class R6 Shares

                             

Class I Shares

                             

Class T Shares(1)

                             

Return of capital:

             

Class A Shares

                             

Class C Shares

                             

Class R3 Shares

                             

Class R6 Shares

                             

Class I Shares

                             

Class T Shares(1)

                                   

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (12,256,203      (30,383,298              (8,468,735      (7,414,579

Fund Share Transactions

             

Proceeds from sale of shares

     144,236,788        527,158,862          96,571,561        327,307,816  

Proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

     10,299,982        23,319,008                3,254,069        3,010,711  
     154,536,770        550,477,870          99,825,630        330,318,527  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (190,400,958      (561,646,868              (87,200,114      (239,408,167

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

     (35,864,188      (11,168,998              12,625,516        90,910,360  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (36,979,024      20,722,165          15,773,152        75,448,756  

Net assets at the beginning of period

     385,764,471        365,042,306                603,350,973        527,902,217  

Net assets at the end of period

   $ 348,785,447      $ 385,764,471              $ 619,124,125      $ 603,350,973  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period

   $ 1,457,280      $ 1,125,810              $ 1,713,767      $ 5,088,282  

 

(1) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     113  


Statement of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) (continued)

 

     Short Term Bond            Strategic Income  
      Six Months Ended
12/31/17
    

Year Ended
6/30/17

            Six Months Ended
12/31/17
    

Year Ended
6/30/17

 

Operations

             

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 4,918,688      $ 10,231,004        $ 13,801,651      $ 32,606,064  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     215,493        729,844          5,423,284        (1,535,971

Forward foreign currency contracts

                     (908,836      (2,742,500

Futures contracts

     (264,608      (326,015        1,911,065        243,580  

Options purchased

                     (71,345      (830,201

Swaps

                     (2,558,311      (5,806,488

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     (2,223,062      (2,250,536        (4,264,037      23,950,852  

Forward foreign currency contracts

                     951,542        (216,207

Futures contracts

     (186,216      475,812          (545,487      1,173,900  

Options purchased

                     58,501        (58,501

Swaps

                           264,549        2,651,990  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     2,460,295        8,860,109                14,062,576        49,436,518  

Distributions to Shareholders

             

From net investment income:

             

Class A Shares

     (720,978      (1,440,422        (2,941,081      (4,700,078

Class C Shares

     (94,326      (206,915        (1,330,523      (1,697,178

Class R3 Shares

     (2,682      (4,210        (145,629      (189,836

Class R6 Shares

     (872,039      (1,266,480        (705,477      (888,278

Class I Shares

     (3,092,831      (6,537,353        (12,498,207      (14,906,062

Class T Shares(1)

                     (543       

From accumulated net realized gains:

             

Class A Shares

                             

Class C Shares

                             

Class R3 Shares

                             

Class R6 Shares

                             

Class I Shares

                             

Class T Shares(1)

                             

Return of capital:

             

Class A Shares

            (96,946               (3,734,095

Class C Shares

            (29,934               (1,850,649

Class R3 Shares

            (357               (164,969

Class R6 Shares

            (73,173               (655,316

Class I Shares

            (378,818               (10,925,506

Class T Shares(1)

                                  (104

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (4,782,856      (10,034,608              (17,621,460      (39,712,071

Fund Share Transactions

             

Proceeds from sale of shares

     95,109,650        253,678,451          156,381,001        244,895,885  

Proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

     2,458,541        4,633,178                10,529,629        23,514,671  
     97,568,191        258,311,629          166,910,630        268,410,556  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (127,395,170      (305,880,953              (122,068,839      (300,622,459

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

     (29,826,979      (47,569,324              44,841,791        (32,211,903

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (32,149,540      (48,743,823        41,282,907        (22,487,456

Net assets at the beginning of period

     561,697,907        610,441,730                770,296,010        792,780,466  

Net assets at the end of period

   $ 529,548,367      $ 561,697,907              $ 811,578,917      $ 770,293,010  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period

   $ (727,815    $ (863,647            $ (13,352,992    $ (9,533,183

 

(1) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  114      NUVEEN


THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

NUVEEN     115  


Financial

Highlights (Unaudited)

 

Core Bond

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

          Investment Operations           Less Distributions           

Class (Commencement Date)

 

 

Year Ended June 30,

  Beginning
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
       Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       Total            From
Net
Investment
Income
       From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
       Return
of
Capital
       Total        Ending
NAV
 

Class A (1/95)

 

                                 

2018(f)

  $ 9.76     $ 0.12        $        $ 0.12       $ (0.11      $        $        $ (0.11      $ 9.77  

2017

    10.05       0.22          (0.28        (0.06       (0.21                 (0.02        (0.23        9.76  

2016

    9.97       0.23          0.17          0.40         (0.22        (0.06        (0.04        (0.32        10.05  

2015

    10.36       0.25          (0.19        0.06         (0.28        (0.17                 (0.45        9.97  

2014

    10.13       0.24          0.35          0.59         (0.22        (0.14                 (0.36        10.36  

2013

    10.67       0.18          (0.20        (0.02             (0.18        (0.34                 (0.52        10.13  

Class C (1/11)

 

                                 

2018(f)

    9.73       0.08          0.01          0.09         (0.08                          (0.08        9.74  

2017

    10.02       0.15          (0.28        (0.13       (0.14                 (0.02        (0.16        9.73  

2016

    9.94       0.15          0.17          0.32         (0.14        (0.06        (0.04        (0.24        10.02  

2015

    10.32       0.17          (0.19        (0.02       (0.19        (0.17                 (0.36        9.94  

2014

    10.08       0.16          0.36          0.52         (0.14        (0.14                 (0.28        10.32  

2013

    10.62       0.09          (0.19        (0.10             (0.09        (0.35                 (0.44        10.08  

Class R6 (1/15)

 

                                 

2018(f)

    9.74       0.13          0.01          0.14         (0.13                          (0.13        9.75  

2017

    10.02       0.25          (0.27        (0.02       (0.24                 (0.02        (0.26        9.74  

2016

    9.94       0.26          0.16          0.42         (0.24        (0.06        (0.04        (0.34        10.02  

2015(e)

    10.22       0.12          (0.27        (0.15             (0.13                          (0.13        9.94  

Class I (1/93)

 

                                 

2018(f)

    9.72       0.13          0.01          0.14         (0.13                          (0.13        9.73  

2017

    10.01       0.24          (0.27        (0.03       (0.24                 (0.02        (0.26        9.72  

2016

    9.93       0.25          0.17          0.42         (0.24        (0.06        (0.04        (0.34        10.01  

2015

    10.32       0.27          (0.19        0.08         (0.30        (0.17                 (0.47        9.93  

2014

    10.09       0.26          0.22          0.48         (0.11        (0.14                 (0.25        10.32  

2013

    10.63       0.20          (0.20                      (0.21        (0.33                 (0.54        10.09  

 

  116      NUVEEN


      Ratios/Supplemental Data  
                  Ratios to Average
Net Assets Before
Waiver/Reimbursement
          Ratios to Average
Net Assets After
Waiver/Reimbursement(c)
          
Total
Return(b)
    Ending
Net
Assets
(000)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
       Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                        
  1.28   $ 13,548         0.96 %*         2.20 %*        0.78 %*         2.37 %*         21
  (0.56     13,182         0.93          2.09         0.78          2.24          85  
  4.12       15,185         0.87          2.21         0.78          2.30          75  
  0.52       14,448         0.85          2.34         0.78          2.40          44  
  5.94       14,857         0.81          2.29         0.78          2.32          49  
  (0.38     18,331               0.79          1.63               0.78          1.65          85  
                        
  0.91       1,904         1.71        1.44       1.53        1.61        21  
  (1.33     1,720         1.68          1.34         1.53          1.49          85  
  3.31       1,767         1.63          1.46         1.53          1.55          75  
  (0.20     971         1.61          1.59         1.53          1.67          44  
  5.24       514         1.56          1.54         1.53          1.57          49  
  (1.17     585               1.54          0.87               1.53          0.88          85  
                        
  1.40       59,270         0.64        2.51       0.46        2.69        21  
  (0.22     58,545         0.61          2.41         0.46          2.56          85  
  4.38       58,699         0.57          2.51         0.48          2.60          75  
  (1.46     45,145               0.56        2.60             0.48        2.68        44  
                        
  1.41       62,280         0.71        2.44       0.53        2.62        21  
  (0.32     69,528         0.68          2.32         0.53          2.47          85  
  4.39       107,240         0.62          2.46         0.53          2.55          75  
  0.78       176,468         0.59          2.59         0.53          2.65          44  
  6.21       329,901         0.56          2.53         0.53          2.56          49  
  (0.16     481,088               0.54          1.88               0.53          1.89          85  

 

(a) Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.  
(b) Total return is the combination of changes in NAV without any sales charge, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. Total returns are not annualized.  
(c) After fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. See Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates, Management Fees for more information.  
(d) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.  
(e) For the period January 20, 2015 (commencement of operations) through June 30, 2015.  
(f) For the six months ended December 31, 2017.  
* Annualized.  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     117  


Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Core Plus Bond

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

          Investment Operations           Less Distributions           

Class (Commencement Date)

 

 

Year Ended June 30,

  Beginning
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
       Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       Total            From
Net
Investment
Income
       From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
       Return
of
Capital
       Total        Ending
NAV
 

Class A (12/87)

 

                            

2018(f)

  $ 11.04     $ 0.16        $        $ 0.16       $ (0.18      $        $        $ (0.18      $ 11.02  

2017

    11.01       0.37          0.07          0.44         (0.26                 (0.15        (0.41        11.04  

2016

    11.25       0.44          (0.22        0.22         (0.44        (0.02                 (0.46        11.01  

2015

    11.75       0.45          (0.49        (0.04       (0.44        (0.02                 (0.46        11.25  

2014

    11.46       0.46          0.45          0.91         (0.43        (0.19                 (0.62        11.75  

2013

    11.64       0.41          (0.12        0.29               (0.42        (0.05                 (0.47        11.46  

Class C (2/99)

 

                            

2018(f)

    10.98       0.12          0.01          0.13         (0.14                          (0.14        10.97  

2017

    10.96       0.29          0.05          0.34         (0.17                 (0.15        (0.32        10.98  

2016

    11.20       0.35          (0.22        0.13         (0.35        (0.02                 (0.37        10.96  

2015

    11.69       0.36          (0.48        (0.12       (0.35        (0.02                 (0.37        11.20  

2014

    11.40       0.37          0.45          0.82         (0.34        (0.19                 (0.53        11.69  

2013

    11.59       0.32          (0.12        0.20               (0.34        (0.05                 (0.39        11.40  

Class R3 (9/01)

 

                            

2018(f)

    11.09       0.15          0.01          0.16         (0.17                          (0.17        11.08  

2017

    11.05       0.36          0.06          0.42         (0.23                 (0.15        (0.38        11.09  

2016

    11.29       0.41          (0.22        0.19         (0.41        (0.02                 (0.43        11.05  

2015

    11.80       0.42          (0.50        (0.08       (0.41        (0.02                 (0.43        11.29  

2014

    11.51       0.43          0.46          0.89         (0.41        (0.19                 (0.60        11.80  

2013

    11.70       0.38          (0.12        0.26               (0.40        (0.05                 (0.45        11.51  

Class R6 (1/15)

 

                            

2018(f)

    11.03       0.18                   0.18         (0.19                          (0.19 )        11.02  

2017

    11.00       0.41          0.05          0.46         (0.28                 (0.15        (0.43        11.03  

2016

    11.23       0.47          (0.21        0.26         (0.47        (0.02                 (0.49        11.00  

2015(e)

    11.48       0.22          (0.26        (0.04             (0.21                          (0.21        11.23  

Class I (2/94)

 

                            

2018(f)

    11.01       0.18                   0.18         (0.19                          (0.19        11.00  

2017

    10.99       0.40          0.05          0.45         (0.28                 (0.15        (0.43        11.01  

2016

    11.24       0.46          (0.22        0.24         (0.47        (0.02                 (0.49        10.99  

2015

    11.74       0.48          (0.49        (0.01       (0.47        (0.02                 (0.49        11.24  

2014

    11.44       0.49          0.46          0.95         (0.46        (0.19                 (0.65        11.74  

2013

    11.64       0.44          (0.14        0.30               (0.45        (0.05                 (0.50        11.44  

 

  118      NUVEEN


      Ratios/Supplemental Data  
                  Ratios to Average
Net Assets Before
Waiver/Reimbursement
          Ratios to Average
Net Assets After
Waiver/Reimbursement(c)
          
Total
Return(b)
    Ending
Net
Assets
(000)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
       Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                        
  1.53   $ 56,328         0.89 %*         2.79 %*        0.77 %*         2.91 %*         57
  4.03       57,299         0.89          3.27         0.77          3.39          131  
  2.07       61,769         0.87          3.91         0.77          4.00          79  
  (0.41     69,968         0.85          3.80         0.77          3.88          44  
  8.23       68,728         0.84          3.89         0.77          3.97          50  
  2.40       79,740               0.81          3.42               0.77          3.46          46  
                        
  1.15       6,466         1.64        2.05       1.52        2.16        57  
  3.16       6,985         1.64          2.52         1.52          2.64          131  
  1.29       8,387         1.62          3.15         1.52          3.25          79  
  (1.10     8,580         1.60          3.06         1.52          3.15          44  
  7.43       7,696         1.59          3.13         1.52          3.20          50  
  1.59       4,200               1.56          2.67               1.52          2.71          46  
                        
  1.41       1,241         1.14        2.54       1.02        2.66        57  
  3.88       1,205         1.14          3.08         1.02          3.19          131  
  1.83       14,871         1.12          3.64         1.02          3.74          79  
  (0.70     3,751         1.10          3.57         1.02          3.65          44  
  7.97       638         1.10          3.65         1.02          3.73          50  
  2.11       350               1.06          3.18               1.02          3.22          46  
                        
  1.64       24,316         0.58        3.10       0.46        3.22        57  
  4.30       23,798         0.57          3.58         0.45          3.70          131  
  2.35       24,899         0.56          4.21         0.46          4.31          79  
  (0.29     43,680               0.54        4.14             0.46        4.22        44  
                        
  1.73       285,286         0.64        3.04       0.52        3.16        57  
  4.21       270,536         0.64          3.52         0.52          3.63          131  
  2.26       283,680         0.62          4.16         0.52          4.25          79  
  (0.15     440,499         0.60          4.04         0.52          4.12          44  
  8.64       514,961         0.60          4.17         0.52          4.24          50  
  2.52       588,627               0.56          3.67               0.52          3.71          46  

 

(a) Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.  
(b) Total return is the combination of changes in NAV without any sales charge, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. Total returns are not annualized.  
(c) After fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. See Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates, Management Fees for more information.  
(d) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.  
(e) For the period January 20, 2015 (commencement of operations) through June 30, 2015.  
(f) For the six months ended December 31, 2017.  
* Annualized.  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     119  


Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (continued)

 

High Income Bond

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

          Investment Operations           Less Distributions           
Year Ended June 30,   Beginning
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
       Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       Total            Net
Investment
Income
       From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
       Total        Ending
Net
Asset
Value
 

Class A (8/01)

                                

2018(g)

  $ 7.80     $ 0.27        $ (0.02      $ 0.25       $ (0.27      $        $ (0.27      $ 7.78  

2017

    7.22       0.54          0.57          1.11         (0.53                 (0.53        7.80  

2016

    8.23       0.57          (1.05        (0.48       (0.53                 (0.53        7.22  

2015

    9.29       0.55          (1.00        (0.45       (0.54        (0.07        (0.61        8.23  

2014

    8.99       0.58          0.53          1.11         (0.61        (0.20        (0.81        9.29  

2013

    8.64       0.63          0.39          1.02               (0.67                 (0.67        8.99  

Class C (8/01)

                                

2018(g)

    7.79       0.24          (0.02        0.22         (0.24                 (0.24        7.77  

2017

    7.21       0.49          0.57          1.06         (0.48                 (0.48        7.79  

2016

    8.22       0.53          (1.07        (0.54       (0.47                 (0.47        7.21  

2015

    9.27       0.49          (0.99        (0.50       (0.48        (0.07        (0.55        8.22  

2014

    8.98       0.51          0.52          1.03         (0.54        (0.20        (0.74        9.27  

2013

    8.62       0.56          0.40          0.96               (0.60                 (0.60        8.98  

Class R3 (9/01)

                                

2018(g)

    7.96       0.27          (0.02        0.25         (0.26                 (0.26 )        7.95  

2017

    7.37       0.54          0.58          1.12         (0.53                 (0.53        7.96  

2016

    8.40       0.57          (1.08        (0.51       (0.52                 (0.52        7.37  

2015

    9.48       0.53          (1.01        (0.48       (0.53        (0.07        (0.60        8.40  

2014

    9.17       0.57          0.54          1.11         (0.60        (0.20        (0.80        9.48  

2013

    8.81       0.62          0.40          1.02               (0.66                 (0.66        9.17  

Class I (8/01)

                                

2018(g)

    7.82       0.28          (0.01        0.27         (0.28                 (0.28        7.81  

2017

    7.24       0.56          0.57          1.13         (0.55                 (0.55        7.82  

2016

    8.26       0.60          (1.07        (0.47       (0.55                 (0.55        7.24  

2015

    9.31       0.57          (0.98        (0.41       (0.57        (0.07        (0.64        8.26  

2014

    9.01       0.60          0.53          1.13         (0.63        (0.20        (0.83        9.31  

2013

    8.65       0.66          0.39          1.05               (0.69                 (0.69        9.01  

Class T (5/17)(e)

                                

2018(g)

    7.82       0.28          (0.02        0.26         (0.27                 (0.27        7.81  

2017(f)

    7.91       0.05          (0.10        (0.05             (0.04                 (0.04        7.82  

 

  120      NUVEEN


      Ratios/Supplemental Data  
                  Ratios to Average
Net Assets Before
Waiver/Reimbursement
          Ratios to Average
Net Assets After
Waiver/Reimbursement(c)
          
Total
Return(b)
    Ending
Net
Assets
(000)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Losss)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Losss)
       Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                        
  3.20   $ 132,792         1.05 %*         6.86 %*        1.00 %*         6.90 %*         59
  15.75       136,977         1.01          7.03         1.01          7.03          155  
  5.48       114,537         1.03          7.99         1.03          7.99          91  
  (4.82     119,535         0.97          6.31         0.97          6.31          80  
  12.88       209,830         0.95          6.37         0.95          6.37          85  
  11.99       141,132               0.94          6.92               0.94          6.92          133  
                        
  2.81       48,044         1.80        6.17       1.75        6.22        59  
  14.93       47,698         1.76          6.32         1.76          6.32          155  
  (6.27     41,663         1.79          7.26         1.79          7.26          91  
  (5.45     55,409         1.72          5.62         1.72          5.62          80  
  11.98       71,974         1.70          5.64         1.70          5.64          85  
  11.33       67,466               1.70          6.21               1.70          6.21          133  
                        
  3.18       603         1.30        6.64       1.25        6.69        59  
  15.46       756         1.26          6.80         1.26          6.81          155  
  (5.76     834         1.29          7.78         1.29          7.78          91  
  (5.07     995         1.21          6.03         1.21          6.03          80  
  12.65       1,099         1.20          6.09         1.20          6.09          85  
  11.79       697               1.19          6.69               1.19          6.69          133  
                        
  3.44       167,322         0.80        7.13       0.75        7.18        59  
  15.97       200,310         0.75          7.31         0.76          7.31          155  
  (5.21     208,009         0.78          8.12         0.78          8.12          91  
  (4.55     446,406         0.72          6.56         0.72          6.56          80  
  13.15       719,640         0.71          6.61         0.71          6.61          85  
  12.39       495,863               0.70          7.24               0.70          7.24          133  
                        
  3.32       25         1.05        6.93       1.00        6.97        59  
  (0.58     25               0.98        7.78             1.00        7.78        155  
(a) Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.  
(b) Total return is the combination of changes in NAV without any sales charge, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. Total returns are not annualized.  
(c) After fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. See Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates, Management Fees for more information. For the period October 31, 2013 through June 29, 2016, the Adviser did not reimburse the Fund for any fees and expenses.  
(d) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.  
(e) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.  
(f) For the period May 31, 2017 (commencement of operations) through June 30, 2017.  
(g) For the six months ended December 31, 2017.  
* Annualized.  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     121  


Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Inflation Protected Securities

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

         

Investment Operations

          Less Distributions           

Class (Commencement Date)

 

 

Year Ended June 30,

  Beginning
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
       Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       Total            From
Net
Investment
Income
       From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
       Return
of
Capital
       Total        Ending
NAV
 

Class A (10/04)

 

                                   

2018(f)

  $ 11.01     $ 0.08        $ 0.05        $ 0.13       $ (0.06      $        $        $ (0.06      $ 11.08  

2017

    11.30       0.18          (0.35        (0.17       (0.12                          (0.12        11.01  

2016

    10.92       0.06          0.32          0.38                                             11.30  

2015

    11.26       (0.03        (0.20        (0.23       (0.07                 (0.04        (0.11        10.92  

