N-CSR 1 d120582dncsr.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)

Mark J. Czarniecki

Vice President and Secretary

333 West Wacker Drive,

Chicago, IL 60606

(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: June 30, 2021

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

 

30 June

2021

 

Nuveen Income Funds

 

Fund Name    Class A   Class C   Class R3   Class R6   Class I
Nuveen Credit Income Fund    FJSIX   FCSIX   FANSX     FJSYX
Nuveen Strategic Income Fund    FCDDX   FCBCX   FABSX   FSFRX   FCBYX

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will not be sent to you by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website (www.nuveen.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds electronically at any time by contacting the financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) through which you hold your Fund shares or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.nuveen.com/e-reports.

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge at any time by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 800-257-8787 and selecting option #1. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, to all your directly held Nuveen Funds and any other directly held funds within the same group of related investment companies.

 

Annual Report


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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.

 

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or

www.nuveen.com/client-access

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

 

Chair’s Letter to Shareholders

     4  

Portfolio Managers’ Comments

     5  

Risk Considerations and Dividend Information

     9  

Fund Performance and Expense Ratios

     11  

Yields

     16  

Holding Summaries

     17  

Expense Examples

     19  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     21  

Portfolios of Investments

     22  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     63  

Statement of Operations

     65  

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

     66  

Financial Highlights

     68  

Notes to Financial Statements

     72  

Additional Fund Information

     84  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     85  

Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process

     87  

Liquidity Risk Management Program

     94  

Directors and Officers

     95  

 

3


Chair’s Letter to Shareholders

 

LOGO

Dear Shareholders,

More than a year has passed since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020, resulting in a year marked by a global economic downturn, financial market turbulence and some immeasurable losses of life. Although the health crisis persists, with the widespread distribution of vaccines in the U.S. and extraordinary economic interventions by governments and central banks around the world, we collectively look forward to what our “new normal” might be.

Global economic activity has continued to rebound, driving both gross domestic product growth and inflation higher, especially in the U.S. Vaccinations have enabled a further reopening of economies while governments and central banks have taken extraordinary measures to support the recoveries. To extend relief programs enacted earlier in the crisis, the U.S. government passed $900 billion in aid to individuals and businesses in late December 2020. Another $1.9 trillion relief package was signed into law in March 2021, providing extended unemployment benefits, direct payments to individuals and families, assistance to state and local municipalities, grants to education and public health, and other support. Currently, Congress is working on an infrastructure spending plan, although its final shape and whether it passes remains to be seen. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and other central banks around the world have upgraded their economic forecasts but remain committed to sustaining the recovery by maintaining accommodative monetary conditions. However, as economies have reopened, the surge in consumer demand has outpaced supply chain capacity, resulting in a jump in inflation indicators in recent months. Whether inflation persists is a subject of debate by economists and some market observers, while the Fed and other central banks believe it to be more transitory.

While the markets’ longer-term outlook has brightened, we expect intermittent bouts of volatility to continue. Markets are closely monitoring central bank signals, particularly if inflation remains elevated, as a sooner-than-expected shift to monetary tightening could slow the economic recovery. Additionally, COVID-19 cases are rising again, as more virulent strains such as the delta variant have spread, both case counts and hospitalizations are rising, and vaccination rollouts have been uneven around the country and around the world. The recovery hinges on controlling the virus, and estimates vary considerably on when economic activity might be fully restored and what level of public inoculation would be sufficient to contain the spread of the virus, particularly in light of new variants. On the political front, the Biden administration’s full policy agenda and the potential for Congressional gridlock remain to be seen, either of which could cause investment outlooks to shift. Short-term market fluctuations can provide your Fund opportunities to invest in new ideas as well as upgrade existing positioning while providing long-term value for shareholders. For more than 120 years, the careful consideration of risk and reward has guided Nuveen’s focus on delivering long-term results to our shareholders.

If you have concerns about what’s coming next, it may be an opportune time to assess your portfolio. We encourage you to review your time horizon, risk tolerance and investment goals with your financial professional.

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

Terence J. Toth

Chair of the Board

August 23, 2021

 

 

4


Portfolio Managers’

Comments

 

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

These Funds feature portfolio management by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (NAM), an affiliate of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser. Anders S. Persson, CFA, Jean C. Lin, CFA, Karen L. Bubeck, CFA, Aashh K. Parekh, CFA, and Brenda A. Langenfeld, CFA, are portfolio managers for the Nuveen Credit Income Bond Fund. Portfolio managers for the Nuveen Strategic Income Fund include Douglas M. Baker, CFA, Kevin Lorenz, CFA, Katherine Renfrew and Nicholas Travaglino.

Here the Fund portfolio management teams discusses economic and market conditions, key investment strategies and the Fund’s performance for the twelve-month reporting period June 30, 2021.

What factors affected the U.S. economy and the global stock markets during the twelve-month annual reporting period ended June 30, 2021?

The U.S. economy rebounded more quickly than expected from the deep downturn caused by the COVID-19 crisis and containment measures, but gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 3.5% in 2020 compared to 2019’s annual level. U.S. GDP growth picked up pace in the first half of 2021, expanding at an annualized rate of 6.3% in the first quarter and 6.5% in the second quarter according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis “advance” estimate, up from 4.5% (annualized) in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Consumer spending, the largest driver of the economy, rebounded markedly from the steep declines early in the health crisis. Although the momentum slowed toward the end of 2020 amid a resurgence of COVID-19 infections, consumer demand resumed in 2021 as vaccination rates increased and lockdown restrictions eased, eligible Americans received another government stimulus check and the job market continued to improve. By June 2021, the U.S. unemployment rate had fallen to 5.9%, a significant improvement from the pandemic peak of 14.8% in April 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The overall trend of inflation accelerated, largely due to rising energy prices and the improving economy. Notably, the higher annual inflation rate in June 2021 was also the result of the comparison to the year before, when retail prices fell sharply after the first lockdowns were imposed in March 2020.

With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the Fed enacted an array of emergency measures in March 2020 to stabilize the financial system and support the markets. These included cutting its main interest rate to near zero, offering lending programs to aid small and large companies and engaging in expanded bond purchases, known as quantitative easing. In August 2020, the Fed announced a change in its inflation targeting policy, moving from a program of absolute targeting to an average inflation targeting policy. Under this regime, the Fed will tolerate the inflation rate temporarily overshooting the target rate to offset periods of below target inflation, so that inflation averages a 2% target rate over time. In their meetings throughout the first half of 2021, Fed officials continued to signal that accommodative monetary policy measures would stay in place, although they moved their expectations for the first rate hike forward to 2023 at their June 2021 meeting. Nevertheless, the Fed maintained its view that recently higher inflation readings were transitory and the economic recovery remained far from its goals.

 

 

This material is not intended to be a recommendation or investment advice, does not constitute a solicitation to buy, sell or hold a security or an investment strategy 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.

 

5


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

The federal government also intervened with historic relief measures, starting with three aid packages in March and April 2020. These included $2 trillion allocated across direct payments to individuals, an expansion of unemployment insurance, loans to large and small businesses, funding to hospitals and health agencies and support to state and local governments, and more than $100 billion in funding to employers offering paid leave. In December 2020, the government enacted a $900 billion relief package extending some of these programs, and followed in March 2021 with another $1.9 trillion in aid to provide support to individuals and families, small businesses, state and local governments, education and public health/vaccination. The Biden administration has proposed another $2 trillion stimulus plan focused on infrastructure and jobs, but it was expected to face legislative hurdles. (In August 2021, after the close of this reporting period, the Senate approved a $1 trillion infrastructure and jobs plan, which will move to the House for consideration.)

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

What key strategies were used to manage the Fund during the twelve-month reporting period ended June 30, 2021 and how did these strategies influence performance?

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide total return with an emphasis on a high level of current income. Previously, the Fund had an objective of providing high income that blends below investment grade bonds from U.S. and non-U.S. issuers with other income-producing investments to expand return opportunities and increase diversification while seeking a high level of current income.

At the beginning of the reporting period, the Fund transitioned to its new strategy of offering exposure to an expanded investment universe outside of high yield corporate bonds. The Fund’s repurposed goal is to provide further diversification and optimize its risk-adjusted return profile in line with the updated objective. Accordingly, the Fund added exposure to various sectors including securitized debt, asset-backed securities (ABS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), emerging markets (EM) debt, preferred and contingent capital (CoCo) securities and senior loans. The record level of refinancings in the credit markets during the reporting period gave ample opportunity to find attractive investments in these areas. To subsidize the purchases, the Fund reduced its exposure to high yield corporate bonds. The repositioning caused the Fund’s duration (interest rate sensitivity) to decrease and end the reporting period in line with that of the benchmark.

The Fund ended the reporting period positioned midway along its risk spectrum with around 45% allocated to high yield bonds and the remainder to a diversified mix of other spread sectors. Due to historically tight spreads, the Fund focused on finding attractive income since yield and carry will likely drive returns for the rest of 2021. Late in the reporting period, the Fund took some profits in EM debt and reallocated into slightly higher quality, shorter duration securities and also added to attractive values in CMBS. The Fund increased senior loan exposure due to their floating-rate coupon structure and attractive relative value versus other asset classes, including high yield bonds. Within its high yield bond allocation, the Fund reduced its exposure to CCC-rated while it increased exposure to B and BB-rated credits. At the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s key positions away from high yield bonds remained in EM debt, senior loans, preferred/CoCo securities and ABS. The Fund’s duration was marginally shorter than the index and its portfolio remained positioned to benefit from a steeper yield curve. At the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s key positions away from high yield bonds remained in EM debt, senior loans, preferred/CoCo securities and ABS. The Fund’s duration was marginally shorter than the index and its portfolio remained positioned to benefit from a steeper yield curve.

How did the Fund perform during the twelve-month reporting period ended June 30, 2021?

The Nuveen Credit Income Fund’s Class A Shares at NAV outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index for the twelve-month reporting period. For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the Bloomberg Barclays High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index.

During the reporting period, security selection within the high yield corporate sector was the largest relative contributor, particularly in industrial sub-sectors such as consumer cyclicals (including services), consumer non-cyclicals (health care) and capital goods (aerospace/defense and building materials). These sectors benefited from the reopening of the broader economy. A notable contributor was Staples, which benefited from a surge in its online business as more people worked from home. Allocation decisions within the high yield corporate bond sector also contributed to relative results, including an underweight to communications (cable satellite and media entertainment), which underperformed the benchmark.

 

6


 

An allocation to preferred securities and CoCo securities also aided relative performance. The preferred securities sector benefited from another round of Fed stress tests in June 2021, which again confirmed the balance sheet strength of U.S. banks. The CoCo market was also supported as European and United Kingdom banks maintained more than sufficient capital, had access to unlimited liquidity and continued to benefit from a supportive regulatory, monetary and fiscal backdrop. These results, coupled with strong U.S. first quarter 2021 bank earnings, positive investor flows into preferred securities strategies, and generally positive economic data, led to meaningfully tighter credit spreads across the preferred and CoCo securities markets during the reporting period.

In terms of detractors, the Fund’s allocation to senior loans hindered results for the reporting period. Although this sector produced a strong return, it couldn’t keep up with the risk-on rally, particularly in the high yield corporate bond sector, which returned 15.3% as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index.

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

What key strategies were used to manage the Fund during the twelve-month reporting period ended June 30, 2021 and how did these strategies influence performance?

The Fund provides investors with a broadly flexible, multi-sector portfolio that seeks to deliver total return. The team actively manages a diversified portfolio of investment grade and high yield debt securities from U.S. and non-U.S. issuers.

During the reporting period, the Fund maintained its lower quality bias and increased its allocation to below investment grade credit to greater than 45% in order to capture additional income and spread tightening. To subsidize that increase, the Fund used a combination of cash inflows and a rotation out of fully-valued high grade sectors such as investment grade corporate bonds and MBS. The Fund also reduced exposure to lower quality MBS after spreads tightened well past levels available in similarly rated securities from corporate issuers of senior loans and preferred securities. The Fund began increasing exposure to EM sovereign and corporate issuers as the global recovery took hold. At the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s key overweights remained in below investment grade bonds, senior loans and ABS, with a significant allocation to preferred and CoCo issues. Conversely, the Fund had minimal exposure to U.S. Treasuries and a significant underweight to MBS versus the index. The Fund also shortened its duration further versus its benchmark during the reporting period, while maintaining its positioning to benefit from a steeper yield curve.

How did the Fund perform during the twelve-month reporting period ended June 30, 2021?

The Nuveen Strategic Income Fund’s Class A Shares at NAV outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index for the twelve-month reporting period. For the purposes of this Performance Commentary, references to relative performance are in comparison to the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index.

The Fund outperformed its benchmark mainly due to its significant allocations to below investment grade securities across various fixed income sectors, including high yield corporate bonds, senior loans, preferred and contingent capital (CoCo) securities and lower quality mortgage-backed securities (MBS). The faster-than-expected economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and investors’ ongoing quest for yield in the low interest rate environment drove spreads tighter across these segments, leading to strong excess returns over U.S. Treasuries. Given the emphasis on spread sectors, which performed strongly, the Fund had few areas that detracted from relative performance.

Security selection within investment grade sectors was also a strong contributor to relative performance, particularly among structured products. The Fund benefited from healthy out-of-benchmark allocations to and tactical acquisitions of esoteric asset-backed securities (ABS), which were backed by more unique assets such as aircraft securitizations and franchise deals, as well as hotel and office commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). Both segments experienced significant spread tightening as the U.S. and global economies reopened following COVID-19 crisis shutdowns. Furthermore, the Fund’s investments in the emerging markets sector that were either commodity driven or benefited from sound macroeconomic policy frameworks significantly outperformed the benchmark.

 

7


Portfolio Managers’ Comments (continued)

 

Interest rate positioning also aided the Fund’s relative performance. The combination of faster-than-expected economic expansion and greater COVID-19 vaccine pushed intermediate and longer maturity U.S. Treasury yields significantly higher (and prices lower) over the reporting period. At the same time, interest rates at the front end of the curve stayed anchored near 0% as a result of the Fed’s commitment to remain on hold. The Fund was consistently positioned with a slightly shorter duration relative to its benchmark during the reporting period, which lessened its interest rate sensitivity. The Fund also benefited from its positioning due to a steepening yield curve over the reporting period.

The Fund used U.S. Treasury 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 negligible impact on performance during the reporting period. In addition, the Fund used high yield CDX swaps to hedge a portion of its high yield credit risk exposure. The effect of these activities on performance was negligible during the reporting period.

 

8


Risk Considerations and Dividend Information

 

Risk Considerations

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Credit risk arises from an issuer’s ability to make interest and principal payments when due, as well as the prices of bonds declining when an issuer’s credit quality is expected to deteriorate. The Fund’s income could decline during periods of falling interest rates. Investments in below investment grade or high yield securities are subject to liquidity risk and heightened credit risk. This Fund is subject to the risks of investing in loans, including senior loans and secured and unsecured junior loans. Unsecured loans are not backed by a security interest in collateral and involve a higher degree of risk than secured loans. Loans are also subject to settlement risk due to the lack of established settlement standards or remedies for failure to settle, and may have limited restrictive covenants on borrowers, which may weaken the Fund’s ability to access collateral securing the loan and enforce its rights as a lender. The Fund may also invest in a pool of loans through collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). In addition to the risks associated with loans and high yield securities, CLOs are subject to the risk that distributions from the collateral may not be adequate to make interest or other payments owed to the Fund. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to additional risks such as prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default risk and adverse economic developments. Preferred securities are subordinate to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure and therefore are subject to greater credit risk. Certain types of preferred, hybrid or debt securities with special loss absorption provisions, such as contingent capital securities (CoCos), may be or become so subordinated that they present risks equivalent to, or in some cases even greater than, the same company’s common stock. Non-U.S. investments involve risks such as currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, lack of liquidity and differing legal and accounting standards. These risks are magnified in emerging markets. These and other risk considerations, such as call, derivatives, illiquid investments, interest rate, market, and valuation risks, are described in detail in the Fund’s prospectus.

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. Distributions to shareholders are determined on a tax basis, which may differ from amounts recorded in the accounting records. In instances where the monthly dividend exceeds the earned net investment income, the Fund would report a negative undistributed net ordinary income. Refer to Note 6 – Income Tax Information for additional information regarding the amounts of undistributed net ordinary income and undistributed net long-term capital gains and the character of the actual distributions paid by the Fund during the period.

All monthly dividends paid by each Fund during the current reporting period were paid from net investment income. If a portion of the Fund’s monthly distributions is sourced or comprised of elements other than net investment income, including capital gains and/or a return of capital, shareholders will be notified of those sources. For financial reporting purposes, the per share amounts of each Fund’s distributions for the reporting period are presented in this report’s Financial Highlights. 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.

 

9


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10


Fund Performance

and Expense Ratios

 

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

Fund Performance

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 (i.e. cumulative returns). Since inception returns are shown for share classes that have less than 10-years of performance. 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.

Expense Ratios

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

 

11


Fund Performance and Expense Ratios (continued)

 

Nuveen Credit 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 and Expense Ratios

 

           Total Returns as of June 30, 2021*                
    Inception
Date
     Average Annual      Expense Ratios**  
      1-Year      5-Year      10-Year      Gross      Net  

Class A Shares at NAV

    8/30/01        16.01%        6.82%        5.08%        1.16%        1.04%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

    8/30/01        10.56%        5.79%        4.57%                

Bloomberg Barclays High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index

           15.34%        7.47%        6.65%                

Lipper Global High Yield Funds Classification Average

           15.32%        6.13%        5.40%                

Class C Shares

    8/30/01        15.03%        6.03%        4.48%        1.91%        1.79%  

Class I Shares

    8/30/01        16.40%        7.08%        5.37%        0.90%        0.79%  

 

*

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 C Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares ten years after purchase (effective March 1, 2021, eight years after purchase). Returns for periods longer than eight years for Class C Shares reflect the performance of Class A Shares after the deemed eight-year conversion to Class A Shares within such periods. Class I Shares have no sales charge and may be purchased under limited circumstances or by specified classes of investors.

 

**

The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses through July 31, 2023 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 (including prime broker fees and charges on short sales), dividend expense on securities sold short and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.75% of the average daily net assets of any class of Fund shares. The expense limitation may be terminated or modified prior to that date only with the approval of the Board of Directors of the Fund.

 

12


Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment as of June 30, 2021 – Class A Shares

 

LOGO

The graphs do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

13


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 and Expense Ratios

 

           Total Returns as of June 30, 2021*                
    Inception
Date
     Average Annual      Expense Ratios**  
      1-Year      5-Year      10-Year      Gross      Net  

Class A Shares at NAV

    2/01/00        8.25%        5.25%        4.79%        0.97%        0.84%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

    2/01/00        3.69%        4.33%        4.33%                

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

           (0.33)%        3.03%        3.39%                

Lipper Multi-Sector Income Funds Classification Average

           8.90%        4.70%        4.43%                

Class C Shares

    2/01/00        7.39%        4.46%        4.17%        1.72%        1.59%  

Class I Shares

    2/01/00        8.51%        5.51%        5.04%        0.72%        0.59%  

 

            Total Returns as of June 30, 2021*         
     Inception
Date
     Average Annual      Expense Ratios**  
      1-Year      5-Year      Since
Inception
     Gross      Net  

Class R6 Shares

     1/20/15        8.59%        5.61%        4.51%        0.63%        0.50%  

 

*

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 C Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares ten years after purchase (effective March 1, 2021, eight years after purchase). Returns for periods longer than eight years for Class C Shares reflect the performance of Class A Shares after the deemed eight-year conversion to Class A Shares within such periods. 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.

 

**

The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses through July 31, 2023 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 (including prime broker fees and charges on short sales), dividend expense on securities sold short 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, total annual operating expenses for the Class R6 shares will be less than the expense limitation. The expense limitation may be terminated or modified prior to that date only with the approval of the Board of Directors of the Fund.

 

14


Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment as of June 30, 2021 – Class A Shares

 

LOGO

The graphs do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

15


Yields    as of June 30, 2021

 

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. If the fund did not receive a fee waiver/expense reimbursement during the period under its most recent agreement, subsidized and unsubsidized yields will be equal. 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 Credit Income Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A¹        Class C        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       4.16%          3.64%          4.59%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       3.88%          3.32%          4.32%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       3.83%          3.28%          4.27%  

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

       Share Class  
        Class A¹        Class C        Class R6        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       2.56%          1.93%          3.03%          2.94%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       2.40%          1.76%          2.90%          2.76%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       2.36%          1.61%          2.75%          2.61%  

 

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.

 

16


Holding Summaries    as of June 30, 2021

 

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 Credit Income Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

Corporate Bonds        56.3%  
Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities        18.8%  
Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests        12.1%  
Sovereign Debt        4.8%  
Contingent Capital Securities        3.0%  
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred        2.1%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred        1.1%  
Common Stocks        0.0%  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending        2.7%  
Repurchase Agreements        2.9%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

       (3.8)%  

Net Assets

       100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels        16.9%  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

       6.5%  

Health Care Providers & Services

       6.5%  

Media

       5.6%  

Commercial Services & Supplies

       5.0%  

Airlines

       3.8%  

Real Estate Management & Development

       3.7%  

Electric Utilities

       3.6%  

Specialty Retail

       3.4%  

Auto Components

       3.1%  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trust

       3.0%  

Metals & Mining

       2.8%  

Software

       2.6%  

Diversified Financial Services

       2.6%  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

       2.3%  

Aerospace & Defense

       1.9%  

Personal Products

       1.7%  

Insurance

       1.7%  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

       1.6%  

Automobiles

       1.6%  

Other1

       20.1%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

A        2.1 %  

BBB

       6.1%  

BB or Lower

       83.1%  

N/R (not rated)

       8.7%  

Total

       100%  
 
1

See Portfolio of Investments for details on “other” Corporate Bonds: Industries.

 

17


Holding Summaries as of June 30, 2021 (continued)

 

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

Corporate Bonds        40.2%  
Asset-Backed and Mortgage- Backed Securities        29.6%  
Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests        9.0%  
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred        7.8%  
Sovereign Debt        5.1%  
Contingent Capital Securities        4.2%  
Municipal Bonds        0.8%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred        0.8%  
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations        0.1%  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending        1.1%  
Repurchase Agreements        3.8%  
Other Assets Less Liabilities        (2.5)%  

Net Assets

       100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

Banks        17.2%  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels        15.4%  
Capital Markets        6.2%  
Diversified Financial Services        4.7%  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trust        4.6%  
Diversified Telecommunication Services        4.5%  
Electric Utilities        3.8%  
Chemicals        3.5%  
Media        3.3%  
Communications Equipment        2.8%  
Specialty Retail        2.6%  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure        2.4%  
Aerospace & Defense        1.9%  
Automobiles        1.7%  
Health Care Providers & Services        1.5%  
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers        1.5%  
Commercial Services & Supplies        1.4%  
Pharmaceuticals        1.4%  
Construction Materials        1.4%  
Other1        18.2%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

AAA        7.0%  
AA        5.2%  
A        10.6%  
BBB        35.5%  
BB or Lower        35.4%  
N/R (not rated)        6.3%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

1

See Portfolio of Investments for details on “other” Corporate Bonds: Industries.

 

18


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 June 30, 2021.

The beginning of the period for the funds is January 1, 2021.

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 Credit Income Fund

 

       Share Class  
        A Shares        C Shares        I Shares  

Beginning Account Value

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

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,037.65        $ 1,033.90        $ 1,038.77  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 5.05        $ 8.83        $ 3.79  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                

Beginning Account Value

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

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,019.84        $ 1,016.12        $ 1,021.08  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 5.01        $ 8.75        $ 3.76  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 1.00%, 1.75% and 0.75% for Classes A, C and I, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

19


Expense Examples (continued)

 

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

       Share Class  
        A Shares        C Shares        R6 Shares        I Shares  

Beginning Account Value

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

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,011.08        $ 1,007.33        $ 1,011.99        $ 1,011.49  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 4.19        $ 7.91        $ 2.49        $ 2.94  

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

     $ 1,020.63        $ 1,016.91        $ 1,022.32        $ 1,021.87  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 4.21        $ 7.95        $ 2.51        $ 2.96  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.84%, 1.59%, 0.50% and 0.59% for Classes A, C, R6 and I, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

20


Report of Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc. and Shareholders of

Nuveen Credit Income Fund and Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Nuveen Credit Income Fund and Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (two of the funds constituting Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc., hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of June 30, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year ended June 30, 2021, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2021, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended June 30, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of June 30, 2021, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2021 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended June 30, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of June 30, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and agent banks; when replies were not received from brokers or agent banks, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois

August 26, 2021

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in Nuveen Funds since 2002.

 

21


Nuveen Credit Income Fund

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

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

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 98.2%

                       
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 56.3%

                       
      Aerospace & Defense – 1.1%                                                
$ 430    

Bombardier Inc, 144A

           7.125%          6/15/26          CCC        $ 450,210  
  950    

Rolls-Royce PLC, 144A

           5.750%          10/15/27          BB–          1,046,415  
  500    

TransDigm Inc, 144A

                       4.625%          1/15/29          B–          500,175  
  1,880    

Total Aerospace & Defense

                                                        1,996,800  
      Airlines – 2.1%                                                
  937    

Air Canada 2020-2 Class A Pass Through Trust, 144A

           5.250%          4/01/29          A          1,016,234  
  911    

Air Canada 2020-2 Class B Pass Through Trust, 144A

           9.000%          10/01/25          BBB–          1,011,117  
  296    

British Airways 2020-1 Class A Pass Through Trust, 144A

           4.250%          11/15/32          A+          318,912  
  576    

British Airways 2020-1 Class B Pass Through Trust, 144A

           8.375%          11/15/28          BBB          665,289  
  857    

United Airlines 2020-1 Class A Pass-Through Trust

                       5.875%          10/15/27          A          950,340  
  3,577    

Total Airlines

                                                        3,961,892  
      Auto Components – 1.7%                                                
  200    

Alta Equipment Group Inc, 144A

           5.625%          4/15/26          B–          205,234  
  295    

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, 144A

           5.000%          7/15/29          BB–          308,865  
  1,000    

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, 144A

           5.250%          7/15/31          BB–          1,045,000  
  750    

Iochpe-Maxion Austria GmbH / Maxion Wheels de Mexico S de RL de CV, 144A

           5.000%          5/07/28          BB–          761,325  
  100    

NESCO Holdings II Inc, 144A

           5.500%          4/15/29          B          104,375  
  850    

Tupy Overseas SA, 144A

                       4.500%          2/16/31          BB          846,821  
  3,195    

Total Auto Components

                                                        3,271,620  
      Automobiles – 0.9%                                                
  1,185    

Ford Motor Credit Co LLC

           3.625%          6/17/31          BB+          1,207,965  
  420    

PM General Purchaser LLC, 144A

                       9.500%          10/01/28          B+          442,437  
  1,605    

Total Automobiles

                                                        1,650,402  
      Banks – 0.8%                                                
  750    

Akbank TAS, 144A, (3)

           5.125%          3/31/25          B+          753,750  
  750    

Turkiye Vakiflar Bankasi TAO, 144A

                       6.500%          1/08/26          B+          767,100  
  1,500    

Total Banks

                                                        1,520,850  
      Beverages – 0.7%                                                
  1,375    

Primo Water Holdings Inc, 144A

                       4.375%          4/30/29          B1          1,375,000  
      Building Products – 0.4%                                                
  475    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

           5.125%          N/A (10)          B          490,295  
  285    

SRS Distribution Inc, 144A

                       4.625%          7/01/28          B–          291,412  
  760    

Total Building Products

                                                        781,707  
      Capital Markets – 0.5%                                                
  1,000    

Banco BTG Pactual SA/Cayman Islands, 144A

                       2.750%          1/11/26          Ba2          974,500  

 

22


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Chemicals – 0.8%                                                
$ 675    

Rayonier AM Products Inc, 144A

           7.625%          1/15/26          B1        $ 703,687  
  750    

Tronox Inc, 144A

                       4.625%          3/15/29          B          757,485  
  1,425    

Total Chemicals

                                                        1,461,172  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 2.8%                                                
  750    

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp/Atlas Luxco 4 Sarl, 144A

           4.625%          6/01/28          BB–          750,587  
  650    

GFL Environmental Inc, 144A

           4.750%          6/15/29          B–          674,895  
  565    

Madison IAQ LLC, 144A

           4.125%          6/30/28          B1          570,650  
  125    

Madison IAQ LLC, 144A

           5.875%          6/30/29          Caa1          127,188  
  500    

Pitney Bowes Inc, 144A

           6.875%          3/15/27          N/R          528,125  
  500    

Pitney Bowes Inc, 144A

           7.250%          3/15/29          BB          531,250  
  525    

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance Inc, 144A

           3.375%          8/31/27          BB–          509,250  
  1,450    

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance Inc, 144A

                       6.250%          1/15/28          B–          1,542,437  
  5,065    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                                        5,234,382  
      Communications Equipment – 0.6%                                                
  425    

Liquid Telecommunications Financing Plc, 144A

           5.500%          9/04/26          B1          435,179  
  750    

Vodafone Group PLC

                       4.125%          6/04/81          BB+          748,875  
  1,175    

Total Communications Equipment

                                                        1,184,054  
      Construction & Engineering – 0.2%                                                
  400    

ATP Tower Holdings LLC / Andean Tower Partners Colombia SAS / Andean Telecom Par, 144A, (3)

                       4.050%          4/27/26          BB+          411,200  
      Construction Materials – 0.4%                                                
  700    

Volcan Cia Minera SAA, 144A

                       4.375%          2/11/26          BB          693,000  
      Distributors – 0.4%                                                
  675    

BCPE Empire Holdings Inc, 144A

                       7.625%          5/01/27          CCC          691,268  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.5%                                                
  1,180    

OneMain Finance Corp

           3.500%          1/15/27          BB–          1,188,850  
  250    

Putnam RE PTE Ltd, 144A, (1-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.500% spread), (4)

           5.541%          6/07/24          N/R          249,525  
  300    

Sanders Re II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 3.500% spread), (4)

           3.541%          4/07/25          N/R          299,550  
  250    

Sanders Re Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.500% spread), (4)

           5.541%          4/07/22          N/R          218,750  
  750    

Ursa Re II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 6.250% spread), (4)

