NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
N-1A EL/A, 1996-07-31
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<PAGE>
 
      
   As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 1996     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM N-1A
 
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
              SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                                                [X]
 
            Registration No. 333-03715
               
            Pre-Effective Amendment No.  2     
                                       ---                      [X]
 
            Post-Effective Amendment No.
                                       ---                      [_]
 
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
              INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
                                                                [X]
 
            Registration No. 811-07619
               
            Amendment No. 2     
                          ---                                   [_]
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
        (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Declaration of Trust)
 
    333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago,                      60606
                Illinois                               (Zip Code)
    (Address of Principal Executive
                Offices)
 
       Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (312) 917-7700
 
                                                       Copies to:
     James J. Wesolowski, Esq.-Vice                Eric F. Fess, Esq.
        President and Secretary                    Chapman and Cutler
         333 West Wacker Drive                   111 West Monroe Street
        Chicago, Illinois 60606                 Chicago, Illinois 60603
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
 
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
 
[_]  immediately upon filing 
     pursuant to paragraph (b)
                                          [_]  on (date) pursuant to paragraph
                                               (a)(1)
[_]  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
                                          [_]  75 days after filing pursuant 
                                               to paragraph (a)(2)
[_]  60 days after filing pursuant to 
     paragraph (a)(1)
                                          [_]  on (date) pursuant to paragraph
                                               (a)(2) of Rule 485.
 
If appropriate, check the following box:
 
[_]  This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previ-
     ously filed post-effective amendment.
 
PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, REGISTRANT HEREBY
DECLARES THAT AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF SHARES OF THE TRUST ARE BEING REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. A REGISTRATION FILING FEE OF $500 HAS BEEN
PAID.
 
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933 ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE
DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY
STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGIS-
TRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    CONTENTS
 
                                       OF
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
    The Registration Statement comprises the following papers and contents:
 
                 The Facing Sheet
 
                 Cross-Reference Sheet
 
                 Part A-Prospectus for Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund
                       Prospectus for Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund
                       Prospectus for Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund
 
                 Part B-The Statement of Additional Information
 
                 Part C-Other Information
 
                 Signatures
 
                 Index to Exhibits
 
                 Exhibits
 
<PAGE>
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
 
                               -----------------
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
 
                               PART A--PROSPECTUS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ITEM IN PART A
        OF FORM N-1A                         PROSPECTUS LOCATION
       --------------                        -------------------
<S>                           <C>
 1  Cover Page                Cover Page
 2  Synopsis                  Summary of Fund Expenses; How to Determine If
                              The Fund Is Right For You; Summary Information
                              about the Fund
 3  Condensed Financial       Not Applicable
    Information
 4  General Description of    General Information; Additional Information about
    Registrant                the Fund's Investments
 5  Management of the Fund    Summary of Fund Expenses; Who Is Responsible
                              for the Operation of the Fund; Management of
                              the Fund; General Information
 5A Management's Discussion   Not Applicable
    of Fund
    Performance
 6  Capital Stock and Other   General Information; Distributions and Taxes
    Securities
 7  Purchase of Securities    Flexible Purchase Options; How to Buy Fund
    Being Offered             Shares; Distribution and Service Plan;
                              Management of the Fund; Net Asset Value
 8  Redemption or Repurchase  How to Redeem Fund Shares
 9  Pending Legal             Not Applicable
    Proceedings
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                  PART B--STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ITEM IN PART A                       LOCATION IN STATEMENT
        OF FORM N-1A                      OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
       --------------                     -------------------------
<S>                           <C>
10  Cover Page                Cover Page
11  Table of Contents         Cover Page
12  General Information and   Not Applicable
    History
13  Investment Objectives     Investment Policies and Restrictions; Investment
    and Policies              Policies and Techniques
14  Management of the Fund    Management
15  Control Persons and       Management
    Principal Holders of
    Securities
16  Investment Advisory and   Fund Manager and Portfolio Manager; Distribution
    Other Services            and Service Plans; Independent Public Accountants
                              and Custodian
17  Brokerage Allocation and  Portfolio Transactions
    Other Practices
18  Capital Stock and Other   See "General Information" in the Prospectus
    Securities
19  Purchase, Redemption and  Additional Information on the Purchase and
    Pricing of                Redemption of Fund Shares; Distribution and
    Securities                Service Plans; Net Asset Value
20  Tax Status                Tax Matters
21  Underwriters              Additional Information on the Purchase and
                              Redemption of Fund Shares; See "How to Buy
                              Fund Shares" and "Management of the Funds" in
                              the Prospectus
22  Calculation of            Performance Information
    Performance Data
23  Financial Statements      Financial Statements
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                                                LOGO






NUVEEN 
GROWTH AND                         
INCOME STOCK FUND                  
 
                                                               





PROSPECTUS/AUGUST 1, 1996
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN FAMILY OF MUTUAL FUNDS



               Nuveen offers individual investors a broad range of mutual funds
               to meet their investment needs:

               GROWTH AND INCOME FUNDS                          
               Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund

               BALANCED FUNDS
               Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund
               Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund
    
               NATIONAL TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS      
               Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund 
               Nuveen Insured Municipal Bond Fund
    
               STATE TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS      
               Arizona
               Nuveen Arizona Tax-Free Value Fund
               California
               Nuveen California Tax-Free Value Fund
               Nuveen California Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
               Florida
               Nuveen Florida Tax-Free Value Fund
               Maryland
               Nuveen Maryland Tax-Free Value Fund
               Massachusetts
               Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Value Fund
               Nuveen Massachusetts Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
               Michigan
               Nuveen Michigan Tax-Free Value Fund
               New Jersey
               Nuveen New Jersey Tax-Free Value Fund
               New York
               Nuveen New York Tax-Free Value Fund
               Nuveen New York Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
               Ohio
               Nuveen Ohio Tax-Free Value Fund
               Pennsylvania
               Nuveen Pennsylvania Tax-Free Value Fund
               Virginia
               Nuveen Virginia Tax-Free Value Fund
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN GROWTH AND INCOME STOCK FUND
Prospectus
   
August 1, 1996     
   
The NUVEEN GROWTH AND INCOME STOCK FUND (the "Fund") is a mutual fund that
seeks to provide over time a superior total return from a diversified portfolio
consisting primarily of equity securities of domestic companies with market
capitalizations of at least $500 million. Under conditions of normal market
variability, in seeking to enhance returns and to preserve capital, the Fund
may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in cash equivalents and short-
term fixed income securities. This strategy seeks to provide you with higher
returns over time than the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (the "S&P 500")
with an equal or lower level of risk.     
 The Fund offers you Flexible Purchase Options, which provide the flexibility
to purchase Fund shares in the same manner you typically make other mutual fund
investments. You may choose from one of four alternative classes of Fund shares
(Classes A, B, C and R), each with a different combination of sales charges,
ongoing fees, eligibility requirements, and other features. Your financial
adviser will be able to assist you in determining which share class is best for
you. See "Flexible Purchase Options," "How to Buy Fund Shares" and "Summary of
Fund Expenses."
   
 The Fund is a series of the Nuveen Investment Trust (the "Trust"). This
Prospectus contains information you should know before investing in the Fund.
Please retain it for future reference. You can find more detailed information
about the Fund in the Statement of Additional Information dated August 1, 1996,
as amended from time to time. For a free copy of this Statement, write to the
Nuveen Mutual Funds, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, or call Nuveen
toll-free at 800-621-7227. The Statement has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.     
 Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any bank and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency. Shares
of the Fund involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal.
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>
                         <C> <S>
                             CONTENTS
                           3 SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
                           5 SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
                           <C> <S>
                             5 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
                             5 HOW THE FUND PURSUES ITS OBJECTIVE
                             6 PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER
                             8 HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE FUND IS RIGHT FOR YOU
                             8 FUND FEATURES AND BENEFITS
                            11 RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
                            11 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE
                               FUND?
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
                         <C> <S>
                          12 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND'S
                             INVESTMENTS
                          17 FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
                          19 HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
                          31 DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
                          32 HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
                          36 MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
                          38 HOW THE FUND SHOWS PERFORMANCE
                          39 DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
                          41 NET ASSET VALUE
                          42 GENERAL INFORMATION
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
 
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
 
                 The purpose of the tables below is to help you understand all
                 expenses and fees that you would bear directly or indirectly
                 as a Fund shareholder. The percentages shown are estimated
                 for the current fiscal year. Actual fees and expenses may be
                 greater or less than those shown. An example of how the
                 expenses work is on the next page.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Shareholder Transaction
  Expenses (as a percent of
  offering price)(1)                    Class A        Class B        Class C     Class R(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
  Maximum Sales Charge Imposed         5.25%(3)           None           None           None
   on
   Purchases
  Maximum Sales Charge Imposed             None           None           None           None
   on
   Reinvested Dividends
  Exchange Fees                            None           None           None           None
  Deferred Sales Charge (as a           None(4)          5%(5)          1%(6)           None
   percentage of lesser of pur-
   chase price or redemption
   proceeds)
</TABLE>
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  (as a percent of average daily
  net assets)                        Class A        Class B        Class C        Class R
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
  Management Fees                       .85%           .85%           .85%           .85%
  Rule 12b-1 Fees(7)                    .25%          1.00%          1.00%           None
  Other Operating Expenses
   (after
   reimbursement)(8)                    .10%           .10%           .10%           .10%
                                     ------
                                                  ------
                                                              ------
                                                                           -----
  Total Expenses                       1.20%          1.95%          1.95%           .95%
</TABLE>
 
(1) Investment dealers and other firms may independently charge additional fees
for shareholder transactions or for advisory services; please see their
materials for details.
(2) Class R Shares are available for purchase only under certain limited
circumstances, or by specified classes of investors. See "How to Buy Fund
Shares--Class R Shares."
(3) Reduced sales charges apply to purchases of $50,000 or more. See "How to
Buy Fund Shares--Class A Shares."
(4) Certain Class A purchases at net asset value of $1 million or more may be
subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 18 months
of purchase. See "How to Buy Fund Shares--Class A Shares."
(5) Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of 5% during the first year, 4% during the
second and third years, 3% during the fourth year, 2% during the fifth year,
and 1% during the sixth year.
(6) Class C Shares redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1%
contingent deferred sales charge.
   