2014

    11.08       0.15          0.32          0.47         (0.09        (0.20                 (0.29        11.26  

2013

    11.80       0.07          (0.66        (0.59             (0.13                          (0.13        11.08  

Class C (10/04)

 

                                   

2018(f)

    10.83       0.04          0.12          0.16         (0.10                          (0.10        10.89  

2017

    11.14       0.10          (0.36        (0.26       (0.05                          (0.05        10.83  

2016

    10.84       (0.05        0.35          0.30                                             11.14  

2015

    11.21       (0.11        (0.20        (0.31       (0.02                 (0.04        (0.06        10.84  

2014

    11.03       0.06          0.35          0.41         (0.03        (0.20                 (0.23        11.21  

2013

    11.72       (0.03        (0.60        (0.63             (0.06                          (0.06        11.03  

Class R3 (10/04)

 

                                   

2018(f)

    10.91       0.07          0.03          0.10         (0.04                          (0.04        10.97  

2017

    11.21       0.15          (0.36        (0.21       (0.09                          (0.09        10.91  

2016

    10.85       0.01          0.35          0.36                                             11.21  

2015

    11.21       (0.11        (0.16        (0.27       (0.05                 (0.04        (0.09        10.85  

2014

    11.05       0.29          0.14          0.43         (0.07        (0.20                 (0.27        11.21  

2013

    11.74       0.04          (0.62        (0.58             (0.11                          (0.11        11.05  

Class R6 (1/15)

 

                                   

2018(f)

    11.19       0.12          0.11          0.23         (0.15                          (0.15        11.27  

2017

    11.46       0.26          (0.39        (0.13       (0.14                          (0.14        11.19  

2016

    11.02       0.09          0.35          0.44                                             11.46  

2015(e)

    11.18              (0.16        (0.16                                               11.02  

Class I (10/04)

 

                                   

2018(f)

    11.14       0.10          0.11          0.21         (0.15                          (0.15        11.20  

2017

    11.43       0.22          (0.37        (0.15       (0.14                          (0.14        11.14  

2016

    11.02       0.08          0.33          0.41                                             11.43  

2015

    11.35       (0.01        (0.19        (0.20       (0.09                 (0.04        (0.13        11.02  

2014

    11.14       0.19          0.33          0.52         (0.11        (0.20                 (0.31        11.35  

2013

    11.81       0.09          (0.61        (0.52             (0.15                          (0.15        11.14  

 

  122      NUVEEN


      Ratios/Supplemental Data  
                  Ratios to Average
Net Assets Before
Waiver/Reimbursement
          Ratios to Average
Net Assets After
Waiver/Reimbursement(c)
        
Total
Return(b)
    Ending
Net
Assets
(000)
           Expenses      Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
           Expenses      Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
     Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                  
  1.94   $ 104,426         0.97 %**       1.26 %**        0.78 %**       1.45 %**       24
  (1.53     104,588         0.96        1.47         0.79        1.65        49  
  3.48       93,104         0.96        0.45         0.83        0.58        26  
  (2.04     42,341         0.92        (0.38       0.83        (0.29      34  
  4.35       24,020         0.86        1.30         0.83        1.33        48  
  (5.07     21,949               0.81        0.56               0.81        0.56        52  
                  
  1.50       9,964         1.72 **       0.49 **        1.53 **       0.68 **       24  
  (2.33     10,639         1.71        0.75         1.54        0.93        49  
  2.77       13,131         1.71        (0.61       1.58        (0.47      26  
  (2.75     9,366         1.66        (1.06       1.58        (0.98      34  
  3.76       6,954         1.61        0.50         1.58        0.52        48  
  (5.39     9,761               1.56        (0.25             1.56        (0.25      52  
                  
  1.73       5,320         1.22 **       1.01 **        1.03 **       1.20 **       24  
  (1.86     5,618         1.21        1.21         1.04        1.38        49  
  3.32       13,094         1.22        (0.05       1.08        0.08        26  
  (2.38     3,693         1.15        (1.05       1.08        (0.98      34  
  3.97       3,447         1.13        2.63         1.08        2.68        48  
  (5.02     519               1.06        0.32               1.06        0.32        52  
                  
  2.14       47,011         0.47 **       1.95 **        0.28 **       2.14 **       24  
  (1.10     23,654         0.48        1.12         0.30        2.30        49  
  3.99       3,773         0.50        0.71         0.37        0.84        26  
  (1.39     3,074               0.52 **       (0.12 )**              0.41 **       (0.01 )**       34  
                  
  1.97       452,403         0.72 **       1.50 **        0.53 **       1.69 **       24  
  (1.27     458,852         0.71        1.76         0.54        1.93        49  
  3.72       404,801         0.71        0.57         0.58        0.70        26  
  (1.78     331,707         0.66        (0.13       0.58        (0.05      34  
  4.82       321,472         0.61        1.65         0.58        1.68        48  
  (4.46     344,204               0.56        0.77               0.56        0.77        52  

 

(a) Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.  
(b) Total return is the combination of changes in NAV without any sales charge, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. Total returns are not annualized.  
(c) After fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. See Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates, Management Fees for more information.  
(d) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.  
(e) For the period January 20, 2015 (commencement of operations) through June 30, 2015.  
(f) For the six months ended December 31, 2017.  
* Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.  
** Annualized.  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     123  


Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Short Term Bond

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

          Investment Operations           Less Distributions           

Class (Commencement Date)

 

 

Year Ended June 30,

  Beginning
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
       Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       Total            From
Net
Investment
Income
       From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
       Return
of
Capital
       Total        Ending
NAV
 

Class A (12/92)

 

                            

2018(f)

  $ 9.86     $ 0.08        $ (0.05      $ 0.03       $ (0.08      $        $        $ (0.08      $ 9.81  

2017

    9.88       0.16          (0.02        0.14         (0.15                 (0.01        (0.16        9.86  

2016

    9.93       0.16          (0.06        0.10         (0.15                          (0.15        9.88  

2015

    10.05       0.16          (0.13        0.03         (0.15                          (0.15        9.93  

2014

    9.97       0.19          0.08          0.27         (0.19          —                   (0.19        10.05  

2013

    9.95       0.20          0.03          0.23               (0.21                          (0.21        9.97  

Class C (10/09)

 

                            

2018(f)

    9.90       0.04          (0.04                (0.04                          (0.04        9.86  

2017

    9.92       0.08          (0.02        0.06         (0.07                 (0.01        (0.08        9.90  

2016

    9.97       0.09          (0.07        0.02         (0.07                          (0.07        9.92  

2015

    10.08       0.08          (0.12        (0.04       (0.07                          (0.07        9.97  

2014

    10.00       0.11          0.08          0.19         (0.11                          (0.11        10.08  

2013

    9.97       0.12          0.04          0.16               (0.13                          (0.13        10.00  

Class R3 (9/11)

 

                            

2018(f)

    9.88       0.07          (0.05        0.02         (0.06                          (0.06        9.84  

2017

    9.90       0.13          (0.02        0.11         (0.12                 (0.01        (0.13        9.88  

2016

    9.95       0.14          (0.07        0.07         (0.12                          (0.12        9.90  

2015

    10.07       0.13          (0.13                (0.12                          (0.12        9.95  

2014

    9.99       0.16          0.08          0.24         (0.16                          (0.16        10.07  

2013

    9.96       0.17          0.04          0.21               (0.18                          (0.18        9.99  

Class R6 (1/15)

 

                            

2018(f)

    9.88       0.09          (0.04        0.05         (0.09                          (0.09        9.84  

2017

    9.90       0.19          (0.03        0.16         (0.17                 (0.01        (0.18        9.88  

2016

    9.95       0.19          (0.06        0.13         (0.18                          (0.18        9.90  

2015(e)

    9.93       0.09                 0.09               (0.07                          (0.07        9.95  

Class I (2/94)

 

                            

2018(f)

    9.87       0.09          (0.05        0.04         (0.09                          (0.09        9.82  

2017

    9.89       0.18          (0.02        0.16         (0.17                 (0.01        (0.18        9.87  

2016

    9.94       0.19          (0.06        0.13         (0.18                          (0.18        9.89  

2015

    10.06       0.18          (0.12        0.06         (0.18                          (0.18        9.94  

2014

    9.98       0.21          0.08          0.29         (0.21                          (0.21        10.06  

2013

    9.95       0.22          0.04          0.26               (0.23                          (0.23        9.98  

 

  124      NUVEEN


      Ratios/Supplemental Data  
                  Ratios to Average
Net Assets Before
Waiver/Reimbursement
          Ratios to Average
Net Assets After
Waiver/Reimbursement(c)
        
Total
Return(b)
    Ending
Net
Assets
(000)
           Expenses      Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
           Expenses      Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
     Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                  
  0.28   $ 88,190         0.78 %**       1.53 %**        0.72 %**       1.59 %**       59
  1.39       92,967         0.77        1.54         0.72        1.59        50  
  1.04       96,201         0.76        1.60         0.72        1.64        43  
  0.32       100,544         0.73        1.56         0.71        1.58        43  
  2.69       116,365         0.73        1.84         0.71        1.86        43  
  2.30       141,099               0.73        1.96               0.71        1.99        42  
                  
  (0.01     22,739         1.53 **       0.79 **        1.47 **       0.85 **       59  
  0.59       25,326         1.52        0.79         1.47        0.85        50  
  0.25       30,495         1.51        0.86         1.47        0.90        43  
  (0.36     33,547         1.48        0.81         1.46        0.83        43  
  1.89       39,347         1.48        1.11         1.46        1.13        43  
  1.61       44,414               1.48        1.22               1.46        1.24        42  
                  
  0.23       424         1.03 **       1.29 **        0.97 **       1.35 **       59  
  1.08       436         1.02        1.30         0.97        1.35        50  
  0.74       285         1.01        1.34         0.97        1.38        43  
  0.02       131         0.98        1.29         0.96        1.31        43  
  2.38       1,049         0.98        1.59         0.96        1.61        43  
  2.10       516               0.98        1.71               0.96        1.73        42  
                  
  0.51       93,607         0.49 **       1.83 **        0.42 **       1.90 **       59  
  1.63       95,754         0.48        1.87         0.42        1.92        50  
  1.29       66,836         0.47        1.91         0.43        1.95        43  
  0.96       27,475               0.46 **       1.95 **              0.43 **       1.98 **       43  
                  
  0.41       324,589         0.53 **       1.78 **        0.47 **       1.85 **       59  
  1.63       347,215         0.52        1.79         0.47        1.84        50  
  1.29       416,624         0.51        1.85         0.47        1.89        43  
  0.57       529,027         0.48        1.80         0.46        1.82        43  
  2.93       915,119         0.48        2.09         0.46        2.11        43  
  2.65       720,722               0.48        2.22               0.46        2.23        42  

 

(a) Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.  
(b) Total return is the combination of changes in NAV without any sales charge, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. Total returns are not annualized.  
(c) After fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. See Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates, Management Fees for more information.  
(d) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.  
(e) For the period January 20, 2015 (commencement of operations) through June 30, 2015.  
(f) For the six months ended December 31, 2017.  
* Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.  
** Annualized.  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     125  


Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Strategic Income

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

          Investment Operations           Less Distributions           

Class (Commencement Date)

 

 

Year Ended June 30,

  Beginning
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
       Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       Total            Net
Investment
Income
       From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
       Return
of
Capital
       Total        Ending
NAV
 

Class A (2/00)

                                     

2018(h)

  $ 10.65     $ 0.18        $ 0.01        $ 0.19       $ (0.23      $   —        $        $ (0.23      $ 10.61  

2017

    10.52       0.44          0.22          0.66         (0.29                 (0.24        (0.53        10.65  

2016

    10.97       0.50          (0.42        0.08         (0.53                          (0.53        10.52  

2015

    11.60       0.49          (0.58        (0.09       (0.54                          (0.54        10.97  

2014

    11.02       0.53          0.59          1.12         (0.54                          (0.54        11.60  

2013

    10.83       0.52          0.16          0.68               (0.49                          (0.49        11.02  

Class C (2/00)

                                     

2018(h)

    10.59       0.14          0.01          0.15         (0.19                          (0.19        10.55  

2017

    10.46       0.35          0.23          0.58         (0.21                 (0.24        (0.45        10.59  

2016

    10.90       0.42          (0.41        0.01         (0.45                          (0.45        10.46  

2015

    11.52       0.40          (0.57        (0.17       (0.45                          (0.45        10.90  

2014

    10.94       0.44          0.60          1.04         (0.46                          (0.46        11.52  

2013

    10.76       0.43          0.16          0.59               (0.41                          (0.41        10.94  

Class R3 (9/01)

                                     

2018(h)

    10.69       0.17          0.01          0.18         (0.22                          (0.22        10.65  

2017

    10.56       0.41          0.23          0.64         (0.27                 (0.24        (0.51        10.69  

2016

    11.01       0.48          (0.42        0.06         (0.51                          (0.51        10.56  

2015

    11.64       0.46          (0.57        (0.11       (0.52                          (0.52        11.01  

2014

    11.05       0.51          0.60          1.11         (0.52                          (0.52        11.64  

2013

    10.88       0.49          0.15          0.64               (0.47                          (0.47        11.05  

Class R6 (1/15)

                                     

2018(h)

    10.67       0.19          0.01          0.20         (0.24                          (0.24        10.63  

2017

    10.52       0.48          0.23          0.71         (0.32                 (0.24        (0.56        10.67  

2016

    10.96       0.53          (0.41        0.12         (0.56                          (0.56        10.52  

2015(e)

    11.22       0.24          (0.25        (0.01             (0.25                          (0.25        10.96  

Class I (2/00)

                                     

2018(h)

    10.65       0.19                   0.19         (0.24                          (0.24        10.60  

2017

    10.51       0.46          0.24          0.70         (0.32                 (0.24        (0.56        10.65  

2016

    10.96       0.53          (0.42        0.11         (0.56                          (0.56        10.51  

2015

    11.59       0.52          (0.58        (0.06       (0.57                          (0.57        10.96  

2014

    11.01       0.56          0.59          1.15         (0.57                          (0.57        11.59  

2013

    10.83       0.55          0.15          0.70               (0.52                          (0.52        11.01  

Class T (5/17)(f)

                                     

2018(h)

    10.65       0.18          0.01          0.19         (0.23                          (0.23        10.61  

2017(g)

    10.67       0.03          (0.01        0.02                                 (0.04        (0.04        10.65  

 

  126      NUVEEN


      Ratios/Supplemental Data  
                 

Ratios to Average
Net Assets Before
Waive/Reimbursement

          Ratios to Average
Net Assets After
Waive/Reimbursement(c)
          
Total
Return(b)
    Ending
Net
Assets
(000)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
       Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                        
  1.79   $ 128,697         0.93 %*         3.23 %*        0.83 %*         3.33 %*         141
  6.43       137,072         0.93          4.02         0.83          4.12          135  
  0.94       187,052         0.92          4.71         0.83          4.80          56  
  (0.80     288,080         0.92          4.25         0.82          4.34          47  
  10.46       128,189         0.91          4.65         0.84          4.73          50  
  6.25       72,341               0.90          4.50               0.84          4.57          69  
                        
  1.40       72,204         1.68        2.48       1.58        2.58        141  
  5.63       76,513         1.68          3.25         1.58          3.35          135  
  0.20       89,173         1.67          3.97         1.58          4.06          56  
  (1.50     110,660         1.67          3.51         1.57          3.60          47  
  9.59       48,335         1.66          3.91         1.59          3.98          50  
  5.50       35,146               1.65          3.75               1.59          3.81          69  
                        
  1.67       6,751         1.18        2.98       1.08        3.08        141  
  6.17       7,320         1.18          3.74         1.08          3.83          135  
  0.70       7,647         1.17          4.44         1.08          4.54          56  
  (1.01     12,272         1.17          4.00         1.07          4.09          47  
  10.19       5,321         1.16          4.41         1.09          4.48          50  
  5.89       2,926               1.15          4.27               1.09          4.34          69  
                        
  1.90       46,639         0.60        3.51       0.50        3.62        141  
  6.86       8,995         0.60          4.35         0.51          4.45          135  
  1.28       33,372         0.60          5.07         0.50          5.17          56  
  (0.10     20,498               0.61        4.70             0.50        4.81        47  
                        
  1.90       557,263         0.68        3.48       0.58        3.58        141  
  6.77       540,368         0.68          4.22         0.58          4.32          135  
  1.19       475,536         0.67          4.95         0.58          5.05          56  
  (0.54     773,719         0.67          4.48         0.57          4.57          47  
  10.77       612,214         0.66          4.92         0.59          5.00          50  
  6.42       517,292               0.65          4.75               0.59          4.81          69  
                        
  1.79       25         0.91        3.27       0.83        3.35        141  
  0.23       25               0.92        3.40             0.83        3.50        135  

 

(a) Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.  
(b) Total return is the combination of changes in NAV without any sales charge, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. Total returns are not annualized.  
(c) After fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. See Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates, Management Fees for more information.  
(d) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.  
(e) For the period January 20, 2015 (commencement of operations) through June 30, 2015.  
(f) Class T Shares are not available for public offering.  
(g) For the period May 31, 2017 (commencement of operations) through June 30, 2017.  
(h) For the six months ended December 31, 2017.  
* Annualized.  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     127  


Notes to

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1. General Information and Significant Accounting Policies

General Information

Trust and Fund Information

Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc. (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trust is comprised of Nuveen Core Bond Fund (“Core Bond”), Nuveen Core Plus Bond Fund (“Core Plus Bond”), Nuveen High Income Bond Fund (“High Income Bond”), Nuveen Inflation Protected Securities Fund (“Inflation Protected Securities”), Nuveen Short Term Bond Fund (“Short Term Bond”) and Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (“Strategic Income”) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), as diversified funds, among others. The Trust was incorporated in the State of Maryland on August 20, 1987.

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is December 31, 2017, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the six months ended December 31, 2017 (the “current fiscal period”).

Investment Adviser

The Funds’ investment adviser is Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC (“Nuveen”). Nuveen is the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). The Adviser has overall responsibility for management of the Funds, overseas the management of the Funds’ portfolios, manages the Funds’ business affairs and provides certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services, and, if necessary, asset allocation decisions. The Adviser has entered into sub-advisory agreements with Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), a subsidiary of the Adviser, under which the Sub-Adviser manages the investment portfolios of the Funds.

Investment Objectives

Core Bond’s investment objective is to provide investors with current income to the extent consistent with preservation of capital. Core Plus Bond’s investment objective is to provide investors with high current income consistent with limited risk to capital. High Income Bond’s investment objective is to provide investors with a high level of current income. Inflation Protected Securities’ investment objective is to provide investors with total return while providing protection against inflation. Short Term Bond’s investment objective is to provide investors with current income while maintaining a high degree of principal stability. Strategic Income’s investment objective is to provide investors with total return.

The Funds’ most recent prospectus provides further descriptions of each Fund’s investment objective, principal investment strategies and principal risks.

Significant Accounting Policies

Each Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.” The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Investment Transactions

Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are determined on the specific identification method, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Investments purchased on a when-issued/delayed delivery basis may have extended settlement periods. Any investments so purchased are subject to market fluctuation during this period. The Funds have earmarked securities in their portfolios with a current value at least equal to the amount of the when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments.

As of the end of the reporting period, the following Funds’ outstanding when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments were as follows:

 

     Core
Bond
     Core Plus
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Outstanding when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments   $ 1,793,352      $ 31,569,831      $ 73,090,878  

Investment Income

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for foreign securities, when information is available. Interest income, which reflects the amortization of premiums and includes accretion of discounts for financial reporting purposes, is recorded on an accrual basis. Interest income also reflects payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest and paydown gains and losses, if any. PIK interest represents income received in the form of securities in lieu of cash. Securities lending income is comprised of fees earned from borrowers and income earned on cash collateral investments.

 

  128      NUVEEN


Professional Fees

Professional fees presented on the Statement of Operations consist of legal fees incurred in the normal course of operations, audit fees, tax consulting fees and, in some cases, workout expenditures. Workout expenditures are incurred in an attempt to protect or enhance an investment or to pursue other claims or legal actions on behalf of Fund shareholders. If a refund is received for workout expenditures paid in a prior reporting period, such amounts will be recognized as “Legal fee refund” on the Statement of Operations.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared daily and distributed to shareholders monthly. Fund shares begin to accrue dividends on the business day after the day when the monies used to purchase Fund shares are collected by the transfer agent.

Net realized capital gains from investment transactions, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders at least annually. Furthermore, capital gains are distributed only to the extent they exceed available capital loss carryforwards.

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

Share Classes and Sales Charges

Class A Shares are generally sold with an up-front sales charge and incur a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee. Class A Share purchases of the Funds, with the exception of Short Term Bond, of $1 million or more are sold at net asset value (“NAV”) without an up-front sales charge. Class A Share purchases of Short Term Bond of $250,000 or more are sold at NAV without an up-front sales charge. Class A Share purchases may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) equal to 1% if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares are sold without an up-front sales charge but incur a 0.75% annual 12b-1 distribution fee and a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee. Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within twelve months of purchase. Class R3 Shares are sold without an up-front sales charge but incur a 0.25% annual 12b-1 distribution fee and a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee. Class R6 Shares and Class I Shares are not subject to any sales charge or 12b-1 distribution or service fees. Class T Shares are generally sold with an up-front sales charge and incur a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee.