                       6.291%          12/07/23          N/R          773,550  
  2,730    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                                                        2,730,225  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.3%                                      
  750    

Avaya Inc, 144A

           6.125%          9/15/28          BB–          802,725  
  595    

Switch Ltd, 144A

           4.125%          6/15/29          BB          610,619  
  965    

Vmed O2 UK Financing I PLC, 144A, (WI/DD)

                       4.750%          7/15/31          BB–          979,475  
  2,310    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

 

                                        2,392,819  

 

23


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Electric Utilities – 2.0%                                                
$ 600    

Edison International

           5.375%          N/A (10)          BB+        $ 604,380  
  750    

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, 144A

           7.125%          2/11/25          CCC+          791,250  
  750    

Inkia Energy Ltd, 144A

           5.875%          11/09/27          BB          773,445  
  750    

Pampa Energia SA, Reg S

           7.500%          1/24/27          B–          670,650  
  750    

ReNew Wind Energy AP2 / ReNew Power Pvt Ltd other 9 Subsidiaries, Reg S

           4.500%          7/14/28          Ba3          762,462  
  140    

TerraForm Power Operating LLC, 144A

                       4.750%          1/15/30          BB          143,384  
  3,740    

Total Electric Utilities

                                                        3,745,571  
      Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.9%                             
  1,650    

Imola Merger Corp, 144A

                       4.750%          5/15/29          BB          1,697,437  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.8%                                      
  575    

Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp, 144A

           6.250%          4/01/28          B+          600,248  
  775    

Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp

           8.000%          1/15/27          B+          814,234  
  2,704    

Metro Exploration Holding Corp

           0.000%          12/29/69          N/R          271  
  447    

Metro Exploration Holding Corp, (5)

                       0.000%          12/29/69          N/R          5  
  4,501    

Total Energy Equipment & Services

 

                                        1,414,758  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trust – 1.7%                                      
  750    

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 144A, (3)

           5.750%          11/01/28          B–          753,682  
  375    

Park Intermediate Holdings LLC / PK Domestic Property LLC / PK Finance Co-Issuer, 144A

           4.875%          5/15/29          B+          387,919  
  280    

RLJ Lodging Trust LP, 144A

           3.750%          7/01/26          BB-          282,800  
  1,150    

Uniti Group LP / Uniti Group Finance Inc / CSL Capital LLC, 144A

           4.750%          4/15/28          BB+          1,147,125  
  590    

XHR LP, 144A

                       4.875%          6/01/29          B          609,175  
  3,145    

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trust

 

                                        3,180,701  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.2%                                      
  350    

United Natural Foods Inc, 144A

                       6.750%          10/15/28          B3          376,656  
      Food Products – 0.7%                                                
  525    

Amaggi Luxembourg International Sarl, 144A, (3)

           5.250%          1/28/28          BB          550,468  
  775    

Ulker Biskuvi Sanayi AS, 144A

                       6.950%          10/30/25          BB–          840,596  
  1,300    

Total Food Products

                                                        1,391,064  
      Gas Utilities – 0.1%                                                
  125    

Suburban Propane Partners LP/Suburban Energy Finance Corp, 144A

                       5.000%          6/01/31          BB–          127,969  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 3.7%                             
  555    

AHP Health Partners Inc, 144A

           5.750%          7/15/29          CCC+          562,631  
  1,000    

CHS/Community Health Systems Inc, 144A

           6.875%          4/15/29          CCC          1,046,470  
  1,000    

Global Medical Response Inc, 144A

           6.500%          10/01/25          B          1,028,750  
  775    

LifePoint Health Inc, 144A

           5.375%          1/15/29          CCC+          755,625  
  1,250    

Team Health Holdings Inc, 144A

           6.375%          2/01/25          CCC          1,188,825  
  2,125    

Tenet Healthcare Corp, 144A

                       6.125%          10/01/28          B          2,264,485  
  6,705    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

 

                                                6,846,786  

 

24


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 3.7%                                            
$ 450    

Boyd Gaming Corp, 144A

           4.750%          6/15/31          B        $ 466,875  
  1,900    

Carnival Corp, 144A

           5.750%          3/01/27          B+          1,990,250  
  1,110    

Cinemark USA Inc, 144A

           5.250%          7/15/28          B          1,137,750  
  420    

Constellation Merger Sub Inc, 144A

           8.500%          9/15/25          Caa3          413,326  
  620    

Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Escrow LLC / Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Esc, 144A

           5.000%          6/01/29          B2          633,950  
  425    

Marriott Ownership Resorts Inc, 144A

           4.500%          6/15/29          B1          430,844  
  550    

NCL Corp Ltd, 144A

           5.875%          3/15/26          B–          576,125  
  425    

Wynn Las Vegas LLC / Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp, 144A

           5.250%          5/15/27          BB–          456,492  
  750    

Wynn Macau Ltd, 144A

                       5.625%          8/26/28          BB–          781,875  
  6,650    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

                                        6,887,487  
      Household Durables – 0.2%                                      
  325    

WASH Multifamily Acquisition Inc, 144A

                       5.750%          4/15/26          B–          339,333  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.6%                    
  750    

Greenko Dutch BV, 144A

           3.850%          3/29/26          Ba1          767,250  
  400    

Investment Energy Resources Ltd, 144A

                       6.250%          4/26/29          BB–          432,500  
  1,150    

Total Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

 

                  1,199,750  
      Insurance – 0.9%                                                
  700    

Acrisure LLC / Acrisure Finance Inc, 144A

           4.250%          2/15/29          B          691,250  
  500    

First Coast Re III Pte Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 6.000% spread), (4)

           6.041%          4/07/25          N/R          500,400  
  550    

Residential Reinsurance 2020 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 6.510% spread), (4)

                       6.551%          12/06/24          N/R          557,150  
  1,750    

Total Insurance

                                                        1,748,800  
      IT Services – 0.3%                                                
  500    

Ahead DB Holdings LLC, 144A

                       6.625%          5/01/28          CCC+          517,270  
      Leisure Products – 0.4%                                                
  775    

Academy Ltd, 144A

                       6.000%          11/15/27          B+          828,281  
      Marine – 0.4%                                                
  750    

Hidrovias International Finance SARL, 144A, (3)

                       4.950%          2/08/31          BB          762,094  
      Media – 3.1%                                                
  950    

Altice Financing SA, 144A

           5.000%          1/15/28          B          931,162  
  835    

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc, 144A

           7.500%          6/01/29          CCC          864,506  
  775    

DISH DBS Corp, 144A

           5.125%          6/01/29          B2          765,258  
  750    

Getty Images Inc, 144A

           9.750%          3/01/27          CCC+          804,375  
  945    

iHeartCommunications Inc

           8.375%          5/01/27          CCC+          1,012,331  
  425    

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC, 144A

           5.125%          7/15/29          BB+          439,344  
  500    

Radiate Holdco LLC / Radiate Finance Inc, 144A

           6.500%          9/15/28          CCC+          525,325  
  500    

Univision Communications Inc, 144A

                       4.500%          5/01/29          B1          503,750  
  5,680    

Total Media

                                                        5,846,051  

 

25


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Metals & Mining – 1.6%                                                
$ 700    

First Quantum Minerals Ltd, 144A

           7.500%          4/01/25          B        $ 726,250  
  750    

Indika Energy Capital IV Pte Ltd, 144A

           8.250%          10/22/25          Ba3          796,425  
  560    

Joseph T Ryerson & Son Inc, 144A

           8.500%          8/01/28          B          621,600  
  250    

Taseko Mines Ltd, 144A

           7.000%          2/15/26          B–          260,625  
  500    

Warrior Met Coal Inc, 144A, (3)

                       8.000%          11/01/24          BB          507,500  
  2,760    

Total Metals & Mining

                                                        2,912,400  
      Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trust – 0.3%                                      
  565    

Starwood Property Trust Inc, 144A, (WI/DD)

                       3.625%          7/15/26          Ba3          569,238  
      Multiline Retail – 0.4%                                                
  750    

JSM Global Sarl, 144A

                       4.750%          10/20/30          Ba1          777,855  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 9.5%                                                
  665    

Antero Midstream Partners LP / Antero Midstream Finance Corp, 144A

           5.375%          6/15/29          BB–          693,262  
  439    

Antero Resources Corp, 144A

           8.375%          7/15/26          BB–          499,363  
  925    

Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC / ARU Finance Corp, 144A

           5.875%          6/30/29          B          925,000  
  1,140    

Crestwood Midstream Partners LP / Crestwood Midstream Finance Corp, 144A

           5.625%          5/01/27          BB–          1,169,925  
  180    

DT Midstream Inc, 144A

           4.125%          6/15/29          BB+          182,759  
  150    

DT Midstream Inc, 144A

           4.375%          6/15/31          BB+          153,269  
  150    

EnLink Midstream LLC, 144A

           5.625%          1/15/28          BB+          158,459  
  800    

EQM Midstream Partners LP, 144A

           6.500%          7/01/27          BB          892,000  
  220    

Geopark Ltd, 144A

           6.500%          9/21/24          B+          226,877  
  250    

Geopark Ltd, 144A, (3)

           5.500%          1/17/27          B+          252,503  
  200    

Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co, 144A

           5.750%          2/01/29          BB–          208,500  
  175    

Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co, 144A

           6.000%          2/01/31          BB–          185,500  
  750    

Hunt Oil Co of Peru LLC Sucursal Del Peru, 144A

           6.375%          6/01/28          BBB          791,250  
  500    

Kosmos Energy Ltd, 144A, (3)

           7.500%          3/01/28          B+          493,750  
  675    

MEG Energy Corp, 144A

           5.875%          2/01/29          BB–          703,687  
  815    

Murphy Oil Corp

           5.875%          12/01/27          BB+          850,615  
  700    

New Fortress Energy Inc, 144A

           6.500%          9/30/26          BB–          715,260  
  350    

NGL Energy Operating LLC / NGL Energy Finance Corp, 144A

           7.500%          2/01/26          BB–          367,500  
  1,000    

Occidental Petroleum Corp

           8.500%          7/15/27          Ba2          1,259,200  
  900    

Occidental Petroleum Corp

           8.875%          7/15/30          Ba2          1,203,651  
  375    

OQ SAOC, 144A

           5.125%          5/06/28          BB–          376,899  
  175    

PBF Holding Co LLC / PBF Finance Corp, 144A, (3)

           9.250%          5/15/25          BB          176,293  
  750    

Peru LNG Srl, 144A

           5.375%          3/22/30          BB–          646,875  
  965    

Saka Energi Indonesia PT, 144A

           4.450%          5/05/24          B+          914,337  
  750    

SierraCol Energy Andina LLC, 144A

           6.000%          6/15/28          B1          759,150  
  500    

SM Energy Co

           5.625%          6/01/25          B          495,000  
  120    

SM Energy Co, (3)

           6.500%          7/15/28          B          123,300  
  800    

Southwestern Energy Co

           7.500%          4/01/26          BB          847,000  
  520    

SunCoke Energy Inc, 144A

           4.875%          6/30/29          BB          519,350  

 

26


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)                                                
$ 225    

Sunoco LP / Sunoco Finance Corp, 144A

           4.500%          5/15/29          BB        $ 228,938  
  750    

USA Compression Partners LP / USA Compression Finance Corp

                       6.875%          9/01/27          BB–          801,210  
  16,914    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

                                                17,820,682  
      Personal Products – 1.0%                                                
  1,325    

Coty Inc, 144A

           5.000%          4/15/26          B          1,343,523  
  450    

Natura Cosmeticos SA, 144A

                       4.125%          5/03/28          BB          461,250  
  1,775    

Total Personal Products

                                                        1,804,773  
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.8%                                                
  650    

Bausch Health Cos Inc, 144A

           4.875%          6/01/28          BB          665,275  
  350    

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co I Sarl / Endo US Inc, 144A

           6.125%          4/01/29          B          343,000  
  300    

Organon & Co, 144A

           4.125%          4/30/28          BB          305,940  
  200    

Organon & Co, 144A

                       5.125%          4/30/31          BB–          206,040  
  1,500    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                        1,520,255  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 2.1%                                            
  750    

Agile Group Holdings Ltd, Reg S

           5.500%          5/17/26          BB–          725,950  
  750    

Arabian Centres Sukuk II Ltd, 144A

           5.625%          10/07/26          BB+          796,665  
  475    

Howard Hughes Corp, 144A

           4.125%          2/01/29          BB          475,009  
  550    

Kennedy-Wilson Inc

           4.750%          3/01/29          BB          566,500  
  575    

Kennedy-Wilson Inc

           5.000%          3/01/31          BB          591,531  
  750    

Logan Group Co Ltd, Reg S

                       4.500%          1/13/28          BB          726,436  
  3,850    

Total Real Estate Management & Development

 

                                        3,882,091  
      Software – 1.5%                                                
  470    

Clarivate Science Holdings Corp, 144A

           3.875%          6/30/28          B1          474,282  
  1,715    

Elastic NV, 144A

           4.125%          7/15/29          B+          1,715,000  
  600    

Rocket Software Inc, 144A

                       6.500%          2/15/29          CCC          595,368  
  2,785    

Total Software

                                                        2,784,650  
      Specialty Retail – 1.9%                                                
  600    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

           5.375%          4/01/26          B–          594,750  
  675    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

           5.875%          4/01/29          B–          666,562  
  800    

LCM Investments Holdings II LLC, 144A

           4.875%          5/01/29          BB–          820,000  
  475    

Magic Mergeco Inc, 144A

           5.250%          5/01/28          Ba3          487,317  
  1,000    

Staples Inc, 144A

                       7.500%          4/15/26          B          1,035,735  
  3,550    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                        3,604,364  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.6%                             
  500    

Diebold Nixdorf Inc, (3)

           8.500%          4/15/24          CCC          511,875  
  500    

Diebold Nixdorf Inc, 144A

                       9.375%          7/15/25          B–          554,375  
  1,000    

Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

 

                  1,066,250  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.3%                    
  500    

Air Lease Corp, (3)

                       4.650%          N/A (10)          BB+          518,125  

 

27


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.4%                             
$ 750    

Millicom International Cellular SA, 144A

                       4.500%          4/27/31          BB+        $ 776,250  
$ 106,882    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $104,293,615)

 

                  105,277,832  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 18.8%                    
$ 1,250    

Affirm Asset Securitization Trust 2021-A, 144A

           5.650%          8/15/25          N/R        $ 1,264,365  
  500    

Aimco CLO 11 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 7.250% spread), (4)

           7.434%          10/15/31          BB–          500,458  
  250    

Aimco CLO 12 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.750% spread), (4)

           6.976%          1/17/32          BB–          249,384  
  1,000    

Alen 2021-ACEN Mortgage Trust, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.000% spread), (4)

           4.073%          4/15/34          BB–          1,008,288  
  750    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, 144A

           4.950%          3/20/25          Baa2          809,640  
  1,000    

Battalion CLO VIII Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.750% spread), (4)

           6.940%          7/18/30          Ba2          992,143  
  1,000    

Benchmark 2020-B18 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.139%          7/15/53          B–          1,014,319  
  3    

Carvana Auto Receivables Trust, 144A

           0.000%          5/10/28          N/R          1,229,100  
  887    

Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust 2021-1, 144A

           6.656%          1/15/46          Baa2          941,394  
  625    

CIFC Funding 2020-II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 7.635% spread), (4)

           7.823%          8/24/32          BB–          627,536  
  625    

CIFC Funding 2020-II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.250% spread), (4)

           4.438%          8/24/32          BBB–          627,381  
  1,000    

COMM 2014-CCRE15 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.865%          2/10/47          Baa3          1,042,461  
  1,000    

COMM 2014-CCRE19 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.865%          8/10/47          BBB–          989,661  
  1,000    

COMM 2014-UBS3 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.927%          6/10/47          N/R          1,010,473  
  485    

COMM 2015-CCRE25 Mortgage Trust

           3.932%          8/10/48          BB          456,768  
  200    

COMM 2019-GC44 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.500%          8/15/57          BBB          177,814  
  20,300    

DOLP Trust 2021-NYC, 144A, (I/O)

           0.665%          5/10/41          A–          1,007,830  
  2,252    

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, (I/O)

           2.802%          10/25/55          N/R          474,469  
  100    

Freddie Mac STACR Remic Trust 2020-DNA2, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.500% spread), (4)

           2.592%          2/25/50          B          100,247  
  300    

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 4.000% spread), (4)

           4.018%          11/25/50          B2          313,948  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2017-SLP, 144A

           4.744%          10/10/32          B          997,506  
  230    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-GC40, 144A

           3.668%          7/10/52          BB–          234,233  
  180    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-GC40, 144A

           3.668%          7/10/52          B–          179,981  
  555    

HIN Timeshare Trust 2020-A, 144A

           5.500%          10/09/39          BB          577,374  
  713    

HIN Timeshare Trust 2020-A, 144A

           6.500%          10/09/39          B          732,089  
  800    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C22

           4.705%          9/15/47          BBB          791,054  
  500    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2015-C29

           4.337%          5/15/48          A–          494,857  
  1,000    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP7, 144A

           4.545%          9/15/50          BBB          1,015,771  
  1,000    

MAPS 2021-1 Trust, 144A

           5.437%          6/15/46          Ba1          999,564  
  1,700    

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2020-1, 144A

           0.000%          4/20/46          N/R          1,445,000  
  575    

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2020-2, 144A

           5.420%          8/20/46          N/R          591,175  

 

28


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                
$ 576    

MVW 2020-1 LLC, 144A

          7.140%        10/20/37        BB      $ 631,170  
  1,000    

Neuberger Berman CLO XVI-S Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 8.290% spread), (4)

 

     1.000%        4/15/34        B–        973,209  
  500    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 35 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 7.000% spread), (4)

 

     7.190%        1/19/33        BB–        501,568  
  1,000    

Oportun Funding XIV LLC, 144A

          5.400%        3/08/28        N/R        999,997  
  750    

Oportun Issuance Trust 2021-B, 144A

          5.410%        5/08/31        N/R        751,677  
  1,000    

Palmer Square CLO 2019-1 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 8.500% spread), (4)

 

     8.654%        11/14/32        B–        992,436  
  250    

Purchasing Power Funding 2021-A LLC, 144A

          4.370%        10/15/25        N/R        249,795  
  1,000    

Regional Management Issuance Trust 2021-1, 144A

          5.070%        3/17/31        BB–        992,057  
  820    

Sierra Timeshare 2020-2 Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

 

     6.590%        7/20/37        BB        866,458  
  1,000    

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA, 144A

          2.851%        7/15/41        N/R        931,360  
  500    

TCW CLO 2019-1 AMR Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.750% spread), (4)

 

     6.906%        2/15/29        BB–        500,008  
  750    

Thayer Park CLO Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 8.870% spread), (4)

 

     1.000%        4/20/34        B–        720,056  
  961    

Vivint Solar Financing V LLC, 144A

          7.370%        4/30/48        N/R        1,020,134  
  1,000    

VNDO Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-350P, 144A

          4.033%        1/10/35        BB–        975,091  
  1,135    

VR Funding LLC, 144A

                      6.420%        11/15/50        N/R        1,144,938  
$ 55,022    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $34,450,865)

 

              35,146,237  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (6)      Reference
Rate (6)
     Spread (6)      Maturity (7)      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 12.1% (6)

 

        
      Airlines – 0.5%                                         
$ 500    

SkyMiles IP Ltd., Term Loan B

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        10/20/27        Baa1      $ 528,783  
  499    

United Airlines, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        4/21/28        Ba1        505,989  
  999    

Total Airlines

                                                 1,034,772  
      Auto Components – 0.0%                                         
  100    

Truck Hero, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%        2/24/28        B2        99,894  
      Beverages – 0.3%                                         
  500    

City Brewing Company, LLC, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        4/05/28        B+        503,125  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 1.6%                       
  374    

Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    5.500%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        1/31/27        B1        378,271  
  219    

Gopher Resource, LLC, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.250%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        1/28/25        B        196,565  
  672    

PAE Holding Corporation, Term Loan B

    5.250%        1-Month LIBOR        4.500%        10/19/27        B        674,563  
  1,538    

Spin Holdco Inc., Term Loan, (DD1)

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        3/04/28        B–        1,542,405  
  199    

TMK Hawk Parent Corp., Term Loan, First Lien

    3.595%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        8/30/24        CC        161,163  
  3,002    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

 

                       2,952,967  
      Construction & Engineering – 0.3%                       
  500    

Aegion Corporation, Term Loan

    5.500%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        5/17/28        B        506,250  

 

29


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (6)      Reference
Rate (6)
     Spread (6)      Maturity (7)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.1%                                         
$ 137    

Graham Packaging Company Inc., Term Loan

    3.750%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        8/04/27        B1      $ 136,849  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.3%                                         
  569    

IG Investment Holdings, LLC, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        5/23/25        B2        570,551  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.3%                                         
  496    

Shearer’s Foods, Inc., Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        8/01/27        B2        497,288  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.8%                       
  150    

eResearchTechnology, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    5.500%        1-Month LIBOR        4.500%        2/04/27        B2        150,488  
  950    

Onex TSG Intermediate Corp., Term Loan B

    5.500%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        2/26/28        B        958,165  
  373    

US Radiology Specialists, Inc., Term Loan

    5.647%        3-Month LIBOR        5.500%        12/15/27        B–        375,923  
  1,473    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                 1,484,576  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 1.2%                                         
  1,000    

ClubCorp Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        B–        963,010  
  1,244    

Life Time Fitness Inc, Term Loan B

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        12/15/24        B–        1,251,523  
  2,244    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                 2,214,533  
      Insurance – 0.3%                                         
  16    

OneDigital Borrower LLC, Delayed Draw Term Loan, (8)

    5.250%        3-Month LIBOR        5.250%        10/29/27        N/R        15,709  
  483    

OneDigital Borrower LLC, Term Loan

    5.250%        3-Month LIBOR        4.500%        10/29/27        N/R        485,783  
  499    

Total Insurance

                                                 501,492  
      Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 0.2%                       
  474    

CNT Holdings I Corp, Term Loan

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        11/08/27        B        474,590  
      IT Services – 1.0%                                         
  496    

Ahead Data Blue, LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%        2-Month LIBOR        3.750%        10/16/27        B+        497,570  
  500    

McAfee, LLC, Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        BB–        500,438  
  862    

Syniverse Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    6.000%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        3/09/23        CCC+        855,528  
  1,858    

Total IT Services

                                                 1,853,536  
      Machinery – 0.1%                                         
  248    

Blount International Inc., Term Loan B

    4.750%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%        4/12/23        B2        249,174  
      Media – 0.1%                                         
  124    

Radiate Holdco, LLC, Term Loan

    4.250%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        9/25/26        B1        124,645  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.2%                                         
  325    

DT Midstream Inc., Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        Baa2        325,957  
      Pharmaceuticals – 1.2%                                         
  716    

Endo Luxembourg Finance Company I S.a r.l., Term Loan

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        3/25/28        B        692,659  
  298    

Gainwell Acquisition Corp., Term Loan B

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        10/01/27        BB–        299,993  
  750    

Jazz Financing Lux S.a.r.l., Term Loan

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        5/08/28        BB+        753,221  
  500    

Organon & Co, Term Loan

    3.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.000%        6/02/28        BB        501,147  
  2,264    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                 2,247,020  

 

30


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (6)      Reference
Rate (6)
     Spread (6)      Maturity (7)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Professional Services – 1.1%                                         
$ 744    

Da Vinci Purchaser Corp., Term Loan

    5.000%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        11/26/26        B      $ 746,985  
  983    

Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, Term Loan

    3.345%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        2/08/26        BB+        979,043  
  386    

Nielsen Consumer Inc., Term Loan B

    4.080%        1-Month LIBOR        4.000%        3/05/28        BB        387,739  
  2,113    

Total Professional Services

                                                 2,113,767  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.4%                       
  748    

North American Lifting Holdings, Inc., Term Loan

    7.500%        3-Month LIBOR        6.500%        10/16/24        B+        782,726  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.2%                       
  355    

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc, Term Loan B

    3.854%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%        8/27/25        B1        356,562  
      Software – 0.6%                                         
  350    

Apttus Corporation, Term Loan

    5.000%        3-Month LIBOR        4.250%        5/06/28        BB        352,537  
  199    

Camelot U.S. Acquisition 1 Co., Incremental Term Loan B

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        10/31/26        B1        199,394  
  572    

Sophia, L.P., Term Loan, First Lien

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        10/07/27        B        573,318  
  1,121    

Total Software

                                                 1,125,249  
      Specialty Retail – 1.0%                                         
  496    

Great Outdoors Group, LLC, Term Loan B

    5.000%        6-Month LIBOR        4.250%        3/05/28        B+        498,658  
  467    

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., Term Loan

    6.000%        1-Month LIBOR        5.000%        10/16/23        B        467,425  
  825    

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        2/12/28        BB–        826,650  
  175    

WOOF Holdings, Inc, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        12/21/27        B2        174,854  
  1,963    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                 1,967,587  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.3%                
  500    

GOGO Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        4/30/28        B–        499,875  
$ 22,612    

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $22,204,235)

 

              22,622,985  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

SOVEREIGN DEBT – 4.8%

                
      Armenia – 0.4%                                         
$ 750    

Republic of Armenia International Bond, 144A

                      3.600%        2/02/31        Ba3      $ 707,820  
      Barbados – 0.4%                                         
  750    

Barbados Government International Bond, 144A

                      6.500%        10/01/29        B–        757,500  
      Dominican Republic – 0.4%                                         
  750    

Dominican Republic International Bond, 144A

                      4.875%        9/23/32        BB–        772,500  
      Egypt – 0.3%                                         
  600    

Egypt Government International Bond, 144A

                      5.875%        2/16/31        B+        582,600  
      El Salvador – 0.4%                                         
  750    

El Salvador Government International Bond, 144A, (3)

                      6.375%        1/18/27        B+        676,875  
      Ghana – 0.4%                                         
  750    

Ghana Government International Bond, 144A

                      8.625%        4/07/34        B        773,655  

 

31


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Jordan – 0.4%                                         
$ 750    

Jordan Government International Bond, 144A, (3)

                      4.950%        7/07/25        BB–      $ 778,275  
      Mongolia – 0.4%                                         
  750    

Mongolia Government International Bond, 144A, (WI/DD)

                      3.500%        7/07/27        N/R        737,216  
      Morocco – 0.4%                                         
  750    

Morocco Government International Bond, 144A

                      3.000%        12/15/32        BB+        723,330  
      Oman – 0.4%                                         
  750    

Oman Government International Bond, 144A

                      6.750%        10/28/27        Ba3        840,000  
      Tunisia – 0.5%                                         
  1,000    

Banque Centrale de Tunisie International Bond, 144A

                      5.750%        1/30/25        B        930,600  
      Uzbekistan – 0.4%                                         
  750    

Republic of Uzbekistan Bond, 144A

                      3.700%        11/25/30        BB–        745,965  
$ 9,100    

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $8,927,811)

 

              9,026,336  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 3.0% (9)

 

        
      Banks – 2.6%                                         
$ 600    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

          6.500%        N/A (10)        Ba2      $ 653,250  
  600    

Banco Santander SA

          4.750%        N/A (10)        Ba1        607,200  
  410    

Barclays PLC

          6.125%        N/A (10)        BBB–        454,329  
  600    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

          5.250%        N/A (10)        BB+        634,500  
  500    

Danske Bank A/S, Reg S

          4.375%        N/A (10)        BBB–        505,000  
  700    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

          7.700%        N/A (10)        BB–        801,934  
  400    

Natwest Group PLC

          8.000%        N/A (10)        BBB–        473,028  
  300    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

          4.750%        N/A (10)        BB+        310,875  
  400    

UniCredit SpA, Reg S

                      8.000%        N/A (10)        B+        445,000  
  4,510    

Total Banks

                                                 4,885,116  
      Capital Markets – 0.4%                                         
  750    

Deutsche Bank AG

                      6.000%        N/A (10)        BB–        792,188  
$ 5,260    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $5,338,067)

 

              5,677,304  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 2.1%

 

        
      Automobiles – 0.4%                                         
$ 600    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

                      5.700%        N/A (10)        BB+      $ 672,000  
      Consumer Finance – 0.3%                                         
  500    

Ally Financial Inc

                      4.700%        N/A (10)        BB–        517,850  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.0%                              
  38    

Sanjel Corporation, 144A, (5), (11)

                      7.500%        6/19/19        N/R         

 

32


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Insurance – 0.6%                                         
$ 600    

Assurant Inc

          7.000%        3/27/48        BB+      $ 692,922  
  500    

Enstar Finance LLC

                      5.750%        9/01/40        BB+        530,625  
  1,100    

Total Insurance

                                                 1,223,547  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.3%                                         
  525    

Energy Transfer LP

                      6.500%        N/A (10)        BB        535,238  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.5%                              
  850    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

                      6.500%        6/15/45        BB+        907,375  
$ 3,613    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $3,534,620)

 

              3,856,010  
Shares     Description (1)                   Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 1.1%

 

        
      Banks – 0.4%                                         
  25,000    

Wintrust Financial Corp

                      6.875%                 BB      $ 706,500  
      Food Products – 0.2%                                         
  15,000    

CHS Inc, (3)

                      6.750%                 N/R        425,550  
      Insurance – 0.1%                                         
  12,000    

Assurant Inc

                      5.250%                 BB+        324,480  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.4%                                         
  30,000    

NuStar Energy LP, (3)

                      8.500%                 B2        727,500  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $1,901,179)

 

              2,184,030  
Shares     Description (1)                                           Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS – 0.0%

                
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.0%                                         
  6    

Golden Close Maritime Corp Ltd, (5), (12)

                                               $  
      Road & Rail – 0.0%                                         
  8,907    

Jack Cooper Enterprises Inc, (5), (12)

                                                 89  
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $51)

 

                       89  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $180,650,443)

 

                       183,790,823  
Shares     Description (1)                   Coupon                      Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 2.7%

 

  
      MONEY MARKET FUNDS – 2.7%                       
  4,981,019    

State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, (13)

 

     0.020% (14)                        $ 4,981,019  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $4,981,019)

 

              4,981,019  

 

33


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

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

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 2.9%

                
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 2.9%                                         
$ 5,452    

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 6/30/21, repurchase price $5,452,369, collateralized by $4,939,200, U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.125%, due 4/15/22, value $5,561,435

 

     0.000%        7/01/21               $ 5,452,369  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $5,452,369)

 

                       5,452,369  
 

Total Investments (cost $191,083,831) – 103.8%

 

                       194,224,211  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (3.8)%

 

                       (7,119,292)  
 

Net Assets – 100%

 

                     $ 187,104,919  

 

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. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(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 $4,828,773.

