N-CSRS 1 d244099dncsrs.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: December 31, 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

 

31 December

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.

 

Semiannual Report


Life is Complex.

 

Nuveen makes things e-simple.

It only takes a minute to sign up for e-Reports. Once enrolled, you’ll receive an e-mail as soon as your Nuveen Fund information is ready. No more waiting for delivery by regular mail. Just click on the link within the e-mail to see the report and save it on your computer if you wish.

 

Free e-Reports right to your email!

www.investordelivery.com

If you receive your Nuveen Fund distributions and statements from your financial professional or brokerage account.

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  

Important Notices

     5  

Risk Considerations and Dividend Information

     6  

Fund Performance and Expense Ratios

     7  

Yields

     10  

Holding Summaries

     11  

Expense Examples

     13  

Portfolios of Investments

     15  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     56  

Statement of Operations

     58  

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

     59  

Financial Highlights

     60  

Notes to Financial Statements

     64  

Additional Fund Information

     76  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     77  

Liquidity Risk Management Program

     79  

 

3


Chair’s Letter to Shareholders

 

LOGO

Dear Shareholders,

We have seen a nearly full recovery in the economy and began to approach more normalcy in our daily lives, enabled by unprecedented help from governments and central banks and the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.

As crisis-related monetary and fiscal supports are phasing out, global economic growth is expected to moderate from post-pandemic peak growth toward a more sustainable pace of expansion. In the U.S., the rapid rebound in the economy has pushed consumer prices higher, and ongoing supply chain disruptions have kept the inflation rate elevated for longer than expected. With the economy and employment on strong footing, the Federal Reserve is ending its pandemic bond buying program and will begin raising short-term interest rates in 2022 to help keep inflation in check. The Fed now faces the challenge of counteracting inflation pressures without stifling economic growth, which the markets will be watching closely. On the fiscal side, government spending will be lower from here, but the U.S. will begin funding projects with the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted on November 15, 2021, and Europe, Japan and China are also expected to roll out fiscal support in 2022.

Inflation levels, the timing of monetary policy normalization and the global economy’s response to tighter financial conditions will be a key focus in the markets. We anticipate periodic volatility as markets digest incoming data on these impacts, as well as COVID-19 headlines, as there is still uncertainty about the course of the pandemic. 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.

To learn more about how your portfolio can take advantage of new opportunities arising from the normalizing global economy, 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, I look forward to continuing to earn your trust in the months and years ahead.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Terence J. Toth

Chair of the Board

February 22, 2022

 

 

4


Important Notices

 

For Shareholders of

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentaries in Semiannual Reports

Beginning with this semiannual shareholder report, the Funds will include portfolio manager commentaries only in their annual shareholder reports. For the Funds’ most recent annual portfolio manager discussion, please refer to the Portfolio Managers’ Comments section of the Funds’ June 30, 2021 annual shareholder report.

For current information on the Fund’s investment objectives, portfolio management team and average annual total returns please refer to the Fund’s website at www.nuveen.com.

For changes that occurred to your Fund both during and subsequent to this reporting period, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements section of this report.

For average annual total returns as of the end of this reporting period, please refer to the Performance Overview and Holding Summaries section within this report.

 

5


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.

 

6


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. Refer to the Financial Highlights later in this report for the Fund’s expense ratios as of the end of the reporting period.

 

7


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 December 31, 2021*         
     Inception
Date
     Cumulative      Average Annual      Expense Ratios**  
      6-Month      1-Year      5-Year      10-Year      Gross      Net  

Class A Shares at NAV

     8/30/01        0.84%        4.64%        4.73%        5.57%        1.13%        1.01%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

     8/30/01        (3.94)%        (0.27)%        3.71%        5.05%                

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index 1

            1.59%        5.26%        6.28%        6.82%                

Lipper Global High Yield Funds Classification Average

            0.27%        3.84%        4.93%        5.62%                

Class C Shares

     8/30/01        0.48%        3.88%        3.94%        4.95%        1.88%        1.76%  

Class I Shares

     8/30/01        0.83%        4.74%        4.94%        5.83%        0.88%        0.76%  

 

*

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 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.

 

1

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against this benchmark/index.

 

8


 

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 December 31, 2021*           
       Inception
Date
       Cumulative        Average Annual        Expense Ratios**  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        10-Year        Gross        Net  

Class A Shares at NAV

       2/01/00          0.14%          1.25%          4.66%          4.79%          0.95%          0.84%  

Class A Shares at maximum Offering Price

       2/01/00          (4.13)%          (3.05)%          3.75%          4.33%                    

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index1

                0.06%          (1.54)%          3.57%          2.90%                    

Lipper Multi-Sector Income Funds Classification Average

                0.26%          1.92%          4.26%          4.41%                    

Class C Shares

       2/01/00          (0.24)%          0.50%          3.87%          4.18%          1.70%          1.59%  

Class I Shares

       2/01/00          0.28%          1.43%          4.92%          5.05%          0.70%          0.59%  

 

                Total Returns as of December 31, 2021*           
       Inception
Date
       Cumulative        Average Annual        Expense Ratios**  
        6-Month        1-Year        5-Year        Since
Inception
       Gross        Net  

Class R6 Shares

       1/20/15          0.33%          1.53%          5.01%          4.23%          0.62%          0.51%  

 

*

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 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.

 

1

For purposes of Fund performance, relative results are measured against this benchmark/index.

 

9


Yields    as of December 31, 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 eaming and it may not include the effect of amortization of bond premium or discounts.

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

 

        Class A1        Class C        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       4.21%          3.69%          4.66%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       4.30%          3.77%          4.70%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       4.15%          3.61%          4.41%  

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

        Class A1        Class C        Class R6        Class I  

Dividend Yield

       2.90%          2.28%          3.40%          3.30%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Subsidized

       2.90%          2.29%          3.37%          3.28%  

SEC 30-Day Yield-Unsubsidized

       2.94%          2.20%          3.29%          3.20%  

 

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.

 

10


Holding

Summaries    as of December 31, 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.

Nuveen Credit Income Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

Corporate Bonds        44.9%  
Asset-Backed and Mortgage- Backed Securities        21.1%  
Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests        10.6%  
Sovereign Debt        2.8%  
Contingent Capital Securities        2.5%  
$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred        1.2%  
$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred        0.4%  
Common Stocks        0.0%  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending        2.5%  
Repurchase Agreements        14.0%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

       0.0%  

Net Assets

       100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels        15.6%  

Chemicals

       7.3%  

Commercial Services & Supplies

       5.9%  

Insurance

       5.2%  

Health Care Providers & Services

       5.2%  

Specialty Retail

       4.6%  

Electric Utilities

       4.3%  

Media

       3.8%  

IT Services

       3.4%  

Real Estate Management & Development

       3.3%  

Airlines

       3.2%  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

       3.2%  

Auto Components

       3.0%  

Metals & Mining

       2.8%  

Diversified Financial Services

       2.1%  

Banks

       2.0%  

Software

       1.8%  

Energy Equipment & Services

       1.8%  

Industrial Conglomerates

       1.7%  

Other1

       19.8%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

A        1.3%  

BBB

       5.6%  

BB or Lower

       77.5%  

N/R (not rated)

       15.6%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

1

See Portfolio of Investments for the remaining industries comprising “Other” and not listed in the Portfolio Composition above.

 

11


Holding Summaries (continued)

 

Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

 

Fund Allocation

(% of net assets)

 

   

Corporate Bonds

       38.2%  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage- Backed Securities

       31.4%  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

       7.8%  

Sovereign Debt

       7.6%  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

       6.3%  

Contingent Capital Securities

       6.2%  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

       0.6%  

Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending

       1.5%  

Repurchase Agreements

       1.8%  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

       (1.4)%  

Net Assets

       100%  

Corporate Bonds: Industries

(% of total corporate bonds)

 

   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

       16.1%  

Banks

       15.5%  

Electric Utilities

       4.7%  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trust

       3.7%  

Chemicals

       3.7%  

Communications Equipment

       3.2%  

Capital Markets

       3.2%  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

       3.0%  

Diversified Financial Services

       2.6%  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

       2.6%  

Beverages

       2.6%  

Media

       2.5%  

Specialty Retail

       2.4%  

Aerospace & Defense

       2.3%  

IT Services

       2.1%  

Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

       2.1%  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

       2.1%  

Commercial Services & Supplies

       2.0%  

Insurance

       1.8%  

Airlines

       1.7%  

Food Products

       1.6%  

Other1

       18.5%  

Total

       100%  

Portfolio Credit Quality

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

 

   

AAA

       3.8%  

AA

       3.7%  

A

       11.2%  

BBB

       38.6%  

BB or Lower

       34.9%  

N/R (not rated)

       7.8%  

Total

       100%  
 

 

1

See Portfolio of Investments for the remaining industries comprising “Other” and not listed in the Portfolio Composition above.

 

12


Expense

Examples

 

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

The Examples below are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the period ended December 31, 2021.

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

Nuveen 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

     $ 1,008.45        $ 1,004.77        $ 1,008.29  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 5.06        $ 8.84        $ 3.80  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                

Beginning Account Value

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

Ending Account Value

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

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 5.09        $ 8.89        $ 3.82  

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 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

13


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

     $ 1,001.41        $ 997.65        $ 1,003.27        $ 1,002.75  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 4.19        $ 7.96        $ 2.47        $ 2.93  

Hypothetical Performance

(5% annualized return before expenses)

                                           

Beginning Account Value

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

Ending Account Value

     $ 1,021.02        $ 1,017.24        $ 1,022.74        $ 1,022.28  

Expenses Incurred During the Period

     $ 4.23        $ 8.03        $ 2.50        $ 2.96  

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.83%, 1.58%, 0.49% and 0.58% for Classes A, C, R6 and I, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

14


Nuveen Credit Income Fund

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

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

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 83.5%

                       
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 44.9%

                       
      Airlines – 1.4%                                            
$ 874    

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

           5.250%          4/01/29          A        $ 951,443  
  823    

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

               9.000%          10/01/25          BBB–          913,179  
  1,697    

Total Airlines

                                                1,864,622  
      Auto Components – 1.4%                                            
  515    

Dornoch Debt Merger Sub Inc, 144A

           6.625%          10/15/29          Caa1          508,563  
  500    

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, 144A

           5.250%          7/15/31          BB–          542,852  
  715    

Nemak SAB de CV, 144A

               3.625%          6/28/31          BBB–          697,125  
  1,730    

Total Auto Components

                                                1,748,540  
      Banks – 0.9%                                            
  450    

Access Bank PLC, 144A

           6.125%          9/21/26          B2          447,750  
  750    

Akbank TAS, 144A, (3)

               5.125%          3/31/25          B+          694,068  
  1,200    

Total Banks

                                                1,141,818  
      Beverages – 0.4%                                            
  500    

Primo Water Holdings Inc, 144A

               4.375%          4/30/29          B1          495,000  
      Biotechnology – 0.4%                                            
  500    

Emergent BioSolutions Inc, 144A, (3)

               3.875%          8/15/28          BB–          479,885  
      Building Products – 0.3%                                            
  315    

SRS Distribution Inc, 144A

               6.000%          12/01/29          CCC          316,575  
      Capital Markets – 0.6%                                            
  750    

B3 SA – Brasil Bolsa Balcao, 144A

               4.125%          9/20/31          Ba1          722,820  
      Chemicals – 3.3%                                            
  775    

Consolidated Energy Finance SA, 144A

           5.625%          10/15/28          B+          757,562  
  500    

EverArc Escrow Sarl, 144A

           0.000%          10/30/29          B+          500,370  
  400    

Olympus Water US Holding Corp, 144A

           4.250%          10/01/28          B2          397,752  
  391    

Rayonier AM Products Inc, 144A

           7.625%          1/15/26          B+          414,460  
  425    

Sasol Financing USA LLC

           4.375%          9/18/26          BB          427,656  
  566    

Star Energy Geothermal Wayang Windu Ltd, 144A

           6.750%          4/24/33          Ba3          619,904  
  340    

Tronox Inc, 144A

           4.625%          3/15/29          B          339,575  
  350    

Unifrax Escrow Issuer Corp, 144A

           5.250%          9/30/28          BB          353,763  
  450    

WR Grace Holdings LLC, 144A

               5.625%          8/15/29          B+          460,688  
  4,197    

Total Chemicals

                                                4,271,730  

 

15


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 2.6%                                            
$ 750    

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

           4.625%          6/01/28          B        $ 749,535  
  375    

Covert Mergeco Inc, 144A

           4.875%          12/01/29          B1          380,625  
  500    

Garda World Security Corp, 144A

           4.625%          2/15/27          BB+          497,500  
  400    

GFL Environmental Inc, 144A

           4.750%          6/15/29          B–          403,500  
  400    

LABL Inc, 144A

           5.875%          11/01/28          B2          412,250  
  465    

LABL Inc, 144A

           8.250%          11/01/29          CCC+          467,581  
  500    

Pitney Bowes Inc, 144A, (3)

               7.250%          3/15/29          BB          513,750  
  3,390    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                                3,424,741  
      Communications Equipment – 0.2%                                            
  315    

Vodafone Group PLC

               4.125%          6/04/81          BB+          311,837  
      Consumer Finance – 0.4%                                            
  535    

Navient Corp

               5.500%          3/15/29          Ba3          533,663  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.9%                                            
  250    

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

           5.528%          6/07/24          N/R          255,175  
  250    

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

           5.528%          4/07/22          N/R          200,000  
  750    

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

               6.278%          12/07/23          N/R          766,800  
  1,250    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                                                1,221,975  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.4%                                            
  500    

Frontier Communications Holdings LLC, 144A

           6.000%          1/15/30          BB–          502,500  
  385    

Iliad Holding SASU, 144A

           6.500%          10/15/26          BB–          404,531  
  455    

Iliad Holding SASU, 144A

           7.000%          10/15/28          BB–          478,464  
  465    

Vmed O2 UK Financing I PLC, 144A

               4.750%          7/15/31          BB+          470,813  
  1,805    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                                                1,856,308  
      Electric Utilities – 2.0%                                            
  350    

Edison International

           5.375%          N/A (9)          BB+          366,660  
  750    

Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, 144A

           6.750%          10/07/31          B1          757,500  
  750    

Pampa Energia SA, Reg S

           7.500%          1/24/27          B–          647,820  
  750    

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

               4.500%          7/14/28          Ba3          752,257  
  2,600    

Total Electric Utilities

                                                2,524,237  
      Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.5%                                            
  110    

II-VI Inc, 144A

           5.000%          12/15/29          BB          112,334  
  500    

Imola Merger Corp, 144A

               4.750%          5/15/29          BB+          513,025  
  610    

Total Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

                                                625,359  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.8%                                            
  500    

Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp, 144A

           6.250%          4/01/28          B+          521,360  
  500    

Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp

           8.000%          1/15/27          B          515,280  

 

16


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Energy Equipment & Services (continued)                                            
$ 2,704    

Metro Exploration Holding Corp

           0.000%          N/A (9)          N/R        $ 270  
  448    

Metro Exploration Holding Corp, (5)

               0.000%          N/A (9)          N/R          5  
  4,152    

Total Energy Equipment & Services

                                                1,036,915  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trust – 0.2%                                            
  285    

Iron Mountain Information Management Services Inc, 144A

               5.000%          7/15/32          BB–          291,689  
      Food Products – 0.6%                                            
  750    

MHP Lux SA, 144A

               6.950%          4/03/26          B+          745,773  
      Gas Utilities – 0.4%                                            
  500    

NGL Energy Partners LP / NGL Energy Finance Corp

               7.500%          11/01/23          CCC+          492,500  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 2.3%                                            
  300    

AdaptHealth LLC, 144A

           5.125%          3/01/30          B1          305,250  
  305    

AHP Health Partners Inc, 144A

           5.750%          7/15/29          CCC+          301,950  
  500    

CHS/Community Health Systems Inc, 144A

           6.875%          4/15/29          CCC          509,375  
  500    

Global Medical Response Inc, 144A

           6.500%          10/01/25          B          505,000  
  525    

LifePoint Health Inc, 144A, (3)

           5.375%          1/15/29          CCC+          522,375  
  650    

Team Health Holdings Inc, 144A, (3)

           6.375%          2/01/25          CCC          611,813  
  250    

Tenet Healthcare Corp, 144A

               4.375%          1/15/30          B+          253,266  
  3,030    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                3,009,029  
      Health Care Technology – 0.6%                                            
  750    

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 144A

               5.500%          9/01/28          Ba3          760,313  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.6%                                            
  420    

Constellation Merger Sub Inc, 144A

           8.500%          9/15/25          CCC–          399,000  
  370    

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

           5.000%          6/01/29          BB–          379,250  
  50    

Wynn Resorts Ltd, 144A

               5.125%          10/01/29          B+          50,750  
  840    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                829,000  
      Household Durables – 0.6%                                            
  500    

Kronos Acquisition Holdings Inc / KIK Custom Products Inc, 144A, (3)

           7.000%          12/31/27          CCC          471,250  
  325    

WASH Multifamily Acquisition Inc, 144A

               5.750%          4/15/26          B–          341,559  
  825    

Total Household Durables

                                                812,809  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.3%                                            
  400    

Investment Energy Resources Ltd, 144A

               6.250%          4/26/29          BB–          429,504  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.7%                                            
  450    

Bidvest Group UK PLC, 144A

           3.625%          9/23/26          Ba2          447,255  
  500    

Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp

               5.250%          5/15/27          BB          514,215  
  950    

Total Industrial Conglomerates

                                                961,470  
      Insurance – 2.4%                                            
  500    

Acrisure LLC / Acrisure Finance Inc, 144A

           4.250%          2/15/29          B          486,250  

 

17


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Insurance (continued)                                            
$ 260    

AmWINS Group Inc, 144A

           4.875%          6/30/29          B–        $ 262,600  
  750    

BroadStreet Partners Inc, 144A

           5.875%          4/15/29          CCC+          736,875  
  500    

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

           6.028%          4/07/25          N/R          509,600  
  550    

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

           6.510%          12/06/24          N/R          563,200  
  500    

SD Re Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 9.250% spread), (4)

               9.278%          11/19/24          N/R          499,450  
  3,060    

Total Insurance

                                                3,057,975  
      Interactive Media & Services – 0.4%                                            
  500    

Arches Buyer Inc, 144A

               4.250%          6/01/28          B1          499,740  
      IT Services – 1.5%                                            
  500    