Multiclass Operations and Allocations

Income and expenses of the Funds that are not directly attributable to a specific class of shares are prorated among the classes based on the relative settled shares of each class. Expenses directly attributable to a class of shares are recorded to the specific class. Currently, the only expenses that are allocated on a class-specific basis are 12b-1 distribution and service fees.

Sub-transfer agent fees and similar fees, which are recognized as a component of “Shareholder servicing agent fees” on the Statement of Operations, are not charged to Class R6 Shares and are prorated among the other classes based on their relative net assets.

Realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the Funds are prorated among the classes based on the relative net assets of each class.

Compensation

The Fund pays no compensation directly to those of its trustees who are affiliated with the Adviser or to its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Trust from the Adviser or its affiliates. The Funds’ Board of Directors (the “Board”) has adopted a deferred compensation plan for independent directors that enables directors to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual compensation they are entitled to receive from certain Nuveen-advised funds. Under the plan, deferred amounts are treated as though equal dollar amounts had been invested in shares of select Nuveen-advised funds.

Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

Netting Agreements

In the ordinary course of business, the Funds may enter into transactions subject to enforceable International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (ISDA) master agreements or other similar arrangements (“netting agreements”). Generally, the right to offset in netting agreements allows each Fund to offset certain securities and derivatives with a specific counterparty, when applicable, as well as any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. Generally, each Fund manages its cash collateral and securities collateral on a counterparty basis.

The Funds’ investments subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, if any, are further described in Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives.

 

NUVEEN     129  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the current fiscal period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

2. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

The fair valuation input levels as described below are for fair value measurement purposes.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The following is a summary of the three-tiered hierarchy of valuation input levels.

 

Level 1 –   Inputs are unadjusted and prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 –   Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 –   Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

Common stocks and other equity-type securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are primarily traded and are generally classified as Level 1. Securities primarily traded on the NASDAQ National Market (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price and are generally classified as Level 1. However, securities traded on a securities exchange or NASDAQ for which there were no transactions on a given day or securities not listed on a securities exchange or NASDAQ are valued at the quoted bid price and are generally classified as Level 2.

Investments in investment companies are valued at their respective NAVs on the valuation date and are generally classified as Level 1.

Prices of fixed-income securities are provided by an independent pricing service (“pricing service”) approved by the Board. The pricing service establishes a security’s fair value using methods that may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2. In pricing certain securities, particularly less liquid and lower quality securities, the pricing service may consider information about a security, its issuer or market activity, provided by the Adviser. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs.

Like most fixed-income securities, the senior and subordinated loans in which the Fund invests are not listed on an organized exchange. The secondary market of such investments may be less liquid relative to markets for other fixed-income securities. Consequently, the value of senior and subordinated loans, determined as described above, may differ significantly from the value that would have been determined had there been an active market for that senior loan. These securities are generally classified as Level 2.

Prices of forward foreign currency contracts and swap contracts are also provided by a pricing service approved by the Board using the same methods as described above and are generally classified as Level 2.

Futures contracts are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the last traded price and are generally classified as Level 1.

Index options are valued at the 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) close price of the NYSE. The value of exchange-traded options are based on the mean of the closing bid and ask prices. Index and exchange-traded options are generally classified as Level 1. Options traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued using an evaluated mean price and are generally classified as Level 2.

Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the NAV of the Funds’ shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the New York Stock Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange shares. If significant market events occur between the time of determination of the closing price of a foreign security on an exchange and the time that the Funds’ NAV is determined, or if under the Funds’ procedures, the closing price of a foreign security is not deemed to be reliable, the security would be valued at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures established in good faith by the Board. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by the pre-established pricing methods as described above. Such securities may be valued by the Board and/or its appointee at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; debt securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to

materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund’s NAV (as may be the case in non-U.S.

 

  130      NUVEEN


markets on which the security is primarily traded) or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, is not deemed to reflect the security’s fair value. As a general principle, the fair value of a security would appear to be the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it in a current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, which may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs. Regardless of the method employed to value a particular security, all valuations are subject to review by the Board and/or its appointee.

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of each Fund’s fair value measurements as of the end of the reporting period:

 

Core Bond   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Long-Term Investments*:           

Corporate Bonds

  $   —      $ 62,028,620      $   —      $ 62,028,620  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

           61,818,922               61,818,922  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

           11,309,357               11,309,357  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

           705,250               705,250  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     1,008,625                      1,008,625  
Short-Term Investments:           

Money Market Funds

    1,981,954                      1,981,954  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Futures Contracts**

    82,881                      82,881  
Total   $ 3,073,460      $ 135,862,149      $      $ 138,935,609  
Core Plus Bond                               
Long-Term Investments*:           

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

  $      $ 165,772,135      $      $ 165,772,135  

Corporate Bonds

           147,047,334               147,047,334  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

           20,694,193               20,694,193  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

           20,003,455               20,003,455  

Contingent Capital Securities

           6,696,784               6,696,784  

Sovereign Debt

           5,919,889               5,919,889  

Municipal Bonds

           926,745               926,745  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     2,110,300                      2,110,300  
Short-Term Investments:           

Money Market Funds

    33,679,639                      33,679,639  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**

           (55,933             (55,933

Credit Default Swaps**

           (25,864             (25,864

Futures Contracts**

    9,582                      9,582  
Total   $ 35,799,521      $ 366,978,738      $      $ 402,778,259  
High Income Bond                               
Long-Term Investments*:           

Corporate Bonds

  $      $ 283,801,831      $ ****     $ 283,801,831  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

           8,988,000               8,988,000  

Contingent Capital Securities

           9,762,612               9,762,612  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

           9,229,829               9,229,829  

Common Stocks

    6,598,468        4,662 ***       65,242 ***       6,668,372  

Investment Companies

    6,609,718                      6,609,718  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

    6,280,051                      6,280,051  

Convertible Preferred Securities

    2,108,602                      2,108,602  

Warrants

           34 ***       ****       34  

Convertible Bonds

           19               19  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     32,559,058                      32,559,058  
Short-Term Investments:           

Money Market Funds

    11,637,062                      11,637,062  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**

           (34,133             (34,133

Futures Contracts**

    (14,670                    (14,670
Total   $ 65,778,289      $ 311,752,854      $ 65,242      $ 377,596,385  
* Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for industry, state and country classifications, where applicable.
** Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
*** Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 2 and/or Level 3.
**** Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 3. Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

NUVEEN     131  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Inflation Protected Securities   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Long-Term Investments*:           

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

  $      $ 537,191,444      $   —      $ 537,191,444  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

           51,266,599               51,266,599  

Corporate Bonds

           15,598,943               15,598,943  

Sovereign Debt

           2,900,700               2,900,700  

Municipal Bonds

           1,850,871               1,850,871  

Convertible Preferred Securities

    263,800                      263,800  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     1,642,688                      1,642,688  
Short-Term Investments:           

Money Market Funds

    8,108,769                      8,108,769  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Futures Contracts**

    80,994                      80,994  
Total   $ 10,096,251      $ 608,808,557      $      $ 618,904,808  
Short Term Bond                               
Long-Term Investments*:           

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

  $      $ 245,895,074      $      $ 245,895,074  

Corporate Bonds

           216,834,978               216,834,978  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

           48,068,184               48,068,184  

Municipal Bonds

           1,190,000               1,190,000  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     7,882,205                      7,882,205  
Short-Term Investments:           

Money Market Funds

    875,738                      875,738  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Futures Contracts**

    (155,973                    (155,973
Total   $ 8,601,970      $ 511,988,236      $      $ 520,590,206  
Strategic Income                               
Long-Term Investments*:           

Corporate Bonds

  $      $ 407,607,876      $      $ 407,607,876  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

           231,886,824               231,886,824  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

           54,361,934               54,361,934  

Contingent Capital Securities

           39,884,901               39,884,901  

Sovereign Debt

           32,015,078               32,015,078  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

           22,688,219               22,688,219  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

           5,446,652               5,446,652  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

           2,255,700 ***              2,255,700  

Municipal Bonds

           1,915,273               1,915,273  

Common Stocks

    95,558               5,993 ***       101,551  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     18,877,725                      18,877,725  
Short-Term Investments:           

Money Market Funds

    78,670,593                      78,670,593  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**

           7,531               7,531  

Credit Default Swaps**

           (275,879             (275,879

Futures Contracts**

    472,267                      472,267  
Total   $ 98,116,143      $ 797,794,109      $ 5,993      $ 895,916,245  
* Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for industry, state and country classifications, where applicable.
** Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
*** Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 2 and/or Level 3.

The Board is responsible for the valuation process and has appointed the oversight of the daily valuation process to the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Board, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Funds’ pricing policies and reporting to the Board. The Valuation Committee is aided in its efforts by the Adviser’s dedicated Securities Valuation Team, which is responsible for administering the daily valuation process and applying fair value methodologies as approved by the Valuation Committee. When determining the reliability of independent pricing services for investments owned by the Funds, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of the pricing services and monitors the quality of security prices received through various testing reports conducted by the Securities Valuation Team.

 

  132      NUVEEN


The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making a fair value determination, based on the facts and circumstances specific to the portfolio instrument. Fair value determinations generally will be derived as follows, using public or private market information:

 

  (i) If available, fair value determinations shall be derived by extrapolating from recent transactions or quoted prices for identical or comparable securities.

 

  (ii) If such information is not available, an analytical valuation methodology may be used based on other available information including, but not limited to: analyst appraisals, research reports, corporate action information, issuer financial statements and shelf registration statements. Such analytical valuation methodologies may include, but are not limited to: multiple of earnings, discount from market value of a similar freely-traded security, discounted cash flow analysis, book value or a multiple thereof, risk premium/yield analysis, yield to maturity and/or fundamental investment analysis.

The purchase price of a portfolio instrument will be used to fair value the instrument only if no other valuation methodology is available or deemed appropriate, and it is determined that the purchase price fairly reflects the instrument’s current value.

For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such testing and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board.

3. Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives

Portfolio Securities

Foreign Currency Transactions

To the extent that the Funds may invest in securities and/or contracts that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the Funds will be subject to currency risk, which is the risk that an increase in the U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currency will reduce returns or portfolio value. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the Funds’ investments denominated in that currency will lose value because their currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value. Investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars on a spot (i.e. cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market at the time of valuation. Purchases and sales of investments and income denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars on the respective dates of such transactions.

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Investment transactions, income and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date of the transactions, foreign currency transactions and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Funds and the amounts actually received.

The realized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in foreign exchange rates associated with (i) foreign currency, (ii) investments, (iii) investments in derivatives and (iv) other assets and liabilities are recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable.

The unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in foreign exchange rates associated with (i) investments and (ii) other assets and liabilities are recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and foreign currency” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. The unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates associated with investments in derivatives are recognized as a component of the respective derivative’s related “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)” on the Statement of Operations, when applicable.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds

Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on these bonds is generally fixed at issuance at a rate lower than typical bonds. Over the life of an inflation-indexed bond however, interest will be paid based on a principal value which is adjusted for inflation. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond is recognized as a component of “Interest income” on the Statement of Operations, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

Securities Lending

In order to generate additional income, each Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third of the value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks or other institutions. When loaning securities, the Funds retain the benefits of owning the securities, including the economic equivalent of dividends or interest generated by the security. The Funds also have the ability to recall the securities on loan at any time.

 

NUVEEN     133  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Each Fund’s policy is to receive, at the inception of a loan, cash collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of securities loaned, which is recognized as “Payable for collateral from securities lending program” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral for securities on loan is invested in a money market fund, which is recognized as “Investments purchased with collateral from securities lending, at value” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The market value of the securities loaned is determined at the close of each business day in order to determine the adequacy of the collateral. If the value of the securities on loan increases such that the level of collateralization falls below 100%, additional collateral is received from the borrower on the next business day, which is recognized as “Due from broker” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Securities out on loan are subject to termination at any time at the option of the borrower or the Fund. Upon termination, the borrower is required to return to the Fund securities identical to the securities loaned. Generally, in the event the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the loaned securities, the Fund has the right to use the collateral to acquire identical securities. In the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its right to dispose of the collateral, there may be a loss to the Fund. Under each Fund’s securities lending agreement, however, the securities lending agent has indemnified the Fund against losses resulting from borrower default, except to the extent that those losses result from a decrease in the value of the collateral due to its investment by the Fund. The Fund bears the risk of loss with respect to the investment of collateral.

The Funds’ custodian, U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”), serves as its securities lending agent. Income earned from the securities lending program is paid to the Funds. Income from securities lending is recognized as “Securities lending income” on the Statement of Operations.

The following table presents the securities out on loan for the Funds, and the collateral delivered related to those securities, as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Fund   Asset Class out on Loan  

Long-Term

Investments, at Value

   

Collateral

Pledged (From)

Counterparty*

   

Net

Exposure

 
Core Bond        
  Corporate Bonds   $ 367,313     $ (367,313   $   —  
    U.S. Government and Agency Obligations     615,317       (615,317      

Total

      $ 982,630     $ (982,630   $   —  
Core Plus Bond        
    Corporate Bonds   $ 2,029,859     $ (2,029,859   $  
High Income Bond        
  Corporate Bonds   $ 29,569,474     $ (29,569,474   $  
  $1,000 Par (or Similar) Institutional Preferred     1,497,750       (1,497,750      
  Common Stocks     192       (192      
  Investment Companies     198       (198      
    $25 Par (or Similar) Retail Preferred     3,703       (3,703      

Total

      $ 31,071,317     $ (31,071,317   $  
Inflation Procted Securities        
  U.S. Government and Agency Obligations   $ 400,206     $ (400,206   $  
    Corporate Bonds     1,195,169       (1,195,169      

Total

      $ 1,595,375       (1,595,375   $  
Short Term Bond        
  Corporate Bonds   $ 4,943,946     $ (4,943,946   $  
    U.S. Government and Agency Obligations     2,712,023       (2,712,023      

Total

      $ 7,655,969       (7,655,969   $  
Strategic Income        
  Corporate Bonds   $ 13,902,822     $ (13,902,822   $  
  $1,000 Par (or Similar) Institutional Preferred     4,089,836       (4,089,836      
    Contingent Capital Securities     182,000       (182,000      

Total

      $ 18,174,658     $ (18,174,658   $  
* As of the end of the reporting period, the value of the collateral pledged from the counterparty exceeded the value of the securities out on loan. Refer to the Fund's Portfolio of Investments for details on the securities out on loan.

 

  134      NUVEEN


Zero Coupon Securities

A zero coupon security does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the security. Income to the holder of the security comes from accretion of the difference between the original purchase price of the security at issuance and the par value of the security at maturity and is effectively paid at maturity. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically.

Investments in Derivatives

Each Fund is authorized to invest in certain derivative instruments. The Funds record derivative instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. Even though the Funds’ investments in derivatives may represent economic hedges, they are not considered to be hedge transactions for financial reporting purposes.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

Each Fund is authorized to enter into forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) under two circumstances: (i) when a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency to “lock in” the U.S. exchange rate of the transaction, with such period being a short-dated contract covering the period between transaction date and settlement date; or (ii) when the Sub-Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may experience a substantial movement against the U.S. dollar or against another foreign currency.

A forward contract is an agreement between two parties to purchase or sell a specified quantity of a currency at or before a specified date in the future at a specified price. Forward contracts are typically traded in the OTC markets and all details of the contract are negotiated between the counterparties to the agreement. Accordingly, the forward contracts are valued by reference to the contracts traded in the OTC markets. The contractual obligations of a buyer or seller may generally be satisfied by taking or making physical delivery of the underlying currency, establishing an opposite position in the contract and recognizing the profit or loss on both positions simultaneously on the delivery date or, in some instances, paying a cash settlement before the designated date of delivery.

Forward contracts are valued daily at the forward rate. The net amount recorded on these transactions for each counterparty is recognized as a component of “Unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in value of the forward contracts during the reporting period is recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward foreign currency contracts” on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or offset with the same counterparty, a Fund recognizes the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was entered and the value at the time it was closed or offset as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from forward foreign currency contracts” on the Statement of Operations.

Forward contracts will generally not be entered into for terms greater than three months, but may have maturities of up to six months or more. The use of forward contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of a Fund’s investment securities; however, it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. The use of forward contracts involves the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted. A forward contract would limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of a particular currency; however, it also would limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase instead of decrease. These contracts may involve market risk in excess of the unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Forward contracts are subject to counterparty risk if the counterparty fails to perform as specified in the contract due to financial impairment or other reason.

During the current fiscal period, Core Plus Bond, High Income Bond and Strategic Income invested in forward foreign currency contracts to manage foreign currency exposure. For example, the Fund may reduce unwanted currency exposure from its bond portfolio, or it may take long forward positions in select currencies in an attempt to benefit from the potential price appreciation.

The average notional amount of forward foreign currency contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

     Core Plus
Bond
     High Income
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Average notional amount of forward foreign currency contracts outstanding*   $ 9,766,645      $ 3,961,734      $ 51,818,530  
* The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of forward foreign currency contracts held by the Funds as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

           

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
           

Asset Derivatives

       (Liability) Derivatives  
Underlying
Risk Exposure
   Derivative Instrument      Location      Value        Location      Value  

Core Plus Bond

                      

Foreign currency exchange rate

   Forward contracts           $   —        Unrealized depreciation on
forward foreign currency
contracts
     $ (55,933

 

NUVEEN     135  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

           

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
           

Asset Derivatives

      

(Liability) Derivatives

 
Underlying
Risk Exposure
   Derivative Instrument      Location      Value        Location      Value  

High Income Bond

                      

Foreign currency exchange rate

   Forward contracts      Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts      $ 25,788        Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts      $ (59,921

Strategic Income

                      

Foreign currency exchange rate

   Forward contracts      Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts      $ 223,498        Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts      $ (215,967

The following table presents the forward foreign currency contracts subject to netting agreements and the collateral delivered related to those forward foreign currency contracts as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Fund    Counterparty    Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation on
Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts*
     Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation) on
Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts*
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) on
Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts
     Collateral
Pledged
to (from)
Counterparty
     Net
Exposure
 
Core Plus Bond                  
     Bank of America, N.A.    $      $ (55,933    $ (55,933    $      $ (55,933
High Income Bond                  
     Goldman Sachs Bank USA    $ 25,788        (59,921    $ (34,133    $   —      $ (34,133
Strategic Income                  
   Bank of America, N.A.    $ 223,498      $ (187,235    $ 36,263      $      $ 36,263  
   Citibank, National Association             (15,509      (15,509             (15,509
     Goldman Sachs Bank USA             (13,223      (13,223             (13,223

Total

        $ 223,498      $ (215,967    $ (217,531    $      $ 7,531  
* Represents gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the counterparty as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on forward foreign currency contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Fund   Underlying
Risk Exposure
  Derivative
Instrument
  Net Realized
Gain (Loss) from
Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts
   

Change in Net Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation) of
Forward Foreign

Currency Contracts

 
Core Plus Bond   Foreign currency exchange rate   Forward contracts   $ (154,629   $ 138,858  
High Income Bond   Foreign currency exchange rate   Forward contracts     (237,092     147,942  
Strategic Income   Foreign currency exchange rate   Forward contracts     (908,836     951,542  

Futures Contracts

Upon execution of a futures contract, a Fund is obligated to deposit cash or eligible securities, also known as “initial margin,” into an account at its clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the contract amount. Cash held by the broker to cover initial margin requirements on open futures contracts, if any, is recognized as “Cash collateral at brokers for investments in future contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Investments in futures contracts obligate a Fund and the clearing broker to settle monies on a daily basis representing changes in the prior days “mark-to-market” of the open contracts. If a Fund has unrealized appreciation, the clearing broker will credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to appreciation. Conversely, if a Fund has unrealized depreciation, the clearing broker will debit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as “variation margin.” Variation margin is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for “Variation margin on futures contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

During the period the futures contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as an unrealized gain or loss by “marking-to-market” on a daily basis to reflect the changes in market value of the contract, which is recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts” on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expired, a Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract on the closing date and value of the contract when originally entered into, which is recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts” on the Statement of Operations.

 

  136      NUVEEN


Risks of investments in futures contracts include the possible adverse movement in the price of the securities or indices underlying the contracts, the possibility that there may not be a liquid secondary market for the contracts and/or that a change in the value of the contract may not correlate with a change in the value of the underlying securities or indices.

During the current fiscal period, each Fund used U.S. Treasury futures as part of their overall portfolio construction strategy to manage portfolio duration and yield curve exposure. Strategic Income also used Eurodollar futures; selecting foreign bond futures to actively manage exposure to those markets.