 

(4)

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

 

(5)

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.

 

(6)

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.

 

(7)

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.

 

(8)

Investment, or portion of investment, represents an outstanding unfunded senior loan commitment. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives for more information.

 

(9)

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.

 

(10)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(11)

Defaulted security. A security whose issuer has failed to fully pay principal and/or interest when due, or is under the protection of bankruptcy.

 

(12)

Non-income producing; issuer has not declared an ex-dividend date within the past twelve months.

 

(13)

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.

 

(14)

The rate shown is the one-day yield as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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.

 

DD1

Portion of investment purchased on a delayed delivery basis.

 

I/O

Interest only security

 

LIBOR

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

N/A

Not Applicable.

 

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.

 

SOFR30A

30 Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

TBD

Senior loan purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Certain details associated with this purchase are not known prior to the settlement date of the transaction. In addition, senior loans typically trade without accrued interest and therefore a coupon rate is not available prior to settlement. At settlement, if still unknown, the borrower or counterparty will provide the Fund with the final coupon rate and maturity date.

 

WI/DD

Purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

34


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

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

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 97.6%

                          
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 40.2%

                          
      Aerospace & Defense – 0.8%                                                   
$ 2,625    

Boeing Co

              2.196%          2/04/26          Baa2        $ 2,650,090  
  500    

Boeing Co

              3.625%          2/01/31          Baa2          537,764  
  670    

Boeing Co

              3.250%          2/01/35          Baa2          677,453  
  350    

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV, 144A

              6.950%          1/17/28          BB+          400,313  
  515    

Raytheon Technologies Corp

              2.250%          7/01/30          A–          523,348  
  200    

Rolls-Royce PLC, 144A

                          5.750%          10/15/27          BB–          220,298  
  4,860    

Total Aerospace & Defense

                                                           5,009,266  
      Airlines – 0.5%                                                   
  786    

American Airlines 2016-1 Class AA Pass Through Trust

              3.575%          1/15/28          A–          800,031  
  444    

British Airways 2020-1 Class A Pass Through Trust, 144A

              4.250%          11/15/32          A+          478,368  
  432    

British Airways 2020-1 Class B Pass Through Trust, 144A

              8.375%          11/15/28          BBB          498,967  
  175    

Delta Air Lines Inc, 144A

              7.000%          5/01/25          Baa2          204,223  
  1,285    

United Airlines 2020-1 Class A Pass-Through Trust

                          5.875%          10/15/27          A          1,425,510  
  3,122    

Total Airlines

                                                           3,407,099  
      Auto Components – 0.3%                                                   
  600    

Adient Global Holdings Ltd, 144A

              4.875%          8/15/26          B          617,538  
  90    

Clarios Global LP, 144A

              6.750%          5/15/25          B1          95,848  
  150    

Dana Inc

              4.250%          9/01/30          BB+          154,313  
  1,000    

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co

                          5.250%          4/30/31          BB–          1,043,750  
  1,840    

Total Auto Components

                                                           1,911,449  
      Automobiles – 0.7%                                                   
  250    

Ford Motor Co

              9.000%          4/22/25          BB+          308,217  
  200    

Ford Motor Credit Co LLC

              4.000%          11/13/30          BB+          209,500  
  795    

Ford Motor Credit Co LLC

              3.625%          6/17/31          BB+          810,407  
  2,845    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

                          3.600%          6/21/30          BBB          3,080,428  
  4,090    

Total Automobiles

                                                           4,408,552  
      Banks – 6.9%                                                   
  375    

African Export-Import Bank, 144A

              2.634%          5/17/26          Baa1          379,578  
  750    

Akbank TAS, 144A, (3)

              6.800%          2/06/26          B+          790,485  
  600    

Banco de Credito del Peru, 144A

              3.250%          9/30/31          BBB          594,000  
  2,435    

Banco Santander SA

              3.800%          2/23/28          A–          2,691,975  
  200    

Banco Santander SA

              2.749%          12/03/30          BBB+          198,124  
  425    

Bancolombia SA

              3.000%          1/29/25          Baa2          436,475  
  750    

Banistmo SA, 144A

              4.250%          7/31/27          Baa3          790,312  
  1,060    

Bank of America Corp

              3.559%          4/23/27          AA–          1,160,937  

 

35


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                       Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Banks (continued)                                                   
$ 1,105    

Bank of America Corp

              3.248%          10/21/27          AA–        $ 1,198,637  
  3,662    

Bank of America Corp

              3.419%          12/20/28          AA–          3,988,319  
  1,225    

Bank of America Corp

              1.898%          7/23/31          AA–          1,191,003  
  1,660    

Bank of America Corp

              1.922%          10/24/31          AA–          1,617,762  
  850    

Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement, 144A

              5.000%          7/27/27          Baa1          945,601  
  2,865    

Barclays PLC

              3.650%          3/16/25          A          3,102,165  
  2,010    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

              4.375%          5/12/26          A–          2,236,756  
  750    

Caelus Re VI Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.500% spread), (4)

              5.541%          6/07/23          N/R          767,550  
  1,575    

Citigroup Inc

              4.300%          11/20/26          BBB+          1,777,952  
  1,210    

Citigroup Inc

              4.450%          9/29/27          BBB+          1,382,420  
  2,080    

Citigroup Inc

              2.666%          1/29/31          A          2,146,624  
  970    

Citigroup Inc

              2.572%          6/03/31          A          997,182  
  675    

Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, 144A

              2.950%          5/06/31          BBB          671,625  
  675    

Grupo Aval Ltd, 144A

              4.375%          2/04/30          BBB–          667,204  
  1,465    

HSBC Holdings PLC

              2.099%          6/04/26          A+          1,505,532  
  815    

HSBC Holdings PLC

              4.375%          11/23/26          A–          918,994  
  915    

HSBC Holdings PLC

              2.804%          5/24/32          A+          939,018  
  2,100    

ING Groep NV

              3.950%          3/29/27          A+          2,362,480  
  695    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

              3.702%          5/06/30          AA–          776,094  
  600    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

              2.956%          5/13/31          A          630,304  
  1,705    

Natwest Group PLC

              3.032%          11/28/35          BBB+          1,707,728  
  400    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

              2.889%          6/09/32          A–          404,768  
  1,560    

Wells Fargo & Co

              2.879%          10/30/30          A+          1,651,990  
  3,500    

Wells Fargo & Co

              3.900%          N/A (11)          Baa2          3,623,550  
  1,500    

Zions Bancorp NA

                          3.250%          10/29/29          BBB          1,572,057  
  43,162    

Total Banks

                                                           45,825,201  
      Beverages – 0.4%                                                   
  500    

Anadolu Efes Biracilik Ve Malt Sanayii AS, 144A

              3.375%          6/29/28          BBB–          500,650  
  500    

Anheuser-Busch Cos LLC / Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide Inc

              4.900%          2/01/46          BBB+          632,875  
  825    

Constellation Brands Inc

              2.875%          5/01/30          BBB          865,139  
  375    

Primo Water Holdings Inc, 144A

              4.375%          4/30/29          B1          375,000  
  175    

Triton Water Holdings Inc, 144A

                          6.250%          4/01/29          CCC+          175,438  
  2,375    

Total Beverages

                                                           2,549,102  
      Biotechnology – 0.2%                                                   
  925    

AbbVie Inc

                          3.200%          11/21/29          BBB+          1,004,591  
      Building Products – 0.1%                                                   
  625    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

                          5.125%          N/A (11)          B          645,125  

 

36


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                       Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Capital Markets – 2.5%                                                   
$ 2,000    

Banco BTG Pactual SA/Cayman Islands, 144A

              2.750%          1/11/26          Ba2        $ 1,949,000  
  3,500    

Charles Schwab Corp

              4.000%          N/A (11)          BBB          3,648,750  
  300    

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, 144A

              5.250%          4/15/29          B+          312,000  
  250    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

              3.091%          5/14/32          A–          257,563  
  1,250    

ENN Clean Energy International Investment Ltd, 144A

              3.375%          5/12/26          BBB–          1,274,262  
  2,295    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

              4.250%          10/21/25          BBB+          2,565,600  
  350    

LPL Holdings Inc, 144A

              4.000%          3/15/29          BB          351,565  
  850    

LPL Holdings Inc, 144A

              4.375%          5/15/31          BB          859,562  
  4,635    

Morgan Stanley

                          3.950%          4/23/27          Baa1          5,179,002  
  15,430    

Total Capital Markets

                                                           16,397,304  
      Chemicals – 1.4%                                                   
  2,185    

Agrium Inc

              3.375%          3/15/25          BBB          2,303,143  
  500    

Alpek SAB de CV, 144A

              4.250%          9/18/29          Baa3          542,505  
  500    

Equate Petrochemical BV, 144A

              2.625%          4/28/28          BBB          505,000  
  1,000    

LG Chem Ltd, 144A, (WI/DD)

              1.375%          7/07/26          BBB+          991,415  
  1,350    

NOVA Chemicals Corp, 144A

              5.000%          5/01/25          BB–          1,444,500  
  720    

OCI NV, 144A

              4.625%          10/15/25          BB          750,827  
  325    

OCP SA, 144A

              3.750%          6/23/31          BB+          328,088  
  1,625    

Orbia Advance Corp SAB de CV, 144A

              1.875%          5/11/26          BBB          1,643,687  
  100    

Rayonier AM Products Inc, 144A

              7.625%          1/15/26          B1          104,250  
  725    

Sasol Financing USA LLC

                          4.375%          9/18/26          BB          748,925  
  9,030    

Total Chemicals

                                                           9,362,340  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.6%                                                   
  1,275    

ADT Security Corp, 144A

              4.875%          7/15/32          BB–          1,343,518  
  400    

GFL Environmental Inc, 144A

              3.750%          8/01/25          BB–          411,000  
  100    

GFL Environmental Inc, 144A

              5.125%          12/15/26          BB–          105,792  
  625    

GFL Environmental Inc, 144A

              3.500%          9/01/28          BB–          623,438  
  565    

Madison IAQ LLC, 144A

              4.125%          6/30/28          B1          570,650  
  250    

Pitney Bowes Inc, 144A, (3)

              7.250%          3/15/29          BB          265,625  
  125    

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance Inc, 144A

              3.375%          8/31/27          BB–          121,250  
  375    

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC / Prime Finance Inc, 144A

                          6.250%          1/15/28          B–          398,906  
  3,715    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                                           3,840,179  
      Communications Equipment – 1.1%                                                   
  550    

AT&T Inc

              3.300%          2/01/52          BBB+          535,099  
  650    

Gray Television Inc, 144A

              4.750%          10/15/30          BB–          647,744  
  425    

Liquid Telecommunications Financing Plc, 144A

              5.500%          9/04/26          B1          435,179  
  1,000    

Network i2i Ltd, 144A, (3)

              3.975%          N/A (11)          BB          1,000,500  
  1,010    

T-Mobile USA Inc

              3.875%          4/15/30          BBB–          1,128,998  
  1,100    

T-Mobile USA Inc

              2.250%          11/15/31          BBB–          1,085,117  
  2,500    

Vodafone Group PLC

                          4.125%          6/04/81          BB+          2,496,250  
  7,235    

Total Communications Equipment

                                                           7,328,887  

 

37


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Construction & Engineering – 0.1%                                                
$ 400    

ATP Tower Holdings LLC / Andean Tower Partners Colombia SAS / Andean Telecom Par, 144A, (3)

                       4.050%          4/27/26          BB+        $ 411,200  
      Construction Materials – 0.5%                                                
  450    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

           7.375%          6/05/27          BB          507,960  
  600    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

           5.450%          11/19/29          BB          659,700  
  500    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

           3.875%          7/11/31          BB          508,250  
  750    

Gates Global LLC / Gates Corp, 144A

           6.250%          1/15/26          B          785,636  
  750    

UltraTech Cement Ltd, 144A

           2.800%          2/16/31          Baa3          725,048  
  450    

Volcan Cia Minera SAA, 144A, (3)

                       4.375%          2/11/26          BB          445,500  
  3,500    

Total Construction Materials

                                                        3,632,094  
      Consumer Finance – 0.2%                                                
  1,000    

Curo Group Holdings Corp, 144A

           8.250%          9/01/25          B–          1,035,000  
  425    

OneMain Finance Corp

                       5.375%          11/15/29          BB–          462,289  
  1,425    

Total Consumer Finance

                                                        1,497,289  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.5%                                                
  1,910    

Amcor Flexibles North America Inc

           2.690%          5/25/31          BBB          1,948,039  
  200    

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC / Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC, 144A

           3.250%          9/01/28          BB+          199,420  
  200    

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC / Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC, 144A, (3)

           4.000%          9/01/29          BB–          198,315  
  1,200    

Berry Global Inc, 144A

                       1.570%          1/15/26          BBB–          1,200,360  
  3,510    

Total Containers & Packaging

                                                        3,546,134  
      Distributors – 0.1%                                                
  625    

H&E Equipment Services Inc, 144A

                       3.875%          12/15/28          BB–          615,000  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.9%                                                
  625    

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC / AerCap Global Aviation Trust

           3.500%          1/15/25          BBB          662,354  
  450    

DAE Funding LLC, 144A

           3.375%          3/20/28          Baa3          459,936  
  4,460    

GE Capital International Funding Co Unlimited Co

           4.418%          11/15/35          BBB+          5,345,227  
  425    

Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp

           7.750%          2/01/28          B+          439,212  
  375    

Indian Railway Finance Corp Ltd, 144A

           3.249%          2/13/30          BBB–          379,840  
  1,345    

OneMain Finance Corp

           3.500%          1/15/27          BB–          1,355,088  
  250    

Putnam RE PTE Ltd, 144A, (1-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.500% spread), (4)

           5.541%          6/07/24          N/R          249,525  
  2,000    

Quicken Loans LLC, 144A

           5.250%          1/15/28          BB+          2,100,000  
  300    

Sanders Re II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 3.500% spread), (4)

           3.541%          4/07/25          N/R          299,550  
  250    

Sanders Re Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.500% spread), (4)

           5.541%          4/07/22          N/R          218,750  
  500    

Sierra Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 3.250% spread), (4)

           3.291%          12/28/22          N/R          505,200  
  500    

Ursa Re II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 3.750% spread), (4)

                       3.791%          12/07/23          N/R          518,550  
  11,480    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                                                        12,533,232  

 

38


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.8%                                                
$ 775    

Altice France SA/France, 144A

           5.125%          7/15/29          B        $ 778,798  
  3,950    

AT&T Inc

           4.350%          3/01/29          BBB+          4,573,535  
  1,130    

AT&T Inc

           3.500%          6/01/41          BBB+          1,173,806  
  75    

AT&T Inc

           3.650%          6/01/51          BBB+          77,861  
  722    

AT&T Inc, 144A

           3.800%          12/01/57          BBB+          752,239  
  1,000    

Avaya Inc, 144A

           6.125%          9/15/28          BB–          1,070,300  
  800    

Verizon Communications Inc

           1.750%          1/20/31          A–          766,671  
  725    

Verizon Communications Inc

           2.550%          3/21/31          A–          741,041  
  350    

Verizon Communications Inc

           2.875%          11/20/50          A–          332,471  
  1,285    

Vmed O2 UK Financing I PLC, 144A, (WI/DD)

           4.750%          7/15/31          BB–          1,304,275  
  500    

Zayo Group Holdings Inc, 144A

                       4.000%          3/01/27          B1          496,560  
  11,312    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                                                        12,067,557  
      Electric Utilities – 1.5%                                                
  675    

AES Andres BV, 144A

           5.700%          5/04/28          BB–          698,095  
  1,025    

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co

           3.700%          7/15/30          A–          1,161,845  
  2,000    

Edison International

           5.375%          N/A (11)          BB+          2,014,600  
  800    

Empresas Publicas de Medellin ESP, 144A

           4.375%          2/15/31          Baa3          789,536  
  430    

NSTAR Electric Co

           3.950%          4/01/30          A1          494,680  
  2,000    

Oglethorpe Power Corp

           4.200%          12/01/42          BBB+          2,218,091  
  1,000    

ReNew Wind Energy AP2 / ReNew Power Pvt Ltd other 9 Subsidiaries, 144A

           4.500%          7/14/28          Ba3          1,016,616  
  1,575    

Southern California Edison Co

                       4.000%          4/01/47          A–          1,656,745  
  9,505    

Total Electric Utilities

                                                        10,050,208  
      Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.3%                                                
  1,650    

Imola Merger Corp, 144A

                       4.750%          5/15/29          BB          1,697,437  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.4%                                                
  1,100    

Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp, 144A

           6.875%          4/01/27          B+          1,167,375  
  550    

Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp, 144A

           6.250%          4/01/28          B+          574,151  
  1,000    

Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd, 144A

                       2.625%          3/31/36          Aa2          980,921  
  2,650    

Total Energy Equipment & Services

                                                        2,722,447  
      Entertainment – 0.0%                                                
  225    

Live Nation Entertainment Inc, 144A

                       6.500%          5/15/27          B+          249,705  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trust – 1.8%                                                
  540    

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP

           2.250%          4/01/28          BBB–          539,355  
  375    

CTR Partnership LP / CareTrust Capital Corp, 144A

           3.875%          6/30/28          BB+          382,920  
  940    

Essential Properties LP

           2.950%          7/15/31          BBB–          939,184  
  1,075    

Essex Portfolio LP

           2.650%          3/15/32          BBB+          1,090,645  
  745    

GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II Inc

           4.000%          1/15/30          BBB–          799,616  
  1,495    

HAT Holdings I LLC / HAT Holdings II LLC, 144A

           3.375%          6/15/26          BB+          1,506,212  
  595    

Healthcare Realty Trust Inc

           2.400%          3/15/30          BBB+          598,029  

 

39


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trust (continued)                                                
$ 750    

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 144A, (3)

           5.750%          11/01/28          B–        $ 753,682  
  325    

MPT Operating Partnership LP / MPT Finance Corp

           3.500%          3/15/31          BBB–          328,247  
  1,335    

Regency Centers LP

           2.950%          9/15/29          BBB+          1,405,843  
  1,236    

Retail Properties of America Inc

           4.750%          9/15/30          BBB–          1,369,222  
  240    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

           2.836%          1/15/25          A2          251,776  
  270    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

           1.884%          1/15/26          A2          273,345  
  500    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

           1.631%          11/15/26          A2          499,879  
  375    

Uniti Group LP / Uniti Group Finance Inc / CSL Capital LLC, 144A

           4.750%          4/15/28          BB+          374,063  
  1,000    

VICI Properties LP / VICI Note Co Inc, 144A

                       4.125%          8/15/30          BB          1,026,820  
  11,796    

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trust

                                                        12,138,838  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.1%                                                
  658    

CVS Health Corp

                       4.300%          3/25/28          BBB          755,981  
      Food Products – 0.5%                                                
  900    

Amaggi Luxembourg International Sarl, 144A, (3)

           5.250%          1/28/28          BB          943,659  
  750    

BRF SA, 144A

           4.875%          1/24/30          Ba2          787,500  
  600    

NBM US Holdings Inc, 144A

           6.625%          8/06/29          BB          674,100  
  575    

Ulker Biskuvi Sanayi AS, 144A, (3)

                       6.950%          10/30/25          BB–          623,668  
  2,825    

Total Food Products

                                                        3,028,927  
      Gas Utilities – 0.0%                                                
  100    

Suburban Propane Partners LP/Suburban Energy Finance Corp, 144A

                       5.000%          6/01/31          BB–          102,375  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.6%                                                
  370    

AHP Health Partners Inc, 144A

           5.750%          7/15/29          CCC+          375,088  
  350    

Centene Corp

           4.625%          12/15/29          BBB–          384,919  
  200    

CHS/Community Health Systems Inc, 144A

           6.875%          4/15/29          CCC          209,294  
  1,130    

CVS Health Corp

           1.875%          2/28/31          BBB          1,096,052  
  450    

DaVita Inc, 144A

           3.750%          2/15/31          Ba3          432,000  
  275    

Encompass Health Corp

           4.500%          2/01/28          B+          285,304  
  100    

HCA Inc

           5.625%          9/01/28          Baa3          118,500  
  275    

LifePoint Health Inc, 144A

           5.375%          1/15/29          CCC+          268,125  
  750    

Team Health Holdings Inc, 144A

                       6.375%          2/01/25          CCC          713,295  
  3,900    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                        3,882,577  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 1.0%                                                
  300    

Carnival Corp, 144A

           7.625%          3/01/26          B+          325,875  
  375    

Cedar Fair LP / Canada’s Wonderland Co / Magnum Management Corp / Millennium Op, 144A

           5.500%          5/01/25          Ba2          391,406  
  225    

Churchill Downs Inc, 144A

           4.750%          1/15/28          B+          232,810  
  740    

Cinemark USA Inc, 144A

           5.250%          7/15/28          B          758,500  
  1,500    

Genm Capital Labuan Ltd, 144A

           3.882%          4/19/31          BBB          1,493,190  
  200    

International Game Technology PLC, 144A

           4.125%          4/15/26          BB          208,250  

 

40


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)                                                
$ 600    

Life Time Inc, 144A

           5.750%          1/15/26          B–        $ 621,750  
  215    

Marriott Ownership Resorts Inc, 144A

           4.500%          6/15/29          B1          217,956  
  325    

Melco Resorts Finance Ltd, 144A

           5.750%          7/21/28          BB          342,875  
  700    

MGM China Holdings Ltd, 144A

           4.750%          2/01/27          Ba3          713,461  
  1,000    

Wynn Macau Ltd, 144A

                       5.625%          8/26/28          BB–          1,042,500  
  6,180    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                        6,348,573  
      Household Durables – 0.0%                                                
  100    

Kronos Acquisition Holdings Inc / KIK Custom Products Inc, 144A

           5.000%          12/31/26          B2          101,500  
  150    

WASH Multifamily Acquisition Inc, 144A

                       5.750%          4/15/26          B–          156,615  
  250    

Total Household Durables

                                                        258,115  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.6%                                                
  600    

Azure Power Solar Energy Pvt Ltd, 144A

           5.650%          12/24/24          Ba1          636,000  
  174    

Clearway Energy Operating LLC, 144A

           4.750%          3/15/28          BB          182,483  
  1,000    

EnfraGen Energia Sur SA / EnfraGen Spain SA / Prime Energia SpA, 144A

           5.375%          12/30/30          BBB–          995,000  
  750    

India Green Energy Holdings, 144A

           5.375%          4/29/24          Ba3          784,875  
  550    

Investment Energy Resources Ltd, 144A

           6.250%          4/26/29          BB–          594,687  
  670    

UEP Penonome II SA, 144A

                       6.500%          10/01/38          BB          683,876  
  3,744    

Total Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

                                                        3,876,921  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.1%                                                
  500    

Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp

                       5.250%          5/15/27          BB          516,248  
      Insurance – 0.4%                                                
  275    

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Co-Issuer, 144A

           4.250%          10/15/27          B          279,122  
  500    

Bonanza RE Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 4.750% spread), (4)

           4.791%          12/23/24          N/R          502,600  
  500    

First Coast Re III Pte Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 6.000% spread), (4)

           6.041%          4/07/25          N/R          500,400  
  250    

Kendall Re Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 4.000% spread), (4)

           4.041%          5/02/24          N/R          250,625  
  550    

Residential Reinsurance 2020 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 6.510% spread), (4)

           6.551%          12/06/24          N/R          557,150  
  250    

Sutter Re Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.000% spread), (4)

           5.000%          6/06/22          N/R          255,725  
  500    

Vitality Re XII Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 2.250% spread), (4)

                       2.291%          1/07/25          BBB+          498,100  
  2,825    

Total Insurance

                                                        2,843,722  
      Interactive Media & Services – 0.1%                                                
  100    

Arches Buyer Inc, 144A

           4.250%          6/01/28          B1          98,875  
  100    

Arches Buyer Inc, 144A

           6.125%          12/01/28          CCC+          103,000  
  725    

Prosus NV, 144A

                       3.680%          1/21/30          BBB–          774,234  
  925    

Total Interactive Media & Services

                                                        976,109  
      Internet Software & Services – 0.1%                                                
  325    

J2 Global Inc, 144A

                       4.625%          10/15/30          BB          336,473  

 

41


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      IT Services – 0.1%                                                
$ 325    

Ahead DB Holdings LLC, 144A

           6.625%          5/01/28          CCC+        $ 336,225  
  95    

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc, 144A

                       4.000%          7/01/29          Ba2          97,138  
  420    

Total IT Services

                                                        433,363  
      Life Sciences Tools & Services – 0.0%                                                
  300    

Avantor Funding Inc, 144A

                       4.625%          7/15/28          BB          316,731  
      Media – 1.3%                                                
  375    

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp, 144A

           4.500%          8/15/30          BB+          390,455  
  1,030    

Comcast Corp

           2.650%          2/01/30          A–          1,084,249  
  665    

Comcast Corp

           3.969%          11/01/47          A–          774,216  
  1,200    

CSC Holdings LLC, 144A

           6.500%          2/01/29          BB          1,329,120  
  1,500    

DISH DBS Corp

           7.750%          7/01/26          B2          1,698,750  
  225    

DISH DBS Corp, 144A

           5.125%          6/01/29          B2          222,172  
  500    

Grupo Televisa SAB, (3)

           5.250%          5/24/49          BBB+          632,264  
  500    

Lamar Media Corp

           3.750%          2/15/28          BB–          508,750  
  200    

Lamar Media Corp

           4.000%          2/15/30          BB–          202,422  
  425    

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC, 144A

           5.125%          7/15/29          BB+          439,344  
  325    

News Corp, 144A

           3.875%          5/15/29          BB+          328,250  
  275    

Sirius XM Radio Inc, 144A

           4.000%          7/15/28          BB          283,250  
  625    

TEGNA Inc

           4.625%          3/15/28          BB          648,437  
  250    

Univision Communications Inc, 144A

                       4.500%          5/01/29          B1          251,875  
  8,095    

Total Media

                                                        8,793,554  
      Metals & Mining – 0.3%                                                
  675    

AngloGold Ashanti Holdings PLC

           3.750%          10/01/30          Baa3          695,776  
  300    

Constellium SE, 144A

           3.750%          4/15/29          B          297,000  
  800    

First Quantum Minerals Ltd, 144A

                       6.500%          3/01/24          B          816,000  
  1,775    

Total Metals & Mining

                                                        1,808,776  
      Multiline Retail – 0.1%                                                
  750    

JSM Global Sarl, 144A, (3)

                       4.750%          10/20/30          Ba1          777,855  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 6.2%                                                
  900    

Antero Midstream Partners LP / Antero Midstream Finance Corp, 144A

           7.875%          5/15/26          BB–          1,005,849  
  1,560    

ConocoPhillips, 144A

           2.400%          2/15/31          A          1,596,721  
  1,100    

Cosan SA, 144A, (3)

           5.500%          9/20/29          BB          1,184,931  
  725    

Diamondback Energy Inc

           3.250%          12/01/26          BBB          777,129  
  555    

Diamondback Energy Inc

           3.125%          3/24/31          BBB          575,178  
  270    

DT Midstream Inc, 144A

           4.125%          6/15/29          BB+          274,139  
  225    

DT Midstream Inc, 144A

           4.375%          6/15/31          BB+          229,903  
  575    

Ecopetrol SA

           6.875%          4/29/30          Baa3          694,031  
  100    

Ecopetrol SA

           5.875%          5/28/45          Baa3          107,150  
  1,025    

Enbridge Inc

           2.500%          8/01/33          BBB+          1,025,097  

 

42


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)                                                
$ 326    

Energean Israel Finance Ltd

           4.875%          3/30/26          BB–        $ 333,711  
  326    

Energean Israel Finance Ltd, 144A

           5.375%          3/30/28          BB–          334,546  
  1,420    

Energy Transfer LP

           5.000%          5/15/50          BBB–          1,641,256  
  125    

EnLink Midstream LLC, 144A

           5.625%          1/15/28          BB+          132,049  
  250    

EnLink Midstream LLC

           5.375%          6/01/29          BB+          260,905  
  275    

EQT Corp, 144A

           3.125%          5/15/26          BB+          281,795  
  500    

Lukoil Securities BV, 144A

           3.875%          5/06/30          BBB+          528,580  
  1,325    

Marathon Petroleum Corp

           5.000%          9/15/54          BBB          1,589,649  
  750    

Medco Oak Tree Pte Ltd, 144A, (3)

           7.375%          5/14/26          B1          819,375  
  1,000    

MEG Energy Corp, 144A

           5.875%          2/01/29          BB–          1,042,500  
  1,000    

Moss Creek Resources Holdings Inc, 144A, (3)

           10.500%          5/15/27          B          989,000  
  1,620    

MPLX LP

           4.875%          6/01/25          BBB          1,828,706  
  800    

Murphy Oil Corp

           5.875%          12/01/27          BB+          834,960  
  350    

NGL Energy Operating LLC / NGL Energy Finance Corp, 144A

           7.500%          2/01/26          BB–          367,500  
  2,000    

Occidental Petroleum Corp

           4.300%          8/15/39          Ba2          1,910,000  
  1,340    

ONEOK Inc

           3.400%          9/01/29          BBB          1,426,385  
  500    

OQ SAOC, 144A

           5.125%          5/06/28          BB–          502,532  
  325    

Parkland Corp/Canada, 144A

           4.500%          10/01/29          BB          330,262  
  115    

PBF Holding Co LLC / PBF Finance Corp, 144A, (3)

           9.250%          5/15/25          BB          115,850  
  500    

Pertamina Persero PT, 144A

           1.400%          2/09/26          Baa2          489,806  
  1,500    

Pertamina Persero PT, 144A

           2.300%          2/09/31          Baa2          1,434,212  
  593    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

           5.093%          1/15/30          Ba2          647,265  
  1,000    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

           5.600%          1/03/31          Ba2          1,120,000  
  300    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