Ahead DB Holdings LLC, 144A

           6.625%          5/01/28          CCC+          496,250  
  500    

Austin BidCo Inc, 144A

           7.125%          12/15/28          CCC+          516,250  
  450    

CA Magnum Holdings, 144A

           5.375%          10/31/26          BB–          465,187  
  485    

Presidio Holdings Inc, 144A

               8.250%          2/01/28          CCC+          516,525  
  1,935    

Total IT Services

                                                1,994,212  
      Media – 1.7%                                            
  300    

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc, 144A

           7.500%          6/01/29          CCC          320,250  
  250    

Diamond Sports Group LLC / Diamond Sports Finance Co, 144A

           5.375%          8/15/26          Caa1          125,000  
  195    

DISH DBS Corp, 144A

           5.250%          12/01/26          Ba3          198,078  
  410    

DISH DBS Corp, 144A

           5.750%          12/01/28          Ba3          414,100  
  250    

Getty Images Inc, 144A

           9.750%          3/01/27          CCC+          264,812  
  425    

Gray Escrow Inc, 144A

           5.375%          11/15/31          BB–          437,219  
  425    

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC, 144A

               5.125%          7/15/29          BB+          427,125  
  2,255    

Total Media

                                                2,186,584  
      Metals & Mining – 1.3%                                            
  300    

Allegheny Technologies Inc

           5.125%          10/01/31          B          302,250  
  750    

Stillwater Mining Co, 144A

           4.000%          11/16/26          BB          734,625  
  585    

Warrior Met Coal Inc, 144A

               7.875%          12/01/28          BB          599,625  
  1,635    

Total Metals & Mining

                                                1,636,500  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 7.0%                                            
  500    

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

           5.375%          6/15/29          BB          527,507  
  439    

Antero Resources Corp, 144A

           8.375%          7/15/26          BB          499,832  
  380    

CNX Midstream Partners LP, 144A

           4.750%          4/15/30          BB–          378,575  
  490    

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

           5.625%          5/01/27          BB–          499,188  
  400    

EQM Midstream Partners LP, 144A

           6.500%          7/01/27          BB          448,000  
  200    

Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co, 144A

           5.750%          2/01/29          BB          206,144  
  175    

Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co, 144A

           6.000%          2/01/31          BB          180,688  
  718    

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

           6.375%          6/01/28          BBB          725,685  

 

18


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)                                            
$ 500    

Laredo Petroleum Inc

           9.500%          1/15/25          B        $ 510,000  
  750    

Medco Laurel Tree Pte Ltd, 144A

           6.950%          11/12/28          B+          743,404  
  425    

MEG Energy Corp, 144A

           5.875%          2/01/29          BB–          444,945  
  500    

Murphy Oil Corp

           5.875%          12/01/27          BB+          516,235  
  500    

New Fortress Energy Inc, 144A

           6.500%          9/30/26          BB–          496,250  
  350    

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

           7.500%          2/01/26          BB–          360,955  
  470    

Parkland Corp/Canada, 144A

           4.625%          5/01/30          BB          467,063  
  225    

Petroleos Mexicanos, 144A

           6.700%          2/16/32          BBB          227,250  
  300    

SM Energy Co

           5.625%          6/01/25          B          302,250  
  500    

Southwestern Energy Co

           5.375%          3/15/30          BB          535,740  
  520    

SunCoke Energy Inc, 144A

           4.875%          6/30/29          BB          517,400  
  500    

USA Compression Partners LP / USA Compression Finance Corp

               6.875%          9/01/27          BB–          528,125  
  8,842    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                9,115,236  
      Personal Products – 0.7%                                            
  500    

HFC Prestige Products Inc/HFC Prestige International US LLC, 144A

           4.750%          1/15/29          B+          508,125  
  450    

Natura Cosmeticos SA, 144A

               4.125%          5/03/28          BB          441,563  
  950    

Total Personal Products

                                                949,688  
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.6%                                            
  400    

Bausch Health Cos Inc, 144A

           4.875%          6/01/28          BB          408,000  
  350    

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

               6.125%          4/01/29          B–          343,000  
  750    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                751,000  
      Professional Services – 0.4%                                            
  500    

Dun & Bradstreet Corp, 144A

               5.000%          12/15/29          BB–          511,515  
      Real Estate Management & Development – 1.5%                                            
  750    

Agile Group Holdings Ltd, Reg S, (3)

           5.500%          5/17/26          B+          438,750  
  500    

Hunt Cos Inc, 144A

           5.250%          4/15/29          BB–          492,500  
  300    

Kennedy-Wilson Inc

           5.000%          3/01/31          BB          309,000  
  750    

Logan Group Co Ltd, Reg S

               4.500%          1/13/28          BB          667,687  
  2,300    

Total Real Estate Management & Development

                                                1,907,937  
      Road & Rail – 0.3%                                            
  420    

First Student Bidco Inc / First Transit Parent Inc, 144A

               4.000%          7/31/29          BB+          408,240  
      Software – 0.8%                                            
  250    

Avaya Inc, 144A

           6.125%          9/15/28          BB          265,000  
  800    

Rocket Software Inc, 144A

               6.500%          2/15/29          CCC          780,480  
  1,050    

Total Software

                                                1,045,480  
      Specialty Retail – 2.1%                                            
  445    

Albion Financing 1 SARL / Aggreko Holdings Inc, 144A

           6.125%          10/15/26          BB+          449,450  
  500    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

           5.375%          4/01/26          B–          482,500  

 

19


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Specialty Retail (continued)                                            
$ 250    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

           5.875%          4/01/29          B–        $ 240,000  
  500    

LCM Investments Holdings II LLC, 144A

           4.875%          5/01/29          BB–          513,840  
  225    

Michaels Cos Inc, 144A

           5.250%          5/01/28          Ba3          225,099  
  250    

Michaels Cos Inc, 144A

           7.875%          5/01/29          B3          246,250  
  500    

Staples Inc, 144A

               7.500%          4/15/26          B          513,750  
  2,670    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                2,670,889  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.2%                                    
  300    

NCR Corp, 144A

               5.125%          4/15/29          N/R          310,560  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.2%                                            
  300    

Air Lease Corp, (3)

               4.650%          N/A (9)          BB+          310,875  
$ 61,343    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $60,665,474)

                                                58,264,543  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 21.1%                                            
$ 1,250    

Affirm Asset Securitization Trust 2021-A, 144A

           5.650%          8/15/25          N/R        $ 1,263,682  
  250    

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

           6.872%          1/17/32          BB–          246,456  
  1,000    

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

           4.110%          4/15/34          BB–          998,047  
  1,000    

Benchmark 2020-B18 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.139%          7/15/53          B–          993,784  
  2    

Carvana Auto Receivables Trust, 144A

           1.000%          5/10/28          N/R          1,229,100  
  500    

CIFC Funding 2020-I Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.250% spread), (4)

           6.374%          7/15/36          Ba3          497,155  
  1,000    

COMM 2014-CCRE19 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.703%          8/10/47          BBB–          981,051  
  1,000    

COMM 2014-UBS3 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.767%          6/10/47          N/R          973,013  
  500    

COMM 2015-CCRE22 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.000%          3/10/48          BB–          444,333  
  485    

COMM 2015-CCRE25 Mortgage Trust

           3.780%          8/10/48          BB          450,793  
  2,000    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2021-R01, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 6.000% spread), (4)

           6.050%          10/25/41          N/R          2,044,975  
  492    

Farmer Mac Agricultural Real Estate Trust 1992-A, 144A

           3.249%          1/25/51          N/R          435,548  
  1,000    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2021-DNA6, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 7.500% spread), (4)

           7.550%          10/25/41          N/R          1,037,415  
  500    

GoldenTree Loan Opportunities IX Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.660% spread), (4)

           5.789%          10/29/29          BB–          482,698  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2017-SLP, 144A

           4.591%          10/10/32          B          993,607  
  592    

HIN Timeshare Trust 2020-A, 144A

           6.500%          10/09/39          B          607,144  
  500    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2020-NNN, 144A

           3.620%          1/16/37          BBB–          496,001  
  800    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C22

           4.553%          9/15/47          BBB          777,734  
  500    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2015-C29

           4.199%          5/15/48          A–          484,618  
  929    

MAPS 2021-1 Trust, 144A

           5.437%          6/15/46          Ba1          917,251  
  1,645    

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2020-1, 144A

           0.000%          4/20/46          N/R          1,447,309  

 

20


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                              
$ 493    

Mosaic Solar Loan Trust 2020-2, 144A

 

     5.420%        8/20/46        N/R      $ 502,614  
  1,403    

Mosaic Solar Loans LLC, 144A

 

     0.000%        9/20/40        N/R        926,376  
  1,000    

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

 

     8.414%        4/15/34        B–        961,232  
  500    

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

 

     7.124%        1/19/33        BB–        500,442  
  1,000    

Oportun Funding XIV LLC, 144A

 

     5.400%        3/08/28        N/R        1,006,370  
  675    

Oportun Issuance Trust 2021-C, 144A

 

     5.570%        10/08/31        N/R        670,837  
  250    

Purchasing Power Funding 2021-A LLC, 144A

 

     4.370%        10/15/25        N/R        250,176  
  1,000    

Regional Management Issuance Trust 2021-1, 144A

 

     5.070%        3/17/31        BB–        1,006,153  
  750    

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

 

     9.002%        4/20/34        B–        736,316  
  917    

Vivint Solar Financing V LLC, 144A

 

     7.370%        4/30/48        N/R        958,880  
  1,000    

VNDO Trust 2016-350P, 144A

          3.903%        1/10/35        BB–        954,735  
  1,082    

VR Funding LLC, 144A

 

     6.420%        11/15/50        N/R        1,082,371  
$ 27,015    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $27,050,603)

 

                                27,358,216  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (6)      Reference
Rate (6)
     Spread (6)      Maturity (7)      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 10.6% (6)

 

        
      Auto Components – 0.4%                                         
$ 497    

Truck Hero, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        2/24/28        B2      $ 495,577  
      Beverages – 0.4%                                         
  499    

City Brewing Company, LLC, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        4/05/28        B+        475,266  
      Capital Markets – 0.7%                                         
  915    

Astra Acquisition Corp., Term Loan, First Lien, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        BB–        900,515  
      Chemicals – 0.1%                                         
  175    

Diamond (BC) B.V., Term Loan B

    3.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.000%        9/29/28        Ba3        174,685  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.5%                       
  218    

Gopher Resource, LLC, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.250%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        1/28/25        B        205,168  
  266    

Spin Holdco Inc., Term Loan

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        3/04/28        B–        266,661  
  198    

TMK Hawk Parent Corp., Term Loan, First Lien

    3.604%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        8/30/24        CC        162,636  
  682    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

 

                       634,465  
      Construction & Engineering – 0.4%                       
  499    

Aegion Corporation, Term Loan

    5.500%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        5/17/28        B        501,658  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.1%                       
  149    

eResearchTechnology, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    5.500%        1-Month LIBOR        4.500%        2/04/27        B2        149,560  
  2    

Onex TSG Intermediate Corp., Term Loan B

    5.500%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        2/26/28        B        2,496  
  151    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

 

                       152,056  

 

21


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (6)      Reference
Rate (6)
     Spread (6)      Maturity (7)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.9%                       
$ 992    

ClubCorp Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B

    2.970%        3-Month LIBOR        2.750%        9/18/24        B–      $ 957,639  
  241    

Life Time Fitness Inc , Term Loan B

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        12/15/24        B        242,531  
  1,233    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                 1,200,170  
      Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 0.4%                       
  471    

CNT Holdings I Corp, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        11/08/27        B        472,321  
      IT Services – 1.4%                                         
  497    

Ahead DB Holdings, LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        10/16/27        B+        498,901  
  499    

Magenta Buyer LLC, Term Loan, First Lien

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        7/27/28        BB–        498,204  
  858    

Syniverse Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    6.000%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        3/09/23        CCC+        854,105  
  1,854    

Total IT Services

                                                 1,851,210  
      Media – 0.6%                                         
  684    

DirecTV Financing, LLC, Term Loan

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        8/02/27        BBB–        685,762  
  125    

Radiate Holdco, LLC, Term Loan, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        B1        124,740  
  809    

Total Media

                                                 810,502  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.6%                       
  761    

Sylvamo Corporation, Term Loan B

    5.000%        1-Month LIBOR        4.500%        9/13/28        BB+        766,008  
      Pharmaceuticals – 1.5%                                         
  390    

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

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        3/25/28        B–        379,708  
  297    

Gainwell Acquisition Corp., Term Loan B

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        10/01/27        BB–        298,151  
  746    

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

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        5/05/28        BB+        749,936  
  482    

Organon & Co, Term Loan

    3.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.000%        6/02/28        BB        483,238  
  1,915    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                 1,911,033  
      Professional Services – 0.6%                       
  342    

Da Vinci Purchaser Corp., Term Loan

    5.000%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        11/26/26        B        342,736  
  500    

EAB Global, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    4.000%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        8/16/28        B2        497,917  
  842    

Total Professional Services

                                                 840,653  
      Software – 1.1%                                         
  349    

Apttus Corporation, Term Loan

    5.000%        3-Month LIBOR        4.250%        5/06/28        BB        350,434  
  498    

Finastra USA, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        6/13/24        BB–        497,070  
  571    

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

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        10/07/27        B        571,187  
  1,418    

Total Software

                                                 1,418,691  
      Specialty Retail – 0.5%                                         
  215    

PECF USS Intermediate Holding III Corp, Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        B2        215,500  
  424    

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        2/12/28        BB–        425,131  
  639    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                 640,631  

 

22


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (6)      Reference
Rate (6)
     Spread (6)      Maturity (7)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.4%                       
$ 498    

GOGO Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        4/30/28        B      $ 498,077  
$ 13,858    

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $13,583,237)

 

                       13,743,518  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

SOVEREIGN DEBT – 2.8%

                
      Barbados – 0.2%                                         
$ 250    

Barbados Government International Bond, 144A

                      6.500%        10/01/29        B–      $ 249,375  
      Dominican Republic – 0.5%                                         
  600    

Dominican Republic International Bond, 144A

                      4.875%        9/23/32        BB–        609,750  
      El Salvador – 0.3%                                         
  750    

El Salvador Government International Bond, 144A

                      6.375%        1/18/27        B–        453,758  
      Guatemala – 0.2%                                         
  200    

Guatemala Government Bond, 144A

                      4.650%        10/07/41        BB–        199,750  
      Mongolia – 0.5%                                         
  750    

Mongolia Government International Bond, 144A

                      3.500%        7/07/27        B        705,895  
      Morocco – 0.5%                                         
  750    

Morocco Government International Bond, 144A

                      3.000%        12/15/32        BB+        714,780  
      Uzbekistan – 0.6%                                         
  750    

Republic of Uzbekistan International Bond, 144A

                      3.700%        11/25/30        BB–        719,250  
$ 4,050    

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $3,970,894)

 

                       3,652,558  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 2.5% (8)

 

        
      Banks – 2.0%                                         
$ 200    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA, (3)

          6.500%        N/A (9)        Ba2      $ 212,250  
  500    

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA/Grand Cayman, 144A

          5.875%        N/A (9)        Ba2        498,125  
  200    

Banco Santander SA

          4.750%        N/A (9)        Ba1        199,858  
  250    

Barclays PLC

          4.375%        N/A (9)        BBB–        244,875  
  300    

Danske Bank A/S, Reg S

          4.375%        N/A (9)        BBB–        299,250  
  300    

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 144A

          7.700%        N/A (9)        BB–        336,000  
  300    

Macquarie Bank Ltd/London, 144A

          6.125%        N/A (9)        BB+        320,124  
  300    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

          4.750%        N/A (9)        BB+        304,623  
  200    

UniCredit SpA, Reg S

                      8.000%        N/A (9)        BB–        219,000  
  2,550    

Total Banks

                                                 2,634,105  

 

23


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                  Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Capital Markets – 0.5%                                        
$ 550    

Deutsche Bank AG

                     6.000%        N/A (9)        BB–      $ 571,313  
$ 3,100    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $3,106,885)

                                                3,205,418  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                  Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 1.2%

               
      Automobiles – 0.1%                                        
$ 150    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

                     5.700%        N/A (9)        BB+      $ 171,000  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.0%                                        
  38    

Sanjel Corporation, 144A, (5), (10)

                     7.500%        N/A (9)        N/R         
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.2%                
  310    

Vistra Corp, 144A

                     7.000%        N/A (9)        BB–        313,996  
      Insurance – 0.4%                                        
  200    

Assurant Inc

         7.000%        3/27/48        BB+        227,750  
  275    

Enstar Finance LLC

                     5.750%        9/01/40        BB+        282,241  
  475    

Total Insurance

                                                509,991  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.3%                                        
  350    

Energy Transfer LP

                     6.500%        N/A (9)        BB        356,125  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.2%                                        
  250    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

                     6.500%        6/15/45        BB+        270,000  
$ 1,573    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $1,505,601)

 

                       1,621,112  
Shares     Description (1)                  Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 0.4%  

               
      Banks – 0.2%                                        
  8,938    

Wintrust Financial Corp

                     6.875%                 BB      $ 244,097  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.2%                                        
  9,954    

NuStar Energy LP, (3)

                     6.969%                 B2        251,836  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $423,964)

                                                495,933  
Shares     Description (1)                                          Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS – 0.0%

               
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.0%                                        
  6    

Golden Close Maritime Corp Ltd, (5), (11)

                                              $  
      Road & Rail – 0.0%                                        
  8,907    

Jack Cooper Enterprises Inc, (5), (11)

                                                89  
 

Total Common Stocks (cost $51)

 

                       89  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $110,306,709)

 

                       108,341,387  

 

24


 

 

    
Shares
    Description (1)                  Coupon                      Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 2.5%

 

      MONEY MARKET FUNDS – 2.5%                                        
  3,288,358    

State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, (12)

                     0.030% (13)                        $ 3,288,358  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $3,288,358)

 

     3,288,358  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                  Coupon      Maturity              Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 14.0%

               
 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 14.0%

               
$ 18,194    

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 12/31/21, repurchase price $18,194,063, collateralized by $16,070,600, U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note, 0.125%, due 4/15/22, value $18,558,005

                     0.000%        1/03/22               $ 18,194,063  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $18,194,063)

                                                18,194,063  
 

Total Investments (cost $131,789,130) – 100.0%

                                                129,823,808  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (0.0)% (14)

                                                (21,090)  
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                              $ 129,802,718  

Investments in Derivatives

Credit Default Swaps – OTC Cleared

 

Referenced Entity   

Buy/Sell

Protection (15)

    

Notional

Amount

    

Fixed Rate

(Annualized)

    

Fixed Rate

Payment

Frequency

    

Maturity

Date

    

Premiums

Paid

(Received)

     Value     

Unrealized

Appreciation
(Depreciation)

    

Variation

Margin

Receivable

(Payable)

 

CDX.NA.HY.37

     Sell      $ 5,000,000        5.000      Quarterly        12/20/26      $  456,079      $  468,160      $  12,081      $   —  

 

25


Nuveen Credit Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

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

 

(1)

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

 

(2)

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

 

(3)

Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $3,159,747.

