Nuveen -Wed, 05/13/2026 - 14:18

Taxable Munis Stand Out in Volatile Markets

Dan Close - Head of Municipals
Kristen M. DeJong - Portfolio Manager
Philip C. Traven - Portfolio Manager

Taxable municipal bonds proved their resilience in the first quarter of 2026, outperforming other fixed income asset classes despite sharp rate moves and rising geopolitical uncertainty. With yields near historic highs, solid credit fundamentals and limited supply, we believe the case for municipals is strong.

Key takeaways

Active sector selection in health care and transportation may capture additional yield that we believe more than adequately compensates investors for the underlying credit risk.
Rebounding demand and limited supply are expected to favor municipal total returns through year end.
The shape of the taxable muni yield curve, with narrowing yields featured on the long end, may reward investors who favor intermediate dated bonds.

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Disclosures
This material is not intended to be a recommendation or investment advice, does not constitute a solicitation to buy, sell or hold a security or investment strategy and is not provided in a fiduciary capacity. The information provided does not take into account the specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on an investor's objectives and circumstances and in consultation with their financial advisors. Financial professionals should independently evaluate the risks associated with products or services and exercise independent judgment with respect to their clients.

Nuveen, LLC provides investment solutions through its investment specialists.

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Nuveen

Nuveen is the asset manager for TIAA, one of the world’s most highly rated and financially stable insurance companies¹. We leverage our deep expertise in partnering with insurance clients to tailor capital-efficient solutions to meet complex portfolio construction needs. Our platform of $1.4 trillion in AUM² offers differentiated investments across private credit and private equity, real assets, fixed income, and responsible investing focused strategies. For more information, please visit www.nuveen.com/insurance.

1. For its stability, claims-paying ability and overall financial strength, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) is one of only three insurers in the United States to currently hold the highest rating available to U.S. insurers from three of the four leading insurance company rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++ as of July 2025), Fitch (AAA as of August 2025), Standard & Poor’s (AA+ as of November 2025), and the second highest possible rating from Moody’s Investors Service (Aa1 rating affirmed as of February 12, 2026). There is no guarantee that current ratings will be maintained. The financial strength ratings represent a company’s ability to meet policyholders’ obligations and do not apply to variable annuities or any other product or service not fully backed by TIAA’s claims-paying ability. The ratings also do not apply to the safety or the performance of the variable accounts, which will fluctuate in value.

2. Assets under management as of 31 Dec 2025. Nuveen assets under management (AUM) is inclusive of underlying investment specialists. Totals may not equal 100 % due to rounding.

Joseph Pursley, CIMA
Head of Insurance, Americas
Joseph.Pursley@Nuveen.com
445-245-1063

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