           5.500%          6/10/51          Ba2          300,105  
  2,200    

Petroleos Mexicanos

           6.500%          3/13/27          BBB          2,322,100  
  500    

Petronas Energy Canada Ltd, 144A

           2.112%          3/23/28          A2          505,218  
  1,345    

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC

           5.875%          6/30/26          BBB–          1,592,153  
  665    

Saka Energi Indonesia PT, 144A

           4.450%          5/05/24          B+          630,087  
  665    

Santos Finance Ltd, 144A

           3.649%          4/29/31          BBB          680,657  
  1,050    

Saudi Arabian Oil Co, 144A

           2.250%          11/24/30          A1          1,030,438  
  1,000    

SierraCol Energy Andina LLC, 144A

           6.000%          6/15/28          B1          1,012,200  
  1,000    

SunCoke Energy Inc, 144A

           4.875%          6/30/29          BB          998,750  
  500    

Sunoco LP / Sunoco Finance Corp

           6.000%          4/15/27          BB          522,875  
  125    

Sunoco LP / Sunoco Finance Corp, 144A

           4.500%          5/15/29          BB          127,187  
  150    

Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp

           6.500%          7/15/27          BB+          162,558  
  500    

Thaioil Treasury Center Co Ltd, 144A

           2.500%          6/18/30          BBB          489,955  
  1,850    

TotalEnergies Capital International SA

           2.986%          6/29/41          A1          1,883,989  
  1,325    

Tullow Oil PLC, 144A

           10.250%          5/15/26          B–          1,390,322  
  975    

USA Compression Partners LP / USA Compression Finance Corp

                       6.875%          9/01/27          BB–          1,041,573  
  39,125    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                        41,121,139  

 

43


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.2%                                                
$ 1,000    

Suzano Austria GmbH

                       3.125%          1/15/32          BBB–        $ 990,370  
      Personal Products – 0.1%                                                
  675    

Coty Inc, 144A

                       5.000%          4/15/26          B          684,437  
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.6%                                                
  1,200    

AbbVie Inc

           4.250%          11/21/49          BBB+          1,438,217  
  225    

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co I Sarl / Endo US Inc, 144A

           6.125%          4/01/29          B          220,500  
  200    

Horizon Therapeutics USA Inc, 144A

           5.500%          8/01/27          Ba3          212,250  
  200    

Jazz Securities DAC, 144A

           4.375%          1/15/29          BB+          207,360  
  975    

Organon & Co, 144A

           5.125%          4/30/31          BB–          1,004,445  
  710    

Royalty Pharma PLC, 144A

                       2.200%          9/02/30          BBB–          696,130  
  3,510    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                        3,778,902  
      Professional Services – 0.0%                                                
  250    

ASGN Inc, 144A, (3)

                       4.625%          5/15/28          BB–          261,868  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 0.2%                                                
  250    

Howard Hughes Corp, 144A

           4.125%          2/01/29          BB          250,005  
  250    

Howard Hughes Corp, 144A

           4.375%          2/01/31          BB          249,095  
  275    

Kennedy-Wilson Inc

           4.750%          3/01/29          BB          283,250  
  300    

Kennedy-Wilson Inc

                       5.000%          3/01/31          BB          308,625  
  1,075    

Total Real Estate Management & Development

                                                        1,090,975  
      Road & Rail – 0.2%                                                
  250    

DAE Funding LLC, 144A

           1.550%          8/01/24          Baa3          249,492  
  1,000    

United Rentals North America Inc

                       4.875%          1/15/28          BB          1,060,500  
  1,250    

Total Road & Rail

                                                        1,309,992  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.4%                                                
  788    

Broadcom Corp / Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd

           3.875%          1/15/27          Baa2          870,723  
  1,502    

Broadcom Inc, 144A

           3.469%          4/15/34          BBB–          1,588,747  
  500    

SK Hynix Inc, 144A

                       1.500%          1/19/26          Baa2          493,210  
  2,790    

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

                                                        2,952,680  
      Software – 0.1%                                                
  100    

Camelot Finance SA, 144A

           4.500%          11/01/26          B1          104,625  
  470    

Clarivate Science Holdings Corp, 144A

                       3.875%          6/30/28          B1          474,282  
  570    

Total Software

                                                        578,907  
      Specialty Retail – 1.0%                                                
  1,645    

AutoNation Inc

           3.800%          11/15/27          BBB–          1,808,711  
  800    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

           5.375%          4/01/26          B–          793,000  
  875    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

           5.875%          4/01/29          B–          864,062  
  400    

LCM Investments Holdings II LLC, 144A

           4.875%          5/01/29          BB–          410,000  
  450    

Lithia Motors Inc, 144A

           4.625%          12/15/27          BB+          475,920  
  375    

Magic Mergeco Inc, 144A

           5.250%          5/01/28          Ba3          384,724  

 

44


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Specialty Retail (continued)                                                
$ 1,525    

O’Reilly Automotive Inc

           3.900%          6/01/29          Baa1        $ 1,721,937  
  100    

PetSmart Inc / PetSmart Finance Corp, 144A

           4.750%          2/15/28          BB–          103,875  
  100    

Staples Inc, 144A

           7.500%          4/15/26          B          103,574  
  275    

Superior Plus LP / Superior General Partner Inc, 144A

                       4.500%          3/15/29          BB–          283,256  
  6,545    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                        6,949,059  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.1%                                                
  500    

Diebold Nixdorf Inc, (3)

           8.500%          4/15/24          CCC          511,875  
  250    

NCR Corp, 144A

                       5.000%          10/01/28          BB–          258,518  
  750    

Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

                                                        770,393  
      Tobacco – 0.4%                                                
  1,070    

Altria Group Inc

           4.500%          5/02/43          A3          1,149,999  
  510    

BAT Capital Corp

           2.259%          3/25/28          BBB+          506,174  
  1,025    

BAT Capital Corp

                       3.984%          9/25/50          BBB+          998,287  
  2,605    

Total Tobacco

                                                        2,654,460  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.3%                                                
  1,120    

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC / AerCap Global Aviation Trust

           6.500%          7/15/25          BBB          1,313,663  
  750    

Air Lease Corp

           4.650%          N/A (11)          BB+          777,187  
  145    

WESCO Distribution Inc, 144A

                       7.125%          6/15/25          BB–          156,702  
  2,015    

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

                                                        2,247,552  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.5%                                                
  900    

C&W Senior Financing DAC, 144A

           6.875%          9/15/27          BB–          960,435  
  1,000    

Hughes Satellite Systems Corp

           6.625%          8/01/26          BB          1,121,250  
  936    

Millicom International Cellular SA, 144A

                       5.125%          1/15/28          BB+          973,440  
  2,836    

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                                                        3,055,125  
$ 253,055    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $254,723,989)

                                                        266,352,395  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 29.6%                                                
$ 651    

AASET 2020-1 Trust, 144A

           4.335%          1/16/40          BBB        $ 457,051  
  600    

ACRE Commercial Mortgage Series 2021-FL4 Ltd, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.600% spread), (4)

           2.683%          12/18/37          N/R          595,513  
  1,413    

Adams Outdoor Advertising LP, 144A

           4.810%          11/15/48          A          1,514,374  
  1,150    

AIMCO CLO 10 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.550% spread), (4)

           3.734%          7/22/32          BBB–          1,151,025  
  1,500    

Alen 2021-ACEN Mortgage Trust, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.000% spread), (4)

           4.073%          4/15/34          BB–          1,512,432  
  2,130    

American Homes 4 Rent 2014-SFR2 Trust, 144A

           3.786%          10/17/36          Aaa          2,263,853  
  752    

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Inc Asset Back Ser 2004-R1, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.600% spread), (4)

           0.706%          2/25/34          A          714,669  
  265    

AMSR 2019-SFR1 Trust, 144A

           3.247%          1/19/39          Baa1          275,254  
  1,482    

AMSR 2020-SFR1 Trust, 144A

           2.419%          4/17/37          Aa2          1,510,874  

 

45


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 346    

AMSR 2020-SFR1 Trust, 144A

           2.619%          4/17/37          A2        $ 350,435  
  1,000    

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2019-5, 144A

           3.957%          10/25/49          BB          1,003,117  
  1,000    

Apidos CLO XXIX, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.550% spread), (4)

           1.726%          7/25/30          AA          999,454  
  1,340    

Applebee’s Funding LLC / IHOP Funding LLC, 144A

           4.194%          6/07/49          BBB          1,373,278  
  2,100    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, 144A

           4.150%          9/20/23          BBB          2,158,423  
  700    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, 144A

           2.130%          8/20/27          BBB          698,773  
  700    

BANK 2017-BNK8

           4.206%          11/15/50          A–          751,148  
  1,000    

BANK 2019-BNK21, 144A

           2.500%          10/17/52          BBB          908,785  
  1,250    

BANK 2019-BNK24

           2.929%          11/15/62          AAA          1,347,135  
  217    

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2005-PWR7

           5.117%          2/11/41          Ba1          215,336  
  1,000    

Benchmark 2018-B5 Mortgage Trust

           4.208%          7/15/51          AAA          1,156,343  
  1,500    

Benchmark 2020-B18 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.139%          7/15/53          B–          1,521,479  
  1,000    

Benchmark 2020-IG2 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.791%          9/15/48          Aaa          1,038,631  
  1,000    

Benchmark 2020-IG3 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.654%          9/15/48          N/R          1,052,194  
  1,000    

Bojangles Issuer LLC, 144A

           3.832%          10/20/50          N/R          1,042,680  
  1,448    

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust 2019-XL, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.920% spread), (4)

           0.993%          10/15/36          Aaa          1,450,317  
  905    

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust 2019-XL, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.250% spread), (4)

           1.323%          10/15/36          A3          906,147  
  905    

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust 2019-XL, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.800% spread), (4)

           1.873%          10/15/36          N/R          906,139  
  499    

Cars Net Lease Mortgage Notes Series 2020-1, 144A

           3.100%          12/15/50          A          511,499  
  1,250    

Cars Net Lease Mortgage Notes Series 2020-1, 144A

           4.690%          12/15/50          BBB          1,358,773  
  1,150    

CARS-DB4 LP, 144A

           4.520%          2/15/50          BBB          1,185,299  
  891    

Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust 2021-1, 144A

           3.474%          1/15/46          A2          905,430  
  1,000    

Cayuga Park CLO Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.100% spread), (4)

           2.290%          7/17/31          AA          1,000,000  
  500    

Cayuga Park CLO Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.100% spread), (4), (WI/DD)

           1.000%          7/17/34          N/R          500,000  
  500    

CD 2016-CD1 Mortgage Trust

           2.926%          8/10/49          AAA          525,671  
  705    

CD 2016-CD1 Mortgage Trust

           3.631%          8/10/49          A–          703,200  
  50    

CF 2020-P1 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.840%          4/15/25          N/R          52,228  
  750    

CF 2020-P1 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           10.010%          4/15/52          N/R          800,428  
  750    

CF 2020-P1 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.603%          4/15/52          N/R          752,777  
  1,432    

CF Hippolyta LLC, 144A

           2.280%          7/15/60          A–          1,455,141  
  716    

CF Hippolyta LLC, 144A

           2.600%          7/15/60          A–          724,997  
  355    

CHL Mortgage Pass-Through Trust 2005-27

           5.500%          12/25/35          N/R          330,011  
  700    

CIFC Funding 2020-II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.200% spread), (4)

           2.388%          8/24/32          AA          700,884  
  2,750    

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-GC29

           3.758%          4/10/48          AA–          2,930,115  
  1,690    

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-GC29

           4.288%          4/10/48          A–          1,807,838  
  325    

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2016-GC36

           3.349%          2/10/49          Aaa          348,637  
  229    

CLI Funding VI LLC, 144A

           2.080%          9/18/45          A          230,473  

 

46


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 400    

COMM 2013-CCRE10 Mortgage Trust

           4.210%          8/10/46          Aaa        $ 426,916  
  1,500    

COMM 2014-CCRE19 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.865%          8/10/47          BBB–          1,484,491  
  750    

COMM 2014-LC17 Mortgage Trust

           4.188%          10/10/47          AAA          812,593  
  1,500    

COMM 2014-UBS3 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.927%          6/10/47          N/R          1,515,710  
  1,615    

COMM 2015-CCRE22 Mortgage Trust

           4.244%          3/10/48          A–          1,721,338  
  1,000    

COMM 2015-CCRE22 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.000%          3/10/48          BB–          842,934  
  1,240    

COMM 2015-CCRE24 Mortgage Trust

           3.463%          8/10/48          BBB–          1,140,005  
  1,000    

COMM 2015-CCRE24 Mortgage Trust

           4.525%          8/10/48          AA–          1,097,312  
  500    

COMM 2015-CCRE24 Mortgage Trust

           4.525%          8/10/48          A–          534,445  
  550    

COMM 2015-CCRE25 Mortgage Trust

           3.932%          8/10/48          BB          517,984  
  2,260    

COMM 2015-CCRE26 Mortgage Trust

           4.625%          10/10/48          A–          2,449,757  
  890    

COMM 2015-LC23 Mortgage Trust

           4.771%          10/10/48          A–          961,785  
  450    

COMM 2019-GC44 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.500%          8/15/57          BBB          400,082  
  395    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2018-R07, 144A

           2.616%          4/25/31          B+          394,991  
  877    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2019-HRP1, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.150% spread), (4)

           2.242%          11/25/39          B          873,813  
  431    

Corevest American Finance 2020-1 Trust, 144A

           1.832%          3/15/50          AAA          437,774  
  180    

CPT MORTGAGE TRUST, 144A

           3.097%          11/13/39          N/R          178,339  
  36    

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp

           5.750%          9/25/33          AAA          36,276  
  1,000    

CSMC 2021-NQM1, 144A

           2.130%          5/25/65          BBB          1,001,348  
  1,395    

DB Master Finance LLC, 144A

           3.787%          5/20/49          BBB          1,413,245  
  649    

DB Master Finance LLC, 144A

           4.021%          5/20/49          BBB          685,366  
  467    

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust 2021-1, 144A

           2.700%          11/21/33          BBB          472,707  
  467    

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust 2021-1, 144A

           3.830%          11/21/33          BB          474,918  
  30,450    

DOLP Trust 2021-NYC, 144A, (I/O)

           0.665%          5/10/41          A–          1,511,745  
  1,000    

Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC, 144A

           2.662%          4/25/51          BBB+          1,034,690  
  1,985    

DRIVEN BRANDS FUNDING LLC, 144A

           3.786%          7/20/50          BBB–          2,078,315  
  1,500    

Dryden 49 Senior Loan Fund, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.400% spread), (4)

           3.590%          7/18/30          Baa3          1,500,018  
  1,250    

DT Auto Owner Trust 2021-1, 144A

           2.380%          1/18/28          BB–          1,244,064  
  680    

Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2021-2, 144A

           2.296%          6/25/66          BBB          676,924  
  1,600    

Extended Stay America Trust, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.080% spread), (4), (WI/DD)

           1.155%          7/15/38          N/R          1,604,497  
  3,150    

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.000% spread), (4)

           3.092%          7/25/24          Aaa          3,173,785  
  171    

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.950% spread), (4)

           7.042%          8/25/28          A3          181,436  
  282    

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.900% spread), (4)

           5.992%          10/25/28          BBB          298,202  
  255    

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.250% spread), (4)

           4.342%          4/25/29          Aaa          265,227  
  0 (5)   

Fannie Mae Interest Strip FNS 366 25, (I/O)

           5.000%          9/25/24          Aaa          10  

 

47


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 26    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 256890

           6.000%          9/01/37          Aaa        $ 29,747  
  170    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 310200

           3.000%          11/01/48          N/R          176,500  
  27    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 745101

           6.000%          4/01/32          Aaa          30,232  
  107    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 745324

           6.000%          3/01/34          Aaa          117,638  
  1    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 905597, (12-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.875% spread), (4)

           2.250%          12/01/36          N/R          805  
  15    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 946228, (12-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.531% spread), (4)

           2.156%          9/01/37          N/R          15,375  
  (5)   

Fannie Mae Pool FN AL1187

           5.500%          7/01/24          N/R          204  
  2,605    

Fannie Mae Pool FN AS7499

           3.500%          7/01/46          N/R          2,828,242  
  1,439    

Fannie Mae Pool FN BM5126

           3.500%          1/01/48          N/R          1,558,790  
  887    

Fannie Mae Pool FN BM5839

           3.500%          11/01/47          Aaa          961,891  
  252    

Fannie Mae Pool FN CA3960

           3.000%          8/01/49          Aaa          269,117  
  34    

Fannie Mae Pool FN FM1108

           5.000%          11/01/44          Aaa          38,815  
  238    

Fannie Mae Pool FN FM1136

           5.500%          3/01/39          Aaa          275,336  
  40    

Fannie Mae Pool FN FM1137

           6.000%          9/01/39          Aaa          47,436  
  164    

Fannie Mae Pool FN FM1138

           6.500%          8/01/37          Aaa          186,536  
  390    

Fannie Mae Pool FN MA3228

           3.000%          11/01/47          Aaa          400,320  
  294    

Fannie Mae REMICS Trust FNR 2013-98 SA, (1-Month LIBOR *-100% reference rate + 5.950% spread), (4), (I/O)

           5.859%          9/25/43          Aaa          69,553  
  1,232    

Fannie Mae REMICS Trust FNR 2020-75 LI, (I/O)

           2.500%          11/25/50          Aaa          175,509  
  7,000    

Fannie Mae TBA, (MDR), (WI/DD)

           2.500%          TBA          Aaa          7,226,406  
  92    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust 2017-2, 144A

           4.106%          10/25/47          A3          93,580  
  3,000    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust 2021-4, 144A

           2.500%          6/01/51          AAA          3,020,625  
  2,020    

Freddie Mac Gold Pool FG G60138

           3.500%          8/01/45          Aaa          2,210,499  
  2,062    

Freddie Mac Gold Pool FG G60238

           3.500%          10/01/45          Aaa          2,239,030  
  1,803    

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, (I/O)

           2.802%          10/25/55          N/R          379,783  
  226    

Freddie Mac Strips FHS 326 350

           3.500%          3/15/44          N/R          240,206  
  237    

Freddie Mac Strips FHS 327 S8, (1-Month LIBOR *-100% reference rate + 5.920% spread), (4), (I/O)

           5.847%          3/15/44          N/R          46,446  
  188    

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes, 144A

           4.036%          9/25/47          Ba3          187,566  
  900    

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 4.000% spread), (4)

           4.018%          11/25/50          B2          941,844  
  1,200    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2017-SLP, 144A

           4.744%          10/10/32          B          1,197,007  
  100    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2013-GC13

           4.188%          7/10/46          Aaa          105,968  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2016-GS4

           3.930%          11/10/49          A–          1,001,210  
  1,425    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-GC38

           4.158%          2/10/52          AAA          1,614,226  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-GC40, 144A

           3.668%          7/10/52          BBB–          1,038,327  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2020-GSA2

           2.012%          12/12/53          AAA          996,620  
  156    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Corp Trust 2019-PJ1, 144A

           4.000%          8/25/49          Aa1          158,277  
  23    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Corp Trust 2019-PJ2, 144A

           4.000%          11/25/49          Aaa          23,230  
  60    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Corp Trust 2019-PJ2, 144A

           4.000%          11/25/49          Aa1          60,445  
  199    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Corp Trust 2021-PJ5, 144A

           2.500%          10/25/51          Aa1          200,377  

 

48


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 3,000    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, 144A

           2.500%          11/25/51          Aa1        $ 3,026,250  
  1,493    

Hardee’s Funding LLC, 144A

           3.981%          12/20/50          BBB          1,579,393  
  750    

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC, 144A

           2.050%          12/26/25          Baa2          749,501  
  918    

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2019-A, 144A

           2.840%          7/25/33          A–          939,710  
  2,223    

Horizon Aircraft Finance II Ltd, 144A

           3.721%          7/15/39          A          2,185,494  
  933    

Horizon Aircraft Finance III Ltd, 144A

           3.425%          11/15/39          A          917,059  
  976    

Horizon Aircraft Finance III Ltd, 144A

           4.458%          11/15/39          BBB          946,645  
  1,700    

Hudson Yards, 144A

           3.041%          12/10/41          N/R          1,628,524  
  500    

Hudson Yards 2019-30HY Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.558%          7/10/39          BBB–          526,904  
  836    

Impac Secured Assets CMN Owner Trust

           8.000%          10/25/30          N/R          818,791  
  450    

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust 2021-NQM1, 144A

           2.383%          6/25/56          BBB          449,517  
  1,230    

Invitation Homes 2017-SFR2 Trust, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.150% spread), (4)

           1.232%          12/17/36          Aa1          1,231,399  
  283    

JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust 2007-S1, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.280% spread), (4)

           0.372%          4/25/47          AAA          280,137  
  335    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2013-C16

           4.166%          12/15/46          Aaa          358,873  
  408    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-3, 144A

           3.500%          9/25/48          AA+          412,512  
  131    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-4, 144A

           3.500%          10/25/48          AA+          134,347  
  541    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-5, 144A

           3.500%          10/25/48          AAA          556,915  
  927    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-6, 144A

           3.930%          12/25/48          Ba1          941,696  
  268    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2019-1, 144A

           4.000%          5/25/49          AAA          271,896  
  62    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2019-3, 144A

           4.725%          9/25/49          Aa1          66,449  
  109    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2019-INV1, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.950% spread), (4)

           1.042%          10/25/49          Aaa          109,589  
  243    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2020-1, 144A

           3.883%          6/25/50          A3          253,847  
  353    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2021-6, 144A

           2.500%          10/25/51          Aaa          358,064  
  349    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2021-7, 144A

           2.500%          11/25/51          Aaa          351,235  
  230    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2021-8, 144A

           2.500%          12/25/51          AAA          232,012  
  175    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C21

           3.997%          8/15/47          Aaa          188,278  
  1,600    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C22

           4.705%          9/15/47          BBB          1,582,108  
  1,500    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP5

           3.723%          3/15/50          Aaa          1,665,404  
  1,000    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP7, 144A

           4.545%          9/15/50          BBB          1,015,771  
  190    

Ladder Capital Commercial Mortgage 2013-GCP Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.985%          2/15/36          AAA          212,608  
  308    

Lunar Aircraft 2020-1 LTD, 144A

           4.335%          2/15/45          BB          286,650  
  1,000    

MAPS 2021-1 Trust, 144A

           2.521%          6/15/46          A1          1,002,434  
  1,435    

MASTR Reperforming Loan Trust 2005-1, 144A

           7.500%          8/25/34          N/R          1,304,716  
  34,356    

MFT Trust 2020-ABC, 144A, (I/O)

           0.235%          2/10/42          N/R          420,105  
  176    

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc Trust 2004-HE6, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.825% spread), (4)

           0.917%          8/25/34          A          174,458  
  1,500    

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust 2018-H3

           4.177%          7/15/51          AAA          1,732,688  
  1,500    

MRCD Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.718%          12/15/36          N/R          1,494,135  

 

49


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 1,245    

MVW 2019-2 LLC, 144A

           2.680%          10/20/38          BBB+        $ 1,252,979  
  490    

MVW 2021-1W LLC, 144A

           1.940%          1/22/41          BBB          490,635  
  929    

MVW Owner Trust 2019-1, 144A

           3.330%          11/20/36          BBB+          950,612  
  1,000    

Myers Park CLO Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.600% spread), (4)

 

       1.788%          10/20/30          AA          1,000,068  
  1,000    

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-1776, 144A

 

       3.902%          10/15/36          Ba3          1,002,118  
  1,500    

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-MILE, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.500% spread), (4)

 

       3.573%          7/15/36          N/R          1,484,937  
  1,500    

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-MILE, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.250% spread), (4)

 

       4.323%          7/15/36          N/R          1,473,640  
  300    

Navient Private Education Refi Loan Trust 2020-H, 144A

 

       2.780%          1/15/69          N/R          309,031  
  1,000    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 27 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.400% spread), (4)

 

       1.584%          1/15/30          AA          1,000,014  
  1,500    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 31 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.250% spread), (4)

 

       0.000%          4/20/31          BBB–          1,500,582  
  500    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 37 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.850% spread), (4)

 

       2.942%          7/20/31          BBB–          500,753  
  660    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers Clo 40 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.850% spread), (4)

 

       6.038%          4/16/33          BB–          657,920  
  1,000    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers Clo 40 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.750% spread), (4)

 

       2.938%          4/16/33          BBB–          993,448  
  130    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2015-2, 144A

 

       5.490%          8/25/55          Baa1          138,467  
  35    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2017-1, 144A

 

       4.000%          2/25/57          Aaa          36,754  
  1,560    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2017-6, 144A

 

       4.000%          8/27/57          Aaa          1,668,827  
  1,000    

Oak Street Investment Grade Net Lease Fund Series 2021-1, 144A

 

       4.230%          1/20/51          BBB+          1,058,089  
  77    

OBX 2018-1 Trust, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.650% spread), (4)

 

       0.742%          6/25/57          AAA          76,661  
  1,000    

Octagon Investment Partners 46 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.200% spread), (4)

 

       2.384%          7/15/33          AA          1,000,120  
  1,150    

One Bryant Park Trust 2019-OBP, 144A

           2.516%          9/15/54          Aaa          1,190,780  
  500    

Oportun Funding XIV LLC, 144A

           3.440%          3/08/28          N/R          499,222  
  500    

Oportun Funding XIV LLC, 144A

           5.400%          3/08/28          N/R          499,999  
  1,342    

Pioneer Aircraft Finance Ltd, 144A

           3.967%          6/15/44          BBB          1,338,151  
  250    

Purchasing Power Funding 2021-A LLC, 144A

 

         4.370%          10/15/25          N/R          249,795  
  199    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.500%          6/25/51          AAA          200,754  
  58    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2018-7, 144A

           4.000%          9/25/48          Aaa          58,768  
  34    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2018-8, 144A

           4.000%          11/25/48          Aaa          34,138  
  19    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2019-2, 144A

           4.000%          6/25/49          AAA          18,997  
  489    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2020-3, 144A

           3.000%          4/25/50          AAA          498,933  
  499    

ServiceMaster Funding LLC, 144A

           2.841%          10/30/51          BBB–          515,752  
  1,798    

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC, 144A

           3.882%          10/25/49          BBB–          1,891,245  
  1,000    

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC, 144A

           2.394%          4/25/51          BBB–          1,009,040  
  1,474    

Sesac Finance LLC, 144A

           5.216%          7/25/49          N/R          1,572,462  
  2,359    

Settlement Fee Finance 2019-1 LLC, 144A, (6)

 

       3.840%          11/01/49          N/R          2,337,847  

 

50


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 488    

Sierra Timeshare 2019-2 Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

 

       4.540%          5/20/36          BB        $ 499,388  
  881    

Sierra Timeshare 2019-3 Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

 

       4.180%          8/20/36          BB          895,452  
  430    

Sierra Timeshare 2021-1 Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

 

       1.790%          11/20/37          BBB          431,861  
  591    

Sierra Timeshare Conduit Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

 

       3.200%          3/20/34          BBB          596,082  
  317    

S-Jets 2017-1 Ltd, 144A

           3.967%          8/15/42          BBB          313,391  
  40,180    

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA, 144A, (I/O)

           0.258%          7/15/41          AA–          862,861  
  1,155    

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA, 144A

           2.851%          7/15/41          N/R          1,130,550  
  1,909    

Sonic Capital LLC, 144A

           3.845%          1/20/50          BBB          2,015,791  
  1,500    

Spruce Hill Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-SH1, 144A

 

       3.827%          1/28/50          BB          1,526,188  
  1,294    

START Ireland, 144A

           5.095%          3/15/44          BB          1,216,576  
  1,024    

Start Ltd/Bermuda, 144A

           4.089%          5/15/43          BBB+          1,028,831  
  1,776    

Taco Bell Funding LLC, 144A

           4.377%          5/25/46          BBB          1,785,804  
  731    

Taco Bell Funding LLC, 144A

           4.318%          11/25/48          BBB          732,815  
  1,440    

Tesla Auto Lease Trust 2019-A, 144A

           5.480%          5/22/23          Ba3          1,511,281  
  968    

TIF Funding II LLC, 144A

           2.540%          2/20/46          BBB          956,811  
  200    

Tricon American Homes 2017-SFR1 Trust, 144A

 

         4.011%          9/17/34          N/R          201,621  
  305    

Tricon American Homes 2019-SFR1 Trust, 144A

 

         3.198%          3/17/38          Baa2          315,424  
  500    

Tricon American Homes 2020-SFR1 Trust, 144A

 

       2.548%          7/17/38          Baa3          506,416  
  1,000    

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust 2013-C5, 144A

 

       3.649%          3/10/46          Aa3          1,015,853  
  200    

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-3, 144A

           4.043%          7/25/59          BB          203,512  
  194    

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-4, 144A

           3.000%          11/25/59          A          196,722  
  600    

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-4, 144A

           3.207%          11/25/59          BBB–          611,350  
  1,425    

Verus Securitization Trust 2020-1, 144A

           2.724%          1/25/60          A          1,441,105  
  716    

Verus Securitization Trust 2020-4, 144A

           2.321%          5/25/65          A          726,397  
  1,346    

Vivint Solar Financing V LLC, 144A

           7.370%          4/30/48          N/R          1,428,188  
  1,362    

VR Funding LLC, 144A

           2.790%          11/15/50          N/R          1,337,134  
  227    

VR Funding LLC, 144A

           6.420%          11/15/50          N/R          228,988  
  48    

Wachovia Mortgage Loan Trust LLC Series 2005-B Trust

 

       2.438%          10/20/35          Aaa          46,616  
  68    

Washington Mutual MSC Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Series 2004-RA3 Trust

 

       5.936%          8/25/38          Aaa          70,742  
  482    

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities 2021-1 Trust, 144A

 

       2.500%          12/25/50          AAA          486,328  
  870    

Wendy’s Funding LLC, 144A

           2.370%          6/15/51          BBB          877,560  
  350    

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 2013-C14

 

         3.337%          6/15/46          Aaa          366,615  
  1,496    

Wingstop Funding LLC, 144A

           2.841%          12/05/50          N/R          1,551,776  
  660    

ZAXBY’S FUNDING LLC, 144A

 

       3.238%          7/30/51          N/R          668,237  
$ 296,901    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $192,812,011)

 

                             196,006,938  

 

51


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (7)      Reference
Rate (7)
     Spread (7)        Maturity (8)        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 9.0% (7)