(7) Class A, Class B and Class C Shares are subject to an annual service fee of
 .25% of the average daily net assets to compensate Authorized Dealers for
ongoing account services. In addition, Class B and Class C Shares are subject
to annual distribution fees of .75% of the average daily net assets to
reimburse Nuveen for costs in connection with the sale of Fund shares. See
"Distribution and Service Plan." Long-term holders of Class B and Class C
Shares may pay more in Rule 12b-1 fees than the economic equivalent of the
maximum front-end sales charge permitted under the National Association of
Securities Dealers Rules of Fair Practice.     
   
(8) The investment adviser has agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses
through July 31, 1997 in order to prevent Total Expenses (excluding any
distribution or service fees and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding .95% of
the average daily net asset value of any class of Fund shares. Absent expense
reimbursement, "Other Operating Expenses" are estimated to be .25%.     
 
                                         3
<PAGE>
 
                 EXAMPLE*
                 For the Fund, you would pay the following expenses on a
                 $1,000 investment over various time periods, assuming (1) a
                 5% annual rate of return and (2) redemption at the end of
                 each time period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1 Year         3 Years
                 ----------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                                   <C>             <C>
            Class A                                   $64             $89
            Class B**                                 $59             $93
            Class C***                                $20             $67
            Class R                                   $10             $30
</TABLE>
 
                 *This example does not represent past or future expenses,
                 which may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, the
                 Fund's actual rate of return may be greater or less than the
                 hypothetical 5% return shown in this example. This example
                 assumes that the percentage amounts listed under Annual
                 Operating Expenses remain the same in each of the periods.
                 For additional information about the Fund's fees and
                 expenses, see "Distribution and Service Plan" and "Management
                 of the Fund."
                 **Assumes that the shareholder redeemed on the first day of
                 the next year and the contingent deferred sales charge was
                 applied as follows: 1 year (4%), and 3 years (3%). If instead
                 the shareholder had redeemed on the last day of the prior
                 year, the expenses would have been as follows: 1 year $69 and
                 3 years $103. See "How to Buy Fund Shares--Class B Shares."
                 ***Assumes that the shareholder redeemed on the first day of
                 the second year and the contingent deferred sales charge was
                 not applicable for any of the periods shown. If instead the
                 shareholder had redeemed on the last day of the first year,
                 the expenses in the first year would have been $30. See "How
                 to Buy Fund Shares--Class C Shares."
 
                                         4
<PAGE>
 
SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
                 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
                 The Fund seeks to provide over time a superior total return
                 from a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of equity
                 securities of domestic companies with market capitalizations
                 of at least $500 million. The investment objective may not be
                 changed without shareholder approval. There is no assurance
                 that this objective will be realized.
 
                 HOW THE FUND PURSUES ITS OBJECTIVE
The Fund         The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of
invests          large- and mid-cap equities as a source of capital growth.
primarily in     The Fund, however, may shift a portion of its investment
large- and       portfolio into cash equivalents and short-term securities
mid-cap stocks   during adverse markets in order to reduce risk and preserve
                 capital. This strategy seeks to provide you with higher
                 returns over time than the S&P 500 with an equal or lower
                 level of risk. Please see "Additional Information About the
                 Fund's Investments," starting on page 12 for a more detailed
                 discussion.
 
The Fund         The Fund's portfolio manager, Institutional Capital
employs a        Corporation ("ICAP"), employs a value-oriented approach to
value-oriented   select securities for the Fund's investment portfolio. Equity
strategy and     securities are initially screened using proprietary valuation
fundamental      models on the basis of each security's relative price-
company          earnings ratio and earnings stability. ICAP then conducts
research to      extensive company research on the securities that pass this
choose           initial screen in order to identify those securities with a
equities         clear company-specific or thematic catalyst which ICAP
                 believes will trigger significant price appreciation over a
                 defined nine to eighteen month period. The most attractive
                 40-45 securities identified are purchased by ICAP for the
                 Fund's investment portfolio. ICAP then monitors the
                 performance of its investments closely; if an investment
                 underperforms expectations and ICAP's expectations of the
                 investment's future performance potential no longer meet its
                 original purchase criteria, ICAP will quickly replace the
                 security in order to prevent continued underperformance. For
                 additional information regarding the Fund's portfolio
                 investments, see "Additional Information About the Fund's
                 Investments."
 
 
                                         5
<PAGE>
 
                PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER
                   
                The Fund does not have any prior operating history. ICAP,
                the Fund's portfolio manager, has managed separate
                private accounts since 1971. The following chart
                illustrates the growth of a hypothetical $10,000
                investment based upon the investment performance of the
                ICAP Discretionary Equity Composite between June 30, 1976
                and June 30, 1996. The ICAP Discretionary Equity
                Composite represents the composite performance of the
                managed accounts, presently totalling approximately $2.4
                billion, for which ICAP has served as investment adviser
                and that have substantially the same investment
                objectives and policies as the Fund. The ICAP
                Discretionary Equity Composite performance represents
                past performance and should not be interpreted as
                indicative of future performance of the Fund.     
 
                        Growth of a $10,000 Investment
    
                             July 1976-July 1996
                             [Graph Appears Here]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                       
                                         1976        1996
<S>                                    <C>        <C> 
ICAP with Dividends Reinvested         $10,000    $154,243
S&P with Dividends Reinvested          $10,000    $142,457
Morningstar Growth & Income Index 
 with Dividends Reinvested             $10,000    $122,572
Consumer Price Index (inflation)       $10,000     $27,638
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
    
   
<CAPTION> 
         Average Annual Total Returns

ICAP         1 Year   5 Year  10 Year  20 Year
- ----------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
Offer Price  15.42%   15.08%  15.26%   14.66%
NAV          21.81%   16.33%  15.88%   14.97%

</TABLE>               
    
THE ABOVE ILLUSTRATION IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE FUND'S PERFORMANCE.      

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
 
                ICAP's performance results presented above and below reflect
                the investment performance of the ICAP Discretionary Equity
                Composite before deduction of any investment advisory fees or
                other expenses, less Class A's projected annual operating
                expenses as summarized in the Summary of Fund Expenses on page
                3. The chart above illustrating the growth of a hypothetical
                $10,000 investment also assumes payment of the maximum Class A
                sales charge of 5.25%. These performance results would be
                different for a comparable Class B, C or R investment,
                reflecting the different sales charge and ongoing operating
                expenses of each respective class. The S&P 500 returns assume
                reinvestment of all dividends paid by the stocks included in
                the index, but do not include brokerage commissions or other
                fees an investor would incur by investing in the portfolio of
                stocks comprising the index. The Morningstar returns represent
                the average of the annualized returns with dividends
                reinvested of all the funds in Morningstar's Growth and Income
                Fund category for the periods measured, but do not include the
                effect of any sales charges that an investor will incur by
                purchasing the funds comprising the Morningstar Index
                directly. All returns and comparisons of returns are
                calculated on a quarterly basis. See "How the Fund Shows
                Performance" for additional information.
                   
                For the 10-year period ending June 30, 1996, the annualized
                total returns of the ICAP Discretionary Equity Composite
                exceeded those of the S&P 500 by more than 2% annually with
                significantly less risk. Over the same investment period, the
                ICAP Composite's annualized total returns exceeded those of
                the Morningstar Growth and Income average by more than 4%
                annually with comparable risk. Only 10 funds in the
                Morningstar Growth and Income category provided annualized
                returns over this 10-year period in excess of the S&P 500 and
                only two funds provided annualized returns in excess of the
                ICAP Composite. For all 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year holding periods
                between June 30, 1976 and June 30, 1996, the ICAP Composite's
                annualized total returns on average exceeded those of the S&P
                500 by 0.46%, 0.67%, 0.74% and 0.76%, respectively, and
                exceeded those of the Morningstar Growth and Income average by
                1.59%, 1.72%, 1.97% and 2.39%, respectively. Of the 511 funds
                currently in the Morningstar Growth and Income category, there
                are 473, 291, 199 and 114 funds, respectively, with 1-, 3-, 5-
                and 10-year performance records.     
 