The average notional amount of futures contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

     Core
Bond
     Core Plus
Bond
     High Income
Bond
     Inflation
Protected
Securities
     Short Term
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Average notional amount of futures contracts outstanding*   $ 32,913,116      $ 39,514,937      $ 2,390,563      $ 64,199,379      $ 101,540,676      $ 250,604,596  
* The average notional amount is calculated based on the absolute aggregate notional amount of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of all futures contracts held by the Funds as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

           

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
           

Asset Derivatives

       (Liability) Derivatives  
Underlying
Risk Exposure
   Derivative Instrument      Location      Value        Location      Value  

Core Bond

                      

Interest rate

   Futures contracts      Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*      $ 46,994        Payable for variation margin
on futures contracts*
     $ 54,858  
            Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*        (6,689      Payable for variation margin
on futures contracts*
       (12,282

Total

                 $ 40,305               $ 42,576  

Core Plus Bond

                      

Interest rate

   Futures contracts      Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*      $ 53,225             $  
           

Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*

       (41,531      Payable for variation margin
on futures contract*
       (2,112

Total

                 $ 11,694               $ (2,112)  

High Income Bond

                      

Interest Rate

   Futures contracts     

Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*

     $ (14,670           $  

Inflation Protected Securities

                      

Interest rate

   Futures contracts      Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*      $ 55,462        Payable for variation margin
on futures contracts*
     $ 101,309  
            Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*        (45,885      Payable for variation margin
on futures contracts*
       (29,892

Total

                 $ 9,577               $ 71,417  

Short Term Bond

                      

Interest rate

   Futures contracts      Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*      $ (224,603      Payable for variation margin
on futures contracts*
     $ 68,630  

Strategic Income

                      

Interest Rate

   Futures contracts      Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*      $ 237,814        Payable for variation margin
on futures contracts*
     $ 523,799  
            Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts*        (289,346              

Total

                 $ (51,532             $ 523,799  
* Value represents unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments and not the asset and/or liability derivatives location as described in the table above.

 

NUVEEN     137  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on futures contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Fund   Underlying
Risk Exposure
  Derivative
Instrument
  Net Realized
Gain (Loss) from
Futures Contracts
    Change in Net Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation) of
Futures Contracts
 
Core Bond   Interest rate   Futures contracts   $ 268,199     $ (108,789
Core Plus Bond   Interest rate   Futures contracts     437,724       (202,961
High Income Bond   Interest rate   Futures contracts     (4,816     (11,807
Inflation Protected Securities   Interest rate   Futures contracts     309,720       (168,421
Short Term Bond   Interest rate   Futures contracts     (264,608     (186,216
Strategic Income   Interest rate   Futures contracts     1,911,065       (545,487

Credit Default Swap Contracts

A Fund may enter into a credit default swap contract to seek to maintain a total return on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default. Credit default swap contracts involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return if/when there is a credit event by a third party. Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to pay, or restructuring. The specific credit events applicable for each credit default swap are stated in the terms of the particular swap agreement. When a Fund has bought (sold) protection in a credit default swap upon occurrence of a specific credit event with respect to the underlying referenced entity, the Fund will either (i) deliver (receive) that security, or an equivalent amount of cash, from the counterparty in exchange for receipt (payment) of the notional amount to the counterparty, or (ii) receive (pay) a net settlement amount of the credit default swap contract less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. The difference between the value of the security received (delivered) and the notional amount delivered (received) is recorded as a realized gain or loss. Payments paid (received) at the beginning of the measurement period are recognized as a component of “Credit default swaps premiums paid and/or received” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

Credit default swap contracts are valued daily. Changes in the value of a credit default swap during the fiscal period are recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps” and realized gains and losses are recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from swaps” on the Statement of Operations.

For OTC swaps not cleared through a clearing house (“OTC Uncleared”), the daily change in the market value of the swap contract, along with any daily interest fees accrued, are recognized as components of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on credit default swaps” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Upon the execution of an OTC swap cleared through a clearing house (“OTC Cleared”), a Fund is obligated to deposit cash or eligible securities, also known as “initial margin,” into an account at its clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the contract amount. Cash held by the broker to cover initial margin requirements on open swap contracts, if any, is recognized as “Cash collateral at brokers for investments in swaps” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Investments in OTC Cleared swaps obligate a Fund and the clearing broker to settle monies on a daily basis representing changes in the prior day’s “mark-to-market” of the swap. If a Fund has unrealized appreciation, the clearing broker will credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the appreciation. Conversely, if a Fund has unrealized depreciation, the clearing broker will debit a Fund’s account with an amount equal to the depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as “variation margin.” Variation margin for OTC Cleared swaps is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for “Variation margin on swap contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Upon the execution of an OTC Uncleared swap, neither the Fund nor the counterparty is required to deposit initial margin as the trades are recorded bilaterally between both parties to the swap contract, and the terms of the variation margin are subject to a predetermined threshold negotiated by the Fund and the counterparty. Variation margin for OTC Uncleared swaps is recognized as a component of “Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on credit default swaps” as described in the preceding paragraph. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Fund could incur as a buyer or seller of protection in a credit default swap contract is limited to the notional amount of the contract. The maximum potential amount would be offset by the recovery value, if any, of the respective referenced entity.

During the current fiscal period, Core Plus Bond entered into credit default swaps to take on credit risk and earn a commensurate credit spread. Strategic Income used high yield credit default swaps as a way to take on credit risk and earn credit spread.

The average notional amount of credit default swap contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

      Core Plus
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Average notional amount of credit default swap contracts outstanding*    $ 5,536,667      $ 57,666,667  
* The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

 

  138      NUVEEN


The following table presents the fair value of all swap contracts held by the Funds as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

           

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
           

Asset Derivatives

       (Liability) Derivatives  

Underlying

Risk Exposure

  

Derivative

Instrument

     Location      Value        Location      Value  

Core Plus Bond

                      

Credit

   Swaps (OTC Cleared)      Receivable for variation margin on swap contracts*      $ (25,864           $   —  

Strategic Income

                      

Credit

   Swaps (OTC Cleared)           $        Payable for variation margin
on swap contracts*
     $ (275,879
* Value represents unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments and not the asset and/or liability amount as described in the table above.

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on swap contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Fund   Underlying
Risk Exposure
  Derivative
Instrument
  Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
from Swaps
    Change in Net
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation) of
Swaps
 
Core Plus Bond   Credit   Swaps   $ (193,771   $ (22,738
Strategic Income   Credit   Swaps     (2,558,311     264,549  

Options Transactions

The purchase of options involves the risk of loss of all or a part of the cash paid for the options (the premium). The market risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium paid. The counterparty credit risk of purchasing options, however, needs to take into account the current value of the option, as this is the performance expected from the counterparty. When a Fund purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium paid (the premium plus commission) is recognized as a component of “Options purchased, at value” on the Statement of Asset and Liabilities. When a Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the net premium received (the premium less commission) is recognized as a component of “Options written, at value” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and is subsequently adjusted to reflect the current value of the written option until the option is exercised or expires or the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. The changes in the value of options purchased and/or written during the fiscal period are recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of options purchased and/or written” on the Statement of Operations. When an option is exercised or expires or a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, the difference between the net premium received, and any amount paid at expiration or on executing a closing purchase transaction, including commission, is recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from options purchased and/or written” on the Statement of Operations. The Fund, as writer of an option, has no control over whether the underlying instrument may be sold (called) or purchased (put) and as a result bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the market value of the instrument underlying the written option. There is also the risk the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market.

During the current fiscal period, Core Plus Bond and Strategic Income purchased a small amount of call options on futures as part of its overwrite strategy.

The average notional amount of outstanding options purchased during the current fiscal period, was as follows:

 

     Core Plus
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Average notional amount of outstanding call options purchased*   $ 267,750      $ 1,164,500  
* The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period. The Fund did not have any outstanding call options purchased at the end of the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on options purchased on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Fund   Underlying
Risk Exposure
  Derivative
Instrument
  Net Realized
Gain (Loss) from
Options Purchased
    Change in Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) of
Options Purchased
 
Core Plus Bond   Interest Rate   Options   $ (16,404   $ 13,541  
Strategic Income   Interest Rate   Options     (71,345     58,501  

 

NUVEEN     139  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Market and Counterparty Credit Risk

In the normal course of business each Fund may invest in financial instruments and enter into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the other party to the transaction to perform (counterparty credit risk). The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded on the financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose each Fund to counterparty credit risk, consist principally of cash due from counterparties on forward, option and swap transactions, when applicable. The extent of each Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk in respect to these financial assets approximates their carrying value as recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Each Fund helps manage counterparty credit risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties the Adviser believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by having the Adviser monitor the financial stability of the counterparties. Additionally, counterparties may be required to pledge collateral daily (based on the daily valuation of the financial asset) on behalf of each Fund with a value approximately equal to the amount of any unrealized gain above a pre-determined threshold. Reciprocally, when each Fund has an unrealized loss, the Funds have instructed the custodian to pledge assets of the Funds as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss above a pre-determined threshold. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the valuations fluctuate, either up or down, by at least the pre-determined threshold amount.

4. Fund Shares

The Funds have an effective registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue Class T Shares, which were not yet available for public offering at the time this report was issued.

High Income Bond and Strategic Income have issued Class T Shares, however, these shares are not available for public offering.

Transactions in Fund shares during the current and prior fiscal period were as follows:

 

       Six Months Ended
12/31/17
       Year Ended
6/30/17
 
Core Bond      Shares        Amount       

Shares

      

Amount

 
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       166,270        $ 1,623,544          348,602        $ 3,417,164  

Class C

       55,663          542,379          60,753          599,236  

Class R6

                         43,750          420,000  

Class I

       433,475          4,217,591          1,378,169          13,502,662  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       14,617          142,936          31,200          306,317  

Class C

       1,190          11,599          2,394          23,407  

Class R6

       78,009          760,845          155,004          1,516,669  

Class I

       22,443          218,547          67,626          662,944  
         771,667          7,517,441          2,087,498          20,448,399  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (144,524        (1,412,958        (540,191        (5,290,739

Class C

       (38,041        (371,284        (62,735        (609,443

Class R6

       (10,204        (100,000        (44,334        (425,000

Class I

       (1,206,203        (11,743,111        (5,006,267        (49,084,941
         (1,398,972        (13,627,353        (5,653,527        (55,410,123
Net increase (decrease)        (627,305      $ (6,109,912        (3,566,029      $ (34,961,724

 

  140      NUVEEN


       Six Months Ended
12/31/17
       Year Ended
6/30/17
 
Core Plus Bond      Shares        Amount       

Shares

      

Amount

 
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       338,533        $ 3,744,937          611,527        $ 6,726,114  

Class C

       70,227          772,868          171,637          1,886,831  

Class R3

       17,345          193,206          615,172          6,844,174  

Class R6

       53,858          596,387          90,528          1,011,000  

Class I

       3,493,142          38,558,492          4,377,518          47,937,579  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       78,834          872,195          190,198          2,095,816  

Class C

       7,096          78,139          16,235          178,033  

Class R3

       1,705          18,965          27,701          307,667  

Class R6

       36,007          398,314          84,172          926,719  

Class I

       208,868          2,306,500          456,635          5,020,233  
         4,305,615          47,540,003          6,641,323          72,934,166  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (500,007        (5,530,179        (1,217,937        (13,357,088

Class C

       (123,865        (1,363,764        (317,074        (3,464,656

Class R3

       (15,744        (174,932        (1,879,685        (20,475,673

Class R6

       (41,593        (460,962        (280,316        (3,090,000

Class I

       (2,338,614        (25,812,184        (6,073,915        (66,683,145
         (3,019,823        (33,342,021        (9,768,927        (107,070,562
Net increase (decrease)        1,285,792        $ 14,197,982          (3,127,604      $ (34,136,396)  
       Six Months Ended
12/31/17
       Year Ended
6/30/17
 
High Income Bond      Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       10,656,248        $ 83,238,383          32,470,739        $ 247,533,207  

Class C

       661,548          5,159,621          1,736,460          13,348,306  

Class R3

       6,200          49,438          45,050          357,086  

Class I

       7,121,951          55,789,346          34,781,812          265,895,263  

Class T

                         3,161          25,000  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       535,460          4,187,619          1,340,981          10,363,650  

Class C

       171,236          1,337,004          328,045          2,530,015  

Class R3

       2,253          17,994          4,906          38,622  

Class I

       606,462          4,757,365          1,340,352          10,386,721  

Class T

                                   
         19,761,358          154,536,770          72,051,506          550,477,870  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (11,691,467        (91,093,050        (32,124,546        (247,025,407

Class C

       (775,668        (6,043,012        (1,721,578        (13,270,661

Class R3

       (27,423        (218,512        (68,232        (534,057

Class I

       (11,905,182        (93,046,384        (39,271,277        (300,816,743

Class T

                                   
         (24,399,740        (190,400,958        (73,185,633        (561,646,868
Net increase (decrease)        (4,638,382      $ (35,864,188        (1,134,127      $ (11,168,998

 

NUVEEN     141  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

       Six Months Ended
12/31/17
       Year Ended
6/30/17
 
Inflation Protected Securities      Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       1,522,316        $ 16,885,077          6,040,554        $ 67,321,139  

Class C

       152,726          1,663,660          412,282          4,524,060  

Class R3

       75,853          832,864          603,269          6,671,387  

Class R6

       2,215,983          25,239,936          1,955,128          21,949,504  

Class I

       4,629,553          51,950,024          20,142,393          226,841,726  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       53,859          595,606          59,660          657,631  

Class C

       7,554          82,088          3,967          42,609  

Class R3

       2,430          26,630          2,149          23,519  

Class R6

       53,667          603,898          21,770          243,084  

Class I

       173,914          1,945,847          182,980          2,043,868  
         8,887,855          99,825,630          29,424,152          330,318,527  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (1,643,548        (18,226,074        (4,841,254        (53,604,295

Class C

       (227,423        (2,479,843        (613,289        (6,691,782

Class R3

       (108,301        (1,188,520        (1,259,181        (13,919,416

Class R6

       (211,633        (2,390,371        (192,582        (2,168,933

Class I

       (5,610,991        (62,915,306        (14,549,158        (163,023,741
         (7,801,896        (87,200,114        (21,455,464        (239,408,167
Net increase (decrease)        1,085,959        $ 12,625,516          7,968,688        $ 90,910,360  
       Six Months Ended
12/31/17
       Year Ended

6/30/17
 
Short Term Bond      Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       2,769,143        $ 27,262,698          5,353,264        $ 52,756,422  

Class C

       290,307          2,869,527          1,329,379          13,158,495  

Class R3

       2,769          27,330          23,856          235,874  

Class R6

       31,085          306,762          5,437,604          53,642,505  

Class I

       6,558,020          64,643,333          13,570,545          133,885,155  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       67,069          660,431          140,246          1,383,223  

Class C

       7,348          72,678          18,098          179,200  

Class R3

       15          155          60          589  

Class R6

       67,140          663,123          90,268          892,379  

Class I

       107,765          1,062,154          220,618          2,177,787  
         9,900,661          97,568,191          26,183,938          258,311,629  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (3,281,542        (32,311,916        (5,799,396        (57,151,517

Class C

       (549,520        (5,435,643        (1,863,891        (18,443,917

Class R3

       (3,825        (37,821        (8,633        (85,228

Class R6

       (276,945        (2,728,422        (2,587,822        (25,570,087

Class I

       (8,816,572        (86,881,368        (20,733,177        (204,630,204
         (12,928,404        (127,395,170        (30,992,919        (305,880,953
Net increase (decrease)        (3,027,743      $ (29,826,979        (4,808,981      $ (47,569,324)  

 

  142      NUVEEN


       Six Months Ended
12/31/17
       Year Ended
6/30/17
 
Strategic Income      Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       1,944,586        $ 20,711,323          3,757,905        $ 39,980,395  

Class C

       620,036          6,571,375          1,087,361          11,507,310  

Class R3

       89,605          958,288          201,763          2,155,820  

Class R6

       4,134,077          44,381,686          16,930          180,760  

Class I

       7,865,341          83,758,329          18,017,028          191,046,600  

Class T

                         2,343          25,000  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       240,197          2,559,157          719,575          7,667,521  

Class C

       107,407          1,138,524          276,325          2,927,905  

Class R3

       7,103          75,960          17,683          189,082  

Class R6

       56,301          600,015          124,648          1,328,825  

Class I

       578,041          6,155,973          1,071,000          11,401,338  

Class T

                                   
         15,642,694          166,910,630          25,292,561          268,410,556  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (2,920,790        (31,122,164        (9,384,268        (99,319,492

Class C

       (1,106,597        (11,729,265        (2,664,036        (28,194,589

Class R3

       (147,282        (1,573,737        (258,707        (2,763,808

Class R6

       (646,523        (6,899,832        (2,469,686        (26,308,349

Class I

       (6,644,465        (70,743,841        (13,558,767        (144,036,221

Class T

                                   
         (11,465,657        (122,068,839        (28,335,464        (300,622,459
Net increase (decrease)        4,177,037        $ 44,841,791          (3,042,903      $ (32,211,903

5. Investment Transactions

Long-term purchases and sales (including maturities but excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities lending and derivative transactions) during the current fiscal period were as follows:

 

    

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

    

Strategic

Income

 
Purchases:                 

Investment securities

  $ 16,540,011      $ 104,957,626      $ 202,456,930      $ 23,494,265      $ 184,845,612      $ 271,496,726  

U.S. Government and agency obligations

    17,911,954        123,522,234               63,613,321        15,853,906        371,267,920  
Sales and maturities:                 

Investment securities

    13,524,555        113,794,771        236,274,246        11,563,832        153,308,307        225,145,548  

U.S. Government and agency obligations

    15,586,222        93,744,183               66,646,257        17,045,000        366,530,136  

6. Income Tax Information

Each Fund is a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders and to otherwise comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

For all open tax years and all major taxing jurisdictions, management of the Funds has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Open tax years are those that are open for examination by taxing authorities (i.e., generally the last four tax year ends and the interim tax period since then). Furthermore, management of the Funds is also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts as detailed below. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the NAVs of the Funds.

 

NUVEEN     143  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

The tables below present the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of each Fund’s investment portfolio, as determined on a federal income tax basis, as of December 31, 2017.

For purposes of this disclosure, derivative tax cost is generally the sum of any upfront fees or premiums exchanged and any amounts unrealized for income statement reporting but realized in income and/or capital gains for tax reporting. If a particular derivative category does not disclose any tax unrealized appreciation or depreciation, the change in value of those derivatives have generally been fully realized for tax purposes.

 

     Core
Bond
     Core Plus
Bond
     High Income
Bond
     Inflation
Protected
Securities
     Short Term
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Tax cost of investments   $ 135,729,053      $ 394,083,901      $ 394,587,886      $ 613,664,587      $ 522,117,039      $ 881,055,773  
Gross unrealized:                 

Appreciation

  $ 3,464,264      $ 10,214,528      $ 10,991,742      $ 9,506,586      $ 1,020,452      $ 21,014,866  

Depreciation

    (340,589      (1,447,955      (27,934,440      (4,347,359      (2,391,312      (6,358,313
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments   $ 3,123,675      $ 8,766,573      $ (16,942,698    $ 5,159,227      $ (1,370,860    $ 14,656,553  

 

      Core Plus
Bond
     High Income
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Tax cost of forwards    $ (55,933    $ (34,133    $ 7,531  
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forwards                     

 

     Core
Bond
     Core Plus
Bond
     High Income
Bond
     Inflation
Protected
Securities
     Short Term
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Tax cost of futures   $ 82,881      $ 9,582      $ (14,670    $ 80,994      $ (155,973    $ 472,267  
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures                                         

 

      Core Plus
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Tax cost of swaps    $ (288,107    $ (3,379,553
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps              

Permanent differences, primarily due to expiration of capital loss carryforwards, federal taxes paid, foreign currency transactions, Sec. 305(c) adjustments, complex security character adjustments, investments in partnerships, treatment of notional principal contracts and amortization of mark-to-market adjustments on Sec. 311(e) assets, resulted in reclassifications among the Funds’ components of net assets as of June 30, 2017, the Funds’ last tax year end, as follows:

 

    

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

    

Strategic

Income

 
Capital paid-in   $ (12    $ (12    $ (3,210    $ (12    $ (1,188,211    $ (12
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income            (2,926,714      (66,117             54        (13,826,110
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)     12        2,926,726        69,327        12        1,188,157        13,826,122  

The tax components of undistributed net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains as of June 30, 2017, the Funds’ last tax year end, were as follows:

 

    

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

    

Strategic

Income

 
Undistributed net ordinary income1   $   —      $   —      $ 3,327,425      $ 6,388,416      $   —      $   —  
Undistributed net long-term capital gains                                         
1  Undistributed net ordinary income (on a tax basis) has not been reduced for the dividend declared during the period June 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017 and paid on July 3, 2017. Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains, if any.

The tax character of distributions paid during the Funds’ last tax year ended June 30, 2017, was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:

 

     Core
Bond
     Core Plus
Bond
     High Income
Bond
     Inflation
Protected
Securities
     Short Term
Bond
     Strategic
Income
 
Distributions from net ordinary income2   $ 3,957,392      $ 9,981,541      $ 30,659,613      $ 6,987,083      $ 9,517,470      $ 22,549,140  
Distributions from net long-term capital gains                                         
Return of capital     283,435        5,002,040                      579,228        17,330,639  
2  Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains, if any.