 

      Aerospace & Defense – 0.2%                                               
$ 1,440    

TransDigm, Inc., Term Loan E

    2.354%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%          5/30/25          Ba3        $ 1,421,577  
      Airlines – 0.3%                                               
  350    

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    5.385%        3-Month LIBOR        5.250%          6/20/27          Baa3          374,262  
  175    

SkyMiles IP Ltd., Term Loan B

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%          10/20/27          Baa1          185,074  
  1,496    

United Airlines, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%          4/21/28          Ba1          1,517,968  
  2,021    

Total Airlines

                                                       2,077,304  
      Auto Components – 0.2%                                               
  911    

Clarios Global LP, Term Loan B

    3.354%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%          4/30/26          B1          904,955  
  448    

Les Schwab Tire Centers, Term Loan B

    4.250%        6-Month LIBOR        3.500%          11/02/27          B          448,589  
  1,359    

Total Auto Components

                                                       1,353,544  
      Beverages – 0.1%                                               
  224    

Arterra Wines Canada, Inc., Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%          11/25/27          B1          224,645  
  400    

City Brewing Company, LLC, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%          4/05/28          B+          402,500  
  624    

Total Beverages

                                                       627,145  
      Building Products – 0.2%                                               
  499    

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.750%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%          4/12/28          B+          499,436  
  980    

Quikrete Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    2.604%        1-Month LIBOR        2.500%          1/31/27          BB–          972,700  
  1,479    

Total Building Products

                                                       1,472,136  
      Chemicals – 0.8%                                               
  2,219    

Messer Industries GmbH, Term Loan

    2.646%        3-Month LIBOR        2.500%          3/01/26          BB–          2,206,826  
  2,436    

PolyOne Corporation, Term Loan B5

    1.854%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%          1/30/26          BB+          2,440,902  
  670    

PQ Corporation, Term Loan B

    2.436%        3-Month LIBOR        2.250%          2/07/27          BB–          668,718  
  5,325    

Total Chemicals

                                                       5,316,446  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.9%                                               
  990    

Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    3.604%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%          1/31/27          B1          990,124  
  1,875    

Filtration Group Corporation, Term Loan, First Lien

    3.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%          3/28/25          B          1,861,964  
  249    

GFL Environmental Inc., Term Loan

    3.500%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%          5/30/25          BB–          249,182  
  1,480    

Gopher Resource, LLC, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.250%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%          1/28/25          B          1,326,263  
  160    

Prime Security Services Borrower, LLC, Term Loan

    3.500%        3-Month LIBOR        2.750%          9/23/26          BB–          160,407  
  160    

Prime Security Services Borrower, LLC, Term Loan

    3.500%        6-Month LIBOR        2.750%          9/23/26          BB–          160,407  
  126    

Prime Security Services Borrower, LLC, Term Loan

    3.500%        1-Month LIBOR        2.750%          9/23/26          BB–          124,942  
  244    

Prometric Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%          1/29/25          B2          241,552  
  768    

Spin Holdco Inc., Term Loan

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%          3/04/28          B–          770,237  
  6,052    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                                       5,885,078  
      Construction & Engineering – 0.1%                                               
  500    

AECOM Technology Corporation, Term Loan B

    1.854%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%          4/13/28          BBB–          500,470  
  500    

Aegion Corporation, Term Loan

    5.500%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%          5/17/28          B          506,250  
  1,000    

Total Construction & Engineering

                                                       1,006,720  

 

52


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (7)      Reference
Rate (7)
     Spread (7)        Maturity (8)        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.2%                                               
$ 499    

Plaze, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.604%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%          8/03/26          B        $ 492,500  
  246    

Pregis TopCo Corporation, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.104%        1-Month LIBOR        4.000%          8/01/26          B2          246,496  
  303    

Reynolds Consumer Products LLC, Term Loan

    1.854%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%          2/04/27          BBB–          301,250  
  249    

Reynolds Group Holdings Inc., Term Loan B2

    3.354%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%          2/05/26          B+          247,484  
  196    

Tank Holding Corp., Term Loan

    3.604%        Prime        3.500%          3/26/26          B2          195,486  
  1,493    

Total Containers & Packaging

                                                       1,483,216  
      Distributors – 0.1%  
  456    

Univar Solutions USA Inc. Term B-6 Loan, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD          TBD          BBB–          456,018  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.1%  
  569    

IG Investment Holdings, LLC, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%          5/23/25          B2          570,551  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.0%  
  312    

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc., Term Loan

    3.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%          3/09/27          B1          308,878  
      Electrical Equipment – 0.1%  
  400    

Ingram Micro Inc., Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD          TBD          BB          401,188  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.1%  
  546    

Apergy Corporation, Term Loan

    6.000%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%          6/03/27          BBB–          558,199  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.0%  
  199    

Chobani, LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%          10/25/27          B–          199,307  
      Food Products – 0.3%  
  1,274    

Hostess Brands, LLC, Term Loan

    3.000%        3-Month LIBOR        2.250%          8/03/25          BB-          1,270,249  
  479    

Hostess Brands, LLC, Term Loan

    3.000%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%          8/03/25          BB-          478,028  
  1,753    

Total Food Products

                                                       1,748,277  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.6%  
  1,377    

Gentiva Health Services, Inc., Term Loan

    2.875%        1-Month LIBOR        2.750%          7/02/25          B+          1,375,203  
  1,153    

RegionalCare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.854%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%          11/16/25          B1          1,151,741  
  1,482    

Select Medical Corporation, Term Loan B

    2.360%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%          3/06/25          Ba2          1,471,345  
  4,012    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                       3,998,289  
      Health Care Technology – 0.2%                                               
  1,170    

Change Healthcare Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    3.500%        1-Month LIBOR        2.500%          3/01/24          B+          1,169,602  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.2%                                               
  298    

Caesars Resort Collection, LLC, Term Loan B1

    4.604%        1-Month LIBOR        4.500%          7/20/25          B+          299,053  
  497    

IRB Holding Corp, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.250%          12/15/27          B          498,084  
  491    

Scientific Games International, Inc., Term Loan B5

    2.854%        1-Month LIBOR        2.750%          8/14/24          B+          488,185  
  1,286    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                       1,285,322  
      Household Durables – 0.1%                                               
  548    

Weber-Stephen Products LLC, Term Loan B

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%          10/30/27          B1          549,585  

 

53


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (7)      Reference
Rate (7)
     Spread (7)        Maturity (8)        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Insurance – 0.5%                                               
$ 987    

AssuredPartners Capital, Inc., Incremental Term Loan B

    5.500%        1-Month LIBOR        4.500%          2/13/27          B1        $ 990,833  
  600    

AssuredPartners Capital, Inc., Incremental Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD          TBD          B1          602,025  
  493    

Hub International Limited, Term Loan B

    4.000%        3-Month LIBOR        3.250%          4/25/25          B          493,180  
  16    

OneDigital Borrower LLC, Delayed Draw Term Loan, (9)

    5.250%        3-Month LIBOR        5.250%          10/29/27          N/R          15,710  
  483    

OneDigital Borrower LLC, Term Loan

    5.250%        3-Month LIBOR        4.500%          10/29/27          N/R          485,783  
  492    

USI, Inc., Repriced Term Loan

    3.147%        3-Month LIBOR        3.000%          5/16/24          B          488,327  
  3,071    

Total Insurance

                                                       3,075,858  
      Interactive Media & Services – 0.1%                                               
  748    

Rackspace Technology Global, Inc., Term Loan

    3.500%        3-Month LIBOR        2.750%          2/09/28          B+          744,998  
      Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 0.1%                                               
  474    

CNT Holdings I Corp, Term Loan

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%          11/08/27          B          474,590  
      Internet Software & Services – 0.1%                                               
  499    

IGT Holding IV AB, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%          3/29/28          B          501,244  
      IT Services–0.3%                                               
  1,770    

NeuStar, Inc., Term Loan B5

    5.500%        3-Month LIBOR        4.500%          8/08/24          B+          1,736,582  
      Life Sciences Tools & Services – 0.4%                                               
  323    

Avantor Funding, Inc., Incremental Term Loan B4

    3.250%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%          11/06/27          BB+          323,879  
  2,453    

PPD, Inc., Initial Term Loan

    2.750%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%          1/13/28          Ba2          2,453,206  
  2,776    

Total Life Sciences Tools & Services

                                                       2,777,085  
      Machinery – 0.2%                                               
  750    

Blount International Inc., Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD          TBD          B2          753,281  
  18    

TK Elevator US Newco Inc, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD          TBD          B+          17,890  
  423    

Vertical Midco GmbH, Term Loan B

    4.478%        6-Month LIBOR        4.250%          7/31/27          B1          424,024  
  1,191    

Total Machinery

                                                       1,195,195  
      Media – 0.1%                                               
  298    

Banijay Entertainment S.A.S, Term Loan

    3.836%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%          3/01/25          B1          297,129  
  174    

Cablevision Lightpath LLC, Term Loan B

    3.750%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%          12/01/27          B+          174,430  
  472    

Total Media

                                                       471,559  
      Metals & Mining – 0.1%                                               
  485    

Zekelman Industries, Inc., Term Loan

    2.092%        1-Month LIBOR        2.000%          1/19/27          BB          480,939  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.1%                                               
  247    

Delek US Holdings, Inc., Incremental Term Loan B

    6.500%        1-Month LIBOR        5.500%          3/30/25          BB+          248,418  
  485    

DT Midstream Inc., Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD          TBD          Baa2          486,428  
  732    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                       734,846  

 

54


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (7)      Reference
Rate (7)
     Spread (7)        Maturity (8)        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.1%                                               
$ 868    

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC, Term Loan B

    1.854%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%          9/04/27          BBB–        $ 866,566  
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.7%                                               
  762    

Bausch Health Companies Inc., Term Loan B

    3.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%          6/02/25          BB          758,978  
  1,428    

Endo Luxembourg Finance Company I S.a r.l., Term Loan

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%          3/25/28          B          1,382,326  
  2,250    

Jazz Financing Lux S.a.r.l., Term Loan

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%          5/08/28          BB+          2,259,664  
  500    

Organon & Co, Term Loan

    3.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.000%          6/02/28          BB          501,147  
  4,940    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                       4,902,115  
      Professional Services – 0.3%                                               
  1,679    

Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, Term Loan

    3.345%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%          2/08/26          BB+          1,672,778  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.1%                                    
  892    

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc, Term Loan B

    3.854%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%          8/27/25          B1          894,874  
      Software – 0.1%                                               
  320    

Camelot U.S. Acquisition 1 Co., Term Loan B

    3.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%          10/31/26          B1          319,164  
  124    

Ultimate Software Group Inc, Incremental Term Loan

    4.000%        3-Month LIBOR        3.250%          5/03/26          B1          124,369  
  444    

Total Software

                                                       443,533  
      Specialty Retail – 0.4%                                               
  1,000    

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%          2/12/28          BB–          1,002,000  
  1,960    

Staples, Inc., Term Loan

    5.176%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%          4/12/26          B          1,913,460  
  2,960    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                       2,915,460  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.2%                    
  331    

Dell International LLC, Term Loan B

    2.000%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%          9/19/25          BBB–          331,165  
  1,291    

Western Digital Corporation, Term Loan B4

    1.843%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%          4/29/23          Baa2          1,292,855  
  1,622    

Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

 

                  1,624,020  
      Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.2%                                               
  1,367    

Samsonite International S.A., Term Loan B

    1.854%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%          4/25/25          Ba2          1,349,439  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                                               
  1,000    

GOGO Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%          4/28/28          B–          999,750  
$ 60,034    

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $59,556,189)

 

                                               59,749,813  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 7.8%

 

         
      Automobiles – 0.5%                                               
$ 340    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

          5.700%          N/A (11)          BB+        $ 380,800  
  2,470    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

                      5.750%          N/A (11)          BB+          2,688,323  
  2,810    

Total Automobiles

                                                       3,069,123  

 

55


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Banks – 3.9%                                               
$ 1,195    

Bank of America Corp

          6.300%          N/A (11)          BBB+        $ 1,378,922  
  2,000    

Bank of America Corp

          6.100%          N/A (11)          BBB+          2,245,740  
  1,000    

Citigroup Inc

          6.300%          N/A (11)          BBB–          1,075,700  
  3,000    

Citigroup Inc

          5.000%          N/A (11)          BBB–          3,139,800  
  2,000    

CoBank ACB

          6.250%          N/A (11)          BBB+          2,230,000  
  2,000    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc, (3)

          3.800%          N/A (11)          BBB–          2,035,600  
  750    

Huntington Bancshares Inc/OH

          5.625%          N/A (11)          Baa3          870,938  
  2,125    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

          3.650%          N/A (11)          BBB+          2,127,975  
  1,275    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

          5.000%          N/A (11)          BBB+          1,347,611  
  1,797    

KeyCorp

          5.000%          N/A (11)          Baa3          2,000,780  
  1,000    

M&T Bank Corp

          5.125%          N/A (11)          Baa2          1,101,240  
  3,000    

Truist Financial Corp

          4.800%          N/A (11)          Baa2          3,150,000  
  2,000    

Truist Financial Corp

          5.100%          N/A (11)          Baa2          2,247,500  
  500    

Wells Fargo & Co

                      5.875%          N/A (11)          Baa2          559,955  
  23,642    

Total Banks

                                                       25,511,761  
      Consumer Finance – 0.8%                                               
  1,500    

Ally Financial Inc

          4.700%          N/A (11)          BB–          1,553,550  
  2,015    

Capital One Financial Corp

          3.950%          N/A (11)          Baa3          2,057,819  
  1,500    

Discover Financial Services

                      6.125%          N/A (11)          Ba2          1,683,300  
  5,015    

Total Consumer Finance

                                                       5,294,669  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.3%                                               
  1,710    

Voya Financial Inc, (3)

                      6.125%          N/A (11)          BBB–          1,846,800  
      Electric Utilities – 0.2%                                               
  1,500    

Southern Co

                      4.000%          1/15/51          BBB          1,586,250  
      Food Products – 0.5%                                               
  2,780    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A

                      8.000%          N/A (11)          BB          2,985,025  
      Insurance – 0.6%                                               
  2,835    

AXIS Specialty Finance LLC

          4.900%          1/15/40          BBB          3,006,234  
  1,185    

MetLife Inc

                      3.850%          N/A (11)          BBB          1,245,731  
  4,020    

Total Insurance

                                                       4,251,965  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.2%                                               
  1,500    

Sempra Energy

                      4.875%          N/A (11)          BBB–          1,627,500  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.6%                                               
  2,115    

Enbridge Inc

          5.750%          7/15/80          BBB–          2,358,225  
  1,400    

Energy Transfer LP

                      6.500%          N/A (11)          BB          1,427,300  
  3,515    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                       3,785,525  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.1%                                               
  825    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

                      6.500%          6/15/45          BB+          880,688  

 

56


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                                               
$ 800    

Network i2i Ltd, 144A

                      5.650%          N/A (11)          BB        $ 857,000  
$ 48,117    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $48,840,206)

                                                       51,696,306  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

SOVEREIGN DEBT – 5.1%

                      
      Bermuda – 0.2%                                               
$ 650    

Bermuda Government International Bond, 144A

          3.717%          1/25/27          A+        $ 710,125  
  230    

Bermuda Government International Bond, 144A

          4.750%          2/15/29          A+          267,536  
  200    

Bermuda Government International Bond, 144A

                      2.375%          8/20/30          A+          199,500  
  1,080    

Total Bermuda

                                                       1,177,161  
      Brazil – 0.1%                                               
  500    

Brazilian Government International Bond

                      3.875%          6/12/30          Ba2          504,200  
      Colombia – 0.2%                                               
  750    

Colombia Government International Bond

          3.000%          1/30/30          Baa2          734,730  
  850    

Colombia Government International Bond

                      5.000%          6/15/45          Baa2          902,870  
  1,600    

Total Colombia

                                                       1,637,600  
      Cote d’Ivoire – 0.2%                                               
  1,506    

Ivory Coast Government International Bond, 144A

                      5.750%          12/31/32          B+          1,506,515  
      Dominican Republic – 0.3%                                               
  1,000    

Dominican Republic International Bond, 144A

          6.875%          1/29/26          BB–          1,158,600  
  12,000    

Dominican Republic International Bond, 144A

          9.750%          6/05/26          BB–          236,759  
  600    

Dominican Republic International Bond, 144A

                      4.875%          9/23/32          BB–          618,000  
  13,600    

Total Dominican Republic

                                                       2,013,359  
      Egypt – 0.7%                                               
  3,175    

Egypt Government International Bond, 144A

          5.577%          2/21/23          B+          3,333,661  
  1,225    

Egypt Government International Bond, 144A

                      7.053%          1/15/32          B+          1,255,013  
  4,400    

Total Egypt

                                                       4,588,674  
      El Salvador – 0.1%                                               
  975    

El Salvador Government International Bond, 144A, (3)

                      6.375%          1/18/27          B+          879,938  
      Ghana – 0.3%                                               
  2,200    

Ghana Government International Bond, 144A

                      8.125%          3/26/32          B          2,228,851  
      Guatemala – 0.1%                                               
  425    

Guatemala Government Bond, 144A

                      4.900%          6/01/30          Ba1          478,125  
      Indonesia – 0.2%                                               
  250    

Indonesia Government International Bond, 144A

          4.625%          4/15/43          BBB          289,113  
  850    

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN Indonesia III, 144A

                      4.400%          3/01/28          BBB          969,247  
  1,100    

Total Indonesia

                                                       1,258,360  

 

57


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Iraq – 0.1%                                               
$ 437    

Iraq International Bond, 144A

                      5.800%          1/15/28          N/R        $ 423,189  
      Israel – 0.1%                                               
  550    

State of Israel, Reg S

                      3.800%          5/13/60          AA–          622,679  
      Jamaica – 0.1%                                               
  420    

Jamaica Government International Bond

                      6.750%          4/28/28          B+          489,825  
      Jordan – 0.1%                                               
  450    

Jordan Government International Bond, 144A

                      5.750%          1/31/27          B+          483,021  
      Kazakhstan – 0.2%                                               
  850    

Kazakhstan Government International Bond, 144A

                      4.875%          10/14/44          BBB          1,066,325  
      Kenya – 0.2%                                               
  1,000    

Kenya Government International Bond, 144A

          7.000%          5/22/27          B+          1,097,220  
  225    

Kenya Government International Bond, 144A

                      6.300%          1/23/34          B+          224,437  
  1,225    

Total Kenya

                                                       1,321,657  
      Mexico – 0.3%                                               
  850    

Mexico Government International Bond

          3.750%          1/11/28          Baa1          925,386  
  1,000    

Mexico Government International Bond

                      4.280%          8/14/41          Baa1          1,049,640  
  1,850    

Total Mexico

                                                       1,975,026  
      Mongolia – 0.1%                                               
  450    

Mongolia Government International Bond, 144A

          5.125%          4/07/26          B          479,307  
  200    

Mongolia Government International Bond, 144A, (WI/DD)

                      4.450%          7/07/31          B          196,184  
  650    

Total Mongolia

                                                       675,491  
      Morocco – 0.1%                                               
  850    

Morocco Government International Bond, 144A

                      5.500%          12/11/42          BB+          964,852  
      Nigeria – 0.1%                                               
  500    

Nigeria Government International Bond, 144A

                      6.500%          11/28/27          B2          530,000  
      Oman – 0.1%                                               
  250    

Oman Government International Bond, 144A

          6.750%          10/28/27          Ba3          280,000  
  275    

Oman Sovereign Sukuk Co, 144A

                      4.875%          6/15/30          Ba3          282,139  
  525    

Total Oman

                                                       562,139  
      Pakistan – 0.1%                                               
  665    

Pakistan Government International Bond, 144A, (3)

                      8.250%          9/30/25          B3          735,550  
      Panama – 0.1%                                               
  600    

Panama Bonos del Tesoro

                      3.362%          6/30/31          BBB          598,688  
      Paraguay – 0.1%                                               
  500    

Paraguay Government International Bond, 144A

                      2.739%          1/29/33          Ba1          486,250  
      Qatar – 0.2%                                               
  850    

Qatar Government International Bond, 144A

                      4.817%          3/14/49          AA–          1,093,312  

 

58


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Romania – 0.0%                                               
$ 274    

Romanian Government International Bond, 144A

                      4.375%          8/22/23          BBB–        $ 295,510  
      Saudi Arabia – 0.1%                                               
  975    

Saudi Government International Bond, 144A

                      3.750%          1/21/55          A1          1,029,116  
      Serbia – 0.1%                                               
  600    

Serbia International Bond, 144A

                      2.125%          12/01/30          BB+          568,500  
      South Africa – 0.2%                                               
  1,260    

Republic of South Africa Government International Bond

                      5.375%          7/24/44          Ba2          1,264,254  
      Turkey – 0.1%                                               
  750    

Turkiye Ihracat Kredi Bankasi AS, 144A

                      5.750%          7/06/26          B+          743,203  
      Ukraine – 0.1%                                               
  450    

Ukraine Government International Bond, 144A

                      7.750%          9/01/27          B          495,000  
      Uruguay – 0.0%                                               
  250    

Uruguay Government International Bond

                      4.125%          11/20/45          BBB          294,493  
      Uzbekistan – 0.1%                                               
  500    

Republic of Uzbekistan Bond, 144A

          5.375%          2/20/29          BB–          558,750  
  450    

Republic of Uzbekistan Bond, 144A

                      3.700%          11/25/30          BB–          447,579  
  950    

Total Uzbekistan

                                                       1,006,329  
$ 43,817    

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $32,889,939)

 

                                      33,997,192  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 4.2% (10)

 

                 
      Banks – 3.5%                                               
$ 1,100    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

          6.500%          N/A (11)          Ba2        $ 1,197,625  
  980    

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA/Grand Cayman, 144A

          6.750%          N/A (11)          Ba2          1,053,500  
  2,600    

Banco Santander SA, (3)

          4.750%          N/A (11)          Ba1          2,631,200  
  675    

Bancolombia SA

          4.625%          12/18/29          BB          685,975  
  750    

Bangkok Bank PCL/Hong Kong, 144A

          5.000%          N/A (11)          Ba1          789,750  
  1,725    

Barclays PLC

          6.125%          N/A (11)          BBB–          1,911,507  
  2,500    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

          6.625%          N/A (11)          BBB          2,738,675  
  1,500    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

          8.125%          N/A (11)          BBB          1,822,500  
  595    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

          7.700%          N/A (11)          BB–          681,644  
  1,000    

Itau Unibanco Holding SA/Cayman Island, 144A

          3.875%          4/15/31          B1          992,510  
  1,500    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

          7.500%          N/A (11)          Baa3          1,706,250  
  2,000    

Macquarie Bank Ltd/London, 144A, (3)

          6.125%          N/A (11)          BB+          2,187,500  
  1,450    

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd, 144A, Reg S

          3.077%          4/07/31          BBB          1,464,500  
  2,000    

Natwest Group PLC

          8.000%          N/A (11)          BBB–          2,365,140  
  900    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

                      4.750%          N/A (11)          BB+          932,625  
  21,275    

Total Banks

                                                       23,160,901  

 

59


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Capital Markets – 0.7%                                               
$ 2,000    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

          6.375%          N/A (11)          BB+        $ 2,229,260  
  1,500    

Deutsche Bank AG

          6.000%          N/A (11)          BB–          1,584,375  
  1,000    

UBS Group AG, 144A

                      7.000%          N/A (11)          BBB          1,101,250  
  4,500    

Total Capital Markets

                                                       4,914,885  
$ 25,775    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $26,210,478)

                                                       28,075,786  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                             Optional Call
Provisions (12)
       Ratings (2)        Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS – 0.8%

                      
      New York – 0.6%                                               
$ 2,540    

Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Revenue Bonds, New York University, Series 2020A, 2.512%, 7/01/33

               No Opt. Call          Aa3        $ 2,602,789  
  870    

New York Transportation Development Corporation, New York, Lease Revenue Bonds, Fuller Road Management Corporarion – Nanotechnology Facilities Project, Refunding Series 2020, 4.248%, 9/01/35

                                 No Opt. Call          A+          964,256  
  3,410    

Total New York

                                                       3,567,045  
      Ohio – 0.2%                                               
  1,500    

Cleveland, Ohio, Airport System Revenue Bonds, Taxable Series 2019A, 2.832%, 1/01/30

                                 No Opt. Call          A2          1,575,045  
$ 4,910    

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $4,910,000)

                                                       5,142,090  
Shares     Description (1)                   Coupon                  Ratings (2)        Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 0.8%

                      
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.3%                                               
  14,600    

AgriBank FCB, (13)

                      6.875%                     BBB+        $ 1,591,400  
      Insurance – 0.5%                                               
  49,000    

Assurant Inc

          5.250%               BB+          1,324,960  
  70,000    

Enstar Group Ltd, (3)

                      7.000%                     BB+          2,070,600  
 

Total Insurance

                                                       3,395,560  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $4,435,000)

                                                       4,986,960  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 0.1%                                               
$ 1,000    

United States Treasury Note/Bond

                      1.125%          2/15/31          Aaa        $ 970,781  
$ 1,000    

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $957,078)

                                                       970,781  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $625,334,890)

                                                       646,978,261  
Shares     Description (1)                   Coupon                            Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 1.1%

 

              
      MONEY MARKET FUNDS – 1.1%                                               
  7,602,983    

State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, (14)

                      0.020% (15)                              $ 7,602,983  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $7,602,983)

 

                  7,602,983  

 

60


 

 

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

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 3.8%

                      
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 3.8%                                               
$ 25,475    

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 6/30/21, repurchase price $25,474,817, collateralized by $23,077,100, U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.125%, due 4/15/22, value $25,984,327

                                 0.000%          7/01/21        $ 25,474,817  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $25,474,817)

                                                       25,474,817  
 

Total Investments (cost $658,412,690) – 102.5%

                                                       680,056,061  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (2.5)% (16)

                                                       (16,853,408)  
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                                     $ 663,202,653  

Investments in Derivatives

Futures Contracts – Long

 

Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Variation
Margin
Receivable/
(Payable)
 
U.S. Treasury Ultra Bond        50        9/21      $    9,284,475      $    9,634,375      $  349,900      $    56,250  

Futures Contracts – Short

 

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

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note

       (200      9/21      $ (24,773,053    $ (24,685,937    $ 87,116      $ (12,500

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Note

       (200      9/21        (29,054,786      (29,440,625      (385,839      (96,875
Total                        $ (53,827,839    $ (54,126,562    $ (298,723    $ (109,375

 

61


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    June 30, 2021

 

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. Ratings are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(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 $7,388,244.

 

(4)

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

 

(5)

Principal Amount (000) rounds to less than $1,000.

 

(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.

 

(7)

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.

 

(8)

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.

 

(9)

Investment, or portion of investment, represents an outstanding unfunded senior loan commitment. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives for more information.

 

(10)

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.

 

(11)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(12)

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. Optional Call Provisions are not covered by the report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(13)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2. See Notes to Financial Statements, Note 3 – Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements for more information.

 

(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.

 

(15)

The rate shown is the one-day 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 the 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.

 

I/O

Interest only security

 

LIBOR

London Inter-Bank Offered Rate

 

MDR

Denotes investment is subject to dollar roll transactions.

 

N/A

Not Applicable.

 

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.

 

TBD

Senior loan purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Certain details associated with this purchase are not known prior to the settlement date of the transaction. In addition, senior loans typically trade without accrued interest and therefore a coupon rate is not available prior to settlement. At settlement, if still unknown, the borrower or counterparty will provide the Fund with the final coupon rate and maturity date.

 

SOFR30A

30 Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

WI/DD

Purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

62


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2021

 

      Credit
Income
       Strategic
Income
 

Assets

       

Long-term investments, at value (cost $180,650,443 and $625,334,890, respectively)(1)

   $ 183,790,823        $ 646,978,261  

Investment purchased with collateral from securities lending, at value (cost approximates value)

     4,981,019          7,602,983  

Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value)

     5,452,369          25,474,817  

Cash

     1,319,375          6,119,358  

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in futures contracts(2)

              434,952  

Receivable for:

       

Dividends

     14,680          41,173  

Interest

     2,009,290          4,781,045  

Investments sold

     3,006,099          2,171,784  

Reclaims

     1,232          924  

Shares sold

     17,549          912,678  

Variation margin on futures contracts

              56,250  

Other assets

     83,196          112,430  

Total assets

     200,675,632          694,686,655  

Liabilities

       

Cash overdraft denominated in foreign currencies (cost $5,179 and $9,840, respectively)

     5,070          9,633  

Payable for:

       

Collateral from securities lending program

     4,981,019          7,602,983  

Dividends

     26,249          434,255  

Investments purchased – regular settlement

     2,930,868          7,050,257  

Investments purchased – when issued/delayed-delivery settlement

     4,817,611          14,495,115  

Shares redeemed

     446,334          946,583  

Unfunded senior loans

     15,625          15,625  

Variation margin on futures contracts

              109,375  

Accrued expenses:

       

Management fees

     84,035          210,390  

Directors fees

     47,536          73,082  

12b-1 distribution and service fees

     28,709          54,181  

Other

     187,657          482,523  

Total liabilities

     13,570,713          31,484,002  

Net assets

   $ 187,104,919        $ 663,202,653  

 

(1)

Includes securities loaned of $4,828,773 and 7,388,244 for Credit Income and Strategic Income, respectively.