                The track record of the ICAP's Discretionary Equity Composite
                is particularly strong in adverse markets. Over the past 20
                years, there have been four periods over which the S&P 500
                declined by more than 10% over consecutive quarters. As
                illustrated in the table below, in each of these market
                downturns the ICAP Composite's cumulative performance
                significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 as well as the
                Morningstar Growth and Income average:
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             MARKET             S&P                 ICAP/S&P     ICAP/MS
            DOWNTURN    ICAP    500   MORNINGSTAR DIFFERENTIAL DIFFERENTIAL
                 ----------------------------------------------------------
           <S>          <C>    <C>    <C>         <C>          <C>
           01/77-03/78   -1.6% -11.8%     -4.9%       10.2%        3.4%
           04/81-06/82    1.0% -13.5%     -7.8%       14.5%        8.8%
           10/87-12/87  -10.1% -22.6%    -19.1%       12.5%        9.0%
           07/90-09/90   -7.8% -13.8%    -13.2%        6.0%        5.4%
</TABLE>
 
                 HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE FUND IS RIGHT FOR YOU
 
                 WHO SHOULD INVEST
 
                 The Fund may be a suitable investment if:
                 . you are seeking a conservative, value-oriented stock fund
                   as the core of a balanced investment plan
                 . you wish to preserve and build wealth through prudent
                   capital management
                 . you have a long-term investment horizon
 
                 WHO SHOULD NOT INVEST
 
                 The Fund may not be a suitable investment if:
                 . you are unwilling to accept moderate fluctuations in share
                   price
                 . you have a short-term investment horizon
 
                 FUND FEATURES AND BENEFITS
 
                 LOW MINIMUM INVESTMENT
$3,000 minimum   You can start your investment with a low initial purchase of
initial          $3,000 ($1,000 for an Individual Retirement Account) in a
investment       particular share class. Additional investments can be made
                 for as little as $50. Exceptions to these minimums are made
                 for participants in the Fund's automatic deposit, group
                 purchase or reinvestment programs. See "How to Buy Fund
                 Shares" for more details.
 
                 FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
Choose from
Class A, B, C    The Fund offers four classes of shares--Classes A, B, C and
or R shares      R. Each class offers a different combination of sales
                 charges, ongoing fees, eligibility requirements and other
                 features. This permits you and your financial adviser to
                 choose the share class
 
                                         8
<PAGE>
 
                 which best meets your investment needs. You and your adviser
                 will want to consider:
                 . the amount of your current investment
                 . current holdings in the Fund
                 . length of time you expect to hold the shares
                 . timing and amount of any future Fund investments
                 . other relevant information
 
                 See "Flexible Purchase Options", "How to Buy Fund Shares" and
                 "How to Redeem Fund Shares" for further discussion of the
                 Fund's flexible purchase options.
 
                 EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Exchange         Shares of the Fund may be quickly and easily exchanged by
shares at no     telephone, without a sales charge, for shares of the same or
charge           equivalent class of any other Nuveen Mutual Fund or for
                 shares of certain Nuveen money market funds.
 
                                         9
<PAGE>
 
                 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
Dividends        All income dividends or capital gains paid with respect to
automatically    each class of shares will be reinvested automatically into
reinvested at    additional shares of the same class without a sales charge,
no charge        unless you elect to receive them in cash.
 
 
Invest           INVESTMENT OF NUVEEN UNIT TRUST DISTRIBUTIONS
distributions    Distributions from any Nuveen Unit Trust may be used to buy
from Nuveen      Class A Shares of the Fund without a sales charge.
Unit Trusts at
no charge
 
                 AUTOMATIC DEPOSIT AND WITHDRAWAL PLANS
 
                 The Fund offers a number of options to help you manage
Easy-to-use      additions to, and withdrawals from, your account. These
systematic       include automatic deposit, direct deposit and payroll
investment and   deduction plans for adding to your account on a regular
withdrawal       basis. If you need periodic withdrawals, and own shares
options          totaling $10,000 or more, you can arrange to have $50 or more
                 sent directly from your account monthly or quarterly.
 
                 ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS
Transfer funds   Nuveen's Fund Direct lets you link your Fund account to your
electronically   account at a bank or other financial institution. You may use
                 Fund Direct to transfer money electronically between
                 accounts, to purchase shares by phone, to invest through an
                 automatic deposit plan, or to send payments directly to your
                 bank account.
 
                 TELEPHONE REDEMPTION
Free telephone   You may establish free telephone redemption privileges for
redemption       your account.
 
                 EASY LIQUIDITY
Redemption on    You may redeem all or some of your Fund shares on any
any business     business day at the then net asset value. Class B and Class C
day              Shares, as well as certain Class A purchases of $1 million or
                 more at net asset value, may be subject to a contingent
                 deferred sales charge upon redemption. See "How to Redeem
                 Fund Shares".
 
                                         10
<PAGE>
 
                 RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
                 You should consider certain other factors about the Fund
                 before investing. As with other equity mutual funds, the
                 value of the Fund's investment portfolio will tend to vary
                 with changes in the stock market. Accordingly, the Fund
                 should be considered a long-term investment, designed to
                 provide the best results when held for a multi-year period.
                 The Fund may not be suitable if you have a short-term
                 investment horizon. In addition, investments by the Fund in
                 American Depository Receipts ("ADRs") of foreign companies
                 involve opportunities and risks not typically associated with
                 investing in U.S. companies. There are special risks
                 associated with options and futures transactions. See
                 "Additional Information About the Fund's Investments."
 
                 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FUND?
 
                 The following organizations work together to provide the
                 services and features offered by the Fund:
 
<TABLE>              
<CAPTION>
            ORGANIZATION           FUNCTION               DUTIES
                 --------------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                    <C>                    <C>
            John Nuveen & Co.      Fund Sponsor and       Sponsors and manages
            Incorporated           Principal Underwriter  the offering of Fund
            ("Nuveen")                                    shares
            Nuveen Institutional   Fund Manager           Oversees the Fund's
            Advisory Corp.                                portfolio manager,
            ("NIAC")                                      manages the Fund's
                                                          business affairs and
                                                          provides day-to-day
                                                          administrative
                                                          services to the Fund
            Institutional Capital  Portfolio Manager      Manages the Fund's
            Corporation ("ICAP")                          investment portfolio
            Shareholder Services,  Transfer Agent;        Maintains shareholder
            Inc. ("SSI")           Shareholder Services   accounts, handles
                                   Agent; Dividend Paying share redemptions and
                                   Agent                  exchanges and
                                                          dividend payments
            The Chase Manhattan    Custodian              Maintains custody of
            Bank ("Chase")                                the Fund's
                                                          investments and
                                                          provides certain
                                                          accounting services
                                                          to the Fund
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                         11
<PAGE>
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND'S INVESTMENTS
                 HOW THE FUND SELECTS INVESTMENTS
The Fund         As portfolio manager, ICAP selects equity securities on the
employs a        basis of its evaluation of each security's relative value in
value-oriented   terms of projected relative price/earnings ratios and
strategy and     earnings stability. When making investment decisions, ICAP
fundamental      develops an economic framework (including an interest rate,
company          inflation, and business cycle outlook) and analyzes strategic
research to      economic and/or industry themes to identify appropriate
choose           investments. ICAP uses a variety of proprietary research
equities         techniques and computer models to search for equity
                 securities believed to possess the best relative value based
                 on proprietary price/earnings projections and an analysis of
                 earnings stability. Furthermore, a clear catalyst must exist,
                 either stock-specific, industry or economic, which ICAP
                 believes will trigger significant price appreciation within a
                 definable period. In order to enhance its internal research,
                 ICAP also utilizes a wide variety of external sources for
                 investment information including recognized strategists,
                 economists, technical and fundamental analysts, corporate
                 executives, and industry sources.
 
                 For each investment, ICAP establishes an upside price target
                 and a downside risk potential. This strategy allows for
                 continuous monitoring of fundamental conditions and stock
                 price performance. Although ICAP typically expects the
                 investment potential of each investment to be realized over a
                 nine to eighteen month time period, it is not unusual for
                 equities to be held for a longer period if justified by their
                 potential future performance. Investments that underperform
                 expectations are reviewed intensively. If the risk/reward
                 profile of a particular investment becomes unattractive or
                 the reasons for owning the security no longer appear valid,
                 the investment typically is sold expeditiously to avoid
                 continued underperformance.
 
The Fund may     In addition to investments in equity securities, in order to
also invest in   preserve capital and to enhance returns, under normal market
short-term       conditions the Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets
fixed-income     in cash equivalents and short-term fixed income securities,
securities in    and may invest up to 100% of its assets in such instruments
order to         as a temporary defensive measure. See "Fixed Income
reduce risk      Securities" below. This strategy seeks to provide you with
                 higher returns than the S&P 500 with an equal or lower level
                 of risk.
 
                                         12
<PAGE>
 
 
                 EQUITY SECURITIES
The Fund         Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest
invests          primarily in equity securities of domestic companies with
primarily in     market capitalizations of at least $500 million ("Equity
domestic         Securities"). Equity Securities include common stocks;
companies with   preferred stocks; warrants to purchase common stocks or
capitalizations  preferred stocks; securities convertible into common or
of at least      preferred stocks, such as convertible bonds and debentures;
$500 million     and other securities with equity characteristics. The Fund
                 will invest at least 65% of its total assets in Equity
                 Securities which do not include warrants or rights to
                 purchase common stock.
 
                 Convertible securities must be rated Baa or higher by Moody's
                 Investors Service ("Moody's") or BBB or higher by Standard &
                 Poor's ("S&P"), Duff & Phelps, Inc. ("D&P") or Fitch
                 Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"). Bonds rated Baa or BBB,
                 although considered investment grade, have speculative
                 characteristics and may be subject to greater fluctuations in
                 value than higher-rated bonds. A general description of
                 ratings may be found in the Statement of Additional
                 Information.
 