 

(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)

Contingent Capital Securities (“CoCos”) are hybrid securities with loss absorption characteristics built into the terms of the security for the benefit of the issuer. For example, the terms may specify an automatic write-down of principal or a mandatory conversion into the issuer’s common stock under certain adverse circumstances, such as the issuer’s capital ratio falling below a specified level.

 

(9)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(10)

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

 

(11)

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

 

(12)

The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the market value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker dealers, banks, and other institutions. The collateral maintained by the Fund shall have a market value, at the inception of each loan, equal to not less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund.

 

(13)

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

 

(14)

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.

 

(15)

The Fund entered into the credit default swap to gain investment exposure to the referenced entity. Selling protection has a similar credit risk position to owning the referenced entity. Buying protection has a similar credit risk position to selling the referenced entity short.

 

144A

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

 

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.

 

26


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

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

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS – 98.1%

                       
 

CORPORATE BONDS – 38.2%

                       
      Aerospace & Defense – 0.9%                                                
$ 2,525    

Boeing Co

           2.196%          2/04/26          Baa2        $ 2,524,398  
  775    

Boeing Co

           3.625%          2/01/31          Baa2          826,448  
  570    

Boeing Co

           3.250%          2/01/35          Baa2          574,358  
  1,040    

Boeing Co

           5.705%          5/01/40          Baa2          1,335,784  
  850    

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV, 144A

           6.950%          1/17/28          BB+          938,400  
  1,200    

Raytheon Technologies Corp

                       1.900%          9/01/31          A–          1,157,830  
  6,960    

Total Aerospace & Defense

                                                        7,357,218  
      Airlines – 0.6%                                                
  762    

American Airlines 2016-1 Class AA Pass Through Trust

           3.575%          1/15/28          A–          773,616  
  1,350    

American Airlines 2021-1 Class A Pass Through Trust

           2.875%          7/11/34          A          1,337,148  
  430    

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

           4.250%          11/15/32          A+          458,148  
  405    

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

           8.375%          11/15/28          BBB          464,855  
  2,123    

United Airlines 2020-1 Class A Pass Through Trust

                       5.875%          10/15/27          A          2,325,208  
  5,070    

Total Airlines

                                                        5,358,975  
      Auto Components – 0.2%                                                
  600    

Adient Global Holdings Ltd, 144A

           4.875%          8/15/26          B          612,000  
  500    

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, 144A

           5.000%          7/15/29          BB–          537,100  
  960    

PECF USS Intermediate Holding III Corp, 144A

                       8.000%          11/15/29          CCC          994,080  
  2,060    

Total Auto Components

                                                        2,143,180  
      Automobiles – 0.4%                                                
  3,095    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

                       3.600%          6/21/30          BBB          3,300,756  
      Banks – 5.9%                                                
  1,200    

Access Bank PLC, 144A

           6.125%          9/21/26          B2          1,194,000  
  375    

African Export-Import Bank, 144A

           2.634%          5/17/26          Baa1          376,028  
  1,450    

Akbank TAS, 144A

           6.800%          2/06/26          B+          1,396,147  
  1,100    

Banco de Credito del Peru, 144A

           3.250%          9/30/31          BBB          1,086,261  
  1,675    

Banco de Credito e Inversiones SA, 144A

           2.875%          10/14/31          A2          1,649,875  
  955    

Banco do Brasil SA/Cayman, 144A

           3.250%          9/30/26          Ba2          929,559  
  1,050    

Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior SNC/Cayman Islands, 144A

           2.720%          8/11/31          Baa3          1,036,886  
  2,035    

Banco Santander SA

           3.800%          2/23/28          A–          2,205,915  
  425    

Bancolombia SA

           3.000%          1/29/25          Baa2          426,591  
  1,300    

Bangkok Bank PCL/Hong Kong, 144A

           3.466%          9/23/36          Baa3          1,300,476  
  1,450    

Banistmo SA, 144A

           4.250%          7/31/27          Baa3          1,475,390  

 

27


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Banks (continued)                                                
$ 1,060    

Bank of America Corp

           3.559%          4/23/27          AA–        $ 1,133,513  
  455    

Bank of America Corp

           3.248%          10/21/27          AA–          484,303  
  3,025    

Bank of America Corp

           1.898%          7/23/31          AA–          2,895,153  
  1,660    

Bank of America Corp

           1.922%          10/24/31          AA–          1,589,379  
  850    

Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement, 144A

           5.000%          7/27/27          Baa1          936,853  
  2,065    

Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement, 144A

           4.700%          10/22/31          Baa1          2,247,050  
  2,565    

Barclays PLC

           3.650%          3/16/25          A          2,709,163  
  1,810    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

           4.375%          5/12/26          A–          1,968,328  
  750    

Caelus Re VI Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.380% spread), (3)

           5.408%          6/07/23          N/R          770,175  
  700    

Citigroup Inc

           4.300%          11/20/26          BBB+          774,533  
  1,980    

Citigroup Inc

           2.666%          1/29/31          A          2,009,969  
  720    

Citigroup Inc

           2.572%          6/03/31          A          726,227  
  1,675    

Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, 144A

           2.950%          5/06/31          Baa2          1,663,275  
  1,375    

Grupo Aval Ltd, 144A

           4.375%          2/04/30          BB+          1,318,281  
  840    

HSBC Holdings PLC

           2.099%          6/04/26          A+          845,444  
  1,900    

ING Groep NV

           3.950%          3/29/27          A+          2,076,718  
  495    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

           3.702%          5/06/30          AA–          540,962  
  2,400    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

           2.956%          5/13/31          A          2,484,897  
  750    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

           1.953%          2/04/32          AA–          722,372  
  1,505    

NatWest Group PLC

           3.032%          11/28/35          BBB+          1,484,967  
  400    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

           2.889%          6/09/32          A–          399,007  
  1,000    

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS, 144A

           6.125%          5/24/27          B          980,000  
  1,525    

Turkiye Vakiflar Bankasi TAO, 144A

           5.500%          10/01/26          B+          1,354,834  
  3,500    

Wells Fargo & Co

           3.900%          N/A (7)          Baa2          3,596,250  
  1,380    

Zions Bancorp NA

                       3.250%          10/29/29          BBB          1,426,693  
  49,400    

Total Banks

                                                        50,215,474  
      Beverages – 1.0%                                                
  1,200    

Anadolu Efes Biracilik Ve Malt Sanayii AS, 144A, (4)

           3.375%          6/29/28          BBB–          1,163,640  
  1,410    

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

           4.900%          2/01/46          BBB+          1,782,148  
  750    

Becle SAB de CV, 144A

           2.500%          10/14/31          BBB+          737,955  
  1,750    

Constellation Brands Inc

           2.875%          5/01/30          BBB          1,795,935  
  1,125    

Primo Water Holdings Inc, 144A

           4.375%          4/30/29          B1          1,113,750  
  1,775    

Triton Water Holdings Inc, 144A

                       6.250%          4/01/29          CCC+          1,702,402  
  8,010    

Total Beverages

                                                        8,295,830  
      Biotechnology – 0.2%                                                
  1,325    

AbbVie Inc

                       3.200%          11/21/29          BBB+          1,416,680  
      Building Products – 0.2%                                                
  1,125    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

           5.125%          N/A (7)          B+          1,164,375  

 

28


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Building Products (continued)                                                
$ 845    

SRS Distribution Inc, 144A

                       6.000%          12/01/29          CCC        $ 849,225  
  1,970    

Total Building Products

                                                        2,013,600  
      Capital Markets – 1.2%                                                
  2,000    

Banco BTG Pactual SA/Cayman Islands, 144A

           2.750%          1/11/26          Ba2          1,897,520  
  2,000    

Charles Schwab Corp

           4.000%          N/A (7)          BBB          2,040,000  
  350    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

           3.091%          5/14/32          A–          356,143  
  1,750    

ENN Clean Energy International Investment Ltd, 144A

           3.375%          5/12/26          BBB–          1,739,730  
  2,000    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

           1.992%          1/27/32          A2          1,917,554  
  1,720    

Morgan Stanley

           3.950%          4/23/27          Baa1          1,893,514  
  425    

Morgan Stanley

                       1.928%          4/28/32          A1          406,094  
  10,245    

Total Capital Markets

                                                        10,250,555  
      Chemicals – 1.4%                                                
  1,700    

Alpek SAB de CV, 144A

           4.250%          9/18/29          BBB–          1,808,375  
  1,000    

Equate Petrochemical BV, 144A

           2.625%          4/28/28          BBB          1,001,250  
  950    

EverArc Escrow Sarl, 144A

           0.000%          10/30/29          B+          950,703  
  1,700    

LG Chem Ltd, 144A

           1.375%          7/07/26          BBB+          1,662,498  
  1,025    

OCP SA, 144A, (4)

           3.750%          6/23/31          BB+          994,660  
  980    

Olympus Water US Holding Corp, 144A

           4.250%          10/01/28          B2          974,492  
  2,325    

Orbia Advance Corp SAB de CV, 144A

           1.875%          5/11/26          BBB          2,291,032  
  1,225    

Sasol Financing USA LLC

           4.375%          9/18/26          BB          1,232,656  
  790    

Tronox Inc, 144A

           4.625%          3/15/29          B          789,013  
  350    

Unifrax Escrow Issuer Corp, 144A

                       7.500%          9/30/29          CCC+          353,500  
  12,045    

Total Chemicals

                                                        12,058,179  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.8%                                                
  1,670    

ADT Security Corp, 144A

           4.875%          7/15/32          BB–          1,705,062  
  2,000    

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

           4.625%          6/01/28          B          1,998,760  
  1,000    

LABL Inc, 144A

           5.875%          11/01/28          B2          1,030,625  
  500    

Pitney Bowes Inc, 144A

           6.875%          3/15/27          N/R          519,250  
  750    

Pitney Bowes Inc, 144A, (4)

           7.250%          3/15/29          BB          770,625  
  375    

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

                       6.250%          1/15/28          B–          390,937  
  6,295    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                                        6,415,259  
      Communications Equipment – 1.2%                                                
  2,350    

AT&T Inc

           3.300%          2/01/52          BBB+          2,301,328  
  650    

Gray Television Inc, 144A

           4.750%          10/15/30          BB–          645,937  
  1,000    

Network i2i Ltd, 144A, (4)

           3.975%          N/A (7)          BB          1,002,500  
  1,010    

T-Mobile USA Inc

           3.875%          4/15/30          BBB–          1,104,691  
  1,850    

T-Mobile USA Inc

           2.250%          11/15/31          BBB–          1,795,075  
  3,585    

Vodafone Group PLC

                       4.125%          6/04/81          BB+          3,549,007  
  10,445    

Total Communications Equipment

                                                        10,398,538  

 

29


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Construction Materials – 0.5%                                                
$ 450    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

           7.375%          6/05/27          BB        $ 495,455  
  600    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

           5.450%          11/19/29          BB          642,750  
  1,000    

Cemex SAB de CV, 144A

           3.875%          7/11/31          BB          996,330  
  750    

Gates Global LLC / Gates Corp, 144A

           6.250%          1/15/26          B          774,375  
  1,250    

UltraTech Cement Ltd, 144A

                       2.800%          2/16/31          Baa3          1,206,853  
  4,050    

Total Construction Materials

                                                        4,115,763  
      Consumer Finance – 0.1%                                                
  425    

OneMain Finance Corp

                       5.375%          11/15/29          Ba2          462,100  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.3%                                                
  1,810    

Amcor Flexibles North America Inc

           2.690%          5/25/31          BBB          1,834,486  
  850    

Berry Global Inc

                       1.570%          1/15/26          BBB–          831,742  
  2,660    

Total Containers & Packaging

                                                        2,666,228  
      Diversified Financial Services – 1.0%                                                
  1,450    

DAE Funding LLC, 144A

           3.375%          3/20/28          Baa3          1,464,500  
  1,434    

GE Capital International Funding Co Unlimited Co

           4.418%          11/15/35          BBB+          1,711,279  
  425    

Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp

           7.750%          2/01/28          B          428,188  
  1,075    

Indian Railway Finance Corp Ltd, 144A

           3.249%          2/13/30          BBB–          1,090,075  
  1,095    

OneMain Finance Corp

           3.500%          1/15/27          Ba2          1,082,681  
  250    

Putnam RE PTE Ltd, 144A, (1-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.500% spread), (3)

           5.528%          6/07/24          N/R          255,175  
  300    

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

           3.528%          4/07/25          N/R          301,950  
  250    

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

           5.528%          4/07/22          N/R          200,000  
  1,000    

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

           3.296%          4/07/25          N/R          997,900  
  500    

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

           3.278%          12/28/22          N/R          502,500  
  500    

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

                       3.778%          12/07/23          N/R          511,100  
  8,279    

Total Diversified Financial Services

                                                        8,545,348  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.2%                                                
  775    

Altice France SA/France, 144A

           5.125%          7/15/29          B          755,974  
  1,500    

AT&T Inc

           4.350%          3/01/29          BBB+          1,684,914  
  580    

AT&T Inc

           3.500%          6/01/41          BBB+          596,091  
  472    

AT&T Inc

           3.800%          12/01/57          BBB+          491,381  
  770    

Iliad Holding SASU, 144A

           6.500%          10/15/26          BB–          809,062  
  2,875    

Verizon Communications Inc

           1.750%          1/20/31          A–          2,721,057  
  800    

Verizon Communications Inc

           2.550%          3/21/31          A–          807,130  
  1,000    

Verizon Communications Inc

           2.875%          11/20/50          A–          948,887  
  995    

Vmed O2 UK Financing I PLC, 144A

                       4.750%          7/15/31          BB+          1,007,438  
  9,767    

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

                                                        9,821,934  

 

30


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Electric Utilities – 1.8%                                                
$ 1,375    

AES Andres BV, 144A

           5.700%          5/04/28          BB–        $ 1,399,062  
  925    

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co

           3.700%          7/15/30          A–          1,021,545  
  2,000    

Edison International

           5.375%          N/A (7)          BB+          2,095,200  
  800    

Empresas Publicas de Medellin ESP, 144A

           4.375%          2/15/31          Baa3          752,008  
  950    

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, 144A

           6.350%          8/10/28          Ba2          1,023,625  
  430    

Eversource Energy

           1.650%          8/15/30          BBB+          402,035  
  1,300    

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings Inc

           1.900%          6/15/28          A–          1,286,295  
  250    

NPC Ukrenergo, 144A

           6.875%          11/09/26          B          218,163  
  2,000    

Oglethorpe Power Corp

           4.200%          12/01/42          BBB+          2,139,827  
  1,330    

PacifiCorp

           2.900%          6/15/52          A+          1,305,137  
  1,500    

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

           4.500%          7/14/28          Ba3          1,504,515  
  1,475    

Southern California Edison Co

           4.000%          4/01/47          A–          1,626,355  
  500    

TerraForm Power Operating LLC, 144A

                       4.750%          1/15/30          BB–          524,182  
  14,835    

Total Electric Utilities

                                                        15,297,949  
      Electrical Equipment – 0.1%                                                
  785    

Vertiv Group Corp, 144A

                       4.125%          11/15/28          BB–          792,850  
      Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.2%           
  295    

II-VI Inc, 144A

           5.000%          12/15/29          BB          301,260  
  1,150    

Imola Merger Corp, 144A

                       4.750%          5/15/29          BB+          1,179,957  
  1,445    

Total Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

 

       1,481,217  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.4%                                                
  1,100    

Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp, 144A

           6.875%          4/01/27          B+          1,155,000  
  550    

Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp, 144A

           6.250%          4/01/28          B+          573,496  
  1,700    

Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd, 144A

                       2.625%          3/31/36          Aa2          1,660,887  
  3,350    

Total Energy Equipment & Services

                                                        3,389,383  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trust – 1.4%                                                
  640    

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP

           2.250%          4/01/28          BBB–          636,593  
  295    

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP

           2.500%          8/16/31          BBB–          288,683  
  1,140    

Essential Properties LP

           2.950%          7/15/31          BBB–          1,122,968  
  975    

Essex Portfolio LP

           2.650%          3/15/32          BBB+          978,092  
  895    

GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II Inc

           4.000%          1/15/30          BBB–          946,951  
  520    

GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II Inc

           3.250%          1/15/32          BBB–          522,803  
  495    

Healthcare Realty Trust Inc

           2.400%          3/15/30          BBB+          492,578  
  1,636    

Kite Realty Group Trust

           4.750%          9/15/30          BBB          1,809,617  
  885    

Regency Centers LP

           2.950%          9/15/29          BBB+          918,280  
  240    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

           2.836%          1/15/25          A2          246,221  
  270    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

           1.884%          1/15/26          A2          269,601  
  500    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

           1.631%          11/15/26          A2          491,938  

 

31


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Equity Real Estate Investment Trust (continued)                                                
$ 3,400    

SBA Tower Trust, 144A

                       1.840%          4/15/27          A2        $ 3,375,448  
  11,891    

Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trust

                                                        12,099,773  
      Food Products – 0.6%                                                
  1,600    

Amaggi Luxembourg International Sarl, 144A, (4)

           5.250%          1/28/28          BB          1,616,016  
  1,750    

BRF SA, 144A

           4.875%          1/24/30          Ba2          1,772,330  
  600    

NBM US Holdings Inc, 144A

           6.625%          8/06/29          BB          656,256  
  1,075    

Ulker Biskuvi Sanayi AS, 144A

                       6.950%          10/30/25          B+          1,011,575  
  5,025    

Total Food Products

                                                        5,056,177  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.5%                                                
  950    

CHS/Community Health Systems Inc, 144A

           6.875%          4/15/29          CCC          967,812  
  575    

LifePoint Health Inc, 144A

           5.375%          1/15/29          CCC+          572,125  
  750    

Team Health Holdings Inc, 144A, (4)

           6.375%          2/01/25          CCC          705,938  
  1,840    

Tenet Healthcare Corp, 144A

                       4.375%          1/15/30          B+          1,864,040  
  4,115    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                        4,109,915  
      Health Care Technology – 0.1%                                                
  750    

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 144A

                       5.500%          9/01/28          Ba3          760,313  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 1.0%                                                
  1,490    

Cinemark USA Inc, 144A

           5.250%          7/15/28          B          1,452,750  
  1,500    

Genm Capital Labuan Ltd, 144A

           3.882%          4/19/31          BBB          1,462,409  
  600    

Life Time Inc, 144A

           5.750%          1/15/26          B          621,000  
  965    

Marriott Ownership Resorts Inc, 144A

           4.500%          6/15/29          B1          971,292  
  325    

Melco Resorts Finance Ltd, 144A

           5.750%          7/21/28          BB–          326,788  
  1,200    

MGM China Holdings Ltd, 144A

           4.750%          2/01/27          Ba3          1,188,624  
  1,135    

Sands China Ltd, 144A

           3.250%          8/08/31          Baa2          1,066,401  
  1,500    

Wynn Macau Ltd, 144A

                       5.625%          8/26/28          B+          1,388,977  
  8,715    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                        8,478,241  
      Household Durables – 0.2%                                                
  1,400    