 

(2)

Cash pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for investments in derivatives.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

63


Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

      Credit
Income
       Strategic
Income
 

Class A Shares

       

Net assets

   $ 77,953,070        $ 139,844,685  

Shares outstanding

     10,501,796          12,455,495  

Net asset value (“NAV”) per share

   $ 7.42        $ 11.23  

Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of 4.75% and 4.25%, respectively, of offering price)

   $ 7.79        $ 11.73  

Class C Shares

       

Net assets

   $ 15,101,132        $ 30,992,794  

Shares outstanding

     2,037,061          2,774,704  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 7.41        $ 11.17  

Class R6 Shares

       

Net assets

   $        $ 67,688,593  

Shares outstanding

              6,003,550  

NAV and offering price per share

   $        $ 11.27  

Class I Shares

       

Net assets

   $ 94,050,717        $ 424,676,581  

Shares outstanding

     12,626,338          37,813,138  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 7.45        $ 11.23  

Fund level net assets consist of:

                   

Capital paid-in

   $  312,799,204        $ 679,865,115  

Total distributable earnings

     (125,694,285        (16,662,462

Fund level net assets

   $ 187,104,919        $ 663,202,653  

Authorized shares – per class

     2 billion          2 billion  

Par value per share

   $ 0.0001        $ 0.0001  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

64


Statement of Operations

Year Ended June 30, 2021

 

      Credit
Income
       Strategic
Income
 

Investment Income

       

Dividend

   $ 530,602        $ 295,385  

Interest

     10,496,194          25,049,941  

Securities lending income, net

     18,763          15,248  

Total investment income

     11,045,559          25,360,574  

Expenses

       

Management fees

     1,144,307          3,476,532  

12b-1 service fees – Class A Shares

     198,187          311,084  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class C Shares

     191,715          346,670  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class R3 Shares1

     1,129          12,296  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     113,863          479,595  

Interest expense

     17,357          6,475  

Custodian fees

     80,934          172,727  

Directors fees

     4,999          16,809  

Professional fees

     126,173          108,373  

Shareholder reporting expenses

     90,575          91,989  

Federal and state registration fees

     84,896          114,675  

Other

     10,706          17,834  

Total expenses before fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     2,064,841          5,155,059  

Fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     (232,152        (731,386

Net expenses

     1,832,689          4,423,673  

Net investment income (loss)

     9,212,870          20,936,901  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments and foreign currency

     9,601,884          9,928,743  

Futures contracts

              (1,154,722

Swaps

              (20,553

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

       

Investments and foreign currency

     9,220,305          21,564,129  

Futures contracts

              160,985  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     18,822,189          30,478,582  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

   $ 28,035,059        $ 51,415,483  

 

1

Class R3 Shares converted to Class A Shares at the close of business on June 4, 2021, and are no longer available for reinvestment or through an exchange from other Nuveen mutual funds.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

65


Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Credit Income            Strategic Income  
      Year Ended
6/30/21
    

Year Ended

6/30/20

            Year Ended
6/30/21
    

Year Ended

6/30/20

 

Operations

             

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 9,212,870      $ 12,182,610        $ 20,936,901      $ 22,645,297  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     9,601,884        (11,937,543        9,928,743        7,520,443  

Forward foreign currency contracts

                            (25,415

Futures contracts

                     (1,154,722      6,619,928  

Swaps

            121,582          (20,553      394,660  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     9,220,305        (7,715,002        21,564,129        (14,138,360

Futures contracts

                     160,985        (893,413

Swaps

            (25,642                     242,818  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     28,035,059        (7,373,995              51,415,483        22,365,958  

Distributions to Shareholders

             

Dividends:

             

Class A Shares

     (3,571,099      (5,570,100        (3,716,215      (4,779,380

Class C Shares

     (728,420      (1,254,480        (790,131      (1,125,729

Class R3 Shares1

     (9,581      (13,351        (69,107      (97,693

Class R6 Shares

                     (2,233,938      (2,494,336

Class I Shares

     (4,404,641      (4,571,241        (13,610,712      (15,555,242

Return of capital:

             

Class A Shares

            (439,476                

Class C Shares

            (116,299                

Class R3 Shares1

            (1,106                

Class R6 Shares

                             

Class I Shares

            (345,576                      

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (8,713,741      (12,311,629              (20,420,103      (24,052,380

Fund Share Transactions

             

Proceeds from sale of shares

     160,030,174        200,974,291          262,293,562        277,348,570  

Proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

     8,252,382        11,152,874                14,543,140        16,172,786  
     168,282,556        212,127,165          276,836,702        293,521,356  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (186,625,700      (295,499,711              (241,434,814      (277,115,029

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

     (18,343,144      (83,372,546              35,401,888        16,406,327  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     978,174        (103,058,170        66,397,268        14,719,905  

Net assets at the beginning of period

     186,126,745        289,184,915                596,805,385        582,085,480  

Net assets at the end of period

   $ 187,104,919      $ 186,126,745              $ 663,202,653      $ 596,805,385  

 

1

Class R3 Shares converted to Class A Shares at the close of business on June 4, 2021, and are no longer available for reinvestment or through an exchange from other Nuveen mutual funds.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

66


THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

67


Financial Highlights

 

Credit Income

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
      

Return

of

Capital

       Total        Ending
NAV
 

Class A (8/01)

                                     

2021

  $ 6.69     $ 0.34        $ 0.71        $ 1.05       $ (0.32      $   —        $   —        $ (0.32      $ 7.42  

2020

    7.44       0.38          (0.75        (0.37       (0.35          —          (0.03        (0.38        6.69  

2019

    7.51       0.46          (0.04        0.42         (0.49                          (0.49        7.44  

2018

    7.80       0.52          (0.28        0.24         (0.53                          (0.53        7.51  

2017

    7.22       0.54          0.57          1.11               (0.53                          (0.53        7.80  

Class C (8/01)

                                     

2021

    6.69       0.29          0.70          0.99         (0.27                          (0.27        7.41  

2020

    7.43       0.33          (0.74        (0.41       (0.30                 (0.03        (0.33        6.69  

2019

    7.50       0.40          (0.04        0.36         (0.43                          (0.43        7.43  

2018

    7.79       0.46          (0.28        0.18         (0.47                          (0.47        7.50  

2017

    7.21       0.49          0.57          1.06               (0.48                          (0.48        7.79  

Class I (8/01)

                                     

2021

    6.71       0.36          0.72          1.08         (0.34                          (0.34        7.45  

2020

    7.47       0.40          (0.76        (0.36       (0.37                 (0.03        (0.40        6.71  

2019

    7.54       0.48          (0.04        0.44         (0.51                          (0.51        7.47  

2018

    7.82       0.54          (0.27        0.27         (0.55                          (0.55        7.54  

2017

    7.24       0.56          0.57          1.13               (0.55                          (0.55        7.82  

 

68


 

 

      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)
 
                        
  16.01   $ 77,953         1.12        4.63       1.00        4.75        196
  (5.15     82,545         1.12          5.19         1.00          5.31          80  
  5.86       151,673         1.01          6.17         1.00          6.19          113  
  3.16       126,376         1.04          6.66         1.00          6.70          126  
  15.75       136,977               1.01          7.03               1.01          7.03          155  
                        
  15.03       15,101         1.87          3.89         1.75          4.02          196  
  (5.75     22,612         1.87          4.46         1.75          4.58          80  
  5.04       35,655         1.77          5.44         1.75          5.46          113  
  2.37       41,121         1.80          5.96         1.75          6.00          126  
  14.93       47,698               1.76          6.32               1.76          6.32          155  
                        
  16.40       94,051         0.87          4.86         0.75          4.99          196  
  (5.03     80,728         0.86          5.36         0.75          5.47          80  
  6.10       101,560         0.76          6.44         0.75          6.45          113  
  3.52       139,777         0.79          6.91         0.75          6.95          126  
  15.97       200,310               0.75          7.31               0.76          7.31          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.

 
(d)

Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales (as disclosed in Note 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

69


Financial Highlights (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)

                                     

2021

  $ 10.69     $ 0.34        $ 0.53        $ 0.87       $ (0.33      $   —        $   —        $ (0.33      $ 11.23  

2020

    10.60       0.36          0.12          0.48         (0.39          —                   (0.39        10.69  

2019

    10.17       0.40          0.38          0.78         (0.35                          (0.35        10.60  

2018

    10.65       0.36          (0.43        (0.07       (0.21                 (0.20        (0.41        10.17  

2017

    10.52       0.44          0.22          0.66               (0.29                 (0.24        (0.53        10.65  

Class C (2/00)

                                     

2021

    10.64       0.26          0.52          0.78         (0.25                          (0.25        11.17  

2020

    10.55       0.28          0.12          0.40         (0.31                          (0.31        10.64  

2019

    10.12       0.32          0.39          0.71         (0.28                          (0.28        10.55  

2018

    10.59       0.28          (0.42        (0.14       (0.13                 (0.20        (0.33        10.12  

2017

    10.46       0.35          0.23          0.58               (0.21                 (0.24        (0.45        10.59  

Class R6 (1/15)

                                     

2021

    10.73       0.38          0.53          0.91         (0.37                          (0.37        11.27  

2020

    10.64       0.40          0.12          0.52         (0.43                          (0.43        10.73  

2019

    10.20       0.44          0.38          0.82         (0.38                          (0.38        10.64  

2018

    10.67       0.39          (0.42        (0.03       (0.24                 (0.20        (0.44        10.20  

2017

    10.52       0.48          0.23          0.71               (0.32                 (0.24        (0.56        10.67  

Class I (2/00)

                                     

2021

    10.69       0.37          0.53          0.90         (0.36                          (0.36        11.23  

2020

    10.60       0.39          0.12          0.51         (0.42                          (0.42        10.69  

2019

    10.17       0.42          0.39          0.81         (0.38                          (0.38        10.60  

2018

    10.65       0.38          (0.42        (0.04       (0.24                 (0.20        (0.44        10.17  

2017

    10.51       0.46          0.24          0.70               (0.32                 (0.24        (0.56        10.65  

 

70


 

 

      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)
 
                        
  8.25   $ 139,845         0.95        2.96       0.84        3.07        128
  4.63       101,886         0.97          3.28         0.84          3.42          62  
  7.89       87,084         0.96          3.79         0.84          3.90          54  
  (0.70     106,805         0.93          3.31         0.83          3.41          124  
  6.43       137,072               0.93          4.02               0.83          4.12          135  
                        
  7.39       30,993         1.70          2.21         1.59          2.33          128  
  3.84       37,285         1.72          2.58         1.59          2.71          62  
  7.11       42,024         1.71          3.03         1.59          3.15          54  
  (1.40     59,612         1.68          2.56         1.58          2.66          124  
  5.63       76,513               1.68          3.25               1.58          3.35          135  
                        
  8.59       67,689         0.62          3.28         0.51          3.40          128  
  4.96       59,099         0.63          3.64         0.50          3.77          62  
  8.24       50,127         0.62          4.14         0.50          4.26          54  
  (0.38     46,588         0.60          3.65         0.50          3.75          124  
  6.86       8,995               0.60          4.35               0.51          4.45          135  
                        
  8.51       424,677         0.70          3.21         0.59          3.32          128  
  4.86       395,502         0.72          3.57         0.59          3.71          62  
  8.15       400,059         0.71          4.04         0.59          4.15          54  
  (0.47     493,098         0.68          3.56         0.58          3.67          124  
  6.77       540,368               0.68          4.22               0.58          4.32          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 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives) divided by the average long-term market value during the period.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

71


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. 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 (the “1940 Act”), as amended. The Trust is comprised of Nuveen Credit Income Fund (“Credit Income”) 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 June 30, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

Investment Adviser and Sub-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, oversees 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.

Share Classes and Sales Charges

Class A Shares are generally sold with an up-front sales charge. 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 are subject to CDSC of 1% if redeemed within twelve months of purchase. Class C Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares eight years (ten years prior to March 1, 2021) after purchase. Class R6 and I Shares are sold without an up-front sales charge. Class R3 Shares were also sold without an up-front sales charge and converted to Class A Shares after the close of business on June 4, 2021.

Other Matters

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and subsequent global pandemic began significantly impacting the U.S. and global financial markets and economies during the calendar ended March 31, 2020. The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has created significant uncertainty in the global economy. The duration and extent of COVID-19 over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Funds’ normal course of business, results of operations, investments, and cash flows will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Management continues to monitor and evaluate this situation.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require the use of estimates made by management and the evaluation of subsequent events. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Each Fund is an investment company and follows the accounting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. The NAV for financial reporting purposes may differ from the NAV for processing security and shareholder transactions. The NAV for financial reporting purposes includes security and shareholder transactions through the date of the report. Total return is computed based on the NAV used for processing security and shareholder transactions. The following is a summary the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds.

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 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.

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount, character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

72


 

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Assets, including investments, and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the end of each day. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at each prevailing exchange rate on the respective dates of the transactions.

Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates associated with (i) foreign currency, (ii) investments and (iii) derivatives 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 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.

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.

Investments and Investment Income

Securities transactions are accounted for as of the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Trade date for senior and subordinated loans purchased in the “primary market” is considered the date on which the loan allocations are determined. Trade date for senior and subordinated loans purchased in the “secondary market” is the date on which the transaction is entered into. Realized gains and losses on securities transactions are based upon the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when information is available. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded at fair value. Interest income, which is recorded on an accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and the amortization of premium for financial reporting purposes. 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.

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 value of settled shares of each class. Expenses directly attributable to a class of shares are recorded to the specific class. 12b-1 distribution and service fees are allocated on a class-specific basis.

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 settled shares.

Realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the Funds are prorated among the classes based on the relative net assets of each class.

Netting Agreements

In the ordinary course of business, the Funds may enter into transactions subject to enforceable master repurchase agreements, 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 4 – Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Rule Issuances

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The main objective of the new guidance is to provide relief to companies that will be impacted by the expected change in benchmark interest rates, when participating banks will no longer be required to submit London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) quotes by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The new guidance allows companies to, provided the only change to existing contracts are a change to an approved benchmark interest rate, account for modifications as a continuance of the existing contract without additional analysis. For new and existing contracts, the Funds may elect to apply the amendments as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management has not yet elected to apply

 

73


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

the amendments, is continuously evaluating the potential effect a discontinuation of LIBOR could have on the Funds’ investments and has currently determined that it is unlikely the ASU’s adoption will have a significant impact on the Funds’ financial statements and various filings.

Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Adopts New Rules to Modernize Fund Valuation Framework

In December 2020, the SEC voted to adopt a new rule governing fund valuation practices. New Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, which requires a fund to fair value a security when market quotation are not readily available. The SEC also adopted new Rule 31a-4 under the 1940 Act, which sets forth the recordkeeping requirements associated with fair value determinations. Finally, the SEC is rescinding previously issued guidance on related issues, including the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4 became effective on March 8, 2021, with a compliance date of September 8, 2022. A fund may voluntarily comply with the rules after the effective date, and in advance of the compliance date, under certain conditions. Management is currently assessing the impact of these provisions on the Funds’ financial statements.

3. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

The Funds’ investments in securities are recorded at their estimated fair value utilizing valuation methods approved by the Board. 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. U.S. GAAP establishes the three-tier hierarchy which 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 management’s 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, credit spreads, etc.).
Level 3 –   Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Funds’ major classifications of assets and liabilities measured at fair value follows:

Equity securities and exchange-traded funds listed or traded on a national market or exchange are valued based on their sale price at the official close of business of such market or exchange on the valuation date. Foreign equity securities and registered investment companies that trade on a foreign exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price reported on the exchange where traded and converted to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange on the date of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and that valuation adjustments are not applied, they are generally classified as Level 1. If there is no official close of business, then the latest available sale price is utilized. If no sales are reported, then the mean of the latest available bid and ask prices is utilized and these securities 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 generally 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. 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.

Repurchase agreements are valued at contract amount plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. These securities 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.

Any portfolio security or derivative for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued at fair value, as determined in good faith using procedures approved by the Board. 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. To the extent the inputs are observable and timely, the values would be classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; otherwise they would be classified as Level 3.

 

74


 

The following table summarizes the market value of the Funds’ investments as of the end of the reporting period, based on the inputs used to value them:

 

Credit Income   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Long-Term Investments*:           

Corporate Bonds

  $      $ 105,277,827      $ 5 **     $ 105,277,832  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

           35,146,237               35,146,237  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

           22,622,985               22,622,985  

Sovereign Debt

           9,026,336               9,026,336  

Contingent Capital Securities

           5,677,304               5,677,304  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

           3,856,010        ***       3,856,010  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

    2,184,030                      2,184,030  

Common Stocks

                  89 **       89  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     4,981,019                      4,981,019  
Short-Term Investments:           

Repurchase Agreements

           5,452,369               5,452,369  
Total   $ 7,165,049      $ 187,059,068      $ 94      $ 194,224,211  
Strategic Income                               
Long-Term Investments*:           

Corporate Bonds

         $ 266,352,395      $      $ 266,352,395  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

           193,669,091        2,337,847 **       196,006,938  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

           59,749,813               59,749,813  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

           51,696,306               51,696,306  

Sovereign Debt

           33,997,192               33,997,192  

Contingent Capital Securities

           28,075,786               28,075,786  

Municipal Bonds

           5,142,090               5,142,090  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

    3,395,560        1,591,400 **              4,986,960  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

       970,781               970,781  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     7,602,983                      7,602,983  
Short-Term Investments:           

Repurchase Agreements

           25,474,817               25,474,817  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Futures Contracts****

    51,177                      51,177  
Total   $ 11,049,720      $ 666,719,671      $ 2,337,847      $ 680,107,238  
*

Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for industry, state and country classifications, where applicable.

**

Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for securities classified as Level 2 and/or Level 3, where applicable.

***

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.

****

Represents net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

4. Portfolio Securities and Investments in Derivatives

Portfolio Securities

Unfunded Commitments

Pursuant to the terms of certain of the variable rate senior loan agreements, the Funds may have unfunded senior loan commitments. Each Fund will maintain with its custodian, cash, liquid securities and/or liquid senior loans having an aggregate value at least equal to the amount of unfunded senior loan commitments. As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds’outstanding unfunded senior loan commitments were as follows:

 

     Credit
Income
   Strategic
Income
 
Outstanding unfunded senior loan commitments   $15,625    $ 15,625  

Participation Commitments

With respect to the senior loans held in each Fund’s portfolio, the Funds may: 1) invest in assignments; 2) act as a participant in primary lending syndicates; or 3) invest in participations. If a Fund purchases a participation of a senior loan interest, the Fund would typically enter into a contractual agreement with the lender or other third party selling the participation, rather than directly with the borrower. As such, the Fund not only assumes the credit risk of the borrower, but also that of the selling participant or other persons interpositioned between the Fund and the borrower. As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds had no such outstanding participation commitments.

 

75


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Repurchase Agreements

In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is each Fund’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the counterparty defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the collateral may be delayed or limited.

The following table presents the repurchase agreements for the Funds that are subject to netting agreements as of the end of the reporting period, and the collateral delivered related to those repurchase agreements.

 

Fund   Counterparty   Short-Term
Investments, at Value
    Collateral
Pledged (From)
Counterparty
 
Credit Income   Fixed Income Clearing Corporation   $ 5,452,369     $ (5,561,435
Strategic Income   Fixed Income Clearing Corporation     25,474,817       (25,984,327

Securities Lending

Each Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks, and other institutions in order to generate additional income. 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 resulting loans are continuous, can be recalled at any time, and have no set maturity. Effective July 15, 2020 each Fund terminated its securities lending agreement with U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”), which served as the securities lending agent from the beginning of the current fiscal period through such termination date. Subsequently, each Fund entered into a securities lending agency agreement that became effective on August 14, 2020 with its custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), which serves as the Funds’ current securities lending agent (U.S. Bank and State Street are collectively and individually, the “Agent”).

When a Fund loans its portfolio securities, it will receive, at the inception of each loan, cash collateral equal to an amount not less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities. The actual percentage of the cash collateral will vary depending upon the asset type of the loaned securities. Collateral for the loaned securities is invested in a government money market vehicle maintained by the Agent, which is subject to the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. The value of the loaned securities and the liability to return the cash collateral received are recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. If the market value of the loaned securities increases, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the Fund, which is also recognized 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. During the term of the loan, the Fund bears the market risk with respect to the investment of collateral and the risk that the Agent may default on its contractual obligations to the Fund. The Agent bears the risk that the borrower may default on its obligation to return the loaned securities as the Agent is contractually obligated to indemnify the Fund if at the time of a default by a borrower some or all of the loan securities have not been returned.

Securities lending income recognized by a Fund consists of earnings on invested collateral and lending fees, net of any rebates to the borrower and compensation to the Agent. Such income is recognized on the Statements of Operations.

As of the end of the reporting period, the total value of the loaned securities and the total value of collateral received were as follows:

 

Fund   Asset Class out on Loan   Long-Term
Investments, at Value
    Total
Collateral
Received
 
Credit Income   $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred   $ 124,725     $ 126,975  
  Corporate Bonds     4,184,912       4,307,122  
    Sovereign Debt     519,136       546,922  
Total       $ 4,828,773     $ 4,981,019  
Strategic Income   $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred   $ 316,308     $ 323,128  
  $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred     20,706       21,000  
  Contingent Capital Securities     580,908       592,765  
  Corporate Bonds     5,317,731       5,457,640  
   

Sovereign Debt

    1,152,591       1,208,450  
Total       $ 7,388,244     $ 7,602,983  

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.

 

76


 

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:

 

     Credit
Income
     Strategic
Income
 
Purchases:     

Investment securities

  $ 359,530,953      $ 834,803,247  

U.S. Government and agency obligations

    2,808,000        1,745,460  
Sales and maturities:     

Investment securities

    383,128,308        810,672,425  

The Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may have extended settlement periods; interest income is not accrued until settlement date. Any securities 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. If a Fund has outstanding when-issued/delayed-delivery purchases commitments as of the end of the reporting period, such amounts are recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

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.

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 futures 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 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, 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.

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, Strategic Income 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:

 

        Strategic
Income
 
Average notional amount of futures contracts outstanding*      $ 69,808,191  
*

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.

 

77


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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  

Strategic Income

                   

Interest Rate

   Futures contracts      Receivable for variation margin on futures
contracts*
     $ 349,900        Payable for variation
margin on futures
contracts*
     $ (298,723
*

Value represents the cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in 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.

 

Fund   Underlying
Risk Exposure
  Derivative
Instrument
  Net Realized
Gain (Loss) from
Futures Contracts
    Change in Net
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation) of
Futures Contracts
 
Strategic Income   Interest rate   Futures contracts   $ (1,154,722   $ 160,985  

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 over-the-counter (“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 would credit the Fund’s account with an amount equal to the appreciation and 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, Strategic Income used credit default swaps to hedge a portion of the fund’s high yield credit risk exposure.

 

78


 

The average notional amount of credit default swap contacts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

     

Strategic

Income

 
Average notional amount of credit default swap contracts outstanding*    $   — ** 
*

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 invested in credit default swap contracts during the fiscal period. However, the Fund did not hold any such positions at the beginning of the fiscal period or at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period and therefore are not included as part of this calculation.

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
 
Strategic Income   Credit   Swaps   $ (20,553   $   —  

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.

5. Fund Shares

Transactions in Fund shares during the current and prior fiscal period were as follows:

 

       Year Ended
6/30/21
       Year Ended
6/30/20
 
Credit Income      Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       4,713,474        $ 33,650,595          7,396,878        $ 52,078,686  

Class A – automatic conversion of Class C Shares

       2,903          21,166          92,554          686,361  

Class A – automatic conversion of Class R3 Shares

       33,499          247,561                    

Class C

       161,941          1,164,088          497,953          3,579,508  

Class R31

       3,490          25,745          19,134          146,008  

Class I

       17,507,057          124,921,019          20,387,966          144,483,728  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       463,537          3,331,198          795,086          5,715,682  

Class C

       100,501          720,396          180,158          1,293,044  

Class R31

       1,222          8,957          1,891          13,827  

Class I

       579,184          4,191,831          571,525          4,130,321  
         23,566,808          168,282,556          29,943,145          212,127,165  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (7,044,878        (50,346,706        (16,335,525        (117,355,977

Class C

       (1,604,428        (11,502,815        (2,000,325        (14,206,944

Class C – automatic conversion of Class A Shares

       (2,907        (21,166        (92,439        (686,361

Class R31

       (7,230        (52,700        (24,891        (187,766

Class R3 – automatic conversion to Class A Shares

       (32,790        (247,561                  

Class I

       (17,488,589        (124,454,752        (22,534,634        (163,062,663
         (26,180,822        (186,625,700        (40,987,814        (295,499,711
Net increase (decrease)        (2,614,014      $ (18,343,144        (11,044,669      $ (83,372,546

 

79


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

       Year Ended
6/30/21
       Year Ended
6/30/20
 
Strategic Income      Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       4,300,992        $ 47,607,779          10,702,738        $ 114,985,580  

Class A – automatic conversion of Class C Shares

       11,336          125,494          3,361          35,987  

Class A – automatic conversion of Class R3 Shares

       166,701          1,860,249                    

Class C

       654,656          7,202,856          706,305          7,434,086  

Class R31

       56,077          624,947          111,810          1,217,507  

Class R6

       3,340,178          37,090,284          3,339,512          35,915,057  

Class I

       15,118,572          167,781,953          11,085,334          117,760,353  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       281,391          3,122,654          404,976          4,323,082  

Class C

       67,933          749,356          91,912          973,879  

Class R31

       5,023          55,799          6,166          65,651  

Class R6

       189,462          2,111,437          223,522          2,395,791  

Class I

       766,117          8,503,894          790,490          8,414,383  
         24,958,438          276,836,702          27,466,126          293,521,356  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (1,835,769        (20,377,866        (9,792,748        (99,793,855

Class C

       (1,441,974        (15,874,191        (1,273,193        (13,403,748

Class C – automatic conversion of Class A Shares

       (11,388        (125,494        (3,377        (35,987

Class R31

       (177,761        (1,980,525        (97,573        (1,045,514

Class R3 - automatic conversion to Class A Shares

       (166,106        (1,860,249                  

Class R6

       (3,031,536        (33,769,016        (2,767,518        (29,775,291

Class I

       (15,061,631        (167,447,473        (12,618,276        (133,060,634
         (21,726,165        (241,434,814        (26,552,685        (277,115,029
Net increase (decrease)        3,232,273        $ 35,401,888          913,441        $ 16,406,327  
1 

Class R3 Shares converted to Class A Shares at the close of business on June 4, 2021, and are no longer available for reinvestment or through an exchange from other Nuveen mutual funds.

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.

The table below presents the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of each Fund’s investment portfolio, as determined on a federal income tax basis, as of June 30, 2021.

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.

 

     Credit
Income
     Strategic
Income
 
Tax cost of investments   $ 191,118,867      $  657,793,279  
Gross unrealized:     

Appreciation

  $ 6,168,082      $  23,710,366  

Depreciation

    (3,062,738      (1,396,407
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments   $ 3,105,344      $ 22,313,959  

 

80


 

Permanent differences, primarily due to bond premium amortization adjustments, paydowns, foreign currency transactions, complex securities character adjustments, and treatment of notional principal contracts, resulted in reclassifications among the Funds’ components of net assets as of June 30, 2021, the Funds’ tax year end.

The tax components of undistributed net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains as of June 30, 2021, the Funds’ tax year end, were as follows:

 

     Credit
Income
      

Strategic

Income

 
Undistributed net ordinary income1   $ 425,496        $ 838,967  
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, 2021 through June 30, 2021 and paid on July 1, 2021. 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’ tax years ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:

 

2021   Credit
Income
       Strategic
Income
 
Distributions from net ordinary income2   $ 8,713,741        $ 20,420,103  
Distributions from net long-term capital gains               
Return of Capital               
2020   Credit
Income
       Strategic
Income
 
Distributions from net ordinary income2   $ 11,409,172        $ 24,052,380  
Distributions from net long-term capital gains               
Return of Capital     902,457           
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, 2021, the Funds’ tax year end, the Funds 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.

 

     Credit
Income
      

Strategic

Income

 
Not subject to expiration:       

Short-term

  $ 42,507,964        $ 17,914,258  

Long-term

    85,978,770          20,265,954  
Total   $ 128,486,734        $ 38,180,212  

During the Funds’ tax year ended June 30, 2021, the Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards as follows:

 

     Credit
Income
      

Strategic

Income

 
Utilized capital loss carryforwards   $ 9,541,884        $ 8,823,089  

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.

The annual fund-level fee, payable monthly, for each Fund is calculated according to the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Net Assets    Credit
Income
      

Strategic

Income

 
For the first $125 million      0.4000        0.3600
For the next $125 million      0.3875          0.3475  
For the next $250 million      0.3750          0.3350  
For the next $500 million      0.3625          0.3225  
For the next $1 billion      0.3500          0.3100  
For the next $3 billion      0.3250          0.2850  
For the next $5 billion      0.3000          0.2600  
For net assets over $10 billion      0.2875          0.2475  

 

81


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

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, but do include certain assets of certain Nuveen funds that were reorganized into funds advised by an affiliate of the Adviser during the 2019 calendar year. 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 June 30, 2021, the complex-level fee for each Fund was as follows:

 

Fund      Complex-Level Fee  
Credit Income        0.2000
Strategic Income        0.1957  

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

Credit Income

       0.75      July 31, 2023

Strategic Income

       0.59        July 31, 2023

Distribution and Service Fees

Each Fund has adopted a distribution and service plan under rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Class A Shares incur a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee. Class C Shares incur a 0.75% annual 12b-1 distribution fee and a 0.25% annual 12b-1 service fee. Class R3 Shares incurred 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 12b-1 distribution or service fees. The fees under this plan compensate Nuveen Securities, LLC, (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen, for services provided and expenses incurred in distributing shares of the Funds and establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts.

Other Transactions with Affiliates

During the current fiscal period, the Distributor collected sales charges on purchases of Class A Shares, the majority of which were paid out as concessions to financial intermediaries as follows:

 

      Credit
Income
    

Strategic

Income

 
Sales charges collected (Unaudited)    $ 23,018      $ 416,216  
Paid to financial intermediaries (Unaudited)      20,237        371,738  

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.

 

82


 

During the current fiscal period, the Distributor compensated financial intermediaries directly with commission advances at the time of purchase as follows:

 

     Credit
Income
    

Strategic

Income

 
Commission advances (Unaudited)   $ 9,302      $ 104,932  

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:

 

     Credit
Income
    

Strategic

Income

 
12b-1 fees retained (Unaudited)   $ 12,818      $ 41,548  

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:

 

     Credit
Income
    

Strategic

Income

 
CDSC retained (Unaudited)   $ 2,098      $ 5,589  

8. Borrowing Arrangements

Committed Line of Credit

The Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Adviser (“Participating Funds”), have established a 364-day, $2.635 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. Each Participating Fund is allocated a designated proportion of the facility’s capacity (and its associated costs, as described below) based upon a multi-factor assessment of the likelihood and frequency of its need to draw on the facility, the size of the Fund and its anticipated draws, and the potential importance of such draws to the operations and well-being of the Fund, relative to those of the other Funds. A Fund may effect draws on the facility in excess of its designated capacity if and to the extent that other Participating Funds have undrawn capacity. The credit facility expires in June 2022 unless extended or renewed.