                 In addition, the Fund may invest indirectly in equity
                 securities of foreign issuers through investments in American
                 Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), described later in this
                 section.
 
                 FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES
The Fund may        
invest in        The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in cash
fixed-income     equivalents and short-term fixed income securities. In
securities       addition, when ICAP believes that market conditions warrant,
maturing in      the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in such
one year or      instruments for temporary defensive purposes. Cash
less             equivalents and short-term fixed income securities must be
                 from issuers having a long-term rating of at least A or
                 higher by S&P, Moody's or Fitch, or A- or higher by D&P, and
                 having a maturity of one year or less. Such securities
                 include, without limitation, the following: U.S. government
                 securities that are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
                 Treasury or by U.S. governmental agencies or
                 instrumentalities; certificates of deposit; bank time
                 deposits; bankers' acceptances; commercial paper rated A-1 or
                 better by S&P, Prime-1 or better by Moody's, Duff 2 or higher
                 by D&P, or Fitch 2 or higher by Fitch; or repurchase
                 agreements entered into only with respect to obligations of
                 the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
                 certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances.     
 
                 Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the
                 event of the default or insolvency of the other party to the
                 agreement, including possible delays or restrictions upon a
                 Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities.
 
                                         13
<PAGE>
 
 
                 WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Fund may     In order to lock in a fixed price on a security it intends to
purchase When-   purchase, the Fund may invest without limitation in
Issued           securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery
Securities       basis ("When-Issued Securities"). Although the payment and
                 terms of these securities are established at the time the
                 purchaser enters into the commitment, these securities may be
                 delivered and paid for at a future date, generally within 45
                 days. The Fund will segregate and maintain cash, cash
                 equivalents, U.S. government securities, or other high-
                 quality, liquid debt securities in an amount at least equal
                 to the amount of outstanding commitments for When-Issued
                 Securities at all times. Such securities involve a risk of
                 loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines
                 prior to the settlement date.
 
                 AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS ("ADRs")
The Fund may     ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
invest up to     company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign
20% of its       security and denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest
assets in        up to 20% of its net assets in ADRs or other instruments
foreign          denominated in U.S. dollars that permit indirect investment
securities       in foreign securities. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk
                 inherent in investing in foreign issuers, such as changes in
                 foreign currency exchange rates. However, by investing in
                 ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers' stock, the Fund
                 avoids currency risks during the settlement period.
 
                 Investments in securities of foreign issuers involve risks in
                 addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments,
                 including currency risks. The value of a foreign security in
                 U.S. dollars tends to decrease when the value of the U.S.
                 dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the
                 security is denominated and tends to increase when the value
                 of the U.S. dollar falls against such currency.
 
                 Some ADRs may not be sponsored by the issuer. ADRs are
                 affected by the fact that in many countries there is less
                 publicly available information about issuers than is
                 available in the reports and ratings published about
                 companies in the U.S. and companies may not be subject to
                 uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
                 standards. Other risks inherent in foreign investments
                 include expropriation; confiscatory taxation; withholding
                 taxes on dividends and interest; less extensive regulation of
                 foreign brokers, securities markets and issuers; diplomatic
                 developments; and political or social instability. Foreign
                 economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S.
                 economy in various respects, and many foreign securities are
                 less liquid and their prices tend to be more volatile than
 
                                         14
<PAGE>
 
                 comparable U.S. securities. From time to time, foreign
                 securities may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without
                 adverse price effects.
 
                 CERTAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND LIMITATIONS
Options and      The Fund may engage in options and futures transactions,
Futures          which are sometimes referred to as derivative transactions.
Transactions     The Fund's options and futures transactions may include
                 instruments such as stock index options and futures
                 contracts. Such transactions may be used for several reasons,
                 including hedging unrealized portfolio gains. The Fund will
                 only engage in futures and options transactions that,
                 pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commodity Futures
                 Trading Commission (the "CFTC"), constitute bona fide hedging
                 or other permissible risk management transactions and will
                 not enter into such transactions if the sum of the initial
                 margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
                 exceeds 5% of the Fund's total assets. In addition, the Fund
                 will not enter into options and futures transactions if more
                 than 30% of the Fund's net assets would be committed to such
                 instruments.
 
                 The ability of the Fund to benefit from options and futures
                 is largely dependent upon ICAP's ability to correctly use
                 such instruments, which may involve skills different from
                 those associated with managing securities generally. The Fund
                 could lose money on a futures transaction or an option could
                 expire worthless, in addition to the Fund suffering a loss on
                 the value of its portfolio assets. For a further discussion
                 of options and futures transactions, please see the Statement
                 of Additional Information.
 
Lending of       The Fund may lend its portfolio securities, up to 33 1/3% of
Portfolio        its total assets, to broker-dealers or institutional
Securities       investors. The loans will be secured continuously by
                 collateral at least equal to the value of the securities lent
                 by "marking to market" daily. The Fund will continue to
                 receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by
                 the issuer of the securities lent and will retain the right
                 to call, upon notice, the lent securities. The Fund may also
                 receive interest on the investment of the collateral or a fee
                 from the borrower as compensation for the loan. As with other
                 extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or
                 even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of
                 the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made
                 only to firms deemed by the portfolio manager to be of good
                 standing.
 
Illiquid         The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
Securities       securities, which include, but are not limited to, restricted
                 securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted
                 under the federal securities laws); securities that may be
                 resold
 
                                         15
<PAGE>
 
                 pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 but
                 that are deemed to be illiquid; and repurchase agreements
                 with maturities in excess of seven days.
 
                 PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
                 The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
                 will be between 100% and 125% under normal market conditions,
                 and will generally not exceed 150%. A turnover rate of 100%
                 would occur, for example, if the Fund sold and replaced
                 securities valued at 100% of its net assets within one year.
                 In the event the Fund were to have a turnover rate of 100% or
                 more in any year, it would result in the payment by the Fund
                 of increased brokerage costs and could result in the payment
                 by shareholders of increased taxes on realized investment
                 gains.
 
                 OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The Fund         The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in
employs other    any one of the following types of investments: warrants;
restrictions     unseasoned companies; and transactions in short sales against
to protect       the box. In addition, the Fund has adopted several
shareholders     restrictions on the investments and other activities of the
                 Fund that may not be changed without shareholder approval.
                 For example, the Fund may not:
                 . With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the
                   securities of any issuer (except securities issued or
                   guaranteed by the U.S. government or any agency or
                   instrumentality thereof) if, as a result, (i) more than 5%
                   of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities
                   of that issuer, or (ii) the Fund would hold more than 10%
                   of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
                 . Borrow money, except that the Fund may (i) borrow money
                   from banks for temporary or emergency purposes (but not for
                   leverage or the purchase of investments) and (ii) make
                   other investments or engage in other transactions
                   permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that
                   may involve a borrowing, provided that the combination of
                   (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the
                   Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less
                   the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).
 
                 If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of
                 investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage beyond
                 the specified limit resulting from a change in the value of
                 assets will not be considered a violation.
 
                 Except as specifically noted above or in the Statement of
                 Additional Information, the Fund's investment policies are
                 not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder
                 approval. For a more complete description of investment
                 restrictions that may be changed without a shareholder vote,
                 see the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                         16
<PAGE>
 
FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
The Fund         The Fund has adopted Flexible Purchase Options that offer you
offers various   four alternative classes of Fund shares (Classes A, B, C and
methods of       R), each with a different combination of sales charges,
purchasing       ongoing fees, eligibility requirements, and other features.
shares which     The Fund's Flexible Purchase Options are designed to permit
are designed     you and your financial adviser to choose the method of
to meet your     purchasing shares that you believe is most beneficial given
individual       the amount of your investment, any current holdings of Fund
investment       shares, the length of time you expect to hold your investment
needs and        and other relevant circumstances. A summary of the four
preferences      classes of Fund shares is set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      UP-FRONT    CONTINGENT DEFERRED    ANNUAL 12B-1   ANNUAL 12B-1
                    SALES CHARGE SALES CHARGE ("CDSC") DISTRIBUTION FEE SERVICE FEE
                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>      <C>          <C>                   <C>              <C>
           Class A    5.25%(1)          None(2)              None           .25%
           Class B    None              5%(3)                .75%(4)        .25%
           Class C    None              1%(5)                .75%           .25%
           Class R    None              None                 None           None
</TABLE>
                 (1) Maximum up-front sales charge, which is reduced for
                 purchases of $50,000 or more. Up-front sales charge may be
                 reduced or waived for certain purchases.
                 (2) Certain Class A purchases at net asset value of $1
                 million or more may be subject to a 1% CDSC if redeemed
                 within 18 months of purchase.
                 (3) CDSC in the first year. CDSC declines to 0% after six
                 years.
                 (4) Class B Shares convert to Class A Shares after eight
                 years, which reduces the ongoing expenses borne by an
                 investor.
                 (5) CDSC is applicable to shares redeemed within 12 months of
                 purchase.
 
                 For more information regarding features of each class, see
                 "How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Redeem Fund Shares" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan" below.
 