 

  144      NUVEEN


As of June 30, 2017, the Funds’ last tax year end, the Funds had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any. If not applied, the carryforwards will expire as shown in the following table. The losses not subject to expiration will be utilized first by a Fund.

 

       

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

    

Strategic

Income

 
Expiration:                    

June 30, 2018

     $  —      $  —      $  —      $  —      $ 4,103,631      $ 35,110,018  
Not subject to expiration        2,917,952        6,778,004        93,516,903        3,811,179        8,377,887        54,722,250  
Total      $ 2,917,952      $ 6,778,004      $ 93,516,903      $ 3,811,179      $ 12,481,518      $ 89,832,268  

During the Funds’ last tax year ended June 30, 2017, the following Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards as follows:

 

       

Core Plus

Bond

      

Short Term
Bond

 
Utilized capital loss carryforwards      $ 3,300,381        $ 779,967  

As of June 30, 2017, the Funds’ last tax year end, the following Fund’s capital loss carryforwards expired as follows:

 

        Short Term
Bond
 
Expired capital loss carryforwards      $ 1,188,199  

The Funds have elected to defer late-year losses in accordance with federal income tax rules. These losses are treated as having arisen on the first day of the current fiscal year. The following Funds have elected to defer losses as follows:

 

       

Core Plus

Bond

      

Strategic

Income

 
Post-October capital losses3      $   —        $   —  
Late-year ordinary losses4        1,709,124          7,226,379  
3  Capital losses incurred from November 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, the Funds’ last tax year end.
4  Ordinary losses incurred from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017 and/or specified losses incurred from November 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.

7. Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Management Fees

Each Fund’s management fee compensates the Adviser for the overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Sub-Adviser is compensated for its services to the Funds from the management fees paid to the Adviser.

Each Fund’s management fee consists of two components – a fund-level fee, based only on the amount of assets within each individual Fund, and a complex-level fee, based on the aggregate amount of all eligible fund assets managed by the Adviser. This pricing structure enables each Fund’s shareholders to benefit from growth in the assets within their respective Fund as well as from growth in the amount of complex-wide assets managed by the Adviser.

For the period July 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017, the annual fund-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund was calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Net Assets     

Core

Bond

      

Core Plus

Bond

      

High Income

Bond

      

Inflation

Protected

Securities

      

Short Term

Bond

      

Strategic

Income

 
For the first $125 million        0.2700        0.2800        0.4000        0.2500        0.2200        0.3600
For the next $125 million        0.2575          0.2675          0.3875          0.2375          0.2075          0.3475  
For the next $250 million        0.2450          0.2550          0.3750          0.2250          0.1950          0.3350  
For the next $500 million        0.2325          0.2425          0.3625          0.2125          0.1825          0.3225  
For the next $1 billion        0.2200          0.2300          0.3500          0.2000          0.1700          0.3100  
For net assets over $2 billion        0.1950          0.2050          0.3250          0.1750          0.1450          0.2850  

 

NUVEEN     145  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Effective August 1, 2017, the annual fund-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Net Assets     

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

      

Strategic

Income

 
For the first $125 million        0.2700      0.2800      0.4000      0.2500      0.2200        0.3600
For the next $125 million        0.2575        0.2675        0.3875        0.2375        0.2075          0.3475  
For the next $250 million        0.2450        0.2550        0.3750        0.2250        0.1950          0.3350  
For the next $500 million        0.2325        0.2425        0.3625        0.2125        0.1825          0.3225  
For the next $1 billion        0.2200        0.2300        0.3500        0.2000        0.1700          0.3100  
For the next $3 billion        0.1950        0.2050        0.3250        0.1750        0.1450          0.2850  
For the next $5 billion        0.1700        0.1800        0.3000        0.1500        0.1200          0.2600  
For net assets over $10 billion        0.1575        0.1675        0.2875        0.1375        0.1075          0.2475  

The annual complex-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund is determined by taking the complex-level fee rate, which is based on the aggregate amount of “eligible assets” of all Nuveen funds as set forth in the schedule below, and making, as appropriate, an upward adjustment to that rate based upon the percentage of the particular fund’s assets that are not “eligible assets.” The complex-level fee schedule for each Fund is as follows:

 

Complex-Level Eligible Asset Breakpoint Level*      Effective Complex-Level Fee Rate at Breakpoint Level  
$55 billion        0.2000
$56 billion        0.1996  
$57 billion        0.1989  
$60 billion        0.1961  
$63 billion        0.1931  
$66 billion        0.1900  
$71 billion        0.1851  
$76 billion        0.1806  
$80 billion        0.1773  
$91 billion        0.1691  
$125 billion        0.1599  
$200 billion        0.1505  
$250 billion        0.1469  
$300 billion        0.1445  
* The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily “eligible assets” of all Nuveen open-end and closed-end funds. Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds or assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with the Adviser’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011. Eligible assets include closed-end fund assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable to certain types of leverage. For these purposes, leverage includes the closed-end funds’ use of preferred stock and borrowings and certain investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB) trusts, including the portion of assets held by the TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining eligible assets in certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2017, the complex-level fee for each Fund was as follows:

 

Fund      Complex-Level Fee  

Core Bond

       0.2000

Core Plus Bond

       0.2000  

High Income Bond

       0.2000  

Inflation Protected Securities

       0.1712  

Short Term Bond

       0.2000  

Strategic Income

       0.1894  

The Adviser has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses (“Expense Cap”) of each Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees occurred in acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares in the amounts and for the time periods stated in the following table. However, because Class R6 Shares are not subject to sub-transfer agent and similar fees, the total annual Fund operating expenses for the Class R6 Shares will be less than the expense limitation. The expense limitation in effect thereafter may be terminated or modified only with the approval of the Board.

 

Fund      Expense Cap       

Expense Cap

Expiration Date

Core Bond        0.53      July 31, 2019
Core Plus Bond        0.52       

July 31, 2019

High Income Bond        0.75        July 31, 2019
Inflation Protected Securities        0.56        July 31, 2019
Short Term Bond        0.47        July 31, 2019
Strategic Income        0.59        July 31, 2019

 

  146      NUVEEN


Other Transactions with Affiliates

During the current fiscal period, Nuveen Securities, LLC, (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen, collected sales charges on purchases of Class A Shares, the majority of which were paid out as concessions to financial intermediaries as follows:

 

    

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

    

Strategic

Income

 
Sales charges collected   $ 14,893      $ 28,617      $ 291,066      $ 9,159      $ 161,984      $ 81,084  
Paid to financial intermediaries     12,648        25,388        261,195        8,168        158,497        73,601  

The Distributor also received 12b-1 service fees on Class A Shares, substantially all of which were paid to compensate financial intermediaries for providing services to shareholders relating to their investments.

During the current fiscal period, the Distributor compensated financial intermediaries directly with commission advances at the time of purchase as follows:

 

    

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

    

Strategic

Income

 
Commission advances   $ 6,364      $ 9,848      $ 72,246      $ 12,612      $ 128,961      $ 73,817  

To compensate for commissions advanced to financial intermediaries, all 12b-1 service and distribution fees collected on Class C Shares during the first year following a purchase are retained by the Distributor. During the current fiscal period, the Distributor retained such 12b-1 fees as follows:

 

    

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

    

Strategic

Income

 
12b-1 fees retained   $ 1,586      $ 17,258      $ 44,912      $ 17,273      $ 7,728      $ 44,123  

The remaining 12b-1 fees charged to the Funds were paid to compensate financial intermediaries for providing services to shareholders relating to their investments.

The Distributor also collected and retained CDSC on share redemptions during the current fiscal period, as follows:

 

    

Core

Bond

    

Core Plus

Bond

    

High Income

Bond

    

Inflation

Protected

Securities

    

Short Term

Bond

    

Strategic

Income

 
CDSC retained   $ 7      $ 402      $ 4,666      $ 1,000      $ 8,246      $ 5,991  

8. Borrowing Arrangements

Uncommitted Line of Credit

During the current fiscal period, the Funds participated in an unsecured bank line of credit (“Unsecured Credit Line”) under which outstanding balances would bear interest at a variable rate. Although the Funds participated in the Unsecured Credit Line, they did not have any outstanding balances during the current fiscal period.

The Unsecured Credit Line was not renewed after its scheduled termination date of July 27, 2017.

Committed Line of Credit

The Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Adviser (“Participating Funds”), have established a 364-day, approximately $3 billion standby credit facility with a group of lenders, under which the Participating Funds may borrow for various purposes other than leveraging for investment purposes. A large portion of this facility’s capacity (and its associated costs as described below) is currently dedicated for use by a small number of Participating Funds, which does not include any of the Funds covered by this shareholder report. The remaining capacity under the facility (and the corresponding portion of the facility’s annual costs) is separately dedicated to most of the other open-end funds in the Nuveen fund family, including all of the Funds covered by this shareholder report, along with a number of Nuveen closed-end funds. The credit facility expires in July 2018 unless extended or renewed.

The credit facility has the following terms: a fee of 0.15% per annum on unused commitment amounts, and interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Fed Funds rate plus 1.25% per annum on amounts borrowed. Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Other expenses” on the Statement of Operations, and along with commitment fees, have been allocated among such Participating Funds based upon the relative proportions of the facility’s aggregate capacity reserved for them and other factors deemed relevant by the Adviser and the Board of each Participating Fund.

 

NUVEEN     147  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

During the current fiscal period, High Income Bond utilized this facility. The Fund’s average daily balance outstanding and average annual interest rate during the utilization period was $10,316,667 and 2.24%, respectively. The Fund’s maximum outstanding daily balance during the utilization period was $17,100,000. Borrowings outstanding as of the end of the reporting period are recognized as “Borrowings” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. None of the other Funds utilized this facility during the current fiscal period.

9. New Accounting Pronouncements

FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08 (“ASU 2017-08”) Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

The FASB has issued ASU 2017-08, which shortens the premium amortization period for purchased non-contingently callable debt securities. ASU 2017-08 specifies that the premium amortization period ends at the earliest call date, for purchased non-contingently callable debt securities. ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the implications of ASU 2017-08, if any.

10. Subsequent Events

Change in CDSC Schedule for Short-Term Bond

Effective March 27, 2018, shareholders purchasing $250,000 or more for Short-Term Bond of Class A Shares at NAV without an up-front sales charge will be assessed a CDSC of 0.75% on any shares redeemed within twelve months of purchase, unless the redemption is eligible for a CDSC reduction or waiver as specified in the Fund’s statement of additional information.

 

  148      NUVEEN


Additional

Fund Information

 

 

Fund Manager

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

Sub-Adviser

Nuveen Asset Management, LLC

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

One North Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association

1555 North RiverCenter Drive

Suite 302

Milwaukee, WI 53202

  

Legal Counsel

Chapman and Cutler LLP

Chicago, IL 60603

  

Transfer Agent and
Shareholder Services

DST Asset Manager
Solutions, Inc.

P.O. Box 8530

Boston, MA 02266-8530

  

 

 

             
  Quarterly Form N-Q Portfolio of Investments Information: Each Fund is required to file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. You may obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov or in person at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call the SEC toll-free at (800) SEC-0330 for room hours and operation.  
        

 

  Nuveen Funds’ Proxy Voting Information: You may obtain (i) information regarding how each fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen toll-free at (800) 257-8787 or on Nuveen’s website at www.nuveen.com and (ii) a description of the policies and procedures that each fund used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen toll-free at (800) 257-8787. You may also obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov.  

 

        
  FINRA BrokerCheck: The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides information regarding the disciplinary history of FINRA member firms and associated investment professionals. This information as well as an investor brochure describing FINRA BrokerCheck is available to the public by calling the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline number at (800) 289-9999 or by visiting www.FINRA.org.  

 

NUVEEN     149  


Glossary of Terms

Used in this Report

 

Asset-Backed Securities (ABS): Securities whose value and income payments are derived from and collateralized by a specific pool of underlying assets. The pool of assets typically is a group of small and/or illiquid assets that may be difficult to sell individually. The underlying pools of asset-backed securities often include payments from credit cards, auto loans or mortgage loans.

Average Annual Total Return: This is a commonly used method to express an investment’s performance over a particular, usually multi-year time period. It expresses the return that would have been necessary each year to equal the investment’s actual cumulative performance (including change in NAV or offer price and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, if any) over the time period being considered.

Basis Point: One one-hundredth of one percentage point, or 0.01%. For example, 25 basis points equals 0.25%.

Beta: A measure of the variability of the change in the share price for a fund in relation to a change in the value of the fund’s market benchmark. Securities with betas higher than 1.0 have been, and are expected to be, more volatile than the benchmark; securities with betas lower than 1.0 have been, and are expected to be, less volatile than the benchmark.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: An unmanaged index that includes all investment-grade, publicly issued, fixed-rate, dollar denominated, nonconvertible debt issues and commercial mortgage-backed securities with maturities of at least one year and outstanding par values of $150 million or more. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees.

Bloomberg Barclays High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index: An issuer-constrained version of the U.S. Corporate High-Yield Index that covers the U.S. dollar denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bond market. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. TIPS Index: An unmanaged index that includes all publicly issued, U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities that have at least one year remaining to maturity, are rated investment grade, and have $250 million or more of outstanding face value. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees.

Bloomberg Barclays 1-3 Year Government/Credit Bond Index: An unmanaged index that includes all medium and larger issues of U.S. government, investment-grade corporate, and investment-grade international dollar-denominated bonds that have maturities of between 1 and 3 years and are publicly issued. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS): Commercial mortgage-backed securities are backed by cash flows of a mortgage or pool of mortgages on commercial real estate. CMBS generally are structured to provide protection to the senior class investors against potential losses on the underlying mortgage loans. CMBS are typically characterized by the following: i) loans on multi-family housing, non-residential property, ii) payments based on the amortization schedule of 25-30 years with a balloon payment due usually after 10 years, and iii) restrictions on prepayments.

Contingent Capital Securities (CoCos): CoCos are debt or capital securities of primarily non-U.S. issuers with loss absorption contingency mechanisms built into the terms of the security, for example a mandatory conversion into common stock of the issuer, or a principal write-down, which if triggered would likely cause the CoCo investment to lose value. Loss absorption mechanisms would become effective upon the occurrence of a specified contingency event, or at the discretion of a regulatory body. Specified contingency events, as identified in the CoCo’s governing documents,

 

  150      NUVEEN


usually reference a decline in the issuer’s capital below a specified threshold level, and/or certain regulatory events. A loss absorption contingency event for CoCos would likely be the result of, or related to, the deterioration of the issuer’s financial condition and/or its status as a going concern. In such a case, with respect to CoCos that provide for conversion into common stock upon the occurrence of the contingency event, the market price of the issuer’s common stock received by the Acquiring Fund will have likely declined, perhaps substantially, and may continue to decline after conversion. CoCos rated below investment grade should be considered high yield securities, or “junk,” but often are issued by entities whose more senior securities are rated investment grade. CoCos are a relatively new type of security; and there is a risk that CoCo security issuers may suffer the sort of future financial distress that could materially increase the likelihood (or the market’s perception of the likelihood) that an automatic write-down or conversion event on those issuers’ CoCos will occur. Additionally, the trading behavior of a given issuer’s CoCo may be strongly impacted by the trading behavior of other issuers’ CoCos, such that negative information from an unrelated CoCo security may cause a decline in value of one or more CoCos held by the Fund. Accordingly, the trading behavior of CoCos may not follow the trading behavior of other types of debt and preferred securities. Despite these concerns, the prospective reward vs. risk characteristics of at least certain CoCos may be very attractive relative to other fixed-income alternatives.

Duration: Duration is a measure of the expected period over which a bond’s principal and interest will be paid, and consequently is a measure of the sensitivity of a bond’s or bond fund’s value to changes when market interest rates change. Generally, the longer a bond’s or fund’s duration, the more the price of the bond or fund will change as interest rates change.

Lipper Core Bond Classification Average: Represents the average annualized returns for all reporting funds in the Lipper Core Bond Classification. Lipper returns account for the effects of management fees and assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charge.

Lipper Core Bond Plus Classification Average: Represents the average annualized returns for all reporting funds in the Lipper Core Bond Plus Classification. Lipper returns account for the effects of management fees and assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charge.

Lipper High Current Yield Funds Classification Average: Represents the average annualized returns for all reporting funds in the Lipper High Current Yield Funds Classification. Lipper returns account for the effects of management fees and assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charge.

Lipper Inflation-Protected Bond Funds Classification Average: Represents the average annualized returns for all reporting funds in the Lipper Inflation-Protected Bond Funds Classification. The Lipper returns account for the effects of management fees and assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charge.

Lipper Multi-Sector Income Funds Classification Average: Represents the average annualized returns for all reporting funds in the Lipper Multi-Sector Income Funds Classification. Lipper returns account for the effects of management fees and assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charge.

Lipper Short Investment Grade Debt Funds Classification Average: Represents the average annualized returns for all reporting funds in the Lipper Short Investment Grade Debt Funds Classification. Lipper returns account for the effects of management fees and assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charge.

Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are bonds backed by pools of mortgages, usually with similar characteristics, and which return principal and interest in each payment. MBS are composed of residential mortgages (RMBS) or commercial mortgages (CMBS). RMBS are further divided into agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS, depending on the issuer.

 

NUVEEN     151  


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) Per Share: A fund’s Net Assets is equal to its total assets (securities, cash and accrued earnings) less its total liabilities. For funds with multiple classes, Net Assets are determined separately for each share class. NAV per share is equal to the fund’s (or share class’) Net Assets divided by its number of shares outstanding.

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS): Residential mortgage-backed securities are securities the payments on which depend primarily on the cash flow from residential mortgage loans made to borrowers that are secured by residential real estate. RMBS consist of agency and non-agency RMBS. Agency RMBS have agency guarantees that assure investors that they will receive timely payment of interest and principal, regardless of delinquency or default rates on the underlying loans. Agency RMBS include securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and other federal agencies, or issues guaranteed by them. Non-agency RMBS do not have agency guarantees. Non-agency RMBS have credit enhancement built into the structure to shield investors from borrower delinquencies. The spectrum of non-agency residential mortgage loans includes traditional jumbo loans (prime), alternative-A loans (Alt-A), and home equity loans (sub-prime).

S&P 500® Index: An unmanaged index generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees.

Tax Equalization: The practice of treating a portion of the distribution made to a redeeming shareholder, which represents his proportionate part of undistributed net investment income and capital gain as a distribution for tax purposes. Such amounts are referred to as the equalization debits (or payments) and will be considered a distribution to the shareholder of net investment income and capital gain for calculation of the fund’s dividends paid deduction.

 

  152      NUVEEN


Notes

 

 

NUVEEN     153  


Notes

 

 

  154      NUVEEN


Notes

 

 

NUVEEN     155  


LOGO

 

    

 

     

 

           
  Nuveen:   
     Serving Investors for Generations   
    

 

     Since 1898, financial advisors and their clients have relied on Nuveen to provide dependable investment solutions through continued adherence to proven, long-term investing principles. Today, we offer a range of high quality solutions designed to be integral components of a well-diversified core portfolio.   
       

 

       

Focused on meeting investor needs.

 

Nuveen is the investment manager of TIAA. We have grown into one of the world’s premier global asset managers, with specialist knowledge across all major asset classes and particular strength in solutions that provide income for investors and that draw on our expertise in alternatives and responsible investing. Nuveen is driven not only by the independent investment processes across the firm, but also the insights, risk management, analytics and other tools and resources that a truly world-class platform provides. As a global asset manager, our mission is to work in partnership with our clients to create solutions which help them secure their financial future.

  
    

 

        
       

Find out how we can help you.

To learn more about how the products and services of Nuveen may be able to help you meet your financial goals, talk to your financial advisor, or call us at (800) 257-8787. Please read the information
provided carefully before you invest. Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of any investment carefully. Where applicable, be sure to obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other relevant information. To obtain a prospectus, please contact your securities representative or Nuveen, 333 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

 

Learn more about Nuveen Funds at: www.nuveen.com/mf

  

 

                 
  Securities offered through Nuveen Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC | 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 | www.nuveen.com   

 

MSA-FINC-1217D        427251-INV-B-02/19


     LOGO
Mutual Funds   

 

      
     Nuveen Income Funds

 

 

       

 

       

 

 

Semi-Annual Report  December 31, 2017

 

              Share Class / Ticker Symbol     
    Fund Name        Class A    Class C    Class R3    Class I    

 

 

Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund

       FIGAX    FYGCX    FYGRX    FYGYX    

 


 

 

     

 

           
  Life is Complex.     
  Nuveen makes things e-simple.   
  It only takes a minute to sign up for e-Reports. Once enrolled, you’ll receive an e-mail as soon as your Nuveen Fund information is ready. No more waiting for delivery by regular mail. Just click on the link within the e-mail to see the report and save it on your computer if you wish.   
        Free e-Reports right to your e-mail!   
       

www.investordelivery.com

If you receive your Nuveen Fund distributions and statements from your
financial advisor or brokerage account.

     or   

www.nuveen.com/accountaccess

If you receive your Nuveen Fund distributions and statements directly from Nuveen.