The credit facility has the following terms: 0.15% per annum on unused commitment amounts and a drawn interest rate equal to the higher of (a) OBFR (Overnight Bank Funding Rate) plus 1.20% per annum or (b) the Fed Funds Effective Rate plus 1.20% per annum on amounts borrowed. Prior to June 23, 2021, the drawn interest rate was 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. The Participating Funds also incurred a 0.05% upfront fee on the increase of the $230 million commitment amount during the reporting period. Interest expense incurred by the Participating Funds, when applicable, is recognized as a component of “Interest expense” on the Statement of Operations. Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Interest expense” 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, none of the Funds utilized this facility.

 

83


Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

 

Investment Adviser

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

State Street Bank & Trust

Company

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

  

Legal Counsel

Chapman and Cutler LLP

Chicago, IL 60603

  

Transfer Agent and
Shareholder Services

DST Asset Manager
Solutions, Inc. (DST)

P.O. Box 219140

Kansas City, MO 64121-9140

(800) 257-8787

  

 

 

              
  Distribution Information: The Funds hereby designate their percentages of dividends paid from net ordinary income as dividends qualifying as Interest-Related Dividends and/or short-term capital gain dividends as defined in the Internal Revenue Code Section 871(k) for the taxable periods ending December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021   
                            Credit Income    Strategic Income     
  July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020    66.3%    63.0%   
  January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021    58.9%    61.8%   
  The Funds hereby designate their percentages of dividends paid from net ordinary income as dividends qualifying for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporations and their percentages of qualified dividend income (“QDI”) for individuals under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code as shown in the accompanying table. The actual qualified dividend income distributions will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to shareholders shortly after calendar year end.   
                            Credit Income    Strategic Income     
  % DRD    1.4%    12.5%   
  % QDI    6.3%    22.8%   
  The Funds had the following percentages, or maximum amount allowable, of ordinary dividends treated as Section 163(j) interest dividends pursuant to Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code for the taxable year ended June 30, 2021:   
                            Credit Income    Strategic Income     
  % of Section 163(j) Interest Dividends    93.6%    98.0%   
             

 

  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 as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. You may obtain this information on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.   

 

              
  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.   

 

84


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

(Unaudited)

 

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.

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, 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

 

85


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report (Unaudited) (continued)

 

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.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total market value of all final goods and services produced in a country/region in a given year, equal to total consumer, investment and government spending, plus the value of exports, minus the value of imports.

Lipper Global High Yield Funds Classification Average: Represents the average annualized returns for all reporting funds in the Lipper Global High 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 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.

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.

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.

 

86


Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process

(Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on May 25-27, 2021 (the “May Meeting”), the Board of Directors (the “Board” and each Director, a “Board Member”) of the Funds, which is comprised entirely of Board Members who are not “interested persons” (as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”)) (the “Independent Board Members”), approved, for each Fund, the renewal of the management agreement (each, an “Investment Management Agreement”) with Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) pursuant to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser to such Fund and the sub-advisory agreement (each, a “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) with Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) pursuant to which the Sub-Adviser serves as the sub-adviser to such Fund. Although the 1940 Act requires that continuances of the Advisory Agreements (as defined below) be approved by the in-person vote of a majority of the Independent Board Members, the May Meeting was held virtually through the internet in view of the health risks associated with holding an in-person meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental restrictions on gatherings. The May Meeting was held virtually in reliance on certain exemptive relief the Securities and Exchange Commission provided to registered investment companies providing temporary relief from the in-person voting requirements of the 1940 Act with respect to the approval of a fund’s advisory agreement in light of these challenges.

Following up to an initial two-year period, the Board considers the renewal of each Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement on behalf of the applicable Fund on an annual basis. The Investment Management Agreements and Sub-Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to as the “Advisory Agreements” and the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are collectively, the “Fund Advisers” and each, a “Fund Adviser.” Throughout the year, the Board and its committees meet regularly and, at these meetings, receive regular and/or special reports that cover an extensive array of topics and information that are relevant to its annual consideration of the renewal of the advisory agreements for the Nuveen funds. Such information may address, among other things, fund performance and risk information; the Adviser’s strategic plans; product initiatives for various funds; the review of the funds and investment teams; compliance, regulatory and risk management matters; the trading practices of the various sub-advisers to the funds; valuation of securities; fund expenses; payments to financial intermediaries, including 12b-1 fees and sub-transfer agency fees, if applicable; securities lending; liquidity management; and overall market and regulatory developments. The Board also seeks to meet periodically with the Nuveen funds’ sub-advisers and portfolio teams, when feasible.

In addition, in connection with the annual consideration of the advisory agreements for the Nuveen funds, the Board, through its independent legal counsel, requested and received extensive materials and information prepared specifically for its annual consideration of the renewal of such advisory agreements by the Adviser and by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data. The materials cover a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, a description of the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Fund Advisers; a review of product actions taken during 2020 (such as mergers, liquidations, fund launches, changes to investment teams, and changes to investment policies); a review of each sub-adviser to the Nuveen funds and the applicable investment teams; an analysis of fund performance in absolute terms and as compared to the performance of certain peer funds and benchmarks with a focus on any performance outliers; an analysis of the fees and expense ratios of the Nuveen funds in absolute terms and as compared to those of certain peer funds with a focus on any expense outliers; a review of management fee schedules; a review of temporary and permanent expense caps and fee waivers for open-end funds (as applicable) and related expense savings; a description of portfolio manager compensation; a review of the performance of various service providers; a description of various initiatives Nuveen had undertaken or continued during the year for the benefit of particular fund(s) and/or the complex; a description of the profitability or financial data of Nuveen and the sub-advisers to the Nuveen funds; and a description of indirect benefits received by the Adviser and the sub-advisers as a result of their relationships with the Nuveen funds. The information prepared specifically for the annual review supplemented the information provided to the Board and its committees and the evaluations of the Nuveen funds by the Board and its committees during the year.

In continuing its practice, the Board met prior to the May Meeting to begin its considerations of the renewal of the Advisory Agreements. Accordingly, on April 21-22, 2021 (the “April Meeting”), the Board met to review and discuss, in part, the performance of the Nuveen funds and the Adviser’s evaluation of each sub-adviser to the Nuveen funds. At the April Meeting, the Board Members asked questions and requested additional information that was provided for the May Meeting. The Board reviewed fund performance throughout the year and in its review, the Board recognized the volatile market conditions that occurred in early 2020 arising, in part, from the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 and the resulting impact on a fund’s performance for 2020 and thereafter. Accordingly, the Board considered performance data measured over various periods of time as summarized in more detail below.

The Independent Board Members considered the review of the advisory agreements for the Nuveen funds to be an ongoing process and employed the accumulated information, knowledge and experience the Board Members had gained during their tenure on the boards governing the Nuveen funds and working with the Adviser and sub-advisers in their review of the advisory agreements. The contractual arrangements are a result of multiple years of review, negotiation and information provided in connection with the boards’ annual review of the Nuveen funds’ advisory arrangements and oversight of the Nuveen funds.

 

87


Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)

 

The Independent Board Members were advised by independent legal counsel during the annual review process as well as throughout the year, including meeting in executive sessions with such counsel at which no representatives from the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser were present. In connection with their annual review, the Independent Board Members also received a memorandum from independent legal counsel outlining their fiduciary duties and legal standards in reviewing the Advisory Agreements.

The Board’s decision to renew the Advisory Agreements was not based on a single identified factor, but rather the decision reflected the comprehensive consideration of all the information provided throughout the year and at the April and May Meetings, and each Board Member may have attributed different levels of importance to the various factors and information considered in connection with the approval process. The following summarizes the principal factors and information, but not all the factors, the Board considered in deciding to renew the Advisory Agreements as well as the Board’s conclusions.

A. Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

In evaluating the renewal of the Advisory Agreements, the Independent Board Members received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of the applicable Fund Adviser’s services provided to the respective Fund with particular focus on the services and enhancements to such services provided during the last year. The Independent Board Members considered the Investment Management Agreements and the Sub-Advisory Agreements separately in the course of their review. With this approach, they considered the respective roles of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser in providing services to the Funds.

The Board recognized that the Nuveen funds operate in a highly regulated industry and, therefore, the Adviser has provided a wide array of management, oversight and administrative services to manage and operate the funds, and the scope and complexity of these services have expanded over time as a result of, among other things, regulatory and other developments. The Board accordingly considered the extensive resources, tools and capabilities available to the Adviser to operate and manage the Nuveen funds. With respect to the Adviser, as a general matter, some of these services it and its affiliates provide to the Nuveen funds include, but are not limited to: product management (such as setting dividends, analyzing fund expenses, providing competitive analysis, and providing due diligence support); investment oversight, risk management and securities valuation services (such as overseeing and reviewing the various sub-advisers to the Nuveen funds and their investment teams; analyzing fund performance and risk data; overseeing operational and risk management; participating in financial statement, marketing and risk disclosures; providing daily valuation services and developing related valuation policies, procedures and methodologies; periodic testing of audit and regulatory requirements; participating in product development and management processes; participating in leverage management, liquidity monitoring and counterparty credit oversight; providing due diligence and overseeing fund accounting and custody providers; overseeing third party pricing services and periodically assessing investment and liquidity risks); fund administration (such as preparing fund tax returns and other tax compliance services; preparing regulatory filings; overseeing the funds’ independent public accountants and other service providers; analyzing products and enhancements; and managing fund budgets and expenses); oversight of shareholder services and transfer agency functions (such as overseeing transfer agent service providers which include registered shareholder customer service and transaction processing; overseeing proxy solicitation and tabulation services; and overseeing the production and distribution of financial reports by service providers); Board relations services (such as organizing and administering Board and committee meetings, preparing various reports to the Board and committees and providing other support services); compliance and regulatory oversight services (such as managing compliance policies; monitoring compliance with applicable fund policies and laws and regulations; devising internal compliance programs and a framework to review and assess compliance programs; evaluating the compliance programs of the various sub-advisers to the Nuveen funds and certain other service providers; responding to regulatory requests; and preparing compliance training materials); and legal support and oversight of outside law firms (such as helping to prepare and file registration statements and proxy statements; overseeing fund activities and providing legal interpretations regarding such activities; maintaining regulatory registrations and negotiating agreements with other fund service providers; and monitoring changes in regulatory requirements and commenting on rule proposals impacting investment companies).

In evaluating services, the Board reviewed various highlights of the initiatives the Adviser and its affiliates have undertaken or continued in 2020 to benefit the Nuveen complex and/or particular Nuveen funds and meet the requirements of an increasingly complex regulatory environment including, but not limited to:

 

   

Centralization of Functions – ongoing initiatives to centralize investment leadership, market approach and shared support functions within Nuveen and its affiliates in seeking to operate more effectively the business and enhance the services to the Nuveen funds;

 

   

Fund Improvements and Product Management Initiatives – continuing to proactively manage the Nuveen fund complex as a whole and at the individual fund level with an aim to continually improve product platforms and investment strategies to better serve shareholders through, among other things, rationalizing the product line and gaining efficiencies through mergers, repositionings and liquidations; launching new funds; reviewing and updating investment policies and benchmarks; and modifying portfolio management teams for various funds;

 

   

Investment Team Integrations – continuing to integrate and adjust the members of certain investment teams, in part, to allow greater access to tools and resources within the Nuveen organization and its affiliates;

 

88


 

   

Capital Initiatives – continuing to invest capital to support new Nuveen funds with initial capital as well as to support existing funds and facilitate regulatory or logistical changes;

 

   

Liquidity Management – continuing to operate the liquidity management program of the applicable Nuveen funds including monitoring daily their liquidity profile and assessing annually the overall liquidity risk of such funds;

 

   

Compliance Program Initiatives – continuing efforts to mitigate compliance risk, increase operating efficiencies, implement enhancements to strengthen key compliance program elements and support international business growth and other corporate objectives;

 

   

Investment Oversight – preparing reports to the Board addressing, among other things, fund performance; market conditions; investment teams; new products; changes to mandates, policies and benchmarks; and other management proposals;

 

   

Risk Management and Valuation Services – continuing to oversee and manage risk including, among other things, conducting daily calculations and monitoring of risk measures across the Nuveen funds, instituting appropriate investment risk controls, providing risk reporting throughout the firm, participating in internal oversight committees, and continuing to implement an operational risk framework that seeks to provide greater transparency of operational risk matters across the complex as well as provide multiple other risk programs that seek to provide a more disciplined and consistent approach to identifying and mitigating Nuveen’s operational risks. Further, the securities valuation team continues, among other things, to oversee the daily valuation process of the portfolio securities of the funds, maintains the valuation policies and procedures, facilitates valuation committee meetings, manages relationships with pricing vendors, and prepares relevant valuation reports and designs methods to simplify and enhance valuation workflow within the organization;

 

   

Regulatory Matters – continuing efforts to monitor regulatory trends and advocate on behalf of Nuveen and/or the Nuveen funds, to implement and comply with new or revised rules and mandates and to respond to regulatory inquiries and exams;

 

   

Government Relations – continuing efforts of various Nuveen teams and Nuveen’s affiliates to develop policy positions on a broad range of issues that may impact the Nuveen funds, advocate and communicate these positions to lawmakers and other regulatory authorities and work with trade associations to ensure these positions are represented;

 

   

Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Information Security – continuing efforts of Nuveen to periodically test and update business continuity and disaster recovery plans and, together with its affiliates, to maintain an information security program designed to identify and manage information security risks, and provide reports to the Board, at least annually, addressing, among other things, management’s security risk assessment, cyber risk profile, potential impact of new or revised laws and regulations, incident tracking and other relevant information technology risk-related reports; and

 

   

Dividend Management Services – continuing to manage the dividends among the varying types of Nuveen funds within the Nuveen complex to be consistent with the respective fund’s product design and positioning in striving to deliver those earnings to shareholders in a relatively consistent manner over time as well as assisting in the development of new products or the restructuring of existing funds.

In its review, the Board recognized that Nuveen’s risk management, compliance, technology and operations capabilities are all integral to providing its investment management services to the Nuveen funds. Further, the Board noted the benefits to shareholders of investing in a Nuveen fund, as each Nuveen fund is a part of a large fund complex with a variety of investment disciplines, capabilities, expertise and resources available to navigate and support the funds including during stressed times as occurred in the market in the first half of 2020. The Board recognized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the year and the adaptations required by service providers to continue to deliver their services to the Nuveen funds, including working remotely. In this regard, the Board noted the ability of the Adviser and the various sub-advisers to the Nuveen funds to provide continuously their services notwithstanding the significant disruptions caused by the pandemic. In addition to the services provided by the Adviser, the Board also considered the risks borne by the Adviser and its affiliates in managing the Nuveen funds, including entrepreneurial, operational, reputational, regulatory and litigation risks.

The Board further considered the division of responsibilities between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser and recognized that the Sub-Adviser and its investment personnel generally are responsible for the management of each Fund’s portfolio under the oversight of the Adviser and the Board. The Board considered an analysis of the Sub-Adviser provided by the Adviser which included, among other things, the assets under management of the applicable investment team and changes thereto, a summary of the applicable investment team and changes thereto, the investment process and philosophy of the applicable investment team, the performance of the Nuveen funds sub-advised by the Sub-Adviser over various periods of time and a summary of any significant policy and/or other changes to the Nuveen funds sub-advised by the Sub-Adviser. The Board further considered at the May Meeting or prior meetings evaluations of the Sub-Adviser’s compliance programs and trade execution. The Board also considered the structure of investment personnel compensation programs and whether this structure provides appropriate incentives to act in the best interests of the respective Nuveen funds. The Board noted that the Adviser recommended the renewal of the Sub-Advisory Agreements.

Based on its review, the Board determined, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the respective Funds under each applicable Advisory Agreement.

 

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Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)

 

B. The Investment Performance of the Funds and Fund Advisers

In evaluating the quality of the services provided by the Fund Advisers, the Board also received and considered a variety of investment performance data of the Nuveen funds they advise. In evaluating performance, the Board recognized that performance data may differ significantly depending on the ending date selected, particularly during periods of market volatility, and therefore considered performance over a variety of time periods that may include full market cycles. In this regard, the Board reviewed, among other things, Fund performance over the quarter, one-, three- and five-year periods ending December 31, 2020 as well as performance data periods ending nearer to the May Meeting, including the quarter, one-, three- and five-year periods ending March 31, 2021 and May 14, 2021. The performance data was based on Class A shares; however, the performance of other classes should be substantially similar as they invest in the same portfolio of securities and differences in performance among the classes would be principally attributed to the variations in the expense structures of the classes. The performance data prepared for the annual review of the advisory agreements for the Nuveen funds supplemented the fund performance data that the Board received throughout the year at its meetings representing differing time periods. In its review, the Board took into account the discussions with representatives of the Adviser; the Adviser’s analysis regarding fund performance that occurred at these Board meetings with particular focus on funds that were considered performance outliers (both overperformance and underperformance); the factors contributing to the performance; and any recommendations or steps taken to address performance concerns. Regardless of the time period reviewed by the Board, the Board recognized that shareholders may evaluate performance based on their own holding periods which may differ from the periods reviewed by the Board and lead to differing results.

In its review, the Board reviewed both absolute and relative fund performance during the annual review over the various time periods. With respect to the latter, the Board considered fund performance in comparison to the performance of peer funds (the “Performance Peer Group”) and recognized and/or customized benchmarks (i.e., generally benchmarks derived from multiple recognized benchmarks). For Nuveen funds that had changes in portfolio managers since 2018 or significant changes, among other things, to their investment strategies or policies since 2019, the Board reviewed certain performance data comparing the performance of such funds before and after such changes. In considering performance data, the Board is aware of certain inherent limitations with such data, including that differences between the objective(s), strategies and other characteristics of the Nuveen funds compared to the respective Performance Peer Group and/or benchmark(s) (such as differences in the use of leverage) as well as differences in the composition of the Performance Peer Group over time will necessarily contribute to differences in performance results and limit the value of the comparative information. To assist the Board in its review of the comparability of the relative performance, the Adviser has ranked the relevancy of the peer group to the funds as low, medium or high.

The Board also evaluated performance in light of various relevant factors, including, among other things, general market conditions, issuer-specific information, asset class information, leverage and fund cash flows. In relation to general market conditions, the Board recognized the significant market decline in the early part of 2020 in connection with, among other things, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and that such a period of underperformance and market volatility may significantly weigh on the longer term performance results. Accordingly, depending on the facts and circumstances including any differences between the respective Nuveen fund and its benchmark and/or Performance Peer Group, the Board may be satisfied with a fund’s performance notwithstanding that its performance may be below that of its benchmark or peer group for certain periods. However, with respect to any Nuveen funds for which the Board had identified performance issues, the Board monitors such funds closely until performance improves, discusses with the Adviser the reasons for such results, considers whether any steps are necessary or appropriate to address such issues, and reviews the results of any steps undertaken.

The Board’s determinations with respect to each Fund are summarized below.

For Nuveen Credit Income Fund, the Board noted that although the Fund’s performance was below the performance of its benchmark for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020 and the Fund ranked in the fourth quartile of its Performance Peer Group for the one-year period ended December 31, 2020, the Fund ranked in the third quartile of its Performance Peer Group for the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 and the first quartile for the five-year period ended December 31, 2020. While the Fund’s performance was below the performance of its benchmark for the three- and five-year periods ended March 31, 2021, the Fund outperformed its benchmark for the one-year period ended March 31, 2021. The Fund also ranked in the second quartile of its Performance Peer Group for the one-year period, the third quartile for the three-year period and the first quartile for the five-year period ended March 31, 2021. For the periods ended May 14, 2021, the Fund’s performance was below the performance of its benchmark for the three- and five-year periods but the Fund outperformed its benchmark for the one-year period. The Fund also ranked in the second quartile of its Performance Peer Group for the one-year period, the third quartile for the three-year period and the first quartile for the five-year period ended May 14, 2021. The Board was also aware that there were changes to the Fund’s investment objective and certain investment policies effective in July 2020 and changes to the portfolio management team, and that the performance data prior to such time would not reflect such changes. Based on its review, the Board was satisfied with the Fund’s overall performance.

For Nuveen Strategic Income Fund, the Board noted that the Fund outperformed its benchmark for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020 and ranked in the second quartile of its Performance Peer Group for the one-year period ended December 31, 2020 and first quartile for the three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020. The Fund outperformed its benchmark for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended March 31, 2021 and ranked in the third quartile of its Performance Peer Group for the one-year period, the first quartile for the three-year period and the second quartile for the five-year period ended March 31, 2021. For the periods ended May 14, 2021, the Fund outperformed its

 

90


 

benchmark for the one-, three- and five-year periods and ranked in the third quartile of its Performance Peer Group for the one-year period, the first quartile for the three-year period and the second quartile for the five-year period. In reviewing performance, the Board also noted the change to the Fund’s portfolio management team in 2020. Based on its review, the Board was satisfied with the Fund’s overall performance.

C. Fees, Expenses and Profitability

1. Fees and Expenses

As part of its annual review, the Board considered the contractual management fee and net management fee (the management fee after taking into consideration fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, if any) paid by a Nuveen fund to the Adviser in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided. The Board also considered the total operating expense ratio of each fund before and after any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. More specifically, the Independent Board Members reviewed, among other things, each fund’s gross and net management fee rates (i.e., before and after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any) and net total expense ratio in relation to those of a comparable universe of funds (the “Peer Universe”) and/or to a more focused subset of comparable funds (the “Peer Group”) established by Broadridge (subject to certain exceptions). The Independent Board Members reviewed the methodology Broadridge employed to establish its Peer Universe and Peer Group and recognized that differences between the applicable fund and its respective Peer Universe and/or Peer Group as well as changes to the composition of the Peer Group and/or Peer Universe from year to year may limit some of the value of the comparative data. The Independent Board Members also considered a fund’s operating expense ratio as it more directly reflected the shareholder’s costs in investing in the respective fund.

In their review, the Independent Board Members considered, in particular, each fund with a net expense ratio of six basis points or higher compared to that of its peer average (each, an “Expense Outlier Fund”) and an analysis as to the factors contributing to each such fund’s higher relative net expense ratio. Accordingly, in reviewing the comparative data between a fund and its peers, the Board generally considered the fund’s net expense ratio and fees to be higher if they were over 10 basis points higher, slightly higher if they were 6 to 10 basis points higher, in line if they were within approximately 5 basis points higher than the peer average and below if they were below the peer average of the Peer Group. The Independent Board Members also considered, in relevant part, a fund’s net management fee and net total expense ratio in light of its performance history.

In their review of the fee arrangements for the Nuveen funds, the Independent Board Members considered the management fee schedules, including the complex-wide and fund-level breakpoint schedules, and the expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers provided by Nuveen for each fund, as applicable. The Board noted that across the Nuveen fund complex, the complex-wide fee breakpoints reduced fees by approximately $58.4 million and fund-level breakpoints reduced fees by approximately $69.6 million in 2020. Further, fee caps and waivers for all applicable Nuveen funds saved approximately an additional $13.2 million in fees for shareholders in 2020.

With respect to the Sub-Adviser, the Board also considered the sub-advisory fee schedule paid to the Sub-Adviser in light of the sub-advisory services provided to the respective Fund, the breakpoint schedule and comparative data of the fees the Sub-Adviser charges to other clients, if any. In its review, the Board recognized that the compensation paid to the Sub-Adviser is the responsibility of the Adviser, not the Funds.

The Independent Board Members noted that each Fund had a net management fee and a net expense ratio that were below the respective peer averages.

Based on its review of the information provided, the Board determined that each Fund’s management fees (as applicable) to a Fund Adviser were reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund.

2. Comparisons with the Fees of Other Clients

In determining the appropriateness of fees, the Board also considered information regarding the fee rates the respective Fund Advisers charged to certain other types of clients and the type of services provided to these other clients. With respect to the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser, such other clients may include retail and institutional managed accounts advised by the Sub-Adviser; hedge funds managed by the Sub-Adviser; investment companies offered outside the Nuveen family and sub-advised by the Sub-Adviser; foreign investment companies offered by Nuveen and sub-advised by the Sub-Adviser; and collective investment trusts sub-advised by the Sub-Adviser. The Board further noted that the Adviser also advised certain exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) sponsored by Nuveen.

The Board recognized that each Fund had an affiliated sub-adviser and, with respect to affiliated sub-advisers, reviewed, among other things, the range of fees assessed for managed accounts, hedge funds (along with their performance fee) and foreign investment companies offered by Nuveen. The Board also reviewed the fee range and average fee rate of certain selected investment strategies offered in retail and institutional managed accounts advised by the Sub-Adviser, the hedge funds advised by the Sub-Adviser (along with their performance fee) and non-Nuveen investment companies sub-advised by certain affiliated sub-advisers.

In considering the fee data of other clients, the Board recognized, among other things, the differences in the amount, type and level of services provided to the Nuveen funds relative to other clients as well as the differences in portfolio investment policies, investor profiles, account sizes and regulatory requirements, all of which contribute to the variations in the fee schedules. The Board recognized the breadth of services the Adviser had

 

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Annual Investment Management Agreement Approval Process (Unaudited) (continued)

 

provided to the Nuveen funds compared to the other types of clients as the funds operate in a highly regulated industry with increasing regulatory requirements as well as the increased entrepreneurial, legal and regulatory risks that the Adviser incurs in sponsoring and managing the funds. Further, with respect to ETFs, the Board considered that Nuveen ETFs were passively managed compared to the active management of the other Nuveen funds which contributed to the differences in fee levels between the Nuveen ETFs and other Nuveen funds. In general, higher fee levels reflect higher levels of service provided by the Adviser, increased investment management complexity, greater product management requirements, and higher levels of business risk or some combination of these factors. The Board further considered that the Sub-Adviser’s fee is essentially for portfolio management services and therefore more comparable to the fees it receives for retail wrap accounts and other external sub-advisory mandates. The Board concluded the varying levels of fees were justified given, among other things, the inherent differences in the products and the level of services provided to the Nuveen funds versus other clients, the differing regulatory requirements and legal liabilities and the entrepreneurial, legal and regulatory risks incurred in sponsoring and advising a registered investment company.

3. Profitability of Fund Advisers

In their review, the Independent Board Members considered information regarding Nuveen’s level of profitability for its advisory services to the Nuveen funds for the calendar years 2020 and 2019. The Board reviewed, among other things, Nuveen’s net margins (pre-tax) (both including and excluding distribution expenses); gross and net revenue margins (pre- and post-tax and excluding distribution) from Nuveen funds only; revenues, expenses and net income (pre- and post-tax and before distribution expenses) of Nuveen for fund advisory services; and comparative profitability data comparing the operating margins of Nuveen compared to the adjusted operating margins of certain peers that had publicly available data and with the most comparable assets under management (based on asset size and asset composition) for each of the last two calendar years. In reviewing the peer comparison data, the Independent Board Members noted that Nuveen Investments, Inc.’s operating margins were on the low range compared to the total company adjusted operating margins of the peers. The Board also reviewed the revenues and expenses the Adviser derived from its ETF product line for the 2019 and 2020 calendar years.

In reviewing the profitability data, the Independent Board Members recognized the subjective nature of calculating profitability as the information is not audited and is dependent on cost allocation methodologies to allocate corporate-wide expenses to the Nuveen complex and its affiliates and to further allocate such Nuveen complex expenses between the Nuveen fund and non-fund businesses. Generally, fund-specific expenses are allocated to the Nuveen funds and partial fund-related expenses and/or corporate overhead and shared costs (such as legal and compliance, accounting and finance, information technology and human resources and office services) are partially attributed to the funds pursuant to cost allocation methodologies. The Independent Board Members reviewed a description of the cost allocation methodologies employed to develop the financial information, a summary of the history of changes to the methodology over the years from 2010 to 2020, and the net revenue margins derived from the Nuveen funds (pre-tax and including and excluding distribution) and total company margins from Nuveen Investments, Inc. compared to the firm-wide adjusted margins of the peers for each calendar year from 2010 to 2020. The Board had also appointed three Independent Board Members to serve as the Board’s liaisons, with the assistance of independent counsel, to review the development of the profitability data and any proposed changes to the cost allocation methodology prior to incorporating any such changes and to report to the full Board. The Board recognized that other reasonable and valid allocation methodologies could be employed and could lead to significantly different results. The Independent Board Members also considered the key drivers behind the revenue and expense changes that impacted Nuveen’s net margins between 2019 and 2020. The Board also noted the reinvestments Nuveen and/or its parent made into its business through, among other things, the investment of seed capital in certain Nuveen funds and continued investments in enhancements to information technology, portfolio accounting systems and the global trading platform.

In reviewing the comparative peer data noted above, the Board considered that the operating margins of Nuveen Investments, Inc. were in the lower half of the peer group range; however, the Independent Board Members also recognized the limitations of the comparative data given that peer data is not generally public and the calculation of profitability is subjective and affected by numerous factors (such as types of funds a peer manages, its business mix, its cost of capital, the numerous assumptions underlying the methodology used to allocate expenses and other factors) that can have a significant impact on the results.

Aside from Nuveen’s profitability, the Board recognized that the Adviser is a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC, the investment management arm of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (“TIAA”). Accordingly, the Board also reviewed a balance sheet for TIAA reflecting its assets, liabilities and capital and contingency reserves for the 2020 and 2019 calendar years to consider the financial strength of TIAA. The Board recognized the benefit of an investment adviser and its parent with significant resources, particularly during periods of market volatility as experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to Nuveen, the Independent Board Members considered the profitability of the Sub-Adviser from its relationships with the Nuveen funds. In this regard, the Independent Board Members reviewed, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s revenues, expenses and net revenue margins (pre- and post-tax) for its advisory activities for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020 as well as its pre- and post-tax net revenue margins for 2020 compared to such margins for 2019. The Independent Board Members also reviewed a profitability analysis reflecting the revenues, expenses and revenue margin (pre- and post-tax) by asset type for the Sub-Adviser for the calendar year ending December 31, 2020 and the pre- and post-tax revenue margins from 2020 and 2019.

 

92


 

In evaluating the reasonableness of the compensation, the Independent Board Members also considered any other ancillary benefits derived by the respective Fund Adviser from its relationship with the Nuveen funds as discussed in further detail below.

