The investment landscape is evolving, and Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, is at the forefront of this transformation. The company has recently introduced two new actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to its municipal bond platform. This move underscores Nuveen's dedication to providing investors with a wide range of options that cater to their diverse financial goals. By launching these ETFs, Nuveen aims to enhance access to its extensive expertise in municipal credit analysis and active management.
With nearly $200 billion in assets under management, Nuveen's municipal platform offers a comprehensive suite of investment vehicles including mutual funds, closed-end funds, ETFs, separately managed accounts, model portfolios, and an interval fund. These offerings provide investors with the flexibility to choose the investment vehicle that best aligns with their needs. The municipal bond market, which encompasses over 80,000 issuers and 1.5 million individual securities, presents both challenges and opportunities. Nuveen's award-winning research and investment management team is committed to helping investors navigate this complex landscape by identifying attractive opportunities and capitalizing on market inefficiencies.
The introduction of these two new ETFs reflects Nuveen's commitment to meeting the growing demand for tax-exempt income. The Nuveen High Yield Municipal Income ETF (NYSE: NHYM) primarily invests in high-yield municipal bonds while also offering opportunistic exposure to investment-grade municipal securities. It seeks to maximize total return through income exempt from regular federal income taxes and capital appreciation. On the other hand, the Nuveen Municipal Income ETF (NYSE: NUMI) focuses on longer-duration municipal bonds, mainly in investment-grade securities, with opportunistic exposure to below-investment-grade securities. Both ETFs are designed to deliver consistent tax-exempt income and long-term outperformance.
Understanding the fundamental credit risk within the municipal space is crucial for delivering reliable tax-exempt income to investors. Nuveen's specialized municipal credit research team, one of the largest and most experienced in the industry, plays a pivotal role in this process. The team's ability to adjust exposure to sectors such as healthcare, higher education, and infrastructure projects allows them to uncover specific projects with additional return potential. Nuveen's leadership in the municipal fund management sector is further highlighted by its recent recognition as the #1 team in the 2024 Smith’s All-Star Municipal Analysts Awards.
The launch of these ETFs not only expands Nuveen's product lineup but also responds to the increasing demand for flexible investment solutions. As the investment world continues to evolve, Nuveen remains dedicated to empowering investors with the tools and strategies they need to achieve their financial objectives. By leveraging its deep expertise and innovative approach, Nuveen is setting new standards in the municipal bond market, ensuring that investors can confidently pursue their long-term financial goals.