 

Must be preceded by or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE
NO BANK GUARANTEE

  
    

 

        
                                 

 

LOGO


Table

of Contents

 

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders

     4  

Portfolio Managers’ Comments

     5  

Risk Considerations and Dividend Information

     7  

Fund Performance and Expense Ratios

     9  

Yields

     11  

Holding Summaries

     12  

Expense Examples

     13  

Portfolio of Investments

     14  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     18  

Statement of Operations

     20  

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

     21  

Financial Highlights

     22  

Notes to Financial Statements

     24  

Additional Fund Information

     33  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     34  

 

NUVEEN     3  


Chairman’s Letter

to Shareholders

 

LOGO

Dear Shareholders,

Financial markets ended 2017 on a high note. Concurrent growth across the world’s major economies, strong corporate profits, low inflation and accommodative central banks provided an optimal environment for rising asset prices with remarkably low volatility. Political risks, which were expected to be a wildcard in 2017, did not materialize. The Trump administration achieved one of its major policy goals with the passage of the Tax cuts and Jobs Act, the European Union (EU) member governments elected EU-friendly leadership, Brexit negotiations moved forward and China’s 19th Party Congress concluded with no major surprises in its economic policy objectives.

Conditions have turned more volatile in 2018, but the positive fundamentals underpinning the markets’ rise over the past year remain intact. In early February, fears of rising inflation, which could prompt more aggressive action by the Federal Reserve, trigged a widespread sell-off across U.S. and global equity markets. Yet, global economies are still expanding and corporate earnings look healthy.

We do believe volatility will feature more prominently in 2018. Interest rates continue to rise and inflation pressures are mounting and investors are uncertain about how markets will react amid tighter financial conditions. After the relative calm of the past few years, it’s anticipated that price fluctuations will begin trending toward a more historically normal range. But we also note that signs foreshadowing recession are lacking at this point.

Maintaining perspective can be difficult with daily headlines focused predominantly on short-term news. Nuveen believes this can be an opportune time to check in with your financial advisor. Strong market appreciation such as that in 2017 may create an imbalance in a diversified portfolio. Your advisor can help you reexamine your investment goals and risk tolerance, and realign your portfolio’s investment mix appropriately. On behalf of the other members of the Nuveen Fund Board, we look forward to continuing to earn your trust in the months and years ahead.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

William J. Schneider

Chairman of the Board

February 23, 2018

 

 

  4      NUVEEN


Portfolio Managers’

Comments

 

Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund

This Fund features portfolio management by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, an affiliate of Nuveen, LLC. Wan-Chong Kung, CFA, has managed the Fund since 2002, while Chris J. Neuharth and Jason J. O’Brien, CFA, have been on the Fund’s management team since 2009.

Effective January 22, 2018, subsequent to the end of the reporting period, the Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund was liquidated.

Here they discuss the key investment strategies and the Funds’ performance for the six-month reporting period ended December 31, 2017.

What strategies were used to manage the Fund during the six-month reporting period and how did these strategies influence performance?

The Fund continued to employ the same fundamental investment strategies and tactics used previously. The Fund’s management team uses a highly collaborative, research-driven approach that we believe offers the best opportunity to achieve consistent, superior long-term performance on a risk-adjusted basis across the full range of market environments. During the reporting period, the Fund was generally positioned for an environment of continued moderate economic growth.

The Fund’s Class A Shares at NAV performed in line with the Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate Government Bond Index and underperformed the Lipper Intermediate U.S. Government Funds Classification Average for the six-month reporting period.

Despite episodes of geopolitical turmoil and policy uncertainty during the reporting period, risk appetites in the financial markets remained supported by economic activity and financial conditions. U.S. Treasury rates were broadly range-bound for most of the reporting period, before moving higher into year-end, responding to developments surrounding Federal Reserve (Fed) policy and U.S. tax reform. In moves well communicated with markets in advance, the Fed began its program of balance sheet reduction in the fall. It also raised interest rates by 0.25% at its mid-December meeting due to strength in the job market and economy, while signaling it expects continued increases in 2018. However, most other central banks remained accommodative throughout the reporting period as they’ve done all year, which along with very low inflation, helped suppress global bond yields. Congress also eventually passed a large tax bill in December, providing substantial cuts to corporate taxes and a near-term fiscal stimulus, while eliminating a recent driver of uncertainty.

 

 

This material is not intended to be a recommendation or investment advice, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities, and is not provided in a fiduciary capacity. The information provided does not take into account the specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor’s objectives and circumstances and in consultation with his or her advisors.

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements. Discussions of specific investments are for illustration only and are not intended as recommendations of individual investments. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are those of the portfolio managers as of the date of this report. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements and the views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. The Funds disclaim any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein.

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

 

NUVEEN     5  


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

The U.S. Treasury yield curve flattened dramatically during the reporting period. At the long end of the yield curve, rates moved slightly lower for 30-year securities, the only segment where rates were down. At the short end, the two-year Treasury yield reached its highest level of this cycle, increasing by 50 basis points over the six-month reporting period as a whole. Five-year Treasury rates were 28 basis points higher. Catalysts for the curve flattening included stronger economic data, the Fed’s December rate hike, continued benign inflation and a Treasury announcement regarding increased issuance of shorter maturity bonds. The return of the Fund’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate Government Bond Index, was in negative territory at -0.06% due to rising short-term rates.

In the securitized sectors, residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS) performed well supported by range-bound rates, relatively low levels of volatility, continued strong fundamentals in the housing market and strong investor demand. In October 2017, the Fed began its quantitative tightening by reducing its monthly reinvestments in MBS by $4 billion per month. However, the runoff was easily absorbed by banks, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and foreign buyers because overall MBS supply declined due to seasonal factors in the housing market. Both the commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and asset-backed securities (ABS) segments outperformed in the first two months of the six-month reporting period, but took a step back in September 2017 on the heels of the hurricanes, North Korea tensions and the Toys-R-Us bankruptcy filing. Later in the reporting period, however, the ABS sector recovered as buyers quickly returned to the sector after low levels of volatility and the need for yield brought increased demand for these securities. The CMBS sector also outperformed Treasuries because investors continued to view the sector as a relatively safe source of yield, taking comfort in improved underwriting in the segment.

The Fund benefited from its sector weights, including overweight positions in the securitized sectors of the market and a corresponding underweight to U.S. Treasuries. More specifically, the Fund benefited from overweights to MBS, ABS and CMBS. Demand remained strong for high quality, liquid paper and spreads tightened versus Treasuries for all three segments during the reporting period.

The significant flattening of the Treasury yield curve benefited the Fund’s performance relative to its benchmark and peers during the reporting period. We had the Fund positioned to benefit from that scenario by overweighting Treasury securities in the 10-year portion of the yield curve, while underweighting securities with maturities of five years and under. As noted, the yield curve experienced significant flattening as a result of various factors. Therefore, our yield curve positioning was another contributor to the Fund’s results, mostly in the second half of the six-month reporting period.

In addition, we tactically traded the Fund’s duration throughout the reporting period, which adjusted its sensitivity to interest rate changes, while remaining defensive versus the benchmark. In aggregate, these duration moves had minimal impact on the Fund’s performance.

In addition, we used U.S. Treasury note and bond futures as part of an overall portfolio construction strategy to manage the Fund’s duration and yield curve exposure. These derivative positions had a negligible impact on performance during the reporting period.

 

  6      NUVEEN


Risk Considerations

and Dividend Information

 

Risk Considerations

Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund

Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Debt or fixed income securities such as those held by the Fund, are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, derivatives risk, dollar roll transaction risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to additional risks such as prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default risk and adverse economic developments.

Dividend Information

The Fund seeks to pay regular monthly dividends out of its net investment income at a rate that reflects its past and projected net income performance. To permit the Fund to maintain a more stable monthly dividend, the Fund may pay dividends at a rate that may be more or less than the amount of net income actually earned by the Fund during the period. If the Fund has cumulatively earned more than it has paid in dividends, it will hold the excess in reserve as undistributed net investment income (UNII) as part of the Fund’s net asset value. Conversely, if the Fund has cumulatively paid in dividends more than it has earned, the excess will constitute a negative UNII that will likewise be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund will, over time, pay all its net investment income as dividends to shareholders.

As of December 31, 2017, the Fund had a positive UNII balance, based upon our best estimate, for tax purposes and a negative UNII balance for financial reporting purposes.

All monthly dividends paid by the Fund during the current reporting period were paid from net investment income. If a portion of the Fund’s monthly distributions was sourced from or comprised of elements other than net investment income, including capital gains and/or a return of capital, shareholders would have received a notice to that effect. For financial reporting purposes, the composition and per share amounts of the Fund’s dividends for the reporting period are presented in this report’s Statement of Changes in Net Assets and Financial Highlights, respectively. For income tax purposes, distribution information for the Fund as of its most recent tax year end is presented in Note 6 – Income Tax Information within the Notes to Financial Statements of this report.

 

NUVEEN     7  


THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

  8      NUVEEN


Fund Performance

and Expense Ratios

 

The Fund Performance and Expense Ratios for the Fund are shown within this section of the report.

Returns quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate so that when shares are redeemed, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Total returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized. Returns at net asset value (NAV) would be lower if the sales charge were included. Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. For performance current to the most recent month-end visit nuveen.com or call (800) 257-8787.

Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

Returns may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the investment adviser during the periods presented. If any such waivers and/or reimbursements had not been in place, returns would have been reduced. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 7—Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates for more information.

Returns reflect differences in sales charges and expenses, which are primarily differences in distribution and service fees, and assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

Comparative index and Lipper return information is provided for Class A Shares at NAV only.

The expense ratios shown reflect total operating expenses (before fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, if any) as shown in the most recent prospectus. The expense ratios include management fees and other fees and expenses.

 

NUVEEN     9  


Fund Performance and Expense Ratios (continued)

Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund

 

Refer to the first page of this Fund Performance and Expense Ratios section for further explanation of the information included within this section. Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for definitions of terms used within this section.

Fund Performance

Average Annual Total Returns as of December 31, 2017

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year  

Class A Shares at NAV

       (0.05)%          0.89%          0.39%          2.28%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

       (3.06)%          (2.16)%          (0.23)%          1.97%  

Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate Government Bond Index

       (0.06)%          1.14%          0.92%          2.70%  

Lipper Intermediate U.S. Government Funds Classification Average

       0.10%          1.39%          0.93%          2.75%  

Class I Shares

       0.09%          1.06%          0.65%          2.49%  

 

       Cumulative        Average Annual  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        Since
Inception
 

Class C Shares

       (0.54)%          0.01%          (0.37)%          0.87%  

Class R3 Shares

       (0.18)%          0.50%          0.14%          1.36%  

Since inception returns for Class C and Class R3 Shares are from 10/28/09. Indexes and Lipper averages are not available for direct investment.

Class A Shares have a maximum 3.00% sales charge (Offering Price). Class A Share purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset value without an up-front sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1% if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares have a 1% CDSC for redemptions within less than twelve months, which is not reflected in the one-year total return. Class R3 Shares have no sales charge and are only available for purchase by eligible retirement plans. Class I Shares have no sales charge and may be purchased under limited circumstances or by specified classes of investors.

Expense Ratios as of Most Recent Prospectus

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class I  

Gross Expense Ratios

       1.04%          1.79%          1.28%          0.78%  

Net Expense Ratios

       0.79%          1.54%          1.04%          0.54%  

The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse other Fund expenses through July 31, 2019, so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees incurred in acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.54% of the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares. Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will not be terminated prior to that time without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Fund.

 

  10      NUVEEN


Yields as of December 31, 2017

 

Dividend Yield is the most recent dividend per share (annualized) divided by the offering price per share.

The SEC 30-Day Yield is a standardized measure of a fund’s yield that accounts for the future amortization of premiums or discounts of bonds held in the fund’s portfolio. The SEC 30-Day Yield is computed under an SEC standardized formula and is based on the maximum offer price per share. Subsidized yields reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements from the investment adviser during the period. If any such waivers and/or reimbursements had not been in place, yields would have been reduced. Unsubsidized yields do not reflect waivers and/or reimbursements from the investment adviser during the period. Refer to the Notes to Financial Statements, Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates for further details on the investment adviser’s most recent agreement with the Fund to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses, where applicable. Dividend Yield may differ from the SEC 30-Day Yield because the fund may be paying out more or less than it is earning and it may not include the effect of amortization of bond premium.

Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A1        Class C        Class R3        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       3.95%          3.31%          3.80%          4.36%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       1.68%          1.00%          1.49%          1.97%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       1.21%          0.51%          1.00%          1.51%  
1 The SEC Yield for Class A Shares quoted in the table reflects the maximum sales load. Investors paying a reduced load because of volume discounts, investors paying no load because they qualify for one of the several exclusions from the load, and existing shareholders who previously paid a load but would like to know the SEC Yield applicable to their shares on a going-forward basis, should understand that the SEC Yield effectively applicable to them would be higher than the figure quoted in the table.

 

NUVEEN     11  


Holding

Summaries as of December 31, 2017

 

This data relates to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio of investments as of the end of this reporting period. It should not be construed as a measure of performance for the Fund itself. Holdings are subject to change.

For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest rating given by one of the following national rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch, Inc. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Credit ratings are subject to change. AAA, AA, A and BBB are investment grade ratings; BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are below investment grade ratings. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by these national rating agencies.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms Used in this Report for further definition of the terms used within this section.

 

Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

       81.1%  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

       15.4%  

Municipal Bonds

       3.4%  

Investments Purchased with Collateral From Securities Lending

       2.6%  

Money Market Funds

       0.5%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

       (3.0)%  

Net Assets

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

(% of total long-term investments)

 

AAA

       7.7%  

AA

       3.3%  

BBB

       0.5%  

U.S. Treasury/Agency

       88.5%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

 

  12      NUVEEN


Expense

Examples

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including up-front and back-end sales charges (loads) or redemption fees, where applicable; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees, where applicable; and other Fund expenses. The Examples below are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Examples below are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the period ended December 31, 2017.

The beginning of the period is July 1, 2017.

The information under “Actual Performance,” together with the amount you invested, allows you to estimate actual expenses incurred over the reporting period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60) and multiply the result by the cost shown for your share class, in the row entitled “Expenses Incurred During Period” to estimate the expenses incurred on your account during this period.

The information under “Hypothetical Performance,” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expense you incurred for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the following tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs. Therefore, the hypothetical information is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds or share classes. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A        Class C        Class R3        Class I  

Actual Performance

                                           

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 999.50        $ 994.60        $ 998.20        $ 1,000.90  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 3.98        $ 7.74        $ 5.24        $ 2.72  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                           

Beginning Account Value

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00        $ 1,000.00  

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,021.22        $ 1,017.44        $ 1,019.96        $ 1,022.48  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 4.02        $ 7.83        $ 5.30        $ 2.75  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.79%, 1.54%, 1.04% and 0.54% for Classes A, C, R3 and I, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

NUVEEN     13  


Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 99.9%

                
 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 81.1%

 

         
$ 790    

Fannie Mae Notes

    1.500%          11/30/20          Aaa        $ 778,332  
  1,180    

Federal Farm Credit Bank Discount Notes

    1.550%          9/27/19          Aaa          1,171,833  
  560    

Federal Farm Credit Bank Discount Notes

    1.550%          4/13/20          Aaa          554,406  
  455    

Federal Farm Credit Bank Discount Notes

    1.750%          10/26/20          Aaa          450,679  
  360    

Federal Farm Credit Banks, Consolidated Systemwide Notes

    1.750%          4/01/21          Aaa          355,779  
  1,080    

Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds

    4.125%          3/13/20          Aaa          1,129,709  
  1,060    

Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds

    1.750%          6/12/20          Aaa          1,052,857  
  515    

Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds

    1.375%          9/28/20          Aaa          505,743  
  300    

Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds

    1.125%          7/14/21          Aaa          289,999  
  775    

Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds

    1.875%          12/09/22          Aaa          763,240  
  955    

Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds

    2.875%          6/14/24          Aaa          981,534  
  2,260    

Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds

    2.875%          9/13/24          Aaa          2,316,954  
  775    

Federal National Mortgage Association

    2.125%          4/24/26          Aaa          747,660  
  250    

Financing Corporation

    9.400%          2/08/18          N/R          252,171  
  750    

Freddie Mac Notes, (3)

    1.500%          1/17/20          Aaa          742,805  
  270    

Freddie Mac Reference Notes

    5.000%          12/14/18          Aa2          278,068  
  560    

Freddie Mac Reference Notes

    1.375%          4/20/20          Aaa          552,002  
  1,145    

U.S. Treasury Notes, Stripped Interest Payments

    0.000%          2/15/22          N/R          1,046,895  
  1,510    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    1.750%          5/15/23          Aaa          1,472,529  
  1,135    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    2.750%          11/15/23          Aaa          1,165,489  
  1,000    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    2.250%          1/31/24          Aaa          997,636  
  445    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    2.125%          9/30/24          Aaa          439,298  
  3,505    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    2.000%          2/15/25          Aaa          3,425,416  
  1,540    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    2.125%          5/15/25          Aaa          1,516,092  
  730    

U.S. Treasury Notes

    2.000%          8/15/25          Aaa          711,477  
$ 23,905    

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $23,617,515)

 

                  23,698,603  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 15.4%                    
$ 464    

321 Henderson Receivables LLC., Series 2010-1A, 144A

    5.560%          7/15/59          Aaa        $ 494,710  
  427    

Entergy New Orleans Store Recovery Funding LLC, Series 2015-1

    2.670%          6/01/27          AAA          426,314  
  2    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 695765

    5.500%          4/01/18          N/R          1,896  
  5    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 254720

    4.500%          5/01/18          N/R          4,600  
  23    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 725793

    5.500%          9/01/19          N/R          23,561  
  33    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 254179

    6.000%          1/01/22          N/R          37,405  

 

  14      NUVEEN


Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                    
$ 39    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 254344

    6.500%          6/01/22          N/R        $ 42,879  
  54    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 596680

    7.000%          9/01/31          N/R          58,623  
  74    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 254169

    6.500%          12/01/31          N/R          82,455  
  143    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 745101

    6.000%          4/01/32          N/R          157,798  
  133    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 596712

    6.500%          6/01/32          N/R          148,332  
  19    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 656269

    6.000%          8/01/32          N/R          20,040  
  44    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 887017

    6.500%          8/01/36          N/R          50,675  
  68    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN 928519

    7.000%          6/01/37          N/R          73,659  
  230    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AE4876

    3.500%          10/01/40          N/R          237,821  
  39    

Fannie Mae Mortgage Pool FN AE0981

    3.500%          3/01/41          N/R          40,688  
  225    

Fannie Mae REMIC Pass-Through Certificates

    7.500%          2/25/42          Aaa          250,131  
  31    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various G00876

    6.500%          1/01/28          N/R          34,140  
  18    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various C35768

    7.500%          1/01/30          N/R          19,672  
  83    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Pool, Various G01244

    6.500%          3/01/31          N/R          93,971  
  300    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust 2011-K702, 144A

    4.793%          4/25/44          Aa3          300,076  
  154    

Freddie Mac Mortgage Trust 2013-KF02, 144A (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.000% spread), (4)

    4.564%          12/25/45          Baa1          154,198  
  14    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool 347332

    7.500%          12/15/22          N/R          14,479  
  86    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool 780825

    6.500%          7/15/28          N/R          97,852  
  34    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool 3120

    6.500%          8/20/31          N/R          39,229  
  58    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool 570134

    7.500%          12/15/31          N/R          59,615  
  518    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool 633605

    6.000%          9/15/34          N/R          594,337  
  212    

Government National Mortgage Association Pool 4946

    4.500%          2/20/41          N/R          224,437  
  365    

New Residential Advance Receivable Trust, Series 2017-T1, 144A

    3.214%          2/15/51          AAA          365,315  
  350    

OMART Receivables Trust, Series 2016-T1, 144A

    2.521%          8/17/48          AAA          349,930  
$ 4,245    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $4,285,523)

 

                  4,498,838  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)             Optional Call
Provision (5)
       Ratings (2)        Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS – 3.4%

                
 

New York – 0.9%

                
$ 265    

New York City, New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 2017 Series B-2, 3.100%, 12/01/25

               No Opt. Call          AA        $ 269,503  
      Ohio – 1.8%                                 
  345    

Columbus, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds, Various Purpose, Taxable Series 2014C, 3.000%, 2/15/19

         No Opt. Call          AAA          348,819  
  175    

Ohio State, General Obligation Bonds, Third Frontier Research and Development, Taxable Series 2017A, 2.850%, 11/01/27

               No Opt. Call          AA+          174,249  
  520    

Total Ohio

                                     523,068  

 

NUVEEN     15  


Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund (continued)

 

Portfolio of Investments   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)             Optional Call
Provision (5)
       Ratings (2)        Value  
      Texas – 0.7%                                 
$ 200    

Houston, Texas, General Obligation Bonds, Public Improvement, Build America Bond Series 2010B, 4.811%, 3/01/22

               3/20 at 100.00          AA        $ 209,936  
$ 985    

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $1,008,482)

                                     1,002,507  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $28,911,520)

 

                  29,199,948  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                            Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 2.6%

 

    
      Money Market Funds – 2.6%                                 
  764,063    

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, (7)

    1.196% (6)                              $ 764,063  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $764,063)

 

       764,063  
Shares     Description (1)   Coupon                            Value  
      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.5%                                 
      Money Market Funds – 0.5%                                 
  133,173    

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class Z

    1.181% (6)                              $ 133,173  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $133,173)

 

                  133,173  
 

Total Investments (cost $29,808,756) – 103.0%

 

                  30,097,184  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (3.0)% (8)

                                     (879,174
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                   $ 29,218,010  

Investments in Derivatives

Futures Contracts

 

Description      Contract
Position
     Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note

       Short        (9      3/18      $ (1,045,221    $ (1,045,477    $ (256    $ (256

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note

       Short        (14      3/18        (1,729,519      (1,736,656      (7,137      (2,844

U.S. Treasury Long Bond

       Short        (13      3/18        (452,789      (459,000      (6,211      (844
                                  $ (3,227,529    $ (3,241,133    $ (13,604    $ (3,944

 

  16      NUVEEN


 

For Fund portfolio compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications into sectors for reporting ease.