Which Option     When you purchase Class A Shares, you will normally pay an
is Right for     up-front sales charge. As a result, you will have less money
You?             invested initially and you will own fewer Class A Shares than
                 you would in the absence of an up-front sales charge.
                 Alternatively, when you purchase Class B or Class C Shares,
                 you will not pay an up-front sales charge and all of your
                 monies will be fully invested at the time of purchase.
                 However, Class B and Class C Shares are subject to an annual
                 distribution fee which constitutes an asset-based sales
                 charge whose purpose is the same as an up-front sales charge.
                 In addition, Class B Shares when redeemed are subject to a
                 CDSC, which will vary depending on the length of time you
                 owned your shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to
                 Class A Shares eight years after purchase in order to limit
                 the distribution fees you pay over the life of your
                 investment. Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if
                 redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Because Class C Shares
                 do not convert to Class A Shares and continue to pay an
                 annual distribution fee indefinitely, Class C Shares should
                 normally not be purchased by an investor who expects to hold
                 shares for significantly longer than eight years. Class A,
                 Class B and Class C Shares are subject to annual service
                 fees, which are identical in
 
                                         17
<PAGE>
 
                 amount and are used to compensate Authorized Dealers for
                 providing you with ongoing account services. You may qualify
                 for a reduced sales charge or a sales charge waiver on a
                 purchase of Class A Shares, as described on page 20 under
                 "How the Class A Sales Charge May Be Reduced or Waived."
                 Class R Shares are available for purchase at a price equal to
                 their net asset value, but only under certain circumstances
                 or for certain categories of investors, as described below
                 under "How to Buy Fund Shares--Class R Shares."
 
                 In deciding whether to purchase Class A, Class B, Class C or
                 Class R Shares, you should consider all relevant factors,
                 including the dollar amount of your purchase, any current
                 holdings of Fund shares, the length of time you expect to
                 hold the shares and whether a CDSC would apply, the amount of
                 any applicable up-front sales charge, the amount of any
                 applicable distribution or service fees that may be incurred
                 while you own the shares, whether or not you will be
                 reinvesting income or capital gain distributions in
                 additional shares, whether or not you meet applicable
                 eligibility requirements or qualify for a sales charge waiver
                 or reduction, and the relative level of services that your
                 financial adviser may provide to different classes.
                 Authorized Dealers and other persons distributing the Fund's
                 shares may receive different compensation for selling
                 different classes of shares.
 
Differences      Each class of shares represents an interest in the same
Between          portfolio of investments. Each class of shares is identical
the Classes of   in all respects except that each class has its own sales
Shares           charge structure, each class bears its own class expenses,
                 including distribution and service fees, and each class has
                 exclusive voting rights with respect to any distribution or
                 service plan applicable to its shares. In addition, Class B
                 Shares are subject to a conversion feature. As a result of
                 the differences in the expenses borne by each class of
                 shares, and differences in the purchase and redemption
                 activity for each class, net income per share, dividends per
                 share and net asset value per share will vary among the
                 Fund's classes of shares.
 
Dealer           Upon notice to all Authorized Dealers, Nuveen may reallow to
Incentives       Authorized Dealers electing to participate up to the full
                 applicable Class A Share up-front sales charge during periods
                 and for transactions specified in the notice. The
                 reallowances made during these periods may be based upon
                 attainment of minimum sales levels. Furthermore, Nuveen may
                 from time to time provide additional promotional support and
                 make additional reallowances only to certain Authorized
                 Dealers who sell or are expected to sell certain minimum
                 amounts of the Fund or other Nuveen Mutual Funds and Nuveen
                 Unit Trusts during specified time periods. Promotional
                 support may include providing sales literature to and holding
                 informational or educational programs for the benefit of such
                 Authorized Dealers' representatives,
 
                                         18
<PAGE>
 
                 seminars for the public, and advertising and sales campaigns.
                 Nuveen may reimburse a participating Authorized Dealer for up
                 to one-half of specified media costs incurred in the
                 placement of advertisements which jointly feature the
                 Authorized Dealer and Nuveen Funds and Nuveen Unit Trusts.
 
                 Such reimbursement will be based on the number of its
                 financial advisers who have sold Nuveen Fund shares and
                 Nuveen Unit Trust units during the prior calendar year
                 according to an established schedule. Any such support or
                 reimbursement would be provided by Nuveen out of its own
                 assets, and not out of the assets of the Funds, and will not
                 change the price an investor pays for shares or the amount
                 that a Fund will receive from such a sale. The staff of the
                 Securities and Exchange Commission takes the position that
                 dealers who receive 90% or more of the applicable sales
                 charge may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act of
                 1933, as amended.
 
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
 
                 CLASS A SHARES
Class A Shares   You may purchase Class A Shares at a public offering price
are offered at   equal to the applicable net asset value per share plus an up-
their net        front sales charge imposed at the time of purchase as set
asset value      forth below. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge, or
plus an up-      the sales charge may be waived in its entirety, as described
front sales      below under "How the Class A Sales Charge May Be Reduced or
charge           Waived." Class A Shares are also subject to an annual service
                 fee of .25%. See "Flexible Purchase Options" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan."
 
                 The up-front sales charge schedule for Class A Shares is as
                 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   SALES CHARGE AS SALES CHARGE AS REALLOWANCE AS
                                       % OF PUBLIC        % OF NET    % OF PUBLIC
           AMOUNT OF PURCHASE       OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>                     <C>             <C>             <C>
           Less than $50,000                 5.25%           5.54%          5.00%
           $50,000 but less than
            $100,000                         4.25%           4.44%          4.00%
           $100,000 but less than
            $250,000                         3.50%           3.63%          3.25%
           $250,000 but less than
            $500,000                         2.75%           2.83%          2.50%
           $500,000 but less than
            $1,000,000                       2.00%           2.04%          1.75%
           $1,000,000 and over               0.00%           0.00%          0.00%*
</TABLE>
                 *Authorized Dealers are eligible to receive a commission from
                 Nuveen as discussed below.
 
                                         19
<PAGE>
 
 
                 The Fund receives the entire net asset value of all Class A
                 Shares that are sold. Nuveen retains the full applicable
                 sales charge from which it pays the uniform reallowances
                 shown above to Authorized Dealers. See "Flexible Purchase
                 Options-- Dealer Incentives" on page 18 for more information
                 about reallowances and other compensation to Authorized
                 Dealers.
 
                 Certain commercial banks may make Class A Shares of the Fund
                 available to their customers on an agency basis. Pursuant to
                 the agreements between Nuveen and these banks, some or all of
                 the sales charge paid by a bank customer in connection with a
                 purchase of Class A Shares may be retained by or paid to the
                 bank. Certain banks and other financial institutions may be
                 required to register as securities dealers in certain states.
 
Class A             
purchases of     Class A Share purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net
$1 million or    asset value without an up-front sales charge. Nuveen pays
more at net      Authorized Dealers of record on such Class A Share purchases
asset value      a sales commission equal to the sum of 1.00% of the first
are subject to   $2.5 million, plus 0.50% of the next $2.5 million, plus 0.25%
a CDSC           of purchases over $5.0 million. If such shares are redeemed
                 within 18 months of purchase, a CDSC of 1% of the lower of
                 the purchase price or the redemption proceeds may be imposed
                 upon the redemption. Shares purchased by investors investing
                 $1 million or more who have made arrangements with Nuveen and
                 whose dealer of record waived the commission are not subject
                 to the CDSC.     
 
                 HOW THE CLASS A SALES CHARGE MAY BE REDUCED OR WAIVED
There are        There are several ways to reduce or eliminate the up-front
several ways     sales charge:
to reduce or     . cumulative discount;
eliminate the    . letter of intent;
up-front sales   . purchases with monies representing distributions from
charge             Nuveen-sponsored Unit Trusts;
                 . group purchase programs;
                 . reinvestment of redemption proceeds from non-affiliated
                   funds; and
                 . special sales charge waivers for certain categories of
                   investors.
 
Cumulative       You may qualify for a reduced sales charge as shown above on
Discount         a purchase of Class A Shares if the amount of your purchase,
                 when added to the value that day of all of your prior
                 purchases of shares of the Fund or of another Nuveen Mutual
                 Fund, or units of a Nuveen Unit Trust, on which an up-front
                 sales charge or ongoing distribution fee is imposed, falls
                 within the amounts stated in the table. You or your financial
                 adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI of any cumulative
                 discount level you have achieved at the time you purchase
                 your shares.
 
                                         20
<PAGE>
 
 
Letter of        You may qualify for a reduced sales charge on a purchase of
Intent           Class A Shares if you plan to purchase Class A Shares of
                 Nuveen Mutual Funds over the next 13 months and the total
                 amount of your purchases would, if purchased at one time,
                 qualify you for one of the reduced sales charges shown above.
                 In order to take advantage of this option, you need to
                 complete the applicable section of the Application Form or
                 sign and deliver either to an Authorized Dealer or to SSI a
                 written Letter of Intent in a form acceptable to Nuveen. A
                 Letter of Intent states that you intend, but are not
                 obligated, to purchase over the next 13 months a stated total
                 amount of Class A Shares that would qualify you for a reduced
                 sales charge shown above. You may count shares of a Nuveen
                 Mutual Fund that you already own on which you paid an
                 up-front sales charge or an ongoing distribution fee and any
                 Class B and Class C Shares of a Nuveen Mutual Fund that you
                 purchase over the next 13 months towards completion of your
                 investment program, but you will receive a reduced sales
                 charge only on new Class A Shares you purchase over that
                 period. You cannot count Class A Shares that you purchase
                 without a sales charge through investment of distributions
                 from a Nuveen Mutual Fund, a Nuveen Unit Trust or otherwise,
                 towards completion of your Letter of Intent program.
 