WASH Multifamily Acquisition Inc, 144A

                       5.750%          4/15/26          B–          1,471,330  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.8%           
  1,200    

Alfa Desarrollo SpA, 144A

           4.550%          9/27/51          BBB–          1,184,400  
  1,000    

Azure Power Solar Energy Pvt Ltd, 144A

           5.650%          12/24/24          Ba1          1,049,100  
  1,050    

Colbun SA, 144A

           3.150%          1/19/32          BBB+          1,038,975  
  1,500    

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

           5.375%          12/30/30          BBB–          1,368,750  
  1,450    

India Green Energy Holdings, 144A

           5.375%          4/29/24          Ba3          1,492,699  
  654    

UEP Penonome II SA, 144A

                       6.500%          10/01/38          BB          684,362  
  6,854    

Total Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers

 

       6,818,286  
      Industrial Conglomerates – 0.1%                                                
  1,275    

Roper Technologies Inc

                       1.750%          2/15/31          BBB+          1,197,228  

 

32


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Insurance – 0.7%                                                
$ 1,110    

Aon Corp / Aon Global Holdings PLC

           2.600%          12/02/31          A–        $ 1,129,305  
  500    

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

           4.778%          12/23/24          N/R          506,150  
  820    

BroadStreet Partners Inc, 144A

           5.875%          4/15/29          CCC+          805,650  
  500    

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

           6.028%          4/07/25          N/R          509,600  
  250    

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

           4.040%          5/02/24          N/R          245,975  
  1,395    

Prudential Financial Inc

           3.700%          10/01/50          BBB+          1,411,165  
  550    

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

           6.510%          12/06/24          N/R          563,200  
  250    

Sutter Re Ltd, 144A, (3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill reference rate + 5.040% spread), (3)

           5.000%          6/06/22          N/R          251,750  
  500    

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

                       2.278%          1/07/25          BBB+          498,550  
  5,875    

Total Insurance

                                                        5,921,345  
      Interactive Media & Services – 0.3%                                                
  1,100    

Arches Buyer Inc, 144A

           4.250%          6/01/28          B1          1,099,428  
  535    

Baidu Inc

           1.625%          2/23/27          A          520,508  
  725    

Prosus NV, 144A

           3.680%          1/21/30          BBB          746,141  
  200    

Tencent Holdings Ltd, Reg S

                       2.985%          1/19/23          A+          203,296  
  2,560    

Total Interactive Media & Services

                                                        2,569,373  
      Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 0.0%                                                
  200    

Prosus NV, 144A, (4)

                       4.850%          7/06/27          BBB          223,216  
      IT Services – 0.8%                                                
  2,075    

Ahead DB Holdings LLC, 144A

           6.625%          5/01/28          CCC+          2,059,438  
  2,000    

Austin BidCo Inc, 144A

           7.125%          12/15/28          CCC+          2,065,000  
  2,640    

Presidio Holdings Inc, 144A

                       8.250%          2/01/28          CCC+          2,811,600  
  6,715    

Total IT Services

                                                        6,936,038  
      Media – 0.9%                                                
  1,150    

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital

           3.900%          6/01/52          BBB–          1,153,181  
  615    

Comcast Corp

           2.650%          2/01/30          A–          637,814  
  490    

Comcast Corp

           3.969%          11/01/47          A–          564,160  
  450    

Discovery Communications LLC

           4.875%          4/01/43          BBB–          530,280  
  500    

DISH DBS Corp

           7.750%          7/01/26          B–          527,500  
  890    

DISH DBS Corp, 144A

           5.250%          12/01/26          Ba3          904,049  
  225    

DISH DBS Corp

           5.125%          6/01/29          B–          204,750  
  1,500    

Grupo Televisa SAB, (4)

           5.250%          5/24/49          BBB+          1,880,054  
  925    

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC, 144A

           5.125%          7/15/29          BB+          929,625  

 

33


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Media (continued)                                                
$ 625    

TEGNA Inc

                       4.625%          3/15/28          BB        $ 631,744  
  7,370    

Total Media

                                                        7,963,157  
      Metals & Mining – 0.5%                                                
  230    

Allegheny Technologies Inc

           4.875%          10/01/29          B          230,230  
  700    

AngloGold Ashanti Holdings PLC

           3.375%          11/01/28          Baa3          692,992  
  1,675    

AngloGold Ashanti Holdings PLC

           3.750%          10/01/30          Baa3          1,686,691  
  1,500    

First Quantum Minerals Ltd, 144A

           6.500%          3/01/24          B          1,518,750  
  200    

Vale Overseas Ltd

                       6.875%          11/21/36          BBB          265,752  
  4,305    

Total Metals & Mining

                                                        4,394,415  
      Multiline Retail – 0.2%                                                
  1,450    

JSM Global Sarl, 144A

                       4.750%          10/20/30          Ba1          1,335,827  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 6.2%                                                
  900    

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

           7.875%          5/15/26          BB          991,836  
  500    

Cenovus Energy Inc

           2.650%          1/15/32          BBB–          489,186  
  1,600    

Cosan SA, 144A

           5.500%          9/20/29          BB          1,666,016  
  625    

Diamondback Energy Inc

           3.250%          12/01/26          BBB          659,140  
  455    

Diamondback Energy Inc

           3.125%          3/24/31          BBB          468,946  
  575    

Ecopetrol SA

           6.875%          4/29/30          Baa3          641,850  
  450    

Ecopetrol SA

           4.625%          11/02/31          Baa3          437,490  
  100    

Ecopetrol SA

           5.875%          5/28/45          Baa3          95,626  
  1,000    

Ecopetrol SA

           5.875%          11/02/51          Baa3          936,940  
  900    

Empresa Nacional del Petroleo, 144A

           3.450%          9/16/31          A–          857,259  
  925    

Enbridge Inc

           2.500%          8/01/33          BBB+          907,832  
  326    

Energean Israel Finance Ltd, 144A, Reg S

           4.875%          3/30/26          BB–          323,176  
  826    

Energean Israel Finance Ltd, 144A, Reg S

           5.375%          3/30/28          BB–          813,728  
  1,145    

Energy Transfer LP

           5.000%          5/15/50          BBB–          1,317,549  
  250    

EnLink Midstream LLC

           5.375%          6/01/29          BB+          255,625  
  675    

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP

           5.800%          3/15/35          BBB          846,661  
  675    

Kosmos Energy Ltd, 144A

           7.750%          5/01/27          B+          642,937  
  1,000    

Lukoil Capital DAC, 144A

           2.800%          4/26/27          BBB+          984,730  
  300    

Lukoil International Finance BV, 144A

           4.750%          11/02/26          BBB+          320,484  
  1,300    

Lukoil Securities BV, 144A

           3.875%          5/06/30          BBB+          1,323,790  
  925    

Marathon Petroleum Corp

           5.000%          9/15/54          BBB          1,096,050  
  500    

Medco Laurel Tree Pte Ltd, 144A

           6.950%          11/12/28          B+          495,603  
  1,250    

Medco Oak Tree Pte Ltd, 144A

           7.375%          5/14/26          B1          1,293,750  
  1,500    

MEG Energy Corp, 144A

           5.875%          2/01/29          BB–          1,570,395  
  1,000    

Moss Creek Resources Holdings Inc, 144A

           10.500%          5/15/27          B          1,008,780  
  1,620    

MPLX LP

           4.875%          6/01/25          BBB          1,772,701  
  425    

MPLX LP

           2.650%          8/15/30          BBB          423,058  

 

34


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)                                                
$ 800    

Murphy Oil Corp

           5.875%          12/01/27          BB+        $ 825,976  
  550    

New Fortress Energy Inc, 144A

           6.500%          9/30/26          BB–          545,875  
  850    

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

           7.500%          2/01/26          BB–          876,605  
  1,000    

Occidental Petroleum Corp

           3.500%          8/15/29          BB+          1,027,300  
  2,000    

Occidental Petroleum Corp

           4.300%          8/15/39          BB+          1,994,540  
  1,215    

ONEOK Inc

           3.400%          9/01/29          BBB          1,258,575  
  1,010    

Parkland Corp/Canada, 144A

           4.625%          5/01/30          BB          1,003,687  
  500    

Pertamina Persero PT, 144A

           1.400%          2/09/26          Baa2          484,928  
  1,500    

Pertamina Persero PT, 144A

           2.300%          2/09/31          Baa2          1,430,524  
  173    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

           5.750%          2/01/29          Ba1          186,191  
  593    

Petrobras Global Finance BV, (4)

           5.093%          1/15/30          Ba1          616,762  
  1,000    

Petrobras Global Finance BV

           5.600%          1/03/31          Ba1          1,059,000  
  300    

Petrobras Global Finance BV, (4)

           5.500%          6/10/51          Ba1          278,250  
  200    

Petroleos del Peru SA, 144A

           4.750%          6/19/32          BBB          208,688  
  1,490    

Petroleos Mexicanos, 144A

           6.700%          2/16/32          BBB          1,504,900  
  100    

Petroleos Mexicanos

           6.750%          9/21/47          BBB          88,750  
  559    

Petroleos Mexicanos

           7.690%          1/23/50          BBB          539,435  
  1,200    

Petronas Energy Canada Ltd, 144A

           2.112%          3/23/28          A2          1,200,393  
  505    

Phillips 66

           3.300%          3/15/52          A3          504,442  
  230    

Qatar Energy, 144A

           1.375%          9/12/26          AA–          225,432  
  1,665    

Saka Energi Indonesia PT, 144A

           4.450%          5/05/24          B+          1,615,766  
  890    

Santos Finance Ltd, 144A

           3.649%          4/29/31          BBB          906,184  
  1,750    

Saudi Arabian Oil Co, 144A

           2.250%          11/24/30          A1          1,701,787  
  1,500    

SierraCol Energy Andina LLC, 144A

           6.000%          6/15/28          B1          1,410,000  
  2,000    

SunCoke Energy Inc, 144A

           4.875%          6/30/29          BB          1,990,000  
  1,000    

Thaioil Treasury Center Co Ltd, 144A

           2.500%          6/18/30          BBB          934,280  
  950    

TotalEnergies Capital International SA

           2.986%          6/29/41          A1          962,413  
  1,780    

Transcanada Trust

           5.500%          9/15/79          BBB          1,900,150  
  1,325    

Tullow Oil PLC, 144A

           10.250%          5/15/26          B2          1,338,767  
  975    

USA Compression Partners LP / USA Compression Finance Corp

                       6.875%          9/01/27          BB–          1,029,844  
  51,357    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                        52,290,582  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.2%                                                
  200    

Inversiones CMPC SA, Reg S, (4)

           4.375%          4/04/27          BBB          220,500  
  1,500    

Suzano Austria GmbH

                       3.125%          1/15/32          BBB–          1,451,265  
  1,700    

Total Paper & Forest Products

                                                        1,671,765  
      Personal Products – 0.1%                                                
  675    

Coty Inc, 144A

                       5.000%          4/15/26          B+          695,270  
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.6%                                                
  1,000    

AbbVie Inc

           4.250%          11/21/49          BBB+          1,202,172  

 

35


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Pharmaceuticals (continued)                                                
$ 750    

Endo Dac / Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco Inc, 144A, (4)

           9.500%          7/31/27          Caa2        $ 763,440  
  225    

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

           6.125%          4/01/29          B–          220,500  
  1,475    

Organon & Co, 144A

           5.125%          4/30/31          BB–          1,540,903  
  300    

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV

           2.800%          7/21/23          BBB          301,040  
  990    

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV

                       5.125%          5/09/29          Ba2          970,507  
  4,740    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                        4,998,562  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.4%           
  2,292    

Broadcom Inc, 144A

           3.469%          4/15/34          BBB–          2,398,967  
  1,200    

SK Hynix Inc, 144A

                       1.500%          1/19/26          Baa2          1,173,710  
  3,492    

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

                                                        3,572,677  
      Software – 0.4%                                                
  1,000    

Avaya Inc, 144A

           6.125%          9/15/28          BB          1,060,000  
  600    

Oracle Corp

           2.875%          3/25/31          BBB+          603,822  
  2,000    

Rocket Software Inc, 144A

                       6.500%          2/15/29          CCC          1,951,200  
  3,600    

Total Software

                                                        3,615,022  
      Specialty Retail – 0.9%                                                
  1,825    

Albion Financing 2SARL, 144A

           8.750%          4/15/27          BB–          1,855,112  
  995    

AutoNation Inc

           3.800%          11/15/27          BBB–          1,059,426  
  1,050    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

           5.375%          4/01/26          B–          1,013,250  
  1,125    

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp, 144A

           5.875%          4/01/29          B–          1,080,000  
  1,125    

Michaels Cos Inc, 144A

           5.250%          5/01/28          Ba3          1,125,495  
  1,000    

Michaels Cos Inc, 144A

           7.875%          5/01/29          B3          985,000  
  700    

Staples Inc, 144A

                       7.500%          4/15/26          B          719,250  
  7,820    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                        7,837,533  
      Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.1%           
  1,000    

Diebold Nixdorf Inc, (4)

                       8.500%          4/15/24          Caa1          1,000,000  
      Tobacco – 0.2%                                                
  820    

Altria Group Inc

           4.500%          5/02/43          A3          849,854  
  260    

BAT Capital Corp

           2.259%          3/25/28          BBB+          253,353  
  350    

BAT Capital Corp

           2.726%          3/25/31          BBB+          339,648  
  650    

BAT Capital Corp

                       3.984%          9/25/50          BBB+          624,808  
  2,080    

Total Tobacco

                                                        2,067,663  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.5%                                                
  880    

AerCap Holdings NV

           5.875%          10/10/79          BB+          910,800  
  2,120    

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC / AerCap Global Aviation Trust

           3.300%          1/30/32          BBB          2,159,796  
  750    

Air Lease Corp, (4)

                       4.650%          N/A (7)          BB+          777,188  
  3,750    

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

                                                        3,847,784  

 

36


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Transportation Infrastructure – 0.1%                                                
$ 500    

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd, 144A

           3.100%          2/02/31          BBB–        $ 475,919  
  250    

Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen SA, 144A

                       4.000%          8/11/41          BBB          254,794  
  750    

Total Transportation Infrastructure

                                                        730,713  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.8%                                                
  1,400    

C&W Senior Financing DAC, 144A

           6.875%          9/15/27          BB–          1,456,000  
  975    

Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones SA, 144A

           3.050%          9/14/32          BBB–          957,947  
  1,386    

Millicom International Cellular SA, 144A

           5.125%          1/15/28          BB+          1,435,342  
  1,800    

Telefonica Moviles Chile SA, 144A, (4)

           3.537%          11/18/31          BBB+          1,792,350  
  900    

Vodafone Group PLC

                       4.375%          2/19/43          BBB          1,055,166  
  6,461    

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

                                                        6,696,805  
$ 318,441    

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $322,508,595)

                                                        324,156,026  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 31.4%                                                
$ 651    

AASET 2020-1 Trust, 144A

           4.335%          1/16/40          BBB        $ 463,541  
  600    

ACRE Commercial Mortgage 2021-FL4 Ltd, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.600% spread), (3)

           2.704%          12/18/37          N/R          597,078  
  1,655    

Adams Outdoor Advertising LP, 144A

           4.810%          11/15/48          A          1,706,134  
  2,500    

Alen 2021-ACEN Mortgage Trust, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.000% spread), (3)

           4.110%          4/15/34          BB–          2,495,117  
  2,107    

American Homes 4 Rent 2014-SFR2 Trust, 144A

           3.786%          10/17/36          Aaa          2,185,901  
  741    

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Inc Asset Back Ser 2004-R1, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.600% spread), (3)

           0.706%          2/25/34          A          726,388  
  1,000    

AMSR 2019-SFR1 Trust, 144A

           3.247%          1/19/39          Baa1          1,021,778  
  1,482    

AMSR 2020-SFR1 Trust, 144A

           2.419%          4/17/37          Aa2          1,476,061  
  346    

AMSR 2020-SFR1 Trust, 144A

           2.619%          4/17/37          A2          344,070  
  1,000    

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2019-5, 144A

           3.957%          10/25/49          BB          996,688  
  1,900    

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust 2020-1, 144A

           3.161%          12/25/59          BBB–          1,898,149  
  1,000    

Apidos CLO XXIX, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.550% spread), (3)

           1.674%          7/25/30          AA          1,000,010  
  1,500    

Apollo aviation securitization, 144A

           2.798%          1/15/47          A1          1,488,562  
  1,337    

Applebee’s Funding LLC / IHOP Funding LLC, 144A

           4.194%          6/05/49          BBB          1,351,228  
  707    

Arroyo Mortgage Trust 2019-3, 144A

           3.416%          10/25/48          A          710,105  
  2,100    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, 144A

           4.150%          9/20/23          BBB          2,128,384  
  850    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, 144A

           2.130%          8/20/27          BBB          835,153  
  1,750    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, 144A

           4.080%          2/20/28          Ba2          1,734,944  
  700    

BANK 2017-BNK8

           4.069%          11/15/50          A–          730,269  
  2,500    

BANK 2019-BNK21, 144A

           2.500%          10/17/52          BBB          2,194,115  
  1,250    

BANK 2019-BNK24

           2.929%          11/15/62          AAA          1,318,191  
  115    

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2005-PWR7

           5.214%          2/11/41          BB          114,622  

 

37


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 1,700    

BENCHMARK 2018-B2 Mortgage Trust

           4.197%          2/15/51          A–        $ 1,805,670  
  1,000    

Benchmark 2018-B5 Mortgage Trust

           4.208%          7/15/51          AAA          1,127,135  
  1,500    

Benchmark 2020-B18 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.139%          7/15/53          B–          1,490,677  
  1,000    

Benchmark 2020-IG2 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.791%          9/15/48          Aaa          1,019,697  
  1,000    

Benchmark 2020-IG3 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.536%          9/15/48          N/R          1,026,077  
  1,000    

Bojangles Issuer LLC, 144A

           3.832%          10/20/50          N/R          1,022,388  
  1,335    

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust 2019-XL, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.920% spread), (3)

           1.030%          10/15/36          Aaa          1,335,148  
  1,750    

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust 2021-XL2, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.846% spread), (3)