 

(1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets.

 

(2) For financial reporting purposes, the ratings disclosed are the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. This treatment of split-rated securities may differ from that used for other purposes, such as for Fund investment policies. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any of these national rating agencies.

 

(3) Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $742,805.

 

(4) Variable rate security. The rate shown is the coupon as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(5) Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities may be subject to periodic principal paydowns.

 

(6) The rate shown is the annualized seven-day subsidized yield as of the end of the reporting period.

 

(7) The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the fair value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks and other institutions. The Fund maintains collateral equal to at least 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives, Securities Lending for more information.

 

(8) Other assets less liabilities includes the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of OTC cleared and exchange-traded derivatives is recognized as part of the cash collateral at brokers and/or receivable or payable for variation margin as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, when applicable.

 

LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

144A Investment is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These investments may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, which are normally those transactions with qualified institutional buyers.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     17  


Statement of

  Assets and Liabilities   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Assets

        

Long-term investments, at value (cost $28,911,520)

   $ 29,199,948  

Investments purchased with collateral from securities lending, at value (cost approximates value)

     764,063  

Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value)

     133,173  

Cash

     2,625  

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in futures contracts(1)

     23,200  

Receivable for:

  

Due from broker

     47  

Reimbursement from Adviser

     531  

Interest

     150,606  

Shares sold

     954  

Other assets

     32,398  

Total assets

   $ 30,307,545  

Liabilities

  

Payable for:

  

Collateral from securities lending program

     764,063  

Dividends

     32,118  

Shares redeemed

     241,093  

Variation margin on future contracts

     3,944  

Accrued expenses:

  

Directors fees

     388  

12b-1 distribution and service fees

     2,242  

Other

     45,687  

Total liabilities

     1,089,535  

Net assets

   $ 29,218,010  

 

(1) Cash pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in futures contracts.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  18      NUVEEN


 

Class A Shares

        

Net assets

   $ 5,896,375  

Shares outstanding

     686,715  

Net asset value (“NAV”) per share

   $ 8.59  

Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of 3.00% of offering price)

   $ 8.86  

Class C Shares

  

Net assets

   $ 839,626  

Shares outstanding

     97,602  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 8.60  

Class R3 Shares

  

Net assets

   $ 82,103  

Shares outstanding

     9,559  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 8.59  

Class I Shares

  

Net assets

   $ 22,399,906  

Shares outstanding

     2,607,794  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 8.59  

Net assets consist of:

        

Capital paid-in

   $ 30,226,365  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income

     (25,441

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (1,257,738

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     274,824  

Net assets

   $ 29,218,010  

Authorized shares – per class

     2 billion  

Par value per share

     0.0001  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     19  


Statement of

  Operations   Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Investment Income

        

Interest income

   $ 558,020  

Securities lending income

     985  

Total investment income

     559,005  

Expenses

  

Management fees

     107,145  

12b-1 service fees – Class A Shares

     9,700  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class C Shares

     5,502  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class R3 Shares

     206  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     20,309  

Custodian fees

     18,632  

Directors fees

     881  

Professional fees

     23,761  

Shareholder reporting expenses

     7,347  

Federal and state registration fees

     32,699  

Other

     2,594  

Total expenses before fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     228,776  

Fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     (84,800

Net expenses

     143,976  

Net investment income (loss)

     415,029  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

  

Investments

     24,636  

Futures contracts

     32,199  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments

     (390,360

Futures contracts

     (36,427

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (369,952

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

   $ 45,077  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

  20      NUVEEN


Statement of

  Changes in Net Assets   (Unaudited)

 

      Six Months Ended
12/31/17
    

Year Ended
6/30/17

 

Operations

     

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 415,029      $ 1,022,544  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments

     24,636        (214,806

Futures contracts

     32,199        (38,881

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments

     (390,360      (2,552,387

Futures contracts

     (36,427      54,540  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     45,077        (1,728,990

Distributions to Shareholders

     

From net investment income:

     

Class A Shares

     (63,475      (150,158

Class C Shares

     (4,877      (6,809

Class R3 Shares

     (607      (1,372

Class I Shares

     (353,463      (823,411

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (422,422      (981,750

Fund Share Transactions

     

Proceeds from sale of shares

     5,673,083        17,334,085  

Proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

     134,460        361,910  
     5,807,543        17,695,995  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (28,602,984      (43,353,450

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

     (22,795,441      (25,657,455

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (23,172,786      (28,368,195

Net assets at the beginning of period

     52,390,796        80,758,991  

Net assets at the end of period

   $ 29,218,010      $ 52,390,796  

Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period

   $ (25,441    $ (18,048

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     21  


Financial

Highlights (Unaudited)

 

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

      Investment Operations           Less Distributions           

Class (Commencement Date)

 

 

Year Ended June 30,

  Beginning
NAV
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
       Net
Realized/
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       Total            From
Net
Investment
Income
       From
Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains
       Return
of
Capital
       Total        Ending
NAV
 

Class A (10/02)

 

                                   

2018(e)

  $ 8.67     $ 0.07        $ (0.07      $       $ (0.08      $   —        $        $ (0.08      $ 8.59  

2017

    8.96       0.11          (0.30        (0.19       (0.10                          (0.10        8.67  

2016

    8.80       0.11          0.16          0.27         (0.11                          (0.11        8.96  

2015

    8.81       0.10          (0.02        0.08         (0.09                          (0.09        8.80  

2014

    8.79       0.11          0.03          0.14         (0.11                 (0.01        (0.12        8.81  

2013

    9.02       0.14          (0.20        (0.06             (0.17                          (0.17        8.79  

Class C (10/09)

 

                                   

2018(e)

    8.69       0.04          (0.09        (0.05       (0.04                          (0.04        8.60  

2017

    8.98       0.05          (0.30        (0.25       (0.04                          (0.04        8.69  

2016

    8.82       0.04          0.16          0.20         (0.04                          (0.04        8.98  

2015

    8.83       0.04          (0.02        0.02         (0.03                          (0.03        8.82  

2014

    8.80       0.05          0.04          0.09         (0.05                 (0.01        (0.06        8.83  

2013

    9.03       0.07          (0.21        (0.14             (0.09                          (0.09        8.80  

Class R3 (10/09)

 

                                   

2018(e)

    8.67       0.06          (0.08        (0.02       (0.06                          (0.06        8.59  

2017

    8.97       0.09          (0.31        (0.22       (0.08                          (0.08        8.67  

2016

    8.80       0.09          0.16          0.25         (0.08                          (0.08        8.97  

2015

    8.81       0.08          (0.02        0.06         (0.07                          (0.07        8.80  

2014

    8.78       0.09          0.04          0.13         (0.09                 (0.01        (0.10        8.81  

2013

    9.01       0.12          (0.21        (0.09             (0.14                          (0.14        8.78  

Class I (10/02)

 

                                   

2018(e)

    8.67       0.08          (0.07        0.01         (0.09                          (0.09        8.59  

2017

    8.97       0.13          (0.30        (0.17       (0.13                          (0.13        8.67  

2016

    8.81       0.13          0.16          0.29         (0.13                          (0.13        8.97  

2015

    8.82       0.12          (0.01        0.11         (0.12                          (0.12        8.81  

2014

    8.80       0.13          0.04          0.17         (0.14                 (0.01        (0.15        8.82  

2013

    9.03       0.16          (0.21        (0.05             (0.18                          (0.18        8.80  

 

  22      NUVEEN


      Ratios/Supplemental Data  
                  Ratios to Average
Net Assets Before
Waiver/Reimbursement
          Ratios to Average
Net Assets After
Waiver/Reimbursement(c)
        
Total
Return(b)
    Ending
Net
Assets
(000)
           Expenses      Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
           Expenses      Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
     Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                  
  (0.05 )%    $ 5,896         1.15 %*       1.21 %*        0.79 %*       1.57 %*       37
  (2.08     9,458         1.04        1.02         0.79        1.27        82  
  3.06       13,760         1.00        1.08         0.85        1.23        58  
  0.93       9,010         1.02        1.00         0.85        1.17        59  
  1.65       9,621         1.01        1.14         0.85        1.30        31  
  (0.74     11,034               1.01        1.41               0.85        1.57        55  
                  
  (0.54     840         1.90      0.46       1.54      0.82      37  
  (2.81     1,169         1.79        0.27         1.54        0.52        82  
  2.29       1,550         1.75        0.34         1.60        0.49        58  
  0.18       667         1.77        0.25         1.60        0.42        59  
  0.98       639         1.76        0.40         1.60        0.56        31  
  (1.53     1,090               1.76        0.66               1.60        0.82        55  
                  
  (0.18     82         1.41      0.96       1.04      1.32      37  
  (2.46     82         1.28        0.76         1.04        1.00        82  
  2.90       143         1.25        0.83         1.10        0.98        58  
  0.66       137         1.27        0.75         1.10        0.92        59  
  1.49       137         1.26        0.89         1.10        1.05        31  
  (1.00     168               1.26        1.17               1.10        1.32        55  
                  
  0.09       22,400         0.89      1.45       0.54      1.80      37  
  (1.92     41,682         0.78        1.27         0.54        1.51        82  
  3.34       65,305         0.75        1.33         0.60        1.48        58  
  1.20       65,850         0.77        1.24         0.60        1.40        59  
  1.90       86,186         0.76        1.36         0.60        1.52        31  
  (0.53     52,291               0.76        1.67               0.60        1.83        55  

 

(a) Per share Net Investment Income (Loss) is calculated using the average daily shares method.  
(b) Total return is the combination of changes in NAV without any sales charge, reinvested dividend income at NAV and reinvested capital gains distributions at NAV, if any. Total returns are not annualized.  
(c) After fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement from the Adviser, where applicable. See Note 7 – Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates, Management Fees for more information.  
(d) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 5 – Investment Transactions) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.  
(e) For the six months ended December 31, 2017.  
* Annualized.  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

NUVEEN     23  


Notes to

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1. General Information and Significant Accounting Policies

General Information

Trust and Fund Information

Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc. (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trust is comprised of Nuveen Intermediate Government Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified fund, among others. The Trust was incorporated in the State of Maryland on August 20, 1987.

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is December 31, 2017, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the six months ended December 31, 2017 (the “current fiscal period”).

Investment Adviser

The Fund’s investment adviser is Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC (“Nuveen”). Nuveen is the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). The Adviser has overall responsibility for management of the Fund, overseas the management of the Fund’s portfolio, manages the Fund’s business affairs and provides certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services, and, if necessary, asset allocation decisions. The Adviser has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), a subsidiary of the Adviser, under which the Sub-Adviser manages the investment portfolio of the Fund.

Fund Liquidation

On November 16, 2017, the Adviser announced that the Fund will be liquidated, as approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Effective December 18, 2017, the Fund stopped accepting purchases from new investors and existing shareholders, except that defined contribution retirement plans that held Fund shares as of November 16, 2017 could continue to purchase Fund shares until January 16, 2018 (subsequent to the close of this reporting period). Existing shareholders continued to reinvest dividends and capital gains distributions received from the Fund. The liquidation took place after the close of business on January 22, 2018, at which time shareholders received the proceeds of the liquidation.

Investment Objectives

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide investors with current income to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital.

The Fund’s most recent prospectus provides further descriptions of the Fund’s investment objective, principal investment strategies and principal risks.

Significant Accounting Policies

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.” The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Investment Transactions

Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are determined on the specific identification method, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Investments purchased on a when-issued/delayed delivery basis may have extended settlement periods. Any investments so purchased are subject to market fluctuation during this period. The Fund has earmarked securities in its portfolio with a current value at least equal to the amount of the when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments.

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund did not have any outstanding when-issued/delayed delivery purchase commitments.

Investment Income

Interest income, which reflects the amortization of premiums and includes accretion of discounts for financial reporting purposes, is recorded on an accrual basis. Interest income also reflects payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest and paydown gains and losses, if any. PIK interest represents income received in the form of securities in lieu of cash. Securities lending income is comprised of fees earned from borrowers and income earned on cash collateral investments.

Professional Fees

Professional fees presented on the Statement of Operations consist of legal fees incurred in the normal course of operations, audit fees, tax consulting fees and, in some cases, workout expenditures. Workout expenditures are incurred in an attempt to protect or enhance an investment or to pursue

 

  24      NUVEEN


other claims or legal actions on behalf of Fund shareholders. If a refund is received for workout expenditures paid in a prior reporting period, such amounts will be recognized as “Legal fee refund” on the Statement of Operations.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared daily and distributed to shareholders monthly. Fund shares begin to accrue dividends on the business day after the day when the monies used to purchase Fund shares are collected by the transfer agent.

Net realized capital gains from investment transactions, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders at least annually. Furthermore, capital gains are distributed only to the extent they exceed available capital loss carryforwards.

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

Share Classes and Sales Charges

Class A Shares are generally sold with an up-front sales charge and incur a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee. Class A Share purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset value (“NAV”) without an up-front sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1% if redeemed within eighteen months of purchase. Class C Shares are sold without an up-front sales charge but incur a 0.75% annual 12b-1 distribution fee and a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee. Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within twelve months of purchase. Class R3 Shares are sold without an up-front sales charge but incur a 0.25% annual 12b-1 distribution fee and a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee. Class I Shares are not subject to any sales charge or 12b-1 distribution or service fees.

Multiclass Operations and Allocations

Income and expenses of the Fund that are not directly attributable to a specific class of shares are prorated among the classes based on the relative settled shares of each class. Expenses directly attributable to a class of shares are recorded to the specific class. Currently, the only expenses that are allocated on a class-specific basis are 12b-1 distribution and service fees.

Realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the Fund are prorated among the classes based on the relative net assets of each class.

Compensation

The Trust pays no compensation directly to those of its trustees who are affiliated with the Adviser or to its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Trust from the Adviser or its affiliates. The Board has adopted a deferred compensation plan for independent directors that enables directors to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual compensation they are entitled to receive from certain Nuveen-advised funds. Under the plan, deferred amounts are treated as though equal dollar amounts had been invested in shares of select Nuveen-advised funds.

Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

Netting Agreements

In the ordinary course of business, the Fund may enter into transactions subject to enforceable International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) master agreements or other similar arrangements (“netting agreements”). Generally, the right to offset in netting agreements allows the Fund to offset certain securities and derivatives with a specific counterparty, when applicable, as well as any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. Generally, the Fund manages its cash collateral and securities collateral on a counterparty basis.

The Fund’s investments subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, if any, are further described in Note 3 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the current fiscal period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

2. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

The fair valuation input levels as described below are for fair value measurement purposes.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data

 

NUVEEN     25  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The following is a summary of the three-tiered hierarchy of valuation input levels.

 

Level 1 –   Inputs are unadjusted and prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 –   Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 –   Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

Prices of fixed-income securities are provided by an independent pricing service (“pricing service”) approved by the Board. The pricing service establishes a security’s fair value using methods that may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2. In pricing certain securities, particularly less liquid and lower quality securities, the pricing service may consider information about a security, its issuer or market activity, provided by the Adviser. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs.

Investments in investment companies are valued at their respective NAVs on the valuation date and are generally classified as Level 1.

Futures contracts are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the last traded price and are generally classified as Level 1.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by the pre-established pricing methods as described above. Such securities may be valued by the Board and/or its appointee at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; debt securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund’s NAV (as may be the case in non-U.S. markets on which the security is primarily traded) or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, is not deemed to reflect the security’s fair value. As a general principle, the fair value of a security would appear to be the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for it in a current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, which may include consideration of the following: yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, market quotes or indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated cash flows or collateral, general market conditions and other information and analysis, including the obligor’s credit characteristics considered relevant. These securities are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of the significant inputs. Regardless of the method employed to value a particular security, all valuations are subject to review by the Board and/or its appointee.

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the Fund’s fair value measurements as of the end of the reporting period:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Long-Term Investments*:           

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

  $      $ 23,698,603      $      $ 23,698,603  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

           4,498,838               4,498,838  

Municipal Bonds

      —        1,002,507          —        1,002,507  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     764,063                      764,063  
Short-Term Investments:           

Money Market Funds

    133,173                 —        133,173  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Futures Contracts**

    (13,604                    (13,604
Total   $ 883,632      $ 29,199,948      $      $ 30,083,580  
* Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for state classifications, where applicable.
** Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

The Board is responsible for the valuation process and has appointed the oversight of the daily valuation process to the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Board, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Fund’s pricing policies and reporting to the Board. The Valuation Committee is aided in its efforts by the Adviser’s dedicated Securities Valuation Team, which is responsible for administering the daily valuation process and applying fair value methodologies as

 

  26      NUVEEN


approved by the Valuation Committee. When determining the reliability of independent pricing services for investments owned by the Fund, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of the pricing services and monitors the quality of security prices received through various testing reports conducted by the Securities Valuation Team.

The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making a fair value determination, based on the facts and circumstances specific to the portfolio instrument. Fair value determinations generally will be derived as follows, using public or private market information:

 

  (i) If available, fair value determinations shall be derived by extrapolating from recent transactions or quoted prices for identical or comparable securities.

 

  (ii) If such information is not available, an analytical valuation methodology may be used based on other available information including, but not limited to: analyst appraisals, research reports, corporate action information, issuer financial statements and shelf registration statements. Such analytical valuation methodologies may include, but are not limited to: multiple of earnings, discount from market value of a similar freely-traded security, discounted cash flow analysis, book value or a multiple thereof, risk premium/yield analysis, yield to maturity and/or fundamental investment analysis.

The purchase price of a portfolio instrument will be used to fair value the instrument only if no other valuation methodology is available or deemed appropriate, and it is determined that the purchase price fairly reflects the instrument’s current value.

For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such testing and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board.

3. Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives

Portfolio Securities

Securities Lending

In order to generate additional income, the Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third of the value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker-dealers, banks or other institutions. When loaning securities, the Fund retains the benefits of owning the securities, including the economic equivalent of dividends or interest generated by the security. The Fund also has the ability to recall the securities on loan at any time.

The Fund’s policy is to receive, at the inception of a loan, cash collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of securities loaned, which is recognized as “Payable for collateral from securities lending program” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral for securities on loan is invested in a money market fund, which is recognized as “Investments purchased with collateral from securities lending, at value” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The market value of the securities loaned is determined at the close of each business day in order to determine the adequacy of the collateral. If the value of the securities on loan increases such that the level of collateralization falls below 100%, additional collateral is received from the borrower on the next business day, which is recognized as “Due from broker” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Securities out on loan are subject to termination at any time at the option of the borrower or the Fund. Upon termination, the borrower is required to return to the Fund securities identical to the securities loaned. Generally, in the event the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the loaned securities, the Fund has the right to use the collateral to acquire identical securities. In the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its right to dispose of the collateral, there may be a loss to the Fund. Under the Fund’s securities lending agreement, however, the securities lending agent has indemnified the Fund against losses resulting from borrower default, except to the extent that those losses result from a decrease in the value of the collateral due to its investment by the Fund. The Fund bears the risk of loss with respect to the investment of collateral.

The Fund’s custodian, U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”), serves as its securities lending agent. Income earned from the securities lending program is paid to the Fund. Income from securities lending is recognized as “Securities lending income” on the Statement of Operations.

The following table presents the securities out on loan for the Fund, and the collateral delivered related to those securities, as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Asset Class out on Loan  

Long-Term

Investments, at Value

 

Collateral

Pledged (From)

Counterparty*

   

Net

Exposure

 
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations   $742,805   $ (742,805   $   —  
* As of the end of the reporting period, the value of the collateral pledged from the counterparty exceeded the value of the securities out on loan. Refer to the Fund's Portfolio of Investments for details on the securities out on loan.