                 By establishing a Letter of Intent, you agree that your first
                 purchase of Class A Shares following execution of the Letter
                 of Intent will be at least 5% of the total amount of your
                 intended purchases. You further agree that shares
                 representing 5% of the total amount of your intended
                 purchases will be held in escrow pending completion of these
                 purchases. All dividends and capital gains distributions on
                 Class A Shares held in escrow will be credited to your
                 account. If total purchases, less redemptions, prior to the
                 expiration of the 13 month period equal or exceed the amount
                 specified in your Letter of Intent, the Class A Shares held
                 in escrow will be transferred to your account. If the total
                 purchases, less redemptions, exceed the amount specified in
                 your Letter of Intent and thereby qualify for a lower sales
                 charge than the sales charge specified in your Letter of
                 Intent, you will receive this lower sales charge
                 retroactively, and the difference between it and the higher
                 sales charge paid will be used to purchase additional Class A
                 Shares on your behalf. If the total purchases, less
                 redemptions, are less than the amount specified, you must pay
                 Nuveen an amount equal to the difference between the amounts
                 paid for these purchases and the amounts that would have been
                 paid if the higher sales charge had been applied. If you do
                 not pay the additional amount within 20 days after written
                 request by Nuveen or your financial adviser, Nuveen will
                 redeem an appropriate number of your escrowed Class A Shares
                 to meet the required payment. By establishing a Letter of
                 Intent, you irrevocably appoint Nuveen as attorney to give
                 instructions to redeem any or all of your escrowed shares,
                 with full power of substitution in the premises.
 
                                         21
<PAGE>
 
 
                 You or your financial adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI
                 whenever you make a purchase of Fund shares that you wish to
                 be covered under the Letter of Intent option.
 
Investment of    You may purchase Class A Shares without an up-front sales
Nuveen Unit      charge if you are investing distributions from a Nuveen Unit
Trust            Trust. There is no initial or subsequent minimum investment
Distributions    requirement for such purchases.
 
Group Purchase   If you are a member of a qualified group, you may purchase
Programs         Class A Shares of the Fund or of another Nuveen Mutual Fund
                 at the reduced sales charge applicable to the group's
                 purchases taken as a whole. A "qualified group" is one which
                 has been in existence for more than six months, has a purpose
                 other than investment, has five or more participating
                 members, has agreed to include Fund sales publications in
                 mailings to members and has agreed to comply with certain
                 administrative requirements relating to its group purchases.
 
                 Under any group purchase program, the minimum monthly
                 investment in Class A Shares of any particular fund or
                 portfolio by each participant is $25, and the minimum monthly
                 investment in Class A Shares of any particular fund or
                 portfolio for all participants in the program combined is
                 $3,000. No certificates will be issued for any participant's
                 account. All dividends and other distributions by the Fund
                 will be reinvested in additional Class A Shares of the Fund.
                 No participant may utilize a systematic withdrawal program.
 
                 To establish a group purchase program, both the group itself
                 and each participant must fill out special application
                 materials, which the group administrator may obtain from the
                 group's financial adviser by checking the applicable box on
                 the enclosed Application Form or by calling SSI toll-free at
                 800-621-7227. See the Statement of Additional Information for
                 more complete information about "qualified groups" and group
                 purchase programs.
 
Reinvestment        
of Redemption    You may also purchase Class A Shares at net asset value
Proceeds from    without a sales charge if the purchase takes place through an
Unaffiliated     Authorized Dealer and represents the reinvestment of the
Funds            proceeds of the redemption of shares of one or more
                 registered investment companies not affiliated with Nuveen.
                 You need to provide appropriate documentation that the
                 redemption occurred not more than 360 days prior to the
                 reinvestment of the proceeds in Class A Shares, and that you
                 either paid an up-front sales charge or were subject to a
                 contingent deferred sales charge upon the redemption of the
                 shares of the other investment company.     
 
                                         22
<PAGE>
 
 
Special Sales    Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset
Charge Waivers   value without a sales charge and in any amount by: officers,
                 trustees and retired trustees of the Trust; bona fide, full-
                 time and retired employees of Nuveen or ICAP, any parent
                 company of Nuveen, and subsidiaries thereof, or their
                 immediate family members (as defined below); any person who,
                 for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona
                 fide employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their immediate
                 family members; officers and directors of bank holding
                 companies that make Fund shares available directly or
                 through subsidiaries or bank affiliates; bank or broker-
                 affiliated trust departments; investors purchasing on a
                 periodic, asset-based fee or no transaction fee basis through
                 a broker-dealer sponsored mutual fund purchase program; and
                 clients of investment advisers, financial planners or other
                 financial intermediaries that charge periodic or asset-based
                 fees for their services. For further details about these
                 special categories and their eligibility requirements, please
                 consult your financial adviser or consult the Statement of
                 Additional Information, or call Nuveen at 800-621-7227.
 
                 Any Class A Shares purchased pursuant to a special sales
                 charge waiver must be acquired for investment purposes and on
                 the condition that they will not be transferred or resold
                 except through redemption by the Fund. You or your financial
                 adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI whenever you make a
                 purchase of Class A Shares that you wish to be covered under
                 these special sales charge waivers. All of the above
                 categories of investors are also eligible to purchase Class R
                 Shares, as described below under "Class R Shares." Finally,
                 Class A Shares may be issued at net asset value without a
                 sales charge in connection with the acquisition by the Fund
                 of another investment company.
 
                 GENERAL
                 In determining the amount of your purchases of Class A Shares
                 that may qualify for a reduced sales charge, the following
                 purchases may be combined: (1) all purchases by a trustee or
                 other fiduciary for a single trust estate or fiduciary
                 account; (2) all purchases by individuals and their immediate
                 family members (i.e., their spouses and their children under
                 21 years of age); or (3) all purchases made through a group
                 purchase program as described above.
 
                 The reduced sales charge programs may be modified or
                 discontinued by the Fund at any time upon prior written
                 notice to shareholders of the Fund.
 
                 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A SHARES OR
                 REDUCED SALES CHARGE PROGRAMS, OR TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED
                 APPLICATION FORMS, CALL NUVEEN TOLL-FREE AT 800-621-7227.
 
                                         23
<PAGE>
 
 
                 CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares   You may purchase Class B Shares at a public offering price
may be           equal to the applicable net asset value per share without any
purchased at     up-front sales charge. Since Class B Shares are sold without
net asset        an initial sales charge, the full amount of your purchase
value, but are   payment will be invested in Class B Shares. Class B Shares
subject to an    are subject to an annual distribution fee to compensate
annual           Nuveen for its costs in connection with the sale of Class B
distribution     shares, and are also subject to an annual service fee to
fee and a CDSC   compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing
                 financial advice and other account services.
 
                 You may be subject to a CDSC if you redeem your Class B
                 shares within a specified period after purchase, as shown in
                 the table below. See "Flexible Purchase Options" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan." Nuveen compensates
                 Authorized Dealers for sales of Class B Shares at the time of
                 sale at the rate of 4.00% of the amount of Class B Shares
                 purchased, which represents a sales commission of 3.75% plus
                 an advance on the first year's annual service fee of .25%.
 
                 If redeemed prior to the end of the sixth year after
                 purchase, Class B Shares may be subject to a CDSC, as set
                 forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               YEARS SINCE
               PURCHASE                                                   CDSC
                        ------------------------------------------------------
               <S>                                                        <C>
               0-1                                                         5%
               1-2                                                         4%
               2-3                                                         4%
               3-4                                                         3%
               4-5                                                         2%
               5-6                                                         1%
</TABLE>
 
                 Class B Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends
                 are not subject to a CDSC. Any CDSC will be imposed on the
                 lower of the redeemed shares' cost or net asset value at the
                 time of redemption. For more information regarding the
                 imposition of the CDSC, see "How to Redeem Fund Shares--Class
                 B Shares," below.
 
Class B Shares   Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares
automatically    eight years after purchase. The purpose of the conversion is
convert to       to limit the distribution fees you pay over the life of your
Class A Shares   investment. All conversions will be done at net asset value
eight years      without the imposition of any sales load, fee, or other
after purchase   charge, so that the value of each shareholder's account
                 immediately before conversion will be the same as the value
                 of the account immediately after conversion. Class B Shares
                 acquired through reinvestment of distributions will convert
                 into Class A Shares based on the date of
 
                                         24
<PAGE>
 
                 the initial purchase to which such shares relate. For this
                 purpose, Class B Shares acquired through reinvestment of
                 distributions will be attributed to particular purchases of
                 Class B Shares in accordance with such procedures as the
                 Board of Trustees may determine from time to time. Class B
                 Shares that are converted to Class A Shares will remain
                 subject to an annual service fee that is identical in amount
                 for both Class B Shares and Class A Shares. Since net asset
                 value per share of the Class B Shares and the Class A Shares
                 may differ at the time of conversion, a shareholder may
                 receive more or fewer Class A Shares than the number of Class
                 B Shares converted. Any conversion of Class B Shares into
                 Class A Shares will be subject to the continuing availability
                 of an opinion of counsel or a private letter ruling from the
                 Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the conversion of
                 shares would not constitute a taxable event under federal
                 income tax law. Conversion of Class B Shares into Class A
                 Shares might be suspended if such an opinion or ruling were
                 no longer available.
 