           1.956%          10/15/38          N/R          1,739,142  
  1,500    

BXP Trust 2021-601L, 144A

           2.775%          1/15/44          Baa3          1,382,497  
  2,100    

Cajun Global LLC, 144A

           3.931%          11/20/51          N/R          2,090,109  
  635    

Capital Automotive Reit, 144A

           1.920%          8/15/51          A+          624,978  
  498    

Cars Net Lease Mortgage Notes Series 2020-1, 144A

           3.100%          12/15/50          A          501,549  
  1,250    

Cars Net Lease Mortgage Notes Series 2020-1, 144A

           4.690%          12/15/50          BBB          1,329,342  
  1,150    

CARS-DB4 LP, 144A

           4.520%          2/15/50          BBB          1,184,959  
  1,775    

Carvana Auto Receivables Trust 2021-N4

           2.300%          9/11/28          BBB          1,774,182  
  762    

Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust 2021-1, 144A

           3.474%          1/15/46          A2          770,294  
  500    

Cayuga Park CLO Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.100% spread), (3)

           3.222%          7/17/34          BBB–          496,526  
  705    

CD 2016-CD1 Mortgage Trust

           3.631%          8/10/49          A–          707,379  
  49    

CF 2020-P1 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.840%          4/15/25          N/R          50,909  
  750    

CF 2020-P1 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           10.010%          4/15/52          N/R          782,910  
  750    

CF 2020-P1 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.603%          4/15/52          N/R          750,409  
  1,381    

CF Hippolyta LLC, 144A

           2.280%          7/15/60          A–          1,379,249  
  690    

CF Hippolyta LLC, 144A

           2.600%          7/15/60          A–          687,844  
  301    

CHL Mortgage Pass-Through Trust 2005-27

           5.500%          12/25/35          N/R          275,973  
  2,000    

CIFC Funding 2020-I Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.000% spread), (3)

           2.124%          7/15/36          A          1,992,186  
  2,125    

CIFC Funding 2020-I Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.100% spread), (3)

           3.224%          7/15/36          BBB–          2,108,378  
  500    

CIFC Funding 2020-I Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.250% spread), (3)

           6.374%          7/15/36          Ba3          497,155  
  385    

CIFC Funding 2020-II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.500% spread), (3)

           6.638%          10/20/34          BB–          382,796  
  1,305    

CIFC Funding 2020-II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.050% spread), (3)

           2.188%          10/20/34          A          1,301,878  
  1,760    

CIFC Funding 2020-II Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.050% spread), (3)

           3.188%          10/20/34          BBB–          1,744,565  
  1,000    

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2014-GC23, 144A

           4.483%          7/10/47          BBB–          999,087  
  2,750    

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-GC29

           3.758%          4/10/48          AA–          2,873,650  
  1,690    

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-GC29

           4.142%          4/10/48          A–          1,751,062  

 

38


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 850    

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2021-PRM2, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.900% spread), (3)

           2.010%          10/15/36          BBB–        $ 848,465  
  216    

CLI Funding VI LLC, 144A

           2.080%          9/18/45          A          215,075  
  2,770    

Cologix Data Centers US Issuer LLC, 144A

           3.300%          12/26/51          N/R          2,782,188  
  400    

COMM 2013-CCRE10 Mortgage Trust

           4.210%          8/10/46          Aaa          415,618  
  1,500    

COMM 2014-CCRE19 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.703%          8/10/47          BBB–          1,471,576  
  750    

COMM 2014-LC17 Mortgage Trust

           4.188%          10/10/47          AAA          793,148  
  1,000    

COMM 2014-LC17 Mortgage Trust

           4.558%          10/10/47          A          1,045,938  
  800    

Comm 2014-UBS2 Mortgage Trust

           4.971%          3/10/47          Baa1          818,132  
  2,000    

COMM 2014-UBS3 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           4.767%          6/10/47          N/R          1,946,026  
  1,615    

COMM 2015-CCRE22 Mortgage Trust

           4.106%          3/10/48          A–          1,674,887  
  1,000    

COMM 2015-CCRE22 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.000%          3/10/48          BB–          888,666  
  1,750    

COMM 2015-CCRE23 Mortgage Trust

           4.286%          5/10/48          N/R          1,733,599  
  2,240    

COMM 2015-CCRE24 Mortgage Trust

           3.463%          8/10/48          BBB–          2,068,410  
  1,000    

COMM 2015-CCRE24 Mortgage Trust

           4.379%          8/10/48          AA–          1,063,437  
  500    

COMM 2015-CCRE24 Mortgage Trust

           4.379%          8/10/48          A–          515,600  
  550    

COMM 2015-CCRE25 Mortgage Trust

           3.780%          8/10/48          BB          511,208  
  2,260    

COMM 2015-CCRE26 Mortgage Trust

           4.478%          10/10/48          A–          2,375,900  
  900    

COMM 2015-LC23 Mortgage Trust

           4.609%          10/10/48          A–          944,705  
  450    

COMM 2019-GC44 Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.500%          8/15/57          BBB          398,476  
  1,000    

COMM 2019-GC44 Mortgage Trust

           3.526%          8/15/57          A–          1,015,716  
  216    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2018-R07, 144A

           2.492%          4/25/31          BB+          216,433  
  3,120    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2021-R01, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.100% spread), (3)

           3.150%          10/25/41          B+          3,152,215  
  625    

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust 2021-R03, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 5.500% spread), (3)

           5.550%          12/25/41          N/R          626,936  
  407    

Corevest American Finance 2020-1 Trust, 144A

           1.832%          3/15/50          AAA          406,490  
  180    

CPT MORTGAGE TRUST, 144A

           2.997%          11/13/39          N/R          171,340  
  11    

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp

           5.750%          9/25/33          AAA          11,321  
  3,000    

Crescendo Royalty Funding LP, 144A

           0.000%          12/20/51          N/R          2,995,432  
  1,000    

CSMC 2021-NQM1, 144A

           2.130%          5/25/65          BBB          991,711  
  646    

DB Master Finance LLC, 144A

           4.021%          5/20/49          BBB          668,791  
  1,200    

DB Master Finance LLC, 144A

           2.045%          11/20/51          BBB          1,172,520  
  1,200    

DB Master Finance LLC, 144A

           2.493%          11/20/51          BBB          1,194,634  
  900    

DB Master Finance LLC, 144A

           2.791%          11/20/51          BBB          897,725  
  350    

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust 2021-1, 144A

           2.700%          11/21/33          BBB          348,640  
  350    

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust 2021-1, 144A

           3.830%          11/21/33          BB          350,304  
  30,450    

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

           0.665%          5/10/41          A–          1,491,073  
  995    

Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC, 144A

           2.662%          4/25/51          BBB+          999,188  
  1,975    

DRIVEN BRANDS FUNDING LLC, 144A

           3.786%          7/20/50          BBB–          2,047,510  

 

39


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 1,489    

DRIVEN BRANDS FUNDING LLC, 144A

           3.237%          1/20/51          BBB–        $ 1,510,566  
  1,500    

Dryden 49 Senior Loan Fund, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.400% spread), (3)

           3.522%          7/18/30          Baa3          1,496,824  
  1,250    

DT Auto Owner Trust 2021-1, 144A

           2.380%          1/18/28          BB–          1,230,626  
  850    

ELP Commercial Mortgage Trust 2021-ELP, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.118% spread), (3)

           2.228%          11/15/38          N/R          844,973  
  1,592    

Extended Stay America Trust, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.080% spread), (3)

           1.164%          7/15/38          Aaa          1,593,814  
  930    

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.300% spread), (3)

           3.350%          11/25/41          B+          936,957  
  24    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 256890

           6.000%          9/01/37          Aaa          26,492  
  25    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 745101

           6.000%          4/01/32          Aaa          27,341  
  94    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 745324

           6.000%          3/01/34          Aaa          101,391  
  1    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 905597, (12-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.875% spread), (3)

           2.250%          12/01/36          N/R          786  
  15    

Fannie Mae Pool FN 946228, (12-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.532% spread), (3)

           1.782%          9/01/37          N/R          15,008  
  (5)   

Fannie Mae Pool FN AL1187

           5.500%          7/01/24          N/R          83  
  2,230    

Fannie Mae Pool FN AS7499

           3.500%          7/01/46          N/R          2,400,938  
  1,206    

Fannie Mae Pool FN BM5126

           3.500%          1/01/48          N/R          1,297,448  
  768    

Fannie Mae Pool FN BM5839

           3.500%          11/01/47          Aaa          827,550  
  218    

Fannie Mae Pool FN CA3960

           3.000%          8/01/49          Aaa          230,479  
  28    

Fannie Mae Pool FN FM1108

           5.000%          11/01/44          Aaa          31,853  
  198    

Fannie Mae Pool FN FM1136

           5.500%          3/01/39          Aaa          224,721  
  33    

Fannie Mae Pool FN FM1137

           6.000%          9/01/39          Aaa          38,265  
  141    

Fannie Mae Pool FN FM1138

           6.500%          8/01/37          Aaa          157,210  
  313    

Fannie Mae Pool FN MA3228

           3.000%          11/01/47          Aaa          319,851  
  240    

Fannie Mae REMICS, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.950% spread), (3)

           5.848%          9/25/43          Aaa          43,279  
  1,151    

Fannie Mae REMICS

           2.500%          11/25/50          Aaa          159,631  
  1,465    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.000%          10/25/51          Aa1          1,481,413  
  91    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust 2017-2, 144A

           4.080%          10/25/47          A3          91,924  
  2,881    

Flagstar Mortgage Trust 2021-4, 144A

           2.500%          6/01/51          AAA          2,861,575  
  3,180    

Flexential Issuer, LLC, 144A

           3.250%          11/27/51          N/R          3,185,659  
  1,767    

Freddie Mac Gold Pool

           3.500%          8/01/45          Aaa          1,914,931  
  11,666    

Freddie Mac Multifamily ML Certificates

           1.219%          7/25/41          N/R          1,529,164  
  2,000    

Freddie Mac STACR Remic Trust 2020-DNA2, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.500% spread), (3)

           2.603%          2/25/50          B          2,003,715  
  4,000    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2021-DNA5, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.050% spread), (3)

           3.100%          1/25/34          BB–          4,017,628  
  2,000    

Freddie Mac STACR REMIC Trust 2021-DNA6, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 7.500% spread), (3)

           7.550%          10/25/41          N/R          2,074,831  
  200    

Freddie Mac STACR Trust 2019-FTR2, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.150% spread), (3)

           2.252%          11/25/48          B+          199,300  

 

40


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 187    

Freddie Mac Strips, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.920% spread), (3), (I/O)

           5.810%          3/15/44          N/R        $ 32,165  
  1,175    

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 3.650% spread), (3)

           3.450%          11/25/41          B+          1,193,285  
  900    

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes, 144A, (SOFR30A reference rate + 4.000% spread), (3)

           4.050%          11/25/50          Ba3          939,815  
  500    

GoldenTree Loan Opportunities IX Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.660% spread), (3)

           5.789%          10/29/29          BB–          482,698  
  2,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp II, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.350% spread), (3)

           3.460%          11/15/36          N/R          1,995,562  
  1,200    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2017-SLP, 144A

           4.591%          10/10/32          B          1,192,328  
  1,500    

GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust 2018-TWR, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.600% spread), (3)

           1.710%          7/15/31          BBB–          1,447,099  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2016-GS4

           3.961%          11/10/49          A–          978,802  
  1,425    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-GC38

           4.158%          2/10/52          AAA          1,575,743  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-GC40, 144A

           3.550%          7/10/52          BBB–          1,009,164  
  1,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust 2020-GSA2

           2.012%          12/12/53          AAA          980,047  
  65    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Corp Trust 2019-PJ1, 144A

           4.000%          8/25/49          Aa1          65,739  
  14    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Corp Trust 2019-PJ2, 144A

           4.000%          11/25/49          Aaa          13,599  
  35    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Corp Trust 2019-PJ2, 144A

           4.000%          11/25/49          Aa1          35,404  
  184    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Corp Trust 2021-PJ5, 144A

           2.500%          10/25/51          Aa1          182,412  
  2,830    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust 2021-PJ6, 144A

           2.500%          11/25/51          Aa1          2,807,311  
  1,914    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust 2021-PJ7, 144A

           2.500%          1/25/52          AA+          1,898,408  
  384    

GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust 2021-PJ8, 144A

           2.500%          1/25/52          Aaa          380,961  
  2,970    

Hardee’s Funding LLC, 144A

           3.981%          12/20/50          BBB          3,108,776  
  750    

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC, 144A

           2.050%          12/26/25          Baa2          742,214  
  754    

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2019-A, 144A

           2.840%          7/25/33          A–          760,007  
  2,190    

Horizon Aircraft Finance II Ltd, 144A

           3.721%          7/15/39          A          2,145,563  
  922    

Horizon Aircraft Finance III Ltd, 144A

           3.425%          11/15/39          A          902,869  
  1,500    

Hotwire Funding LLC, 144A

           2.658%          11/20/51          BBB          1,493,556  
  1,000    

Hotwire Funding LLC, 144A

           4.459%          11/20/51          BB          1,002,215  
  1,000    

Hudson Yards, 144A

           2.943%          12/10/41          N/R          925,081  
  500    

Hudson Yards 2019-30HY Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.443%          7/10/39          BBB–          512,882  
  726    

Impac Secured Assets CMN Owner Trust

           8.000%          10/25/30          N/R          707,806  
  619    

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust 2020-NQM1, 144A

           2.051%          10/25/55          A          619,768  
  2,000    

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust 2020-NQM1, 144A

           3.531%          10/25/55          BBB          2,029,297  
  450    

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust 2021-NQM1, 144A

           2.383%          6/25/56          BBB          443,823  
  589    

Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust 2021-NQM1, 144A

           1.617%          6/25/56          A          580,173  
  1,205    

Jersey Mikes Funding LLC, 144A

           2.891%          2/15/52          BBB          1,206,284  
  240    

JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust 2007-S1, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.560% spread), (3)

           0.662%          4/25/47          AAA          239,531  
  335    

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2013-C16

           4.166%          12/15/46          Aaa          350,097  

 

41


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 403    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-3, 144A

           3.500%          9/25/48          Aaa        $ 401,642  
  130    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-4, 144A

           3.500%          10/25/48          Aaa          130,500  
  535    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-5, 144A

           3.500%          10/25/48          AAA          539,868  
  913    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2018-6, 144A

           3.917%          12/25/48          Baa3          903,739  
  159    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2019-1, 144A

           4.000%          5/25/49          AAA          160,046  
  62    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2019-3, 144A

           4.681%          9/25/49          Aaa          61,588  
  65    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2019-INV1, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.950% spread), (3)

           1.052%          10/25/49          Aaa          65,599  
  240    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2020-1, 144A

           3.871%          6/25/50          Aa3          248,593  
  481    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2021-11, 144A

           2.500%          1/25/52          Aa1          476,952  
  329    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2021-6, 144A

           2.500%          10/25/51          Aaa          325,780  
  325    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2021-7, 144A

           2.500%          11/25/51          Aaa          320,751  
  214    

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust 2021-8, 144A

           2.500%          12/25/51          AAA          212,721  
  1,692    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-C22

           4.553%          9/15/47          BBB          1,644,908  
  1,500    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP5

           3.723%          3/15/50          Aaa          1,623,233  
  1,000    

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP7, 144A

           4.396%          9/15/50          BBB          991,186  
  190    

Ladder Capital Commercial Mortgage 2013-GCP Mortgage Trust, 144A

           3.985%          2/15/36          AAA          207,002  
  1,941    

Lunar 2021-1 Structured Aircraft Portfolio Notes, 144A

           5.682%          10/15/46          Ba3          1,898,392  
  293    

LUNAR AIRCRAFT 2020-1 LTD, 144A

           4.335%          2/15/45          BB          266,012  
  1,500    

Madison Park Funding LIX Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.100% spread), (3)

           2.345%          1/18/34          A+          1,500,000  
  1,500    

Magnetite XXIII Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.050% spread), (3)

           2.171%          1/25/35          A          1,496,640  
  962    

MAPS 2021-1 Trust, 144A

           2.521%          6/15/46          A1          951,798  
  1,367    

MASTR Reperforming Loan Trust 2005-1, 144A

           7.500%          8/25/34          N/R          1,303,312  
  34,356    

MFT Trust 2020-ABC, 144A

           0.119%          2/10/42          N/R          390,944  
  134    

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc Trust 2004-HE6, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.825% spread), (3)

           0.927%          8/25/34          A          132,564  
  1,500    

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust 2018-H3

           4.177%          7/15/51          AAA          1,681,708  
  304    

Morgan Stanley Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2021-5, 144A

           2.500%          8/25/51          AAA          301,654  
  2,000    

MRCD Mortgage Trust, 144A

           2.718%          12/15/36          N/R          1,949,291  
  993    

MVW 2019-2 LLC, 144A

           2.680%          10/20/38          BBB+          989,092  
  426    

MVW 2021-1W LLC, 144A

           1.940%          1/22/41          BBB          419,398  
  751    

MVW Owner Trust 2019-1, 144A

           3.330%          11/20/36          BBB+          756,628  
  1,000    

Myers Park CLO Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.600% spread), (3)

           1.732%          10/20/30          AA          1,000,063  
  1,000    

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-1776, 144A

           3.902%          10/15/36          Ba3          992,759  
  1,500    

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-MILE, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.500% spread), (3)

           3.610%          7/15/36          N/R          1,496,654  
  1,500    

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2019-MILE, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 4.250% spread), (3)

           4.360%          7/15/36          N/R          1,489,809  
  2,244    

NBC Funding LLC, 144A

           2.989%          7/30/51          N/R          2,232,267  

 

42


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 200    

NBC Funding LLC, 144A

           4.970%          7/30/51          N/R        $ 198,995  
  1,000    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 27 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.400% spread), (3)

           1.524%          1/15/30          AA          1,000,017  
  1,500    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 31 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.250% spread), (3)

           3.382%          4/20/31          BBB–          1,500,025  
  500    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 37 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.850% spread), (3)

           2.982%          7/20/31          BBB–          498,275  
  660    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers Clo 40 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 5.850% spread), (3)

           5.972%          4/16/33          BB–          654,222  
  1,000    

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers Clo 40 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.750% spread), (3)

           2.872%          4/16/33          BBB–          991,426  
  125    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2015-2, 144A

           5.468%          8/25/55          Baa1          132,010  
  30    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2017-1, 144A

           4.000%          2/25/57          Aaa          31,362  
  1,338    

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2017-6, 144A

           4.000%          8/27/57          Aaa          1,400,307  
  1,000    

NLT 2021-INV2 Trust, 144A

           2.569%          8/25/56          BBB          979,995  
  1,000    

Oak Street Investment Grade Net Lease Fund Series 2021-1, 144A

           4.230%          1/20/51          BBB+          1,025,422  
  64    

OBX 2018-1 Trust, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 0.650% spread), (3)