 

NUVEEN     27  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Zero Coupon Securities

A zero coupon security does not pay a regular interest coupon to its holders during the life of the security. Income to the holder of the security comes from accretion of the difference between the original purchase price of the security at issuance and the par value of the security at maturity and is effectively paid at maturity. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically.

Investments in Derivatives

The Fund is authorized to invest in certain derivative instruments. The Fund records derivative instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized on the Statement of Operations, when applicable. Even though the Fund’s investments in derivatives may represent economic hedges, they are not considered to be hedge transactions for financial reporting purposes.

Futures Contracts

Upon execution of a futures contract, the Fund is obligated to deposit cash or eligible securities, also known as “initial margin,” into an account at its clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the contract amount. Cash held by the broker to cover initial margin requirements on open futures contracts, if any, is recognized as “Cash collateral at brokers for investments in futures contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Investments in futures contracts obligate the Fund and the clearing broker to settle monies on a daily basis representing changes in the prior days “mark-to-market” of the open contracts. If the Fund has unrealized appreciation the clearing broker would credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to appreciation and conversely if a Fund has unrealized depreciation the clearing broker would debit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to depreciation. These daily cash settlements are also known as “variation margin.” Variation margin is recognized as a receivable and/or payable for “Variation margin on futures contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

During the period the futures contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as an unrealized gain or loss by “marking-to-market” on a daily basis to reflect the changes in market value of the contract, which is recognized as a component of “Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts” on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expired, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract on the closing date and value of the contract when originally entered into, which is recognized as a component of “Net realized gain (loss) from futures contracts” on the Statement of Operations.

Risks of investments in futures contracts include the possible adverse movement in the price of the securities or indices underlying the contracts, the possibility that there may not be a liquid secondary market for the contracts and/or that a change in the value of the contract may not correlate with a change in the value of the underlying securities or indices.

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used U.S. Treasury futures as part of their overall portfolio construction strategy to manage portfolio duration and yield curve exposure.

The average notional amount of futures contracts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

Average notional amount of futures contracts outstanding*   $ 7,878,970  
* The average notional amount is calculated based on the absolute aggregate notional amount of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of all futures contracts held by the Fund as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

           

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
           

Asset Derivatives

       (Liability) Derivatives  
Underlying
Risk Exposure
   Derivative Instrument      Location      Value        Location      Value  

Interest rate

   Futures contracts     

     $   —        Payable for variation margin
on future contracts*
     $ (13,604
* Value represents unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments and not the asset and/or liability derivatives location as described in the table above.

The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized on futures contracts on the Statement of Operations during the current fiscal period, and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

Underlying Risk Exposure   Derivative
Instrument
  Net Realized Gain (Loss)
from Futures Contracts
    Change in Net Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)
of Futures Contracts
 
Interest rate   Futures contracts   $ 32,199     $ (36,427

Market and Counterparty Credit Risk

In the normal course of business the Fund may invest in financial instruments and enter into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the other party to the transaction to perform (counterparty credit risk). The potential loss could

 

  28      NUVEEN


exceed the value of the financial assets recorded on the financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Fund to counterparty credit risk, consist principally of cash due from counterparties on forward, option and swap transactions, when applicable. The extent of the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk in respect to these financial assets approximates their carrying value as recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Fund helps manage counterparty credit risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties the Adviser believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by having the Adviser monitor the financial stability of the counterparties. Additionally, counterparties may be required to pledge collateral daily (based on the daily valuation of the financial asset) on behalf of the Fund with a value approximately equal to the amount of any unrealized gain above a pre-determined threshold. Reciprocally, when the Fund has an unrealized loss, the Fund has instructed the custodian to pledge assets of the Fund as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss above a pre-determined threshold. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the valuations fluctuate, either up or down, by at least the pre-determined threshold amount.

4. Fund Shares

The Fund has an effective registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue Class T Shares, which were not yet available for public offering at the time this report was issued.

Transactions in Fund shares during the current and prior fiscal period were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
12/31/17
       Year Ended
6/30/17
 
      Shares     Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:               

Class A

     50,100     $ 433,584          898,274        $ 7,881,888  

Class C

     28,535       247,531          123,756          1,091,274  

Class R3

     154       1,337          7,423          65,740  

Class I

     574,507       4,990,631          944,414          8,295,183  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:               

Class A

     7,066       61,071          16,460          144,101  

Class C

     553       4,784          640          5,611  

Class R3

     71       607          156          1,366  

Class I

     7,861       67,998          24,035          210,832  
       668,847       5,807,543          2,015,158          17,695,995  
Shares redeemed:               

Class A

     (461,200     (3,997,687        (1,359,324        (11,822,085

Class C

     (66,065     (572,376        (162,508        (1,419,172

Class R3

     (74     (636        (14,150        (122,605

Class I

     (2,779,813     (24,032,285        (3,445,961        (29,989,588
       (3,307,152     (28,602,984        (4,981,943        (43,353,450
Net increase (decrease)      (2,638,305   $ (22,795,441        (2,966,785      $ (25,657,455

5. Investment Transactions

Long-term purchases and sales (including maturities but excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities lending and derivative transactions) during the current fiscal period were as follows:

 

Purchases:         

Investment securities

   $ 897,976  

U.S. Government and agency obligations

     8,188,250  
Sales and maturities:   

Investment securities

     7,975,738  

U.S. Government and agency obligations

     23,382,180  

6. Income Tax Information

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders and to otherwise comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

For all open tax years and all major taxing jurisdictions, management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Open tax years are those that are open for examination by taxing authorities (i.e., generally the last four tax year ends and the interim tax period since then). Furthermore, management of the Fund is also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

 

NUVEEN     29  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts as detailed below. Temporary differences do not require reclassification. Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the NAVs of the Fund.

The tables below present the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the Fund’s investment portfolio, as determined on a federal income tax basis, as of December 31, 2017.

For purposes of this disclosure, derivative tax cost is generally the sum of any upfront fees or premiums exchanged and any amounts unrealized for income statement reporting but realized in income and/or capital gains tax reporting. If a particular derivative category does not disclose any tax unrealized appreciation or depreciation, the change in value of those derivatives have generally been fully realized for tax purposes.

 

Tax cost of investments    $ 29,826,770  
Gross unrealized:   

Appreciation

   $ 429,053  

Depreciation

     (158,639
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments    $ 270,414  
Tax cost of futures    $ (13,604
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures       

Permanent differences, primarily due to expiration of capital loss carryforwards and federal taxes paid, resulted in reclassifications among the Fund’s components of net assets as of June 30, 2017, the Fund’s last tax year end, as follows:

 

Capital paid-in    $ (3,538,410
Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income       
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)      3,538,410  

The tax components of undistributed net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains as of June 30, 2017, the Fund’s last tax year end, were as follows:

 

Undistributed net ordinary income1    $ 43,092  
Undistributed net long-term capital gains       
1  Undistributed net ordinary income (on a tax basis) has not been reduced for the dividend declared during the period June 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017 and paid on July 3, 2017. Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains, if any.

The tax character of distributions paid during the Fund’s last tax year ended June 30, 2017, was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:

 

Distributions from net ordinary income2    $ 1,015,757  
Distributions from net long-term capital gains       
2  Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains, if any.

As of June 30, 2017, the Fund’s last tax year end, the Fund had unused capital losses carrying forward available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if any. The capital losses are not subject to expiration.

 

Capital losses to be carried forward – not subject to expiration

  $ 1,057,024  

As of June 30, 2017, the Fund’s last tax year end, $3,538,398 of the Fund’s capital loss carryforwards expired.

7. Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Management Fees

The Fund’s management fee compensates the Adviser for the overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Sub-Adviser is compensated for its services to the Fund from the management fees paid to the Adviser.

The Fund’s management fee consists of two components – a fund-level fee, based only on the amount of assets within the Fund, and a complex-level fee, based on the aggregate amount of all eligible fund assets managed by the Adviser. This pricing structure enables the Fund’s shareholders to benefit from growth in the assets within their respective Fund as well as from growth in the amount of complex-wide assets managed by the Adviser.

 

  30      NUVEEN


For the period July 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017, the annual fund-level fee, payable monthly, was calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Net Assets          
For the first $125 million        0.2500
For the next $125 million        0.2375  
For the next $250 million        0.2250  
For the next $500 million        0.2125  
For the next $1 billion        0.2000  
For net assets over $2 billion        0.1750  

Effective August 1, 2017, the annual fund-Level fee, payable monthly, is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Net Assets          
For the first $125 million        0.2500
For the next $125 million        0.2375  
For the next $250 million        0.2250  
For the next $500 million        0.2125  
For the next $1 billion        0.2000  
For the next $3 billion        0.1750  
For the next $5 billion        0.1500  
For net assets over $10 billion        0.1375  

The annual complex-level fee, payable monthly, for the Fund is determined by taking the complex-level fee rate, which is based on the aggregate amount of “eligible assets” of all Nuveen funds as set forth in the schedule below, and making, as appropriate, an upward adjustment to that rate based upon the percentage of the particular fund’s assets that are not “eligible assets.” The complex-level fee schedule for the Fund is as follows:

 

Complex-Level Eligible Asset Breakpoint Level*      Effective Complex-Level Fee Rate at Breakpoint Level  
$55 billion        0.2000
$56 billion        0.1996  
$57 billion        0.1989  
$60 billion        0.1961  
$63 billion        0.1931  
$66 billion        0.1900  
$71 billion        0.1851  
$76 billion        0.1806  
$80 billion        0.1773  
$91 billion        0.1691  
$125 billion        0.1599  
$200 billion        0.1505  
$250 billion        0.1469  
$300 billion        0.1445  
* The complex-level fee is calculated based upon the aggregate daily “eligible assets” of all Nuveen open-end and closed-end Funds. Eligible assets do not include assets attributable to investments in other Nuveen funds or assets in excess of a determined amount (originally $2 billion) added to the Nuveen fund complex in connection with the Adviser’s assumption of the management of the former First American Funds effective January 1, 2011. Eligible assets include closed-end fund assets managed by the Adviser that are attributable to certain types of leverage. For these purposes, leverage includes the closed-end funds’ use of preferred stock and borrowings and certain investments in the residual interest certificates (also called inverse floating rate securities) in tender option bond (TOB) trusts, including the portion of assets held by the TOB trust that has been effectively financed by the trust’s issuance of floating rate securities, subject to an agreement by the Adviser as to certain funds to limit the amount of such assets for determining eligible assets in certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2017, the complex-level fee for the Fund was 0.2000%.

The Adviser has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses through July 31, 2019 so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, fees occurred in acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.54% of the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares. The expense limitation may be terminated or modified only with the approval of the Board.

Other Transactions with Affiliates

During the current fiscal period, Nuveen Securities, LLC, (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen, collected sales charges on purchases of Class A Shares, the majority of which were paid out as concessions to financial intermediaries as follows:

 

Sales charges collected   $ 8,638  
Paid to financial intermediaries     6,848  

The Distributor also received 12b-1 service fees on Class A Shares, substantially all of which were paid to compensate financial intermediaries for providing services to shareholders relating to their investments.

 

NUVEEN     31  


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

During the current fiscal period, the Distributor compensated financial intermediaries directly with commission advances at the time of purchase as follows:

 

Commission advances   $ 2  

To compensate for commissions advanced to financial intermediaries, all 12b-1 service and distribution fees collected on Class C Shares during the first year following a purchase are retained by the Distributor. During the current fiscal period, the Distributor retained such 12b-1 fees as follows:

 

12b-1 fees retained   $ 1,077  

The remaining 12b-1 fees charged to the Fund were paid to compensate financial intermediaries for providing services to shareholders relating to their investments.

The Distributor also collected and retained CDSC on share redemptions during the current fiscal period, as follows:

 

CDSC retained   $ 3,462  

8. Borrowing Arrangements

Uncommitted Line of Credit

During the current fiscal period, the Fund participated in an unsecured bank line of credit (“Unsecured Credit Line”) under which outstanding balances would bear interest at a variable rate. Although the Fund participated in the Unsecured Credit Line, it did not have any outstanding balances during the current fiscal period.

The Unsecured Credit Line was not renewed after its scheduled termination date on July 27, 2017.

Committed Line of Credit

The Fund, along with certain other funds managed by the Adviser (“Participating Funds”), have established a 364-day, approximately $3 billion standby credit facility with a group of lenders, under which the Participating Funds may borrow for various purposes other than leveraging for investment purposes. A large portion of this facility’s capacity (and its associated costs as described below) is currently dedicated for use by a small number of Participating Funds, which does not include the Fund covered by this shareholder report. The remaining capacity under the facility (and the corresponding portion of the facility’s annual costs) is separately dedicated to most of the other open-end funds in the Nuveen fund family, including the Fund covered by this shareholder report, along with a number of Nuveen closed-end funds. The credit facility expires in July 2018 unless extended or renewed.

The credit facility has the following terms: a fee of 0.15% per annum on unused commitment amounts, and interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Fed Funds rate plus 1.25% per annum on amounts borrowed. Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Other expenses” on the Statement of Operations, and along with commitment fees, have been allocated among such Participating Funds based upon the relative proportions of the facility’s aggregate capacity reserved for them and other factors deemed relevant by the Adviser and the Board of each Participating Fund.

During the current fiscal period, the Fund did not utilize this facility.

9. New Accounting Pronouncements

FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08 (“ASU 2017-08”) Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

The FASB has issued ASU 2017-08, which shortens the premium amortization period for purchased non-contingently callable debt securities. ASU 2017-08 specifies that the premium amortization period ends at the earliest call date, for purchased non-contingently callable debt securities. ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the implications of ASU 2017-08, if any.

10. Subsequent Event

Fund Liquidation

As previously noted in Note 1 - General Information and Significant Accounting Policies, the Fund liquidated after the close of business on January 22, 2018.

 

  32      NUVEEN


Additional

Fund Information

 

 

Fund Manager

Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

Sub-Adviser

Nuveen Asset Management, LLC

333 West Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  

Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

One North Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association

1555 North RiverCenter Drive

Suite 302

Milwaukee, WI 53202

  

Legal Counsel

Chapman and Cutler LLP

Chicago, IL 60603

  

Transfer Agent and
Shareholder Services

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

P.O. Box 8530

Boston, MA 02266-8530

  

 

 

             
  Quarterly Form N-Q Portfolio of Investments Information: Each Fund is required to file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. You may obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov or in person at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call the SEC toll-free at (800) SEC-0330 for room hours and operation.  
        

 

  Nuveen Funds’ Proxy Voting Information: You may obtain (i) information regarding how each fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen toll-free at (800) 257-8787 or on Nuveen’s website at www.nuveen.com and (ii) a description of the policies and procedures that each fund used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen toll-free at (800) 257-8787. You may also obtain this information directly from the SEC. Visit the SEC on-line at http://www.sec.gov.  

 

        
  FINRA BrokerCheck: The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides information regarding the disciplinary history of FINRA member firms and associated investment professionals. This information as well as an investor brochure describing FINRA BrokerCheck is available to the public by calling the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline number at (800) 289-9999 or by visiting www.FINRA.org.  

 

NUVEEN     33  


Glossary of Terms

Used in this Report

 

Asset-Backed Securities (ABS): Securities whose value and income payments are derived from and collateralized by a specific pool of underlying assets. The pool of assets typically is a group of small and/or illiquid assets that may be difficult to sell individually. The underlying pools of asset-backed securities often include payments from credit cards, auto loans or mortgage loans.

Average Annual Total Return: This is a commonly used method to express an investment’s performance over a particular, usually multi-year time period. It expresses the return that would have been necessary each year to equal the investment’s actual cumulative performance (including change in NAV or offer price and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, if any) over the time period being considered.

Basis Point: One one-hundredth of one percentage point, or 0.01%. For example, 25 basis points equals 0.25%.

Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate Government Bond Index: An unmanaged index that includes all publicly issued, U.S. Treasury securities that have a remaining maturity of greater than or equal to 1 year and less than 10 years, are rated investment grade, and have $250 million or more of outstanding face value. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not include the effects of any applicable sales charges or management fees.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS): Commercial mortgage-backed securities are backed by cash flows of a mortgage or pool of mortgages on commercial real estate. CMBS generally are structured to provide protection to the senior class investors against potential losses on the underlying mortgage loans. CMBS are typically characterized by the following: i) loans on multi-family housing, non-residential property, ii) payments based on the amortization schedule of 25-30 years with a balloon payment due usually after 10 years, and iii) restrictions on prepayments.

Duration: Duration is a measure of the expected period over which a bond’s principal and interest will be paid, and consequently is a measure of the sensitivity of a bond’s or bond fund’s value to changes when market interest rates change. Generally, the longer a bond’s or fund’s duration, the more the price of the bond or fund will change as interest rates change.

Lipper Intermediate U.S. Government Funds Classification Average: Represents the average annualized returns for all reporting funds in the Lipper Intermediate U.S. Government Funds Classification. Lipper returns account for the effects of management fees and assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charge.

Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are bonds backed by pools of mortgages, usually with similar characteristics, and which return principal and interest in each payment. MBS are composed of residential mortgages (RMBS) or commercial mortgages (CMBS). RMBS are further divided into agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS, depending on the issuer.

Net Asset Value (NAV) Per Share: A fund’s Net Assets is equal to its total assets (securities, cash and accrued earnings) less its total liabilities. For funds with multiple classes, Net Assets are determined separately for each share class. NAV per share is equal to the fund’s (or share class’) Net Assets divided by its number of shares outstanding.

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS): Residential mortgage-backed securities are securities the payments on which depend primarily on the cash flow from residential mortgage loans made to borrowers that are secured by residential real estate. RMBS consist of agency and non-agency RMBS. Agency RMBS have agency guarantees that assure investors that they will receive timely payment of interest and principal, regardless of delinquency or default rates on the underlying loans. Agency RMBS include securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and other federal agencies,

 

  34      NUVEEN


or issues guaranteed by them. Non-agency RMBS do not have agency guarantees. Non-agency RMBS have credit enhancement built into the structure to shield investors from borrower delinquencies. The spectrum of non-agency residential mortgage loans includes traditional jumbo loans (prime), alternative-A loans (Alt-A), and home equity loans (sub-prime).

Tax Equalization: The practice of treating a portion of the distribution made to a redeeming shareholder, which represents his proportionate part of undistributed net investment income and capital gain as a distribution for tax purposes. Such amounts are referred to as the equalization debits (or payments) and will be considered a distribution to the shareholder of net investment income and capital gain for calculation of the fund’s dividends paid deduction.

 

NUVEEN     35  


LOGO

 

    

 

     

 

           
  Nuveen:   
     Serving Investors for Generations   
    

 

     Since 1898, financial advisors and their clients have relied on Nuveen to provide dependable investment solutions through continued adherence to proven, long-term investing principles. Today, we offer a range of high quality solutions designed to be integral components of a well-diversified core portfolio.   
       

 

       

Focused on meeting investor needs.

 

Nuveen is the investment manager of TIAA. We have grown into one of the world’s premier global asset managers, with specialist knowledge across all major asset classes and particular strength in solutions that provide income for investors and that draw on our expertise in alternatives and responsible investing. Nuveen is driven not only by the independent investment processes across the firm, but also the insights, risk management, analytics and other tools and resources that a truly world-class platform provides. As a global asset manager, our mission is to work in partnership with our clients to create solutions which help them secure their financial future.

  
    

 

        
       

Find out how we can help you.

To learn more about how the products and services of Nuveen
may be able to help you meet your financial goals, talk to your
financial advisor, or call us at (800) 257-8787. Please read the information
provided carefully before you invest. Investors should consider the
investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and
expenses of any investment carefully. Where applicable, be sure to obtain a
prospectus, which contains this and other relevant information. To obtain
a prospectus, please contact your securities representative or Nuveen,
333 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606. Please read the
prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

 

Learn more about Nuveen Funds at: www.nuveen.com/mf

  

 

                 
  Securities offered through Nuveen Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC | 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 | www.nuveen.com   

 

MSA-FIGB-1217P        427252-INV-B-02/19


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable to this filing.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable to this filing.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable to this filing.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to this registrant.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

(a) See Portfolio of Investments in Item 1.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to this registrant.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to this registrant.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable to this registrant.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to this Item.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form.

(a)(1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit: Not applicable to this filing.

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) in the exact form set forth below: See EX-99.CERT attached hereto.

(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons: Not applicable to this registrant.

(b) If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)), Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an Exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registration specifically incorporates it by reference: See EX-99.906 CERT attached hereto.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant) Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc.

 

By   (Signature and Title)   /s/ Kathleen L. Prudhomme  
   

Kathleen L. Prudhomme

Vice President and Secretary

 

Date: March 8, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By   (Signature and Title)   /s/ Greg A. Bottjer  
   

Greg A. Bottjer

Chief Administrative Officer

(principal executive officer)

 

Date: March 8, 2018

 

By   (Signature and Title)   /s/ Stephen D. Foy  
   

Stephen D. Foy

Vice President and Controller

(principal financial officer)

 

Date: March 8, 2018