                 CLASS C SHARES
Class C Shares   You may purchase Class C Shares at a public offering price
may be           equal to the applicable net asset value per share without any
purchased at     up-front sales charge. Class C Shares are subject to an
net asset        annual distribution fee to compensate Nuveen for its costs in
value, but are   connection with the sale of Class C Shares. Class C Shares
subject to an    are also subject to an annual service fee of .25% to
annual           compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing
distribution     financial advice and other account services. Nuveen
fee and a CDSC   compensates Authorized Dealers for sales of Class C Shares at
if redeemed      the time of the sale at a rate of 1% of the amount of Class C
within 12        Shares purchased, which represents a sales commission of .75%
months of        plus an advance on the first year's annual service fee of
purchase         .25%. See "Flexible Purchase Options" and "Distribution and
                 Service Plan."
 
                 Redemptions of Class C Shares within 12 months of purchase
                 may be subject to a CDSC of 1% of the lower of the purchase
                 price or redemption proceeds. See "How to Redeem Fund
                 Shares--Class C Shares."
 
                 CLASS R SHARES
Class R Shares   If you are making an initial purchase of $1 million or more
are offered at   of Fund shares in a single transaction, you may purchase
net asset        Class R shares at a public offering price equal to the
value only       applicable net asset value per share without any up-front
under limited    sales charge or ongoing distribution or service fees. You
circumstances    also may purchase Class R Shares subject only to the Fund's
or to            minimum investment requirement of $3,000 if you are within
specified        the following specified categories of investors who are
classes of       eligible to purchase Class A Shares at net asset value
investors        without an up-front sales charge: officers, trustees and
                 retired trustees of the Trust; bona fide, full-time and
                 retired employees of Nuveen or
 
                                         25
<PAGE>
 
                 ICAP, any parent company of Nuveen, and subsidiaries thereof,
                 or their immediate family members; any person who, for at
                 least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona fide
                 employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their immediate family
                 members; officers and directors of bank holding companies
                 that make Fund shares available directly or through
                 subsidiaries or bank affiliates; bank or broker-affiliated
                 trust departments; investors purchasing on a periodic fee,
                 asset-based fee or no transaction fee basis through a broker-
                 dealer sponsored mutual fund purchase program; and clients of
                 investment advisers, financial planners or other financial
                 intermediaries that charge periodic or asset-based fees for
                 their services. For further details about these special
                 categories and their eligibility requirements, please consult
                 your financial adviser or the Statement of Additional
                 Information, or call Nuveen at 800-621-7227.
 
                 If you are eligible to purchase either Class R Shares or
                 Class A Shares without a sales charge at net asset value, you
                 should be aware of the differences between these two classes
                 of shares. Class A Shares are subject to an annual service
                 fee to compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with
                 ongoing account services. Class R Shares are not subject to a
                 distribution or service fee and, consequently, holders of
                 Class R Shares may not receive the same types or levels of
                 services from Authorized Dealers. In choosing between Class A
                 Shares and Class R Shares, you should weigh the benefits of
                 the services to be provided by Authorized Dealers against the
                 annual service fee imposed upon the Class A Shares.
 
                 INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES OF SHARES
The Fund         You may buy Fund shares through Authorized Dealers or by
offers a         calling or directing your financial adviser to call Nuveen
number of        toll-free at 800-843-6765. You may pay for your purchase by
convenient       Federal Reserve draft or by check made payable to "Nuveen
payment          Growth and Income Stock Fund, Class [A], [B], [C], [R],"
methods          delivered to the financial adviser through whom the
                 investment is to be made for forwarding to the Fund's
                 shareholder services agent, SSI. When making your initial
                 investment, you must also furnish the information necessary
                 to establish your Fund account by completing and enclosing
                 with your payment the attached Application Form. After your
                 initial investment, you may make subsequent purchases at any
                 time by forwarding to your financial adviser or SSI a check
                 in the amount of your purchase made payable to "Nuveen Growth
                 and Income Stock Fund, Class [A], [B], [C], [R]," and
                 indicating on the check your account number. All payments
                 need to be in U.S. dollars and should be sent directly to SSI
                 at its address listed on the back cover of this Prospectus. A
                 check drawn on a foreign bank or payable other than to the
                 order of the Fund generally will not be acceptable. You may
                 also wire Federal Funds directly
 
                                         26
<PAGE>
 
                 to SSI, but you may be charged a fee for this. For
                 instructions on how to make Fund purchases by wire transfer,
                 call Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-7227.
 
                 PURCHASE PRICE
                    
                 The price at which you purchase a class of Fund shares is
                 based on the next calculation of the net asset value for that
                 share class after the order is placed. The net asset value
                 per share of each share class is determined as of the close
                 of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the
                 New York Stock Exchange is open for business. See "Net Asset
                 Value," below for a description of how net asset value is
                 calculated.     
 
                 MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS
                 Generally, your first purchase of any class of the Fund's
                 shares needs to be for $3,000 or more ($1,000 or more for an
                 Individual Retirement Account). Additional purchases may be
                 in amounts of $50 or more. These minimums may be changed at
                 any time by the Fund. There are exceptions to these minimums
                 for shareholders who qualify under one or more of the Fund's
                 automatic investment, group purchase or reinvestment
                 programs.
 
                 SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
The Fund         The Fund offers you several opportunities to capture the
offers several   benefits of "dollar cost averaging" through systematic
ways to make     investment programs. In a regularly followed dollar cost
systematic       averaging program, you would purchase more shares when Fund
investments      share prices are lower and fewer shares when Fund share
                 prices are higher, so that the average price paid for Fund
                 shares is less than the average price of the Fund shares over
                 the same time period. Dollar cost averaging does not assure
                 profits or protect against losses in a steadily declining
                 market. Since dollar cost averaging involves continuous
                 investment regardless of fluctuating price levels, you should
                 consider your financial ability to continue investing in
                 declining as well as rising markets before deciding to invest
                 in this way. The Fund offers two different types of
                 systematic investment programs:
 
Automatic        Once you have established a Fund account, you may make
Deposit Plan     regular investments in an amount of $25 or more each month by
                 authorizing SSI to draw preauthorized checks on your bank
                 account. There is no obligation to continue payments and you
                 may terminate your participation at any time at your
                 discretion. No charge in addition to the applicable sales
                 charge is made in connection with this Plan, and there is no
                 cost to the Fund. To obtain an application form for the
                 Automatic Deposit Plan, check the applicable box on the
                 enclosed Application Form or call Nuveen toll-free at 800-
                 621-7227.
 
                                         27
<PAGE>
 
 
Payroll Direct   Once you have established a Fund account, you may, with your
Deposit Plan     employer's consent, make regular investments in Fund shares
                 of $25 or more per pay period by authorizing your employer to
                 deduct this amount automatically from your paycheck. There is
                 no obligation to continue payments and you may terminate your
                 participation at any time at your discretion. No charge in
                 addition to the applicable sales charge is made for this
                 Plan, and there is no cost to the Fund. To obtain an
                 application form for the Payroll Direct Deposit Plan, check
                 the applicable box on the enclosed Application Form or call
                 Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-7227.
 
                 OTHER SHAREHOLDER PROGRAMS
Exchange         You may exchange shares of a class of the Fund for shares of
Privilege        the same class of any other Nuveen Mutual Fund with
                 reciprocal exchange privileges, at net asset value without a
                 sales charge, by sending a written request to the Fund, c/o
                 Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO 80217-
                 5330. Similarly, Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R Shares
                 of other Nuveen Mutual Funds may be exchanged for the same
                 class of shares of the Fund at net asset value without a
                 sales charge. Exchanges of shares from any Nuveen money
                 market fund will be made into Class A Shares, Class B Shares,
                 Class C Shares or Class R Shares (if eligible) of the Fund at
                 the public offering price. If, however, a sales charge has
                 previously been paid on the investment represented by the
                 exchanged shares (i.e., the shares to be exchanged were
                 originally issued in exchange for shares on which a sales
                 charge was paid), the exchange of shares from a Nuveen money
                 market fund will be made into shares of the Fund at net asset
                 value. Class A Shares, Class C Shares or Class R Shares may
                 be exchanged for shares of any Nuveen money market fund, but
                 Class B Shares may not be exchanged for shares of a Nuveen
                 money market fund.
 
                 If you exchange shares subject to a CDSC, no CDSC will be
                 charged at the time of the exchange. However, if you
                 subsequently redeem the shares acquired through the exchange,
                 the redemption may be subject to a CDSC, depending on when
                 you purchased your original shares and the CDSC schedule of
                 the fund from which you exchanged your shares.
 
                 The shares to be purchased must be offered in your state of
                 residence and you must have held the shares you are
                 exchanging for at least 15 days. The total value of exchanged
                 shares must at least equal the minimum investment requirement
                 of the Nuveen Mutual Fund being purchased. For federal income
                 tax purposes, any exchange constitutes a sale and purchase of
                 shares and may result in capital gain or loss. Before making
                 any exchange, you should obtain the Prospectus for the Nuveen
                 Mutual Fund you are purchasing and read it carefully. If the
                 registration of the
 
                                         28
<PAGE>
 
                 account for the Fund you are purchasing is not exactly the
                 same as that of the fund account from which the exchange is
                 made, written instructions from all holders of the account
                 from which the exchange is being made must be received, with
                 signatures guaranteed by a member of an approved Medallion
                 Guarantee Program or in such other manner as may be
                 acceptable to the Fund. You may also exchange shares by
                 telephone if you authorize telephone exchanges by checking
                 the applicable box on the enclosed Application Form or by
                 calling Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-7227 to obtain an
                 authorization form. The exchange privilege may be modified or
                 discontinued by the Fund at any time upon prior written
                 notice to shareholders of the Fund.
 