           0.752%          6/25/57          AAA          63,651  
  950    

OBX 2021-J2 Trust, 144A

           2.500%          7/25/51          Aa1          938,619  
  2,175    

OHA Credit Funding 4 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 3.200% spread), (3)

           3.328%          10/22/36          BBB–          2,178,758  
  1,150    

One Bryant Park Trust 2019-OBP, 144A

           2.516%          9/15/54          Aaa          1,163,771  
  2,000    

OPG Trust 2021-PORT, 144A, (1-Month LIBOR reference rate + 1.529% spread), (3)

           1.639%          10/15/36          N/R          1,961,951  
  500    

Oportun Funding XIV LLC, 144A

           3.440%          3/08/28          N/R          503,533  
  500    

Oportun Funding XIV LLC, 144A

           5.400%          3/08/28          N/R          503,185  
  617    

Oportun Issuance Trust 2021-C, 144A

           3.610%          10/08/31          N/R          612,179  
  350    

Oportun Issuance Trust 2021-C, 144A

           5.570%          10/08/31          N/R          347,842  
  1,000    

Palmer Square CLO 2021-3 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 2.950% spread), (3)

           3.182%          1/15/35          Baa3          995,917  
  175    

Progress Residential 2021-SFR8 Trust, 144A

           2.082%          10/17/38          Baa3          171,093  
  250    

Purchasing Power Funding 2021-A LLC, 144A

           4.370%          10/15/25          N/R          250,176  
  3,000    

Purewest Funding LLC, 144A

           4.091%          12/22/36          BBB+          2,992,114  
  31    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2018-7, 144A

           4.000%          9/25/48          Aaa          30,788  
  17    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2018-8, 144A

           4.000%          11/25/48          Aaa          16,987  
  11    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2019-2, 144A

           4.000%          6/25/49          Aaa          11,109  
  369    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2020-3, 144A

           3.000%          4/25/50          AAA          372,723  
  193    

Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2021-4, 144A

           2.500%          6/25/51          AAA          191,461  
  496    

ServiceMaster Funding LLC, 144A

           2.841%          10/30/51          BBB–          491,481  
  1,789    

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC, 144A

           3.882%          10/25/49          BBB–          1,825,894  
  1,741    

SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC, 144A

           2.394%          4/25/51          BBB–          1,711,029  
  1,466    

Sesac Finance LLC, 144A

           5.216%          7/25/49          N/R          1,521,934  
  2,357    

Settlement Fee Finance 2019-1 LLC, 144A, (6)

           3.840%          11/01/49          N/R          2,324,107  

 

43


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)                                                
$ 382    

Sierra Timeshare 2019-2 Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

           4.540%          5/20/36          BB        $ 386,912  
  683    

Sierra Timeshare 2019-3 Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

           4.180%          8/20/36          BB          684,849  
  320    

Sierra Timeshare 2021-1 Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

           1.790%          11/20/37          BBB          315,992  
  476    

Sierra Timeshare Conduit Receivables Funding LLC, 144A

           3.200%          3/20/34          BBB          476,327  
  305    

S-Jets 2017-1 Ltd, 144A

           3.967%          8/15/42          BBB          296,513  
  40,180    

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA, 144A, (I/O)

           0.258%          7/15/41          AA–          818,459  
  1,155    

SLG Office Trust 2021-OVA, 144A

           2.851%          7/15/41          N/R          1,094,090  
  1,904    

Sonic Capital LLC, 144A

           3.845%          1/20/50          BBB          1,967,932  
  1,500    

Spruce Hill Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-SH1, 144A

           3.827%          1/28/50          BB          1,496,124  
  1,294    

START Ireland, 144A

           5.095%          3/15/44          BB          1,183,088  
  2,630    

Taco Bell Funding LLC, 144A

           2.294%          8/25/51          BBB          2,599,808  
  1,500    

Taco Bell Funding LLC, 144A

           1.946%          8/25/51          BBB          1,470,393  
  1,500    

TCW CLO 2021-2 Ltd, 144A, (3-Month LIBOR reference rate + 6.860% spread), (3)

           6.985%          7/25/34          BB–          1,457,226  
  1,440    

Tesla Auto Lease Trust 2019-A, 144A

           5.480%          5/22/23          Ba3          1,480,800  
  305    

Tricon American Homes 2019-SFR1 Trust, 144A

           3.198%          3/17/38          A3          308,928  
  700    

Tricon American Homes 2020-SFR1, 144A

           2.548%          7/17/38          Baa1          690,684  
  1,141    

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust 2013-C5, 144A

           3.649%          3/10/46          Aa3          1,142,768  
  200    

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-3, 144A

           4.043%          7/25/59          BB          201,387  
  600    

Verus Securitization Trust 2019-4, 144A

           3.207%          11/25/59          BBB–          606,196  
  1,425    

Verus Securitization Trust 2020-1, 144A

           2.724%          1/25/60          A          1,426,493  
  500    

Verus Securitization Trust 2020-4, 144A

           2.321%          5/25/65          A          501,317  
  2,000    

Verus Securitization Trust 2021-8, 144A

           3.288%          11/25/66          BBB          1,999,800  
  1,283    

Vivint Solar Financing V LLC, 144A

           7.370%          4/30/48          N/R          1,342,432  
  700    

VNDO Trust 2016-350P, 144A

           3.903%          1/10/35          BB–          668,314  
  1,252    

VR Funding LLC, 144A

           2.790%          11/15/50          N/R          1,240,650  
  216    

VR Funding LLC, 144A

           6.420%          11/15/50          N/R          216,474  
  46    

Wachovia Mortgage Loan Trust LLC Series 2005-B Trust

           2.178%          10/20/35          Aaa          44,788  
  63    

Washington Mutual MSC Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Series 2004-RA3 Trust

           5.892%          8/25/38          Aaa          64,994  
  430    

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities 2021-1 Trust, 144A

           2.500%          12/25/50          AAA          426,630  
  483    

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities 2021-2 Trust, 144A

           2.500%          6/25/51          AAA          478,031  
  997    

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities 2021-INV1 Trust, 144A

           3.335%          8/25/51          A          1,017,487  
  866    

Wendy’s Funding LLC, 144A

           2.370%          6/15/51          BBB          845,659  
  350    

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 2013-C14

           3.337%          6/15/46          Aaa          359,679  
  1,493    

Wingstop Funding LLC, 144A

           2.841%          12/05/50          N/R          1,490,193  
  658    

ZAXBY’S FUNDING LLC, 144A

                       3.238%          7/30/51          N/R          668,281  
$ 379,212    

Total Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $266,232,688)

                                                        266,273,180  

 

44


 

 

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

$1,000 PAR (OR SIMILAR) INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED – 7.8%

                       
      Automobiles – 0.5%                                                
$ 1,235    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

           5.700%          N/A (7)          BB+        $ 1,407,900  
  3,035    

General Motors Financial Co Inc

                       5.750%          N/A (7)          BB+          3,247,450  
  4,270    

Total Automobiles

                                                        4,655,350  
      Banks – 3.8%                                                
  2,370    

Bank of America Corp

           6.300%          N/A (7)          BBB+          2,666,250  
  1,500    

Bank of America Corp

           6.100%          N/A (7)          BBB+          1,625,625  
  3,000    

Citigroup Inc

           5.000%          N/A (7)          BBB–          3,090,000  
  1,330    

Citigroup Inc

           5.950%          N/A (7)          BBB–          1,423,100  
  1,000    

Citigroup Inc

           6.300%          N/A (7)          BBB–          1,048,130  
  2,000    

CoBank ACB

           6.250%          N/A (7)          BBB+          2,261,640  
  2,610    

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

           3.800%          N/A (7)          BBB–          2,596,950  
  1,560    

Huntington Bancshares Inc/OH

           5.625%          N/A (7)          Baa3          1,780,350  
  1,275    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

           5.000%          N/A (7)          BBB+          1,310,063  
  3,600    

JPMorgan Chase & Co

           3.650%          N/A (7)          BBB+          3,591,000  
  1,000    

M&T Bank Corp

           5.125%          N/A (7)          Baa2          1,070,647  
  3,000    

Truist Financial Corp

           4.800%          N/A (7)          Baa2          3,127,500  
  3,165    

Truist Financial Corp

           5.100%          N/A (7)          Baa2          3,536,887  
  1,230    

Wells Fargo & Co

           5.875%          N/A (7)          Baa2          1,343,775  
  1,800    

Wells Fargo & Co

                       5.900%          N/A (7)          Baa2          1,899,252  
  30,440    

Total Banks

                                                        32,371,169  
      Capital Markets – 0.3%                                                
  2,050    

Charles Schwab Corp

                       5.375%          N/A (7)          BBB          2,234,500  
      Consumer Finance – 1.0%                                                
  2,610    

Ally Financial Inc

           4.700%          N/A (7)          Ba2          2,707,875  
  1,805    

American Express Co

           3.550%          N/A (7)          Baa2          1,808,159  
  3,060    

Capital One Financial Corp

           3.950%          N/A (7)          Baa3          3,075,300  
  1,000    

Discover Financial Services

                       6.125%          N/A (7)          Ba2          1,102,500  
  8,475    

Total Consumer Finance

                                                        8,693,834  
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.1%                                                
  1,000    

Voya Financial Inc

                       6.125%          N/A (7)          BBB–          1,039,470  
      Electric Utilities – 0.2%                                                
  1,500    

Southern Co

                       4.000%          1/15/51          BBB–          1,533,750  
      Food Products – 0.3%                                                
  2,780    

Land O’ Lakes Inc, 144A

                       8.000%          N/A (7)          BB          3,009,211  
      Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.2%                                                
  1,304    

Vistra Corp, 144A

                       7.000%          N/A (7)          BB–          1,320,809  

 

45


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Insurance – 0.3%                                                
$ 2,835    

AXIS Specialty Finance LLC

                       4.900%          1/15/40          BBB        $ 2,962,386  
      Multi-Utilities – 0.3%                                                
  2,035    

Sempra Energy

                       4.875%          N/A (7)          BBB–          2,179,037  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.6%                                                
  3,235    

Enbridge Inc

           5.750%          7/15/80          BBB–          3,590,850  
  1,400    

Energy Transfer LP

                       6.500%          N/A (7)          BB          1,424,500  
  4,635    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                        5,015,350  
      Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.1%                                                
  825    

AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 144A

                       6.500%          6/15/45          BB+          891,000  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                                                
  800    

Network i2i Ltd, 144A

                       5.650%          N/A (7)          BB          840,000  
$ 62,949    

Total $1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred (cost $65,072,010)

                                                        66,745,866  
Principal
Amount (000)(15)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
 

SOVEREIGN DEBT – 7.6%

                       
      Bermuda – 0.3%                                                
$ 650    

Bermuda Government International Bond, 144A

           3.717%          1/25/27          A+        $ 695,500  
  230    

Bermuda Government International Bond, 144A

           4.750%          2/15/29          A+          263,925  
  1,495    

Bermuda Government International Bond, 144A

                       2.375%          8/20/30          A+          1,491,263  
  2,375    

Total Bermuda

                                                        2,450,688  
      Brazil – 0.1%                                                
  950    

Brazilian Government International Bond

                       3.875%          6/12/30          Ba2          921,500  
      Colombia – 0.3%                                                
  2,090    

Colombia Government International Bond, (4)

           3.000%          1/30/30          Baa2          1,910,260  
  850    

Colombia Government International Bond

                       5.000%          6/15/45          Baa2          767,125  
  2,940    

Total Colombia

                                                        2,677,385  
      Costa Rica – 0.1%                                                
  905    

Costa Rica Government International Bond, 144A

                       5.625%          4/30/43          B          773,784  
      Cote d’Ivoire – 0.4%                                                
  1,445    

Ivory Coast Government International Bond, 144A

           5.750%          12/31/32          BB–          1,449,297  
  1,750    

Ivory Coast Government International Bond, 144A

                       6.125%          6/15/33          BB–          1,842,770  
  3,195    

Total Cote d’Ivoire

                                                        3,292,067  
      Dominican Republic – 0.2%                                                
  12,000  DOP   

Dominican Republic International Bond, 144A

           9.750%          6/05/26          BB–          232,099  
  1,000    

Dominican Republic International Bond, 144A

           4.500%          1/30/30          BB–          1,016,250  
  835    

Dominican Republic International Bond, 144A

                       5.300%          1/21/41          BB–          824,563  
 

Total Dominican Republic

                                                        2,072,912  

 

46


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)(15)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Ecuador – 0.0%                                                
$ 380    

Ecuador Government International Bond, 144A

                       5.000%          7/31/30          B–        $ 314,925  
      Egypt – 0.3%                                                
  2,425    

Egypt Government International Bond, 144A

           5.577%          2/21/23          B+          2,509,584  
  125    

Egypt Government International Bond, 144A

                       7.053%          1/15/32          B+          115,200  
  2,550    

Total Egypt

                                                        2,624,784  
      El Salvador – 0.1%                                                
  1,925    

El Salvador Government International Bond, 144A

                       6.375%          1/18/27          B–          1,164,644  
      Ghana – 0.2%                                                
  2,200    

Ghana Government International Bond, 144A

                       8.125%          3/26/32          B          1,795,794  
      Guatemala – 0.0%                                                
  375    

Guatemala Government Bond, 144A

                       6.125%          6/01/50          Ba1          429,379  
      Indonesia – 0.6%                                                
  250    

Indonesia Government International Bond, 144A

           4.625%          4/15/43          BBB          293,498  
  2,635    

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN Indonesia III, 144A

           2.550%          6/09/31          BBB          2,667,384  
  950    

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN Indonesia III, 144A

           3.800%          6/23/50          BBB          994,688  
  1,115    

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN Indonesia III, 144A

                       3.550%          6/09/51          BBB          1,137,345  
  4,950    

Total Indonesia

                                                        5,092,915  
      Iraq – 0.3%                                                
  2,450    

Iraq International Bond, 144A

                       5.800%          1/15/28          N/R          2,339,942  
      Israel – 0.1%                                                
  1,045    

State of Israel, Reg S

                       3.800%          5/13/60          AA–          1,207,769  
      Italy – 0.2%                                                
  1,600    

Republic of Italy Government International Bond

                       5.375%          6/15/33          BBB–          1,968,950  
      Jamaica – 0.2%                                                
  1,230    

Jamaica Government International Bond

                       6.750%          4/28/28          B+          1,411,425  
      Jordan – 0.3%                                                
  2,175    

Jordan Government International Bond, 144A

                       5.850%          7/07/30          BB–          2,197,033  
      Kazakhstan – 0.3%                                                
  850    

Kazakhstan Government International Bond, 144A

           4.875%          10/14/44          Baa2          1,043,647  
  1,000    

Kazakhstan Government International Bond, 144A

                       6.500%          7/21/45          Baa2          1,433,120  
  1,850    

Total Kazakhstan

                                                        2,476,767  
      Kenya – 0.3%                                                
  1,000    

Republic of Kenya Government International Bond, 144A

           7.000%          5/22/27          B+          1,054,750  
  1,445    

Republic of Kenya Government International Bond, 144A

                       6.300%          1/23/34          B+          1,416,013  
  2,445    

Total Kenya

                                                        2,470,763  
      Mexico – 0.6%                                                
  850    

Mexico Government International Bond

           3.750%          1/11/28          Baa1          912,552  

 

47


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)(15)
    Description (1)                    Coupon        Maturity        Ratings (2)        Value  
      Mexico (continued)                                                
$ 1,950    

Mexico Government International Bond

           4.280%          8/14/41          Baa1        $ 2,020,687  
  1,640    

Mexico Government International Bond

                       4.750%          3/08/44          Baa1          1,785,566  
  4,440    

Total Mexico

                                                        4,718,805  
      Mongolia – 0.1%                                                
  450    

Mongolia Government International Bond, 144A

           5.125%          4/07/26          B          460,125  
  795    

Mongolia Government International Bond, 144A, (4)

                       4.450%          7/07/31          B          752,262  
  1,245    

Total Mongolia

                                                        1,212,387  
      Morocco – 0.2%                                                
  920    

Morocco Government International Bond, 144A

           3.000%          12/15/32          BB+          876,797  
  850    

Morocco Government International Bond, 144A

                       5.500%          12/11/42          BB+          937,295  
  1,770    

Total Morocco

                                                        1,814,092  
      Nigeria – 0.2%                                                
  500    

Nigeria Government International Bond, 144A

           6.500%          11/28/27          B2          498,245  
  815    

Nigeria Government International Bond, 144A

                       7.875%          2/16/32          B2          801,536  
  1,315    

Total Nigeria

                                                        1,299,781  
      Oman – 0.2%                                                
  250    

Oman Government International Bond, 144A

           6.750%          10/28/27          Ba3          280,000  
  850    

Oman Government International Bond, 144A

           6.000%          8/01/29          Ba3          914,787  
  275    

Oman Sovereign Sukuk Co, 144A, (4)

                       4.875%          6/15/30          Ba3          292,188  
  1,375    

Total Oman

                                                        1,486,975  
      Pakistan – 0.1%                                                
  665    

Pakistan Government International Bond, 144A

                       8.250%          9/30/25          B3          718,200  
      Panama – 0.2%                                                
  1,360    

Panama Bonos del Tesoro

                       3.362%          6/30/31          BBB          1,366,800  
      Paraguay – 0.1%                                                
  500    

Paraguay Government International Bond, 144A

           2.739%          1/29/33          Ba1          481,250  
  385    

Paraguay Government International Bond, 144A

                       5.400%          3/30/50          Ba1          439,381  
  885    

Total Paraguay

                                                        920,631  
      Peru – 0.2%                                                
  1,500    

Peruvian Government International Bond

                       2.783%          1/23/31          BBB+          1,492,515  
      Qatar – 0.2%                                                
  900    

Qatar Government International Bond, 144A

           3.750%          4/16/30          AA–          1,009,170  
  850    

Qatar Government International Bond, 144A

                       4.817%          3/14/49          AA–          1,114,044  
  1,750    

Total Qatar

                                                        2,123,214  
      Rwanda – 0.2%                                                
  1,375    

Rwanda International Government Bond, 144A

                       5.500%          8/09/31          B+          1,385,175  

 

48


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)(15)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Saudi Arabia – 0.2%                                         
$ 1,890    

Saudi Government International Bond, 144A

                      3.750%        1/21/55        A1      $ 2,026,193  
      South Africa – 0.3%                                         
  2,450    

Republic of South Africa Government International Bond

                      5.375%        7/24/44        Ba2        2,338,721  
      Turkey – 0.2%                                         
  1,550    