Based on a consideration of all the information provided, the Board noted that Nuveen’s and the Sub-Adviser’s level of profitability was acceptable and not unreasonable in light of the services provided.

D. Economies of Scale and Whether Fee Levels Reflect These Economies of Scale

The Board considered whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Nuveen funds and whether these economies of scale have been appropriately shared with the funds. The Board recognized that although economies of scale are difficult to measure and certain expenses may not decline with a rise in assets, there are several methods to help share the benefits of economies of scale, including breakpoints in the management fee schedule, fee waivers and/or expense limitations, the pricing of Nuveen funds at scale at inception and investments in Nuveen’s business which can enhance the services provided to the funds for the fees paid. The Board noted that Nuveen generally has employed these various methods, and the Board considered the extent to which the Nuveen funds will benefit from economies of scale as their assets grow. In this regard, the Board noted that the management fee of the Adviser is generally comprised of a fund-level component and a complex-level component each with its own breakpoint schedule, subject to certain exceptions. The Board reviewed the fund-level and complex-level fee schedules. The Board considered that the fund-level breakpoint schedules are designed to share economies of scale with shareholders if the particular fund grows, and the complex-level breakpoint schedule is designed to deliver the benefits of economies of scale to shareholders when the eligible assets in the complex pass certain thresholds even if the assets of a particular fund are unchanged or have declined. In the calculation of the complex-level component, the Board noted that it had approved the acquisition of several Nuveen funds by similar TIAA-CREF funds in 2019. However, to mitigate the loss of the assets of these Nuveen funds deemed eligible to be included in the calculation of the complex-wide fee when these Nuveen funds left the complex upon acquisition, Nuveen agreed to credit approximately $604.5 million to assets under management to the Nuveen complex in calculating the complex-wide component.

In addition to the fund-level and complex-level fee schedules, the Independent Board Members considered the temporary and/or permanent expense caps applicable to certain Nuveen funds (including the amounts of fees waived or amounts reimbursed to the respective funds in 2019 and 2020), including the temporary expense caps applicable to the Funds.

The Independent Board Members also recognized the Adviser’s continued reinvestment in its business through various initiatives including maintaining a seed account available for investments into Nuveen funds and investing in its internal infrastructure, information technology and other systems that will, among other things, consolidate and enhance accounting systems, integrate technology platforms to support growth and efficient data processing, and further develop its global trading platform to enhance the investment process for the investment teams.

Based on its review, the Board concluded that the current fee arrangements together with the Adviser’s reinvestment in its business appropriately shared any economies of scale with shareholders.

E. Indirect Benefits

The Independent Board Members received and considered information regarding other benefits the respective Fund Adviser or its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationship with the Nuveen funds. The Independent Board Members recognized that an affiliate of the Adviser serves as principal underwriter providing distribution and/or shareholder services to the open-end funds. The Independent Board Members further noted that, subject to certain exceptions, the Nuveen open-end funds pay 12b-1 fees and while a majority of such fees were paid to third party broker-dealers, the Board reviewed the amount retained by the Adviser’s affiliate. In addition, the Independent Board Members also noted that various sub-advisers (including the Sub-Adviser) may engage in soft dollar transactions pursuant to which they may receive the benefit of research products and other services provided by broker-dealers executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the applicable Nuveen funds. However, the Board noted that any benefits for the Sub-Adviser when transacting in fixed-income securities may be more limited as such securities generally trade on a principal basis and therefore do not generate brokerage commissions.

Based on its review, the Board concluded that any indirect benefits received by a Fund Adviser as a result of its relationship with the Funds were reasonable and within acceptable parameters.

F. Other Considerations

The Board Members did not identify any single factor discussed previously as all-important or controlling. The Board Members, including the Independent Board Members, concluded that the terms of each Advisory Agreement were fair and reasonable, that the respective Fund Adviser’s fees were reasonable in light of the services provided to each Fund and that the Advisory Agreements be renewed.

 

93


Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

Discussion of the operation and effectiveness of the Funds’ liquidity risk management program

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), each Fund covered in this Report has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”), which is designed to manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. The Program consists of various protocols for assessing and managing each Fund’s liquidity risk. The Funds’ Board of Directors (the “Board”) previously designated Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser (the “Adviser”), as the administrator of the Program. The Adviser’s Liquidity Monitoring and Analysis Team (“LMAT”) carries out day-to-day Program management with oversight by the Adviser’s Liquidity Oversight Sub-Committee (“LOSC”). LMAT and LOSC are composed of personnel from the Adviser and Teachers Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser.

At a May 26, 2021 meeting of the Board, the Adviser provided the Board with a written report addressing the Program’s operation, adequacy and effectiveness of implementation for the calendar year 2020 (the “Review Period”), as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report noted that the Program has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to each Fund’s liquidity developments.

In accordance with the Program, LMAT assesses each Fund’s liquidity risk no less frequently than annually based on various factors, such as (i) the Fund’s investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments, (ii) cash flow projections, and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents, borrowing arrangements, and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each of the Funds’ portfolio investments are classified into one of four liquidity categories (including the most liquid, “Highly Liquid,” and the least liquid, “Illiquid,” as discussed below). The classification is based on a determination of how long it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading, and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, using third-party vendor data.

A fund that does not primarily hold Highly Liquid investments must, among other things, determine a minimum percentage of the fund’s net assets that must be invested in Highly Liquid investments (a “Highly Liquid Investment Minimum”). During the Review Period, each Fund primarily held Highly Liquid investments and therefore was exempt from the requirement to adopt a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum and to comply with the related requirements under the Liquidity Rule.

The Liquidity Rule also limits a fund’s investments in Illiquid investments. Specifically, the Liquidity Rule prohibits a fund from acquiring Illiquid investments if doing so would result in the fund holding more than 15% of its net assets in Illiquid investments, and requires certain reporting to the fund’s board and the Securities and Exchange Commission any time a fund’s holdings of Illiquid investments exceeds 15% of net assets. During the Review Period, the Funds did not exceed the 15% limit on Illiquid investments.

 

94


Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

The management of the Funds, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Funds by the Adviser, is the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Funds. None of the Directors who are not “interested” persons of the Funds (referred to herein as “Independent Directors”) has ever been a Director or employee of, or consultant to, Nuveen or its affiliates. The names and business addresses of the Directors and officers of the Funds, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each Director oversees and other directorships they hold are set forth below.

The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes more information about the Directors. To request a free copy, call Nuveen Investments at (800) 257-8787 or visit the Funds’ website at www.nuveen.com.

 

Name,
Year of Birth
& Address
 

Position(s)

Held with

the Funds

  Year First
Elected or
Appointed (1)
  Principal Occupation(s)
Including other Directorships
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director
     
Independent Directors:    

Terence J. Toth

1959

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Chair and Director   2008   Formerly, a Co-Founding Partner, Promus Capital (investment advisory firm) (2008-2017); Director, Quality Control Corporation (manufacturing) (since 2012); member: Catalyst Schools of Chicago Board (since 2008) and Mather Foundation Board (philanthropy) (since 2012), and chair of its investment committee; formerly, Director, Fulcrum IT Services LLC (information technology services firm to government entities) (2010-2019); formerly, Director, LogicMark LLC (health services) (2012-2016); formerly, Director, Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc. (asset management) (2008-2013); formerly, CEO and President, Northern Trust Global Investments (financial services) (2004-2007); Executive Vice President, Quantitative Management & Securities Lending (2000-2004); prior thereto, various positions with Northern Trust Company (financial services) (since 1994); formerly, Member, Northern Trust Mutual Funds Board (2005-2007), Northern Trust Global Investments Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Japan Board (2004-2007), Northern Trust Securities Inc. Board (2003-2007) and Northern Trust Hong Kong Board (1997-2004).   143

Jack B. Evans

1948

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   1999   Chairman (since 2019), formerly, President (1996-2019), The Hall-Perrine Foundation, (private philanthropic corporation); Life Trustee of Coe College and the Iowa College Foundation; formerly, Member and President Pro-Tem of the Board of Regents for the State of Iowa University System (2007- 2013); Director and Chairman (2009-2021), United Fire Group, a publicly held company; Director, Public Member, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (2015-2020); Director (2000-2004), Alliant Energy; Director (1996-2015), The Gazette Company (media and publishing); Director (1997- 2003), Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; President and Chief Operating Officer (1972-1995), SCI Financial Group, Inc., (regional financial services firm).   143

William C. Hunter

1948

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2003   Dean Emeritus, formerly, Dean, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa (2006-2012); Director of Wellmark, Inc. (since 2009); past Director (2005-2015), and past President (2010- 2014) Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc., The International Business Honor Society; formerly, Director (2004-2018) of Xerox Corporation; formerly, Dean and Distinguished Professor of Finance, School of Business at the University of Connecticut (2003-2006); previously, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (1995-2003); formerly, Director (1997-2007), Credit Research Center at Georgetown University.   143

 

95


Directors and Officers (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Name,
Year of Birth
& Address
 

Position(s)

Held with

the Funds

  Year First
Elected or
Appointed (1)
  Principal Occupation(s)
Including other Directorships
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director

Amy B. R. Lancellotta

1959

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2021   Formerly, Managing Director, Independent Directors Council (IDC) (supports the fund independent director community and is part of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), which represents regulated investment companies) (2006-2019); formerly, various positions with ICI (1989-2006); Member of the Board of Directors, Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA) (since 2020).   143

Joanne T. Medero

1954

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2021   Formerly, Managing Director, Government Relations and Public Policy (2009-2020) and Senior Advisor to the Vice Chairman (2018-2020), BlackRock, Inc. (global investment management firm); formerly, Managing Director, Global Head of Government Relations and Public Policy, Barclays Group (IBIM) (investment banking, investment management and wealth management businesses)(2006-2009); formerly, Managing Director, Global General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Barclays Global Investors (global investment management firm) (1996-2006); formerly, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (law firm) (1993-1995); formerly, General Counsel, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (government agency overseeing U.S. derivatives markets) (1989-1993); formerly, Deputy Associate Director/Associate Director for Legal and Financial Affairs, Office of Presidential Personnel, The White House (1986-1989); Member of the Board of Directors, Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (seeks to provide opportunities for citizens of the Baltic states to gain education and professional development through exchanges in the U.S.) (since 2019).   143

Albin F. Moschner

1952

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2016   Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Northcroft Partners, LLC, (management consulting) (since 2012); formerly, Chairman (2019), and Director (2012-2019), USA Technologies, Inc., (provider of solutions and services to facilitate electronic payment transactions); formerly, Director, Wintrust Financial Corporation (1996-2016); previously, held positions at Leap Wireless International, Inc. (consumer wireless services), including Consultant (2011-2012), Chief Operating Officer (2008-2011), and Chief Marketing Officer (2004-2008); formerly, President, Verizon Card Services division of Verizon Communications, Inc. (2000-2003); formerly, President, One Point Services at One Point Communications (telecommunication services) (1999-2000); formerly, Vice Chairman of the Board, Diba, Incorporated (internet technology provider) (1996-1997); formerly, various executive positions (1991-1996) including Chief Executive Officer (1995-1996) of Zenith Electronics Corporation (consumer electronics).   143

John K. Nelson

1962

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2013   Member of Board of Directors of Core12 LLC. (private firm which develops branding, marketing and communications strategies for clients) (since 2008); served The President’s Council of Fordham University (2010-2019) and previously a Director of the Curran Center for Catholic American Studies (2009-2018); formerly, senior external advisor to the Financial Services practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP. (2012-2014); former Chair of the Board of Trustees of Marian University (2010-2014 as trustee, 2011-2014 as Chair); formerly Chief Executive Officer of ABN AMRO Bank N.V., North America, and Global Head of the Financial Markets Division (2007-2008), with various executive leadership roles in ABN AMRO Bank N.V. between 1996 and 2007.   143

 

96


 

Name,
Year of Birth
& Address
 

Position(s)

Held with

the Funds

  Year First
Elected or
Appointed (1)
  Principal Occupation(s)
Including other Directorships
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director

Judith M. Stockdale

1947

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   1997   Board Member, Land Trust Alliance (national public charity addressing natural land and water conservation in the U.S.) (since 2013); formerly, Board Member, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (national endowment addressing forest health, sustainable forest production and markets, and economic health of forest-reliant communities in the U.S.) (2013-2019); formerly, Executive Director (1994-2012), Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (private foundation endowed to support both natural land conservation and artistic vitality); prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes Protection Fund (endowment created jointly by seven of the eight Great Lakes states’ Governors to take a regional approach to improving the health of the Great Lakes) (1990-1994).   143

Carole E. Stone

1947

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2007   Former Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange (2006-2017), and C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (2009-2017); formerly, Director, Cboe Global Markets, Inc., (2010-2020) (formerly named CBOE Holdings, Inc.); formerly, Commissioner, New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform (2005-2010).   143

Matthew Thornton III

1958

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2020   Formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2018-2019), FedEx Freight Corporation, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”) (provider of transportation, e-commerce and business services through its portfolio of companies); formerly, Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations (2006-2018), Federal Express Corporation, a subsidiary of FedEx; formerly Member of the Board of Directors (2012-2018), Safe Kids Worldwide® (a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing childhood injuries). Member of the Board of Directors (since 2014), The Sherwin-Williams Company (develops, manufactures, distributes and sells paints, coatings and related products); Director (since 2020), Crown Castle International (provider of communications infrastructure).   143

Margaret L. Wolff

1955

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2016   Formerly, member of the Board of Directors (2013-2017) of Travelers Insurance Company of Canada and The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (each, a part of Travelers Canada, the Canadian operation of The Travelers Companies, Inc.); formerly, Of Counsel, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (legal services, Mergers & Acquisitions Group) (2005-2014); Member of the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian Hospital (since 2005); Member (since 2004) and Chair (since 2015) of the Board of Trustees of The John A. Hartford Foundation (a philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults); formerly, Member (2005-2015) and Vice Chair (2011-2015) of the Board of Trustees of Mt. Holyoke College.   143

Robert L. Young

1963

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Director   2017   Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Director, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (financial services) (2010-2016); formerly, President and Principal Executive Officer (2013-2016), and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2005-2010), of J.P. Morgan Funds; formerly, Director and various officer positions for J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (formerly, JPMorgan Funds Management, Inc. and formerly, One Group Administrative Services) and JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. (financial services) (formerly, One Group Dealer Services, Inc.) (1999-2017).   143

 

97


Directors and Officers (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

 

Position(s)

Held with

the Funds

  Year First
Elected or
Appointed (2)
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

       
Officers of the Funds:      

Christopher E. Stickrod

1976

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Chief Administrative Officer   2020   Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Head of Advisory Product (since 2020), formerly, Managing Director (2016-2017) and Senior Vice President (2013-2016) of Nuveen; Senior Managing Director of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2018) and of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2019).

Mark J. Czarniecki

1979

901 Marquette Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55402

  Vice President and Secretary   2013   Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2016) and Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2017); Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen (since 2013) and Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2018).

Diana R. Gonzalez

1978

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President and Assistant Secretary   2017   Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2017); Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen (since 2017); Associate General Counsel of Jackson National Asset Management, LLC (2012-2017).

Nathaniel T. Jones

1979

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President and Treasurer   2016   Senior Managing Director (since 2021), formerly, Managing Director (2017-2021), Senior Vice President (2016-2017), formerly, Vice President (2011- 2016) of Nuveen; Managing Director (since 2015) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Chartered Financial Analyst.

Tina M. Lazar

1961

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President   2002   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly, Senior Vice President (2014-2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC.

Brian J. Lockhart

1974

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President   2019   Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Senior Managing Director (since 2021), formerly, Managing Director (2017-2021), Vice President (2010-2017) of Nuveen; Head of Investment Oversight (since 2017), formerly, Team Leader of Manager Oversight (2015-2017); Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Risk Manager.

Jacques M. Longerstaey

1963

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

  Vice President   2019   Senior Managing Director, Chief Risk Officer, Nuveen (since May 2019); Senior Managing Director (since May 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; formerly, Chief Investment and Model Risk Officer, Wealth & Investment Management Division, Wells Fargo Bank (NA) (2013-2019).

Kevin J. McCarthy

1966

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President and Assistant Secretary   2007   Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary and General Counsel (since 2016) of Nuveen Investments, Inc., formerly, Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2008-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2008) of Nuveen Securities, LLC, formerly Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director (2008-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, formerly, Co-General Counsel (2011-2020), Executive Vice President (2016-2017), Managing Director (2008-2016) and Assistant Secretary (2007-2016); Senior Managing Director (since 2017), Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, formerly, Associate General Counsel (2011-2020), Executive Vice President (2016-2017) and Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (2011-2016); Vice President (since 2007) and Secretary (since 2016), formerly, Assistant Secretary, of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC and Winslow Capital Management, LLC (since 2010). Senior Managing Director (since 2017) and Secretary (since 2016) of Nuveen Alternative Investments, LLC.

Jon Scott Meissner

1973

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

  Vice President and Assistant Secretary   2019   Managing Director of Mutual Fund Tax and Financial Reporting groups at Nuveen (since 2017); Managing Director of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2019); Senior Director of Teachers Advisors, LLC and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC (since 2016); Senior Director (since 2015) Mutual Fund Taxation to the TIAA-CREF Funds, the TIAA-CREF Life Funds, the TIAA Separate Account VA-1 and the CREF Accounts; has held various positions with TIAA since 2004.

 

98


 

Name,

Year of Birth

& Address

 

Position(s)

Held with

the Funds

  Year First
Elected or
Appointed (2)
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Deann D. Morgan

1969

730 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  Vice President   2020   President, Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2020); Executive Vice President, Global Head of Product at Nuveen (since 2019); Co-Chief Executive Officer of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2020); Managing Member of MDR Collaboratory LLC (since 2018); Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management Product Structuring & COO Multi Asset Investing. The Blackstone Group (2013-2017).

Christopher M. Rohrbacher 1971

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President and Assistant Secretary   2008   Managing Director and Assistant Secretary (since 2017) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; Managing Director (since 2017), General Counsel (since 2020), and Assistant Secretary (since 2016), formerly, Senior Vice President (2016-2017), of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Managing Director, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2020); Managing Director (since 2017) and Associate General Counsel (since 2016), formerly, Senior Vice President (2012-2017) and Assistant General Counsel (2008-2016) of Nuveen.

William A. Siffermann

1975

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President   2017   Managing Director (since 2017), formerly Senior Vice President (2016-2017) and Vice President (2011-2016) of Nuveen.

E. Scott Wickerham

1973

8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262

  Vice President and Controller   2019   Senior Managing Director, Head of Public Investment Finance at Nuveen (since 2019), formerly, Managing Director; Senior Managing Director (since 2019) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (since 2017) of the TIAA-CREF Funds, the TIAA-CREF Life Funds, the TIAA Separate Account VA-1 and Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer (since 2020) and Treasurer (since 2017) of the CREF Accounts; formerly, Senior Director, TIAA-CREF Fund Administration (2014-2015); has held various positions with TIAA since 2006.

Mark L. Winget

1968

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President and Assistant Secretary   2008   Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Securities, LLC (since 2008), and Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC (since 2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (since 2020); Vice President (since 2010) and Associate General Counsel (since 2019), formerly, Assistant General Counsel (2008-2016) of Nuveen.

Gifford R. Zimmerman

1956

333 W. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

  Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer   1988   Formerly: Managing Director (2002-2020) and Assistant Secretary (2002-2020) of Nuveen Securities, LLC; formerly, Managing Director (2002-2020), Assistant Secretary (1997-2020) and Co-General Counsel (2011-2020) of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC; formerly, Managing Director (2004-2020) and Assistant Secretary (1994-2020) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; formerly, Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (2011-2020); formerly, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (2002-2020), Santa Barbara Asset Management, LLC (2006-2020) and Winslow Capital Management, LLC (2010-2020); Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

(1)

Directors serve an indefinite term until his/her successor is elected or appointed. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the director was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen fund complex.

(2)

Officers serve one year terms through August of each year. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the officer was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen fund complex.

 

99


LOGO

 

Nuveen:

Serving Investors for Generations

Since 1898, financial professionals 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 professional, 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/mutual-funds

 

Nuveen Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC  | 
333 West Wacker Drive  | Chicago, IL 60606  | www.nuveen.com
  MAN-FINC-0621D        1739033-INV-Y-08/22


ITEM 2.

CODE OF ETHICS.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. There were no amendments to or waivers from the code during the period covered by this report. The registrant has posted the code of ethics on its website at www.nuveen.com/fund-governance. (To view the code, click on Code of Conduct.)

 

ITEM 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant’s Board of Directors or Trustees (“Board”) determined that the registrant has at least one “audit committee financial expert” (as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR) serving on its Audit Committee. The registrant’s audit committee financial experts are Carole E. Stone, Jack B. Evans, William C. Hunter and Albin F. Moschner, who are “independent” for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

Ms. Stone served for five years as Director of the New York State Division of the Budget. As part of her role as Director, Ms. Stone was actively involved in overseeing the development of the State’s operating, local assistance and capital budgets, its financial plan and related documents; overseeing the development of the State’s bond-related disclosure documents and certifying that they fairly presented the State’s financial position; reviewing audits of various State and local agencies and programs; and coordinating the State’s system of internal audit and control. Prior to serving as Director, Ms. Stone worked as a budget analyst/examiner with increasing levels of responsibility over a 30 year period, including approximately five years as Deputy Budget Director. Ms. Stone has also served as Chair of the New York State Racing Association Oversight Board, as Chair of the Public Authorities Control Board, as a Commissioner on the New York State Commission on Public Authority Reform and as a member of the Boards of Directors of several New York State public authorities. These positions have involved overseeing operations and finances of certain entities and assessing the adequacy of project/entity financing and financial reporting. Currently, Ms. Stone is on the Board of Directors of CBOE Holdings, Inc., of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and of C2 Options Exchange. Ms. Stone’s position on the boards of these entities and as a member of both CBOE Holdings’ Audit Committee and its Finance Committee has involved, among other things, the oversight of audits, audit plans and preparation of financial statements.

Mr. Evans was formerly President and Chief Operating Officer of SCI Financial Group, Inc., a full service registered broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (“SCI”). As part of his role as President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Evans actively supervised the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) and actively supervised the CFO’s preparation of financial statements and other filings with various regulatory authorities. In such capacity, Mr. Evans was actively involved in the preparation of SCI’s financial statements and the resolution of issues raised in connection therewith. Mr. Evans has also served on the audit committee of various reporting companies. At such companies, Mr. Evans was involved in the oversight of audits, audit plans, and the preparation of financial statements. Mr. Evans also formerly chaired the audit committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Mr. Hunter was formerly a Senior Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. As part of his role as Senior Vice President, Mr. Hunter was the senior officer responsible for all operations of each of the Economic Research, Statistics, and Community and Consumer Affairs units at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In such capacity, Mr. Hunter oversaw the subunits of the Statistics and Community and Consumer Affairs divisions responsible for the analysis and evaluation of bank and bank holding company financial statements and financial filings. Prior to serving as Senior Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Mr. Hunter was the Vice President of the Financial Markets unit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta where he supervised financial staff and bank holding company analysts who analyzed and evaluated bank and bank holding company financial statements. Mr. Hunter also currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Xerox Corporation and Wellmark, Inc. as well as on the Audit Committees of such Boards. As an Audit Committee member, Mr. Hunter’s responsibilities include, among other things, reviewing financial statements, internal audits and internal controls over financial reporting. Mr. Hunter also formerly was a Professor of Finance at the University of Connecticut School of Business and has authored numerous scholarly articles on the topics of finance, accounting and economics.

Mr. Moschner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Northcroft Partners, LLC, (management consulting) (since 2012); formerly, Chairman (2019), and Director (2012-2019), USA Technologies, Inc., (provider of solutions and services to facilitate electronic payment transactions); formerly, Director, Wintrust Financial Corporation (1996-2016); previously, held positions at Leap Wireless International, Inc., (consumer wireless services) including Consultant (2011-2012), Chief Operating Officer (2008-2011), and Chief Marketing Officer (2004-2008); formerly, President, Verizon Card Services division of Verizon Communications, Inc. (2000-2003); formerly, President, One Point Services at One Point Communications (telecommunication services) (1999-2000); formerly, Vice Chairman of the Board, Diba, Incorporated (internet technology provider) (1996-1997); formerly, various executive positions (1991-1996), including Chief Executive Officer (1995-1996) of Zenith Electronics Corporation (consumer electronics).

 

ITEM 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The following tables show the amount of fees that PriceWaterHouseCoopers LLP, the Funds’ auditor, billed to the Funds’ during the Funds’ last two full fiscal years. The Audit Committee approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services that PriceWaterHouseCoopers LLP, provided to the Funds, except for those non-audit services that were subject to the pre-approval exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (the “pre-approval exception”). The preapproval exception for services provided directly to the Funds waives the pre-approval requirement for services other than audit, review or attest services if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the Funds during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; (B) the Funds did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee’s attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the audit is completed.

The Audit Committee has delegated certain pre-approval responsibilities to its Chair (or, in her absence, any other member of the Audit Committee).

 

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021

   Audit Fees Billed
to Funds 1
     Audit-Related Fees
Billed to Funds 2
     Tax Fees Billed
to Funds 3
     All Other Fees
Billed to Funds 4
 
Fund Name            

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

     35,710        7,500        0        0  

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

     47,570        7,500        0        0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 83,280      $ 15,000      $ 0      $ 0  

 

1    

“Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements and services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

2   

“Audit-Related Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees”. These fees include offerings related to the Fund’s common shares and leverage.

3   

“Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning. These fees include: all global withholding tax services; excise and state tax reviews; capital gain, tax equalization and taxable basis calculations performed by the principal accountant.

4   

“All Other Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees”. These fees represent all “Agreed-Upon Procedures” engagements pertaining to the Fund’s use of leverage.

 

     Percentage Approved Pursuant to Pre-approval  Exception  
     Audit Fees Billed     Audit-Related Fees     Tax Fees     All Other Fees  
     to Funds     Billed to Funds     Billed to Funds     Billed to Funds  
Fund Name         

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

     0     0     0     0

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

     0     0     0     0
     Audit Fees Billed     Audit-Related Fees     Tax Fees     All Other Fees  

June 30, 2020

   to Funds 1     Billed to Funds 2     Billed to Funds  3     Billed to Funds  4  
Fund Name         

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

     34,965       0       0       0  

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

     46,995       0       0       0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 81,960     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  

 

1    

“Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements and services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

2   

“Audit-Related Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees”. These fees include offerings related to the Fund’s common shares and leverage.

3   

“Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning. These fees include: all global withholding tax services; excise and state tax reviews; capital gain, tax equalization and taxable basis calculations performed by the principal accountant.

4   

“All Other Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees”. These fees represent all “Agreed-Upon Procedures” engagements pertaining to the Fund’s use of leverage.

 

     Percentage Approved Pursuant to Pre-approval  Exception  
     Audit Fees Billed     Audit-Related Fees     Tax Fees     All Other Fees  
     to Funds     Billed to Funds     Billed to Funds     Billed to Funds  
Fund Name         

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

     0     0     0     0

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

     0     0     0     0

 

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021

   Audit-Related Fees
Billed to Adviser  and
Affiliated Fund

June 30, 2019
    Tax Fees Billed to
Adviser and
Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
    All Other Fees
Billed to Adviser
and Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
 

Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc.

   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
     Percentage Approved Pursuant to Pre-approval Exception  
     Audit-Related Fees
Billed to Adviser and
Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
    Tax Fees Billed to
Adviser and
Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
    All Other Fees
Billed to Adviser
and Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
 
     0     0     0

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2020

   Audit-Related Fees
Billed to Adviser and
Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
    Tax Fees Billed to
Adviser and
Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
    All Other Fees
Billed to Adviser
and Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
 

Nuveen Investment Funds, Inc.

   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
     Percentage Approved Pursuant to Pre-approval Exception  
     Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
    Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
    and Affiliated Fund
Service Providers
 
     0     0     0

 

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021

   Total Non-Audit Fees
Billed to Trust
     Total Non-Audit Fees
billed to Adviser and
Affiliated Fund Service
Providers (engagements
related directly to the
operations and financial
reporting of the Trust)
     Total Non-Audit Fees
billed to Adviser and
Affiliated Fund Service
Providers (all other
engagements)
 
Fund Name         

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

     0        0        0  

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

     0        0        0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 0      $ 0      $ 0  

“Non-Audit Fees billed to Fund” for both fiscal year ends represent “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” billed to Fund in their respective amounts from the previous table.

Less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.

 

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2020

   Total Non-Audit Fees
Billed to Trust
     Total Non-Audit Fees
billed to Adviser and
related directly to the
operations and financial
reporting of the Trust)
     Affiliated Fund Service
Providers (all other
engagements)
 
Fund Name         

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

     0        0        0  

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

     0        0        0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 0      $ 0      $ 0  

“Non-Audit Fees billed to Fund” for both fiscal year ends represent “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” billed to Fund in their respective amounts from the previous table.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. Generally, the Audit Committee must approve (i) all non-audit services to be performed for the Funds by the Funds’ independent accountant and (ii) all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Funds’ independent accountant for the Affiliated Fund Service Providers with respect to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds. Regarding tax and research projects conducted by the independent accountant for the Funds and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (with respect to operations and financial reports of the Trust), such engagements will be (i) pre-approved by the Audit Committee if they are expected to be for amounts greater than $10,000; (ii) reported to the Audit Committee Chair for her verbal approval prior to engagement if they are expected to be for amounts under $10,000 but greater than $5,000; and (iii) reported to the Audit Committee at the next Audit Committee meeting if they are expected to be for an amount under $5,000.

 

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 of Trustees 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 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.

DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 13.

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 because the code is posted on registrant’s website at www.nuveen.com/fund-governance and there were no amendments during the period covered by this report. (To view the code, click on Code of Conduct.)
  (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.
  (a )(4)    Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. Not applicable.
  (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/ Mark J. Czarniecki
  Mark J. Czarniecki
  Vice President and Secretary

Date: September 2, 2021

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/ Christopher E. Stickrod
  Christopher E. Stickrod
  Chief Administrative Officer
  (principal executive officer)

Date: September 2, 2021

 

By (Signature and Title)       /s/ E. Scott Wickerham
  E. Scott Wickerham
  Vice President and Controller
  (principal financial officer)

Date: September 2, 2021