Turkiye Ihracat Kredi Bankasi AS, 144A

                      5.750%        7/06/26        B+        1,419,242  
      Ukraine – 0.1%                                         
  450    

Ukraine Government International Bond, 144A

          7.750%        9/01/27        B        425,698  
  390    

Ukraine Government International Bond, 144A

                      9.750%        11/01/28        B        393,580  
  840    

Total Ukraine

                                                 819,278  
      Uzbekistan – 0.2%                                         
  1,345    

Republic of Uzbekistan International Bond, 144A

          5.375%        2/20/29        BB–        1,430,149  
  450    

Republic of Uzbekistan International Bond, 144A

                      3.700%        11/25/30        BB–        431,550  
  1,795    

Total Uzbekistan

                                                 1,861,699  
 

Total Sovereign Debt (cost $66,296,507)

                                                 64,687,134  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (8)      Reference
Rate (8)
     Spread (8)      Maturity (9)      Ratings (2)      Value  
 

VARIABLE RATE SENIOR LOAN INTERESTS – 6.3% (8)

 

              
      Aerospace & Defense – 0.2%                                         
$ 1,433    

TransDigm, Inc., Term Loan E

    2.354%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%        5/30/25        Ba3      $ 1,415,564  
      Airlines – 0.2%                                         
  350    

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    6.250%        3-Month LIBOR        5.250%        6/20/27        Baa3        370,039  
  175    

SkyMiles IP Ltd., Term Loan B

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        10/20/27        Baa1        185,500  
  1,489    

United Airlines, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        4/21/28        Ba1        1,497,459  
  2,014    

Total Airlines

                                                 2,052,998  
      Auto Components – 0.2%                                         
  848    

Clarios Global LP, Term Loan B

    3.354%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        4/30/26        B1        844,573  
  445    

Les Schwab Tire Centers, Term Loan B

    4.000%        3-Month LIBOR        3.250%        11/02/27        B        445,870  
  1,293    

Total Auto Components

                                                 1,290,443  
      Beverages – 0.1%                                         
  223    

Arterra Wines Canada, Inc., Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        11/25/27        B1        223,307  
  399    

City Brewing Company, LLC, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        4/05/28        B+        380,213  
  622    

Total Beverages

                                                 603,520  
      Building Products – 0.3%                                         
  1,000    

Chamberlain Group Inc, Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        B+        1,000,315  
  427    

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.750%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        4/12/28        B+        426,468  
  975    

Quikrete Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    2.604%        1-Month LIBOR        2.500%        1/31/27        BB–        965,749  
  2,402    

Total Building Products

                                                 2,392,532  

 

49


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (8)      Reference
Rate (8)
     Spread (8)      Maturity (9)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Chemicals – 0.1%                                         
$ 1,107    

Messer Industries GmbH, Term Loan

    2.720%        3-Month LIBOR        2.500%        3/01/26        BB–      $ 1,100,243  
  70    

W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn., Term Loan B

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        9/22/28        BB+        70,210  
  1,177    

Total Chemicals

                                                 1,170,453  
      Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.7%                                         
  985    

Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    3.602%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        1/31/27        B1        972,382  
  1,000    

Delta 2 (LUX) S.a.r.l., Term Loan, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        B+        1,000,415  
  668    

Filtration Group Corporation, Term Loan, First Lien

    3.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        3/28/25        B        663,118  
  248    

GFL Environmental Inc., Term Loan

    3.500%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        5/30/25        BB–        248,428  
  1,473    

Gopher Resource, LLC, Term Loan, First Lien

    4.250%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        1/28/25        B        1,384,307  
  160    

Prime Security Services Borrower, LLC, Term Loan

    3.500%        1-Month LIBOR        2.750%        9/23/26        BB–        160,808  
  283    

Prime Security Services Borrower, LLC, Term Loan

    3.500%        12-Month LIBOR        2.750%        9/23/26        BB–        282,710  
  243    

Prometric Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, First Lien

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        1/29/25        B2        240,530  
  764    

Spin Holdco Inc., Term Loan

    4.750%        3-Month LIBOR        4.000%        3/04/28        B–        767,622  
  5,824    

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

                                                 5,720,320  
      Construction & Engineering – 0.1%                                         
  497    

AECOM, Term Loan B

    1.852%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%        4/13/28        BBB–        498,744  
  499    

Aegion Corporation, Term Loan

    5.500%        3-Month LIBOR        4.750%        5/17/28        B        501,658  
  996    

Total Construction & Engineering

                                                 1,000,402  
      Containers & Packaging – 0.1%                                         
  496    

Plaze, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.604%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        8/03/26        B        486,279  
  301    

Reynolds Consumer Products LLC, Term Loan

    1.854%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%        2/04/27        BBB–        300,239  
  248    

Reynolds Group Holdings Inc. , Term Loan B2

    3.354%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        2/05/26        B+        246,475  
  196    

Tank Holding Corp., Term Loan

    3.354%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        3/26/26        B2        194,714  
  1,241    

Total Containers & Packaging

                                                 1,227,707  
      Distributors – 0.1%                                         
  454    

Univar Solutions USA Inc., Term Loan B6

    2.104%        1-Month LIBOR        2.000%        6/03/28        BBB–        453,171  
      Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.0%                                         
  312    

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc., Term Loan

    3.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        3/09/27        B1        308,107  
      Electrical Equipment – 0.0%                                         
  398    

Ingram Micro Inc., Term Loan B

    4.000%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        7/02/28        BB+        398,647  
      Energy Equipment & Services – 0.1%                                         
  532    

Apergy Corporation, Term Loan

    6.000%        1-Month LIBOR        5.000%        6/03/27        BBB–        539,396  
      Food & Staples Retailing – 0.1%                                         
  198    

Chobani, LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        10/23/27        B–        198,265  
  1,000    

US Foods, Inc., Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        BB        1,000,750  
  1,198    

Total Food & Staples Retailing

                                                 1,199,015  

 

50


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (8)      Reference
Rate (8)
     Spread (8)      Maturity (9)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Food Products – 0.2%                                         
$ 1,265    

Hostess Brands, LLC, Term Loan

    3.000%        3-Month LIBOR        2.250%        8/03/25        BB–      $ 1,262,837  
  479    

Hostess Brands, LLC, Term Loan

    3.000%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%        8/03/25        BB–        478,592  
  1,744    

Total Food Products

                                                 1,741,429  
      Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 0.1%                                         
  1,200    

Medline Borrower, LP, Term Loan B

    3.750%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        10/21/28        BB–        1,201,086  
      Health Care Providers & Services – 0.3%                                         
  1,153    

RegionalCare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.852%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%        11/16/25        B1        1,153,637  
  1,483    

Select Medical Corporation, Term Loan B

    2.360%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%        3/06/25        Ba2        1,475,971  
  2,636    

Total Health Care Providers & Services

                                                 2,629,608  
      Health Care Technology – 0.1%                                         
  1,109    

Change Healthcare Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    3.500%        1-Month LIBOR        2.500%        3/01/24        B+        1,109,430  
      Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.1%                                         
  296    

Caesars Resort Collection, LLC, Term Loan B1

    3.604%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        7/20/25        B+        296,843  
  495    

IRB Holding Corp, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.250%        12/15/27        B+        495,695  
  489    

Scientific Games International, Inc., Term Loan B5

    2.854%        1-Month LIBOR        2.750%        8/14/24        B+        487,587  
  1,280    

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

                                                 1,280,125  
      Household Durables – 0.1%                                         
  13    

Weber-Stephen Products LLC, Term Loan B

    4.000%        6-Month LIBOR        3.250%        10/30/27        BB        13,208  
  435    

Weber-Stephen Products LLC, Term Loan B

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        10/30/27        BB        436,217  
  448    

Total Household Durables

                                                 449,425  
      Insurance – 0.3%                                         
  1,579    

AssuredPartners, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        2/13/27        B1        1,579,327  
  490    

Hub International Limited, Term Loan B

    4.000%        3-Month LIBOR        3.250%        4/25/25        B        490,636  
  490    

USI, Inc., Repriced Term Loan

    3.224%        3-Month LIBOR        3.000%        5/16/24        B        486,579  
  2,559    

Total Insurance

                                                 2,556,542  
      Interactive Media & Services – 0.1%                                         
  744    

Rackspace Technology Global, Inc., Term Loan B

    3.500%        3-Month LIBOR        2.750%        2/09/28        B+        739,793  
      Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 0.1%                                         
  471    

CNT Holdings I Corp, Term Loan

    4.250%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        11/08/27        B        472,322  
      Internet Software & Services – 0.1%                                         
  496    

IGT Holding IV AB, Term Loan B2

    4.000%        3-Month LIBOR        3.500%        3/29/28        B        495,942  
      Life Sciences Tools & Services – 0.2%                                         
  323    

Avantor Funding, Inc., Term Loan B5

    2.750%        1-Month LIBOR        2.250%        11/06/27        BB+        322,802  
  1,000    

Parexel International Corporation, Term Loan B, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        B1        1,001,380  
  1,323    

Total Life Sciences Tools & Services

                                                 1,324,182  

 

51


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (8)      Reference
Rate (8)
     Spread (8)      Maturity (9)      Ratings (2)      Value  
      Machinery – 0.0%                                         
$ 438    

Vertical US Newco Inc, Term Loan B

    4.000%        6-Month LIBOR        3.500%        7/31/27        B+      $ 438,311  
      Media – 0.2%                                         
  296    

Banijay Entertainment S.A.S, Term Loan

    3.844%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%        3/01/25        B1        295,510  
  173    

Cablevision Lightpath LLC, Term Loan B

    3.750%        3-Month LIBOR        3.250%        12/01/27        B+        173,228  
  1,027    

DirecTV Financing, LLC, Term Loan

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        8/02/27        BBB–        1,028,643  
  1,496    

Total Media

                                                 1,497,381  
      Metals & Mining – 0.1%                                         
  485    

Zekelman Industries, Inc., Term Loan

    2.103%        1-Month LIBOR        2.000%        1/24/27        BB+        480,693  
      Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.1%                                         
  246    

Delek US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B

    6.500%        1-Month LIBOR        5.500%        3/30/25        BB+        246,485  
  435    

DT Midstream, Inc, Term Loan B

    2.500%        6-Month LIBOR        2.000%        6/10/28        Baa2        436,682  
  47    

DT Midstream, Inc, Term Loan B

    2.500%        3-Month LIBOR        2.000%        6/10/28        Baa2        47,439  
  728    

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

                                                 730,606  
      Paper & Forest Products – 0.1%                                         
  864    

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC, Term Loan B

    1.854%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%        9/04/27        BBB–        861,665  
      Pharmaceuticals – 0.7%                                         
  651    

Bausch Health Companies Inc., Term Loan B

    3.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        6/02/25        BB        649,278  
  1,421    

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

    5.750%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        3/25/28        B–        1,385,878  
  2,239    

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

    4.000%        1-Month LIBOR        3.500%        5/05/28        BB+        2,249,809  
  1,482    

Organon & Co, Term Loan, (DD1)

    3.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.000%        6/02/28        BB        1,485,633  
  5,793    

Total Pharmaceuticals

                                                 5,770,598  
      Professional Services – 0.3%                                         
  1,670    

Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (The), Term Loan

    3.352%        1-Month LIBOR        3.250%        2/08/26        BB+        1,665,608  
  625    

Trans Union, LLC, Term Loan B5, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        BBB–        624,219  
  2,295    

Total Professional Services

                                                 2,289,827  
      Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.2%                                     
  1,000    

MKS Instruments, Inc., Term Loan B6, (WI/DD)

    TBD        TBD        TBD        TBD        BBB–        999,125  
  832    

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc, Term Loan B

    3.854%        1-Month LIBOR        3.750%        8/27/25        B1        834,247  
  1,832    

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

                                                 1,833,372  
      Software – 0.0%                                         
  318    

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

    3.104%        1-Month LIBOR        3.000%        10/31/26        B1        316,708  
  124    

Ultimate Software Group Inc (The), Incremental Term Loan

    4.000%        3-Month LIBOR        3.250%        5/03/26        B–        123,314  
  442    

Total Software

                                                 440,022  
      Specialty Retail – 0.3%                                         
  998    

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        2/12/28        BB–        1,000,308  

 

52


 

 

Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)   Coupon (8)      Reference
Rate (8)
     Spread (8)      Maturity (9)      Ratings (2)     Value  
      Specialty Retail (continued)                                        
$ 1,950    

Staples, Inc., Term Loan

    5.132%        3-Month LIBOR        5.000%        4/12/26        B     $ 1,888,848  
  2,948    

Total Specialty Retail

                                                2,889,156  
      Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.2%                                        
  1,358    

Samsonite International S.A., Term Loan B2

    1.854%        1-Month LIBOR        1.750%        4/25/25        BB+       1,324,462  
      Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.1%                                        
  995    

GOGO Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B

    4.500%        3-Month LIBOR        3.750%        4/30/28        B       996,154  
$ 53,580    

Total Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests (cost $53,255,015)

                                                53,324,406  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                   Coupon      Maturity      Ratings (2)     Value  
 

CONTINGENT CAPITAL SECURITIES – 6.2% (10)

               
      Banks – 5.5%                                        
$ 1,650    

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA, (4)

          6.500%        N/A (7)        Ba2     $ 1,751,062  
  1,480    

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA/Grand Cayman, 144A

          6.750%        N/A (7)        Ba2       1,532,555  
  4,460    

Banco Santander SA

          4.750%        N/A (7)        Ba1       4,456,833  
  1,375    

Bancolombia SA

          4.625%        12/18/29        Ba3       1,375,000  
  1,250    

Bangkok Bank PCL/Hong Kong, 144A

          5.000%        N/A (7)        Ba1       1,295,312  
  2,000    

Bank Hapoalim BM, 144A, Reg S

          3.255%        1/21/32        BBB       1,984,000  
  3,990    

Barclays PLC

          6.125%        N/A (7)        BBB–       4,317,579  
  3,630    

BNP Paribas SA, 144A

          6.625%        N/A (7)        BBB       3,906,969  
  2,215    

Credit Agricole SA, 144A

          8.125%        N/A (7)        BBB       2,623,114  
  3,395    

HSBC Holdings PLC

          6.000%        N/A (7)        BBB       3,653,869  
  1,700    

Itau Unibanco Holding SA/Cayman Island, 144A

          3.875%        4/15/31        B1       1,632,017  
  1,500    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

          7.500%        N/A (7)        Baa3       1,658,415  
  2,265    

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

          7.500%        N/A (7)        Baa3       2,559,935  
  2,000    

Macquarie Bank Ltd/London, 144A

          6.125%        N/A (7)        BB+       2,134,160  
  1,700    

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd, 144A, Reg S

          3.077%        4/07/31        BBB       1,687,250  
  2,000    

NatWest Group PLC

          8.000%        N/A (7)        BBB–       2,322,500  
  1,130    

NatWest Group PLC, (4)

          6.000%        N/A (7)        BBB–       1,236,582  
  1,925    

NatWest Group PLC

          4.600%        N/A (7)        BBB–       1,886,500  
  2,540    

Nordea Bank Abp, 144A

          6.625%        N/A (7)        BBB+       2,886,075  
  1,760    

Societe Generale SA, 144A

                      4.750%        N/A (7)        BB+       1,787,121  
  43,965    

Total Banks

                                                46,686,848  
      Capital Markets – 0.7%                                        
  2,000    

Credit Suisse Group AG, 144A

          6.375%        N/A (7)        BB+       2,155,600  
  2,105    

Deutsche Bank AG

          6.000%        N/A (7)        BB–       2,186,569  
  640    

UBS Group AG, 144A

          7.000%        N/A (7)        BBB       690,080  

 

53


Nuveen Strategic Income Fund (continued)

Portfolio of Investments    December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

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

UBS Group AG, 144A

                     3.875%        N/A (7)        BBB      $ 985,450  
  5,745    

Total Capital Markets

                                                6,017,699  
$ 49,710    

Total Contingent Capital Securities (cost $52,113,666)

                                                52,704,547  
Shares     Description (1)                  Coupon              Ratings (2)      Value  
 

$25 PAR (OR SIMILAR) RETAIL PREFERRED – 0.6%

               
      Diversified Financial Services – 0.2%                                        
  14,600    

AgriBank FCB, (11)

                     6.875%                 BBB+      $ 1,547,600  
      Insurance – 0.4%                                        
  49,000    

Assurant Inc

         5.250%           BB+        1,321,530  
  70,000    

Enstar Group Ltd, (4)

                     7.000%                 BB+        2,069,200  
 

Total Insurance

                                                3,390,730  
 

Total $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred (cost $4,435,000)

                                                4,938,330  
 

Total Long-Term Investments (cost $829,913,481)

                                                832,829,489  
Shares     Description (1)                  Coupon                      Value  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH COLLATERAL FROM SECURITIES LENDING – 1.5%

               
      MONEY MARKET FUNDS – 1.5%                                        
  12,831,184    

State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, (12)

                     0.030% (13)                        $ 12,831,184  
 

Total Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending (cost $12,831,184)

 

                       12,831,184  
Principal
Amount (000)
    Description (1)                  Coupon      Maturity              Value  
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.8%

               
      REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS – 1.8%                                        
$ 14,669    

Repurchase Agreement with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, dated 12/31/21, repurchase price $14,669,469, collateralized by $12,957,400, U.S. Treasury Inflation Index Notes, 0.125%, due 4/15/22, value $14,962,944

                     0.000%        1/03/22               $ 14,669,469  
 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $14,669,469)

                                                14,669,469  
 

Total Investments (cost $857,414,134) – 101.4%

                                                860,330,142  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities – (1.4)% (14)

                                                (11,570,977)  
 

Net Assets – 100%

                                              $ 848,759,165  

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

       100        3/22      $ 19,576,763      $ 19,712,500      $ 135,737      $ 156,250  

 

54


 

 

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      3/22      $ (24,091,599    $ (24,195,312    $ (103,713    $ (14,063

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Note

       (200      3/22        (28,812,100      (29,287,500      (475,400      (53,125

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note

       (450      3/22        (58,745,194      (58,710,938      34,256        (28,125
Total                        $ (111,648,893    $ (112,193,750    $ (544,857    $ (95,313

 

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

 

(1)

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

 

(2)

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

 

(3)

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

 

(4)

Investment, or a portion of investment, is out on loan for securities lending. The total value of the securities out on loan as of the end of the reporting period was $12,465,986.

 

(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)

Perpetual security. Maturity date is not applicable.

 

(8)

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.

 

(9)

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.

 

(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)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment classified as Level 2.

 

(12)

The Fund may loan securities representing up to one third of the market value of its total assets (which includes collateral for securities on loan) to broker dealers, banks, and other institutions. The collateral maintained by the Fund shall have a market value, at the inception of each loan, equal to not less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities. The cash collateral received by the Fund is invested in this money market fund.

 

(13)

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

 

(14)

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.

 

(15)

Principal Amount (000) denominated in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise noted.

 

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.

 

DOP

Dominican Peso

 

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.

 

55


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

      Credit
Income
       Strategic
Income
 

Assets

       

Long-term investments, at value (cost $110,306,709 and $829,913,481, respectively)(1)

   $ 108,341,387        $ 832,829,489  

Investment purchased with collateral from securities lending, at value (cost approximates value)

     3,288,358          12,831,184  

Short-term investments, at value (cost approximates value)

     18,194,063          14,669,469  

Cash

     395,725          134,087  

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in futures contracts(2)

              927,502  

Cash collateral at brokers for investments in swaps(2)

     380,581           

Credit default swaps premiums paid

     456,079           

Receivable for:

       

Dividends

     3,841          41,173  

Interest

     1,175,605          6,677,410  

Investments sold

     1,563,421          833,193  

Reclaims

              867  

Shares sold

     1,109,308          739,169  

Variation margin on futures contracts

              156,250  

Other assets

     77,265          147,373  

Total assets

     134,985,633          869,987,166  

Liabilities

       

Payable for:

       

Collateral from securities lending program

     3,288,358          12,831,184  

Dividends

     25,115          459,515  

Investments purchased – when issued/delayed-delivery settlement

     1,222,125          6,631,037  

Shares redeemed

     414,381          471,226  

Variation margin on futures contracts

              95,313  

Accrued expenses:

       

Management fees

     38,560          312,169  

Directors fees

     49,385          77,199  

12b-1 distribution and service fees

     25,308          51,742  

Other

     119,683          298,616  

Total liabilities

     5,182,915          21,228,001  

Net assets

   $  129,802,718        $  848,759,165  

 

(1)

Includes securities loaned of $3,159,747 and $12,465,986 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.

 

56


 

      Credit
Income
       Strategic
Income
 

Class A Shares

       

Net assets

   $ 64,858,832        $ 129,911,298  

Shares outstanding

     8,864,860          11,714,881  

Net asset value (“NAV”) per share

   $ 7.32        $ 11.09  

Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of 4.75% and 4.25%, respectively, of offering price)

   $ 7.69        $ 11.58  

Class C Shares

       

Net assets

   $  13,519,374        $ 27,719,414  

Shares outstanding

     1,850,501          2,512,718  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 7.31        $ 11.03  

Class R6 Shares

       

Net assets

   $        $ 279,066,949  

Shares outstanding

              25,069,010  

NAV and offering price per share

   $        $ 11.13  

Class I Shares

       

Net assets

   $ 51,424,512        $ 412,061,504  

Shares outstanding

     7,006,553          37,149,023  

NAV and offering price per share

   $ 7.34        $ 11.09  

Fund level net assets consist of:

                   

Capital paid-in

   $ 258,399,788        $ 877,058,472  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (128,597,070        (28,299,307

Fund level net assets

   $  129,802,718        $  848,759,165  

Authorized shares – per class

     2 billion          2 billion  

Par value per share

   $ 0.0001        $ 0.0001  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

57


Statement of Operations

Six Months Ended December 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

      Credit
Income
       Strategic
Income
 

Investment Income

       

Dividend

   $ 43,219        $ 143,337  

Interest

     4,223,239          15,642,777  

Securities lending income, net

     9,591          27,626  

Total investment income

     4,276,049          15,813,740  

Expenses

       

Management fees

     482,867          2,172,818  

12b-1 service fees – Class A Shares

     88,670          172,872  

12b-1 distribution and service fees – Class C Shares

     71,727          149,236  

Shareholder servicing agent fees

     70,360          271,943  

Interest expense

     4,913          1,746  

Custodian fees

     3,749          25,879  

Directors fees

     3,097          13,619  

Professional fees

     40,528          59,288  

Shareholder reporting expenses

     6,662          60,483  

Federal and state registration fees

     36,151          51,947  

Other

     1,334          3,664  

Total expenses before fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     810,058          2,983,495  

Fee waiver/expense reimbursement

     (43,124        (366,587

Net expenses

     766,934          2,616,908  

Net investment income (loss)

     3,509,115          13,196,832  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments and foreign currency

     2,234,389          5,643,942  

Futures contracts

              1,113,493  

Swaps

     (12,023         

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

       

Investments and foreign currency

     (5,105,811        (18,727,570

Futures contracts

              (460,297

Swaps

     12,081           

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (2,871,364        (12,430,432

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

   $ 637,751        $ 766,400  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

58


Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     Credit Income            Strategic Income  
      Unaudited
Six Months Ended
12/31/21
     Year Ended
6/30/21
            Unaudited
Six Months Ended
12/31/21
     Year Ended
6/30/21
 

Operations

             

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 3,509,115      $ 9,212,870        $ 13,196,832      $ 20,936,901  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     2,234,389        9,601,884          5,643,942        9,928,743  

Futures contracts

                     1,113,493        (1,154,722

Swaps

     (12,023                      (20,553

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

             

Investments and foreign currency

     (5,105,811      9,220,305          (18,727,570      21,564,129  

Futures contracts

                     (460,297      160,985  

Swaps

     12,081                               

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     637,751        28,035,059                766,400        51,415,483  

Distributions to Shareholders

             

Dividends:

             

Class A Shares

     (1,544,188      (3,571,099        (1,910,687      (3,716,215

Class C Shares

     (260,741      (728,420        (302,304      (790,131

Class R3 Shares(1)

            (9,581               (69,107

Class R6 Shares

                     (3,791,019      (2,233,938

Class I Shares

     (1,735,607      (4,404,641              (6,399,225      (13,610,712

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (3,540,536      (8,713,741              (12,403,235      (20,420,103

Fund Share Transactions

             

Proceeds from sale of shares

     52,257,187        160,030,174          276,569,386        262,293,562  

Proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions

     3,363,093        8,252,382                9,764,647        14,543,140  
     55,620,280        168,282,556          286,334,033        276,836,702  

Cost of shares redeemed

     (110,019,696      (186,625,700              (89,140,686      (241,434,814

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions

     (54,399,416      (18,343,144              197,193,347        35,401,888  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (57,302,201      978,174          185,556,512        66,397,268  

Net assets at the beginning of period

     187,104,919        186,126,745                663,202,653        596,805,385  

Net assets at the end of period

   $  129,802,718      $  187,104,919              $  848,759,165      $  663,202,653  

 

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.

 

59


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)

                                     

2022(e)

  $  7.42     $  0.16        $ (0.10      $ 0.06       $ (0.16      $   —        $   —        $ (0.16      $  7.32  

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)

                                     

2022(e)

    7.41       0.13          (0.09        0.04         (0.14                          (0.14        7.31  

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)

                                     

2022(e)

    7.45       0.17          (0.11        0.06         (0.17                          (0.17        7.34  

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  

 

60


 

      Ratios/Supplemental Data  
                  Ratios to Average
Net Assets Before
Waiver/Reimbursement
         

Ratios to Average
Net Assets After

Waiver/Reimbursement(c)

          

Total

Return(b)

    Ending
Net
Assets
(000)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
           Expenses        Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
       Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(d)
 
                        
  0.84   $ 64,859         1.05 %*         4.24 %*        1.00 %*         4.29 %*         53
  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  
                        
  0.48       13,519         1.80        3.49       1.75        3.54        53  
  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  
                        
  0.83       51,425         0.80        4.48       0.75        4.53        53  
  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.

 
(e)

Unaudited. For the six months ended December 31, 2021.

 
*

Annualized.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

61


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)

                                      

2022(e)

  $ 11.23      $ 0.17        $ (0.15      $ 0.02       $ (0.16      $   —        $        $ (0.16      $ 11.09  

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)

                                      

2022(e)

    11.17        0.12          (0.15        (0.03       (0.11                          (0.11        11.03  

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)

                                      

2022(e)

    11.27        0.19          (0.15        0.04         (0.18                          (0.18        11.13  

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)

                                      

2022(e)

    11.23        0.18          (0.15        0.03         (0.17                          (0.17        11.09  

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  

 

62


 

 

      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)
 
                        
  0.14   $ 129,911         0.92 %*         2.88 %*        0.83 %*         2.97 %*         46
  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  
                        
  (0.24     27,719         1.67        2.13       1.58        2.22        46  
  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  
                        
  0.33       279,067         0.58        3.25       0.49        3.34        46  
  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  
                        
  0.28       412,062         0.67        3.13       0.58        3.22        46  
  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.

 
(e)

Unaudited. For the six months ended December 31, 2021.

 
*

Annualized.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

63


Notes to Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

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 December 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the six months ended December 31, 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 after purchase. Class R6 and I Shares are sold without an up-front sales charge.

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.

 

64


 

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

 

65


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (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 quotations 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.

Swap contracts are marked-to-market daily based upon a price supplied by a pricing service. Swaps 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.

 

66


 

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

  $      $ 58,264,538      $ 5 **     $ 58,264,543  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

           27,358,216               27,358,216  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

           13,743,518               13,743,518  

Sovereign Debt

           3,652,558               3,652,558  

Contingent Capital Securities

           3,205,418               3,205,418  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

           1,621,112        ***       1,621,112  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

    495,933                      495,933  

Common Stocks

                  89 **       89  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     3,288,358                      3,288,358  
Short-Term Investments:           

Repurchase Agreements

           18,194,063               18,194,063  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Credit Default Swaps****

           12,081               12,081  
Total   $ 3,784,291      $ 126,051,504      $ 94      $ 129,835,889  
Strategic Income                               
Long-Term Investments*:           

Corporate Bonds

  $      $ 324,156,026      $      $ 324,156,026  

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities

           263,949,073        2,324,107 **       266,273,180  

$1,000 Par (or similar) Institutional Preferred

           66,745,866               66,745,866  

Sovereign Debt

           64,687,134               64,687,134  

Variable Rate Senior Loan Interests

           53,324,406               53,324,406  

Contingent Capital Securities

           52,704,547               52,704,547  

$25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred

    3,390,730        1,547,600 **              4,938,330  
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending     12,831,184                      12,831,184  
Short-Term Investments:           

Repurchase Agreements

           14,669,469               14,669,469  
Investments in Derivatives:           

Futures Contracts****

    (409,120                    (409,120
Total   $ 15,812,794      $ 841,784,121      $ 2,324,107      $ 859,921,022  
*

Refer to the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments for industry 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 had no such outstanding participation commitments.

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.

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.

 

67


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

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   $ 18,194,063     $ (18,558,005
Strategic Income   Fixed Income Clearing Corporation     14,669,469       (14,962,944

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. The Funds’ custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, serves as the securities lending agent (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 fund 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   $ 186,056     $ 189,366  
  Corporate Bonds     2,763,165       2,883,667  
    Contingent Capital Securities     210,526       215,325  
Total       $ 3,159,747     $ 3,288,358  
Strategic Income   $25 Par (or similar) Retail Preferred   $ 11,824     $ 12,000  
  Contingent Capital Securities     2,640,779       2,699,003  
  Corporate Bonds     8,007,903       8,256,891  
    Sovereign Debt     1,805,480       1,863,290  
Total       $ 12,465,986     $ 12,831,184  

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.

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     80,868,703        568,010,754  
Sales and maturities     154,226,528        361,047,175  

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

 

68


 

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*      $ 82,873,546  
*

The average notional amount is calculated based on the absolute aggregate notional amount of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of all futures contracts held by the Funds as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

           

Location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
           

Asset Derivatives

       (Liability) Derivatives  
Underlying
Risk Exposure
   Derivative Instrument      Location      Value        Location      Value  

Strategic Income

                   

Interest Rate

   Futures contracts      Receivable for variation margin on futures
contracts*
     $ 135,737        Payable for variation
margin on futures
contracts*
     $ (544,857
*

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   $ 1,113,493     $ (460,297

 

69


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

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, Credit Income used credit default swaps to hedge a portion of the fund’s high yield credit risk exposure.

The average notional amount of credit default swap contacts outstanding during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

      Credit
Income
 
Average notional amount of credit default swap contracts outstanding*    $ 1,666,667  
*

The average notional amount is calculated based on the outstanding notional at the beginning of the current fiscal period and at the end of each fiscal quarter within the current fiscal period.

The following table presents the fair value of all swap contracts held by the following Fund as of the end of the reporting period, the location of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the primary underlying risk exposure.

 

           

Location of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
           

Asset Derivatives

       (Liability) Derivatives  
Underlying
Risk Exposure
   Derivative Instrument      Location      Value        Location      Value  

Credit Income

                      

Credit

   Swaps (OTC Cleared)      Cash collateral at brokers for investments in swaps**      $ 12,081             $   —  
**

Some swap contracts require a counterparty to pay or receive a premium, which is disclosed on the Statement of Assets of Liabilities and is not reflected in the cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) presented above.

 

70


 

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
 
Credit Income   Credit   Swaps   $ (12,023   $ 12,081  

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:

 

       Six Months Ended
12/31/21
       Year Ended
6/30/21
 
Credit Income      Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       886,575        $ 6,555,576          4,713,474        $ 33,650,595  

Class A - automatic conversion of Class C Shares

       81          603          2,903          21,166  

Class A - automatic conversion of Class R3 Shares

                         33,499          247,561  

Class C

       67,866          500,690          161,941          1,164,088  

Class R31

                         3,490          25,745  

Class I

       6,112,058          45,200,318          17,507,057          124,921,019  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       192,432          1,415,980          463,537          3,331,198  

Class C

       35,433          260,337          100,501          720,396  

Class R31

                         1,222          8,957  

Class I

       228,528          1,686,776          579,184          4,191,831  
         7,522,973          55,620,280          23,566,808          168,282,556  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (2,716,024        (20,053,083        (7,044,878        (50,346,706

Class C

       (289,777        (2,132,476        (1,604,428        (11,502,815

Class C - automatic conversion to Class A Shares

       (82        (603        (2,907        (21,166

Class R31

                         (7,230        (52,700

Class R3 - automatic conversion to Class A Shares

                         (32,790        (247,561

Class I

       (11,960,371        (87,833,534        (17,488,589        (124,454,752
         (14,966,254        (110,019,696        (26,180,822        (186,625,700
Net increase (decrease)        (7,443,281      $ (54,399,416        (2,614,014      $ (18,343,144

 

71


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

       Six Months Ended
12/31/21
       Year Ended
6/30/21
 
Strategic Income      Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  
Shares sold:                    

Class A

       859,720        $ 9,615,795          4,300,992        $ 47,607,779  

Class A - automatic conversion of Class C Shares

       11          126          11,336          125,494  

Class A - automatic conversion of Class R3 Shares

                         166,701          1,860,249  

Class C

       112,191          1,246,887          654,656          7,202,856  

Class R31

                         56,077          624,947  

Class R6

       19,603,587          221,744,667          3,340,178          37,090,284  

Class I

       3,929,165          43,961,911          15,118,572          167,781,953  
Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions:                    

Class A

       140,922          1,573,334          281,391          3,122,654  

Class C

       26,100          289,865          67,933          749,356  

Class R31

                         5,023          55,799  

Class R6

       330,813          3,702,171          189,462          2,111,437  

Class I

       376,007          4,199,277          766,117          8,503,894  
         25,378,516          286,334,033          24,958,438          276,836,702  
Shares redeemed:                    

Class A

       (1,741,267        (19,427,671        (1,835,769        (20,377,866

Class C

       (400,266        (4,448,928        (1,441,974        (15,874,191

Class C - automatic conversion to Class A Shares

       (11        (126        (11,388        (125,494

Class R31

                         (177,761        (1,980,525

Class R3 - automatic conversion to Class A Shares

                 (166,106        (1,860,249

Class R6

       (868,940        (9,719,579        (3,031,536        (33,769,016

Class I

       (4,969,287        (55,544,382        (15,061,631        (167,447,473
         (7,979,771        (89,140,686        (21,726,165        (241,434,814
Net increase (decrease)        17,398,745        $ 197,193,347          3,232,273        $ 35,401,888  
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 December 31, 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   $ 132,269,932      $ 856,803,778  
Gross unrealized:     

Appreciation

  $ 2,079,668      $ 12,024,394  

Depreciation

    (4,057,632      (8,907,150
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments   $ (1,977,964    $ 3,117,244  

 

72


 

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’ last tax year end.

The tax components of undistributed net ordinary income and net long-term capital gains as of June 30, 2021, the Funds’ last 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’ last tax year ended June 30, 2021 was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows:

 

     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               
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’ last 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’ last 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  

In certain circumstances, the Funds may distribute portfolio securities rather than cash as payment for a redemption of Fund shares (in-kind redemption). The Funds may also accept portfolio securities rather than cash as payment for a purchase of Fund shares (in-kind purchase). During the current fiscal period, Strategic Income received $149,104,398 of securities from in-kind purchase transactions.

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  

 

73


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (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 December 31, 2021, the complex-level fee for each Fund was as follows:

 

Fund      Complex-Level Fee  
Credit Income        0.2000
Strategic Income        0.1863  

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 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    $ 28,432      $ 33,899  
Paid to financial intermediaries      24,953        30,793  

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.

 

74


 

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   $ 5,597      $ 20,146  

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   $ 5,219      $ 16,036  

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   $ 99      $ 3,298  

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 temporary purposes (other than on-going 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, the Funds did not utilize this facility.

 

 

75


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

  

 

              
  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.   

 

76


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 U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: An index that is designed to measure the performance of the USD-denominated, fixed-rate investment grade taxable bond market. The index includes Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (MBS), asset-backed securities (ABS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index: An issuer-constrained version of the U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index, which is designed to measure the performance of the USD-denominated, fixed-rate corporate high yield bond market. Index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect 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

 

77


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.

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.

 

78


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.

 

79


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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
  MSA-FINC-1221D        2007091-INV-B-02/23


ITEM 2.

CODE OF ETHICS.

Not applicable to this filing.

 

ITEM 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable to this filing.

 

ITEM 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable to this filing.

 

ITEM 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to this registrant.

 

ITEM 6.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments in Item 1.

 

(b)   Not applicable.

 

ITEM 7.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to this registrant.

 

ITEM 8.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to this registrant.

 

ITEM 9.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable to this registrant.

 

ITEM 10.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to this Item.

 

ITEM 11.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

  (a)   The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

  (b)   There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the 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 to this filing.
  (a )(2)    A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) in the exact form set forth below: See EX-99.CERT attached hereto.
  (a )(3)    Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons: Not applicable to this registrant.
  (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: March 9, 2022

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: March 9, 2022

 

By (Signature and Title)       /s/ E. Scott Wickerham
 

E. Scott Wickerham

Vice President and Controller

(principal financial officer)

Date: March 9, 2022