                 The exchange privilege is not intended to permit the Fund to
                 be used as a vehicle for short-term trading. Excessive
                 exchange activity may interfere with portfolio management,
                 raise expenses, and otherwise have an adverse effect on all
                 shareholders. In order to limit excessive exchange activity
                 and in other circumstances where Fund management believes
                 doing so would be in the best interest of the Fund, the Fund
                 reserves the right to revise or terminate the exchange
                 privilege, or limit the amount or number of exchanges or
                 reject any exchange. Shareholders would be notified of any
                 such action to the extent required by law.
 
Reinstatement    If you redeemed Class A, Class B or Class C Shares of the
Privilege        Fund or any other Nuveen Mutual Fund that were subject to a
                 sales charge or a CDSC, you have up to one year to reinvest
                 all or part of the full amount of the redemption in the same
                 class of shares of the Fund at net asset value. This
                 reinstatement privilege can be exercised only once for any
                 redemption, and reinvestment will be made at the net asset
                 value next calculated after reinstatement of the appropriate
                 class of Fund shares. If you reinstate shares that were
                 subject to a CDSC, your holding period as of the redemption
                 date also will be reinstated for purposes of calculating a
                 CDSC. The federal income tax consequences of any capital gain
                 realized on a redemption will not be affected by
                 reinstatement, but a capital loss may be disallowed in whole
                 or in part depending on the timing, the amount of the
                 reinvestment and the fund from which the redemption occurred.
 
Fund Direct      You can use Fund Direct to link your Fund account to your
                 account at a bank or other financial institution. Fund Direct
                 enables you to transfer money electronically between these
                 accounts and perform a variety of account transactions. These
                 include purchasing shares by telephone, investing through an
                 Automatic Deposit Plan, and sending dividends, distributions,
                 redemption payments or Automatic Withdrawal Plan payments
                 directly to your bank account. Please refer to the
                 Application for details, or call SSI at 800-621-7227 for more
                 information.
 
                                         29
<PAGE>
 
 
                 Fund Direct privileges may be requested via an Application
                 you obtain by calling 800-621-7227. Fund Direct privileges
                 will apply to each shareholder listed in the registration on
                 your account as well as to your Authorized Dealer
                 representative of record unless and until SSI receives
                 written instructions terminating or changing those
                 privileges. After you establish Fund Direct for your account,
                 any change of bank account information must be made by
                 signature-guaranteed instructions to SSI signed by all
                 shareholders who own the account.
 
                 Purchases may be made by telephone only after your account
                 has been established. To purchase shares in amounts up to
                 $250,000 through a telephone representative, call SSI at 800-
                 621-7227. The purchase payment will be debited from your bank
                 account.
 
                 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE PURCHASE OPTIONS AND TO
                 OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FORMS REQUIRED FOR SOME OF THEM, CALL
                 NUVEEN TOLL-FREE AT 800-621-7227.
 
                 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                 If you choose to invest in the Fund, an account will be
                 opened and maintained for you by SSI, the Fund's shareholder
                 services agent. Share certificates will be issued to you only
                 upon written request to SSI, and no certificates will be
                 issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to
                 reject any purchase order and to waive or increase minimum
                 investment requirements. A change in registration or transfer
                 of shares held in the name of your financial adviser's firm
                 can only be made by an order in good form from the financial
                 adviser acting on your behalf.
 
                 Authorized Dealers are encouraged to open single master
                 accounts. However, some Authorized Dealers may wish to use
                 SSI's sub-accounting system to minimize their internal
                 recordkeeping requirements. An Authorized Dealer or other
                 investor requesting shareholder servicing or accounting other
                 than the master account or sub-accounting service offered by
                 SSI will be required to enter into a separate agreement with
                 another agent for these services for a fee that will depend
                 upon the level of services to be provided.
 
                 Subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
                 Exchange Commission, the Fund reserves the right to suspend
                 the continuous offering of its shares at any time, but no
                 suspension shall affect your right of redemption as described
                 below.
 
                                         30
<PAGE>
 
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
                 The Fund has adopted a plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule
                 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which
                 provides that Class B and Class C Shares will be subject to
                 an annual distribution fee and Class A, Class B and Class C
                 Shares will be subject to an annual service fee. Class R
                 Shares will not be subject to either distribution or service
                 fees.
 
                 The distribution fee applicable to Class B and Class C Shares
                 under the Plan will be payable to reimburse Nuveen for
                 services and expenses incurred in connection with the
                 distribution of such Shares. The distribution fee primarily
                 reimburses Nuveen for providing compensation to Authorized
                 Dealers, including Nuveen, either at the time of sale or on
                 an ongoing basis. The other expenses for which Nuveen may be
                 reimbursed include, without limitation, expenses of printing
                 and distributing prospectuses to persons other than
                 shareholders of the Fund, expenses of preparing, printing and
                 distributing advertising and sales literature and reports to
                 shareholders used in connection with the sale of such Shares,
                 certain other expenses associated with the distribution of
                 such Shares, and any other distribution-related expenses that
                 may be authorized from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
 
                 The service fee applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C
                 Shares under the Plan will be paid to Nuveen to compensate
                 Authorized Dealers, including Nuveen, in connection with the
                 provision of ongoing account services to shareholders. These
                 services may include establishing and maintaining shareholder
                 accounts, answering shareholder inquiries and providing other
                 personal services to shareholders.
 
                 The Fund may spend up to .25 of 1% per year of the average
                 daily net assets of Class A Shares as a service fee under the
                 Plan applicable to Class A Shares. The Fund may spend up to
                 .75 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of Class B
                 Shares as a distribution fee and up to .25 of 1% per year of
                 the average daily net assets of Class B Shares as a service
                 fee under the Plan applicable to Class B Shares. The Fund may
                 spend up to .75 of 1% per year of the average daily net
                 assets of Class C Shares as a distribution fee and up to .25
                 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of Class C
                 Shares as a service fee under the Plan applicable to Class C
                 Shares.
 
                                         31
<PAGE>
 
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
                 You may redeem your Fund shares at any time for cash at the
                 net asset value next computed after the redemption
                 instructions and any required documents and certificates are
                 received in proper form, as described below. There is no
                 charge for the redemption of Class R Shares.
 
                 CLASS A SHARES
                 Class A Shares are normally redeemed at net asset value,
                 without any CDSC. However, in the case of Class A purchases
                 of $1 million or more at net asset value, where the dealer of
                 record has not waived the sales commission, a CDSC of 1% is
                 imposed on any redemptions within 18 months of purchase.
 
                 CLASS B SHARES
                 Class B Shares redeemed within 6 years of purchase may be
                 subject to a CDSC. The level of the CDSC is determined by how
                 long you have owned your shares, as described under "How to
                 Buy Fund Shares--Class B Shares," above.
 
                 CLASS C SHARES
                 Class C Shares are redeemed at net asset value, without any
                 CDSC, except that a CDSC of 1% is imposed upon redemptions of
                 Class C Shares within 12 months of purchase.
 
                 OPERATION OF THE CDSC
                 In determining whether a CDSC is payable, a Fund will first
                 redeem shares not subject to any charge, and then in the
                 order in which the Class B Shares were purchased or in the
                 reverse order in which the Class A or Class C Shares were
                 purchased, except if another order of redemption would result
                 in a lower charge or you specify another order. No CDSC is
                 charged on shares purchased as a result of automatic
                 reinvestment of dividends or capital gains paid. In addition,
                 no CDSC will be charged on exchanges of shares into another
                 Nuveen Mutual Fund or money market fund. Your holding period
                 is calculated on a monthly basis and begins the first day of
                 the month in which the order for investment is received. The
                 CDSC is calculated based on the lower of the redeemed shares'
                 cost or net asset value at the time of the redemption and is
                 deducted from the redemption proceeds. Nuveen receives the
                 amount of any CDSC you pay. The CDSC may be waived under
                 certain special circumstances, as described in the Statement
                 of Additional Information.
 
                                         32
<PAGE>
 
 
By Written       You may redeem shares by sending a written request for
Request          redemption directly to the Fund, c/o Shareholder Services,
                 Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO 80217-5330, accompanied by
                 duly endorsed certificates, if issued. Requests for
                 redemption and share certificates, if issued, must be signed
                 by each shareholder and, if the redemption proceeds exceed
                 $50,000 or are payable other than to the shareholder of
                 record at the address of record (which address may not have
                 changed in the preceding 60 days), the signature must be
                 guaranteed by a member of an approved Medallion Guarantee
                 Program or in such other manner as may be acceptable to the
                 Fund. You will receive payment based on the net asset value
                 per share next determined after receipt by the Fund of a
                 properly executed redemption request in proper form. A check
                 for the redemption proceeds will be mailed to you within
                 seven days after receipt of your redemption request. For
                 accounts registered in the name of a broker-dealer, payment
                 will be forwarded within three business days. However, if any
                 shares to be redeemed were purchased by check within 15 days
                 prior to the date the redemption request is received, the
                 Fund will not mail the redemption proceeds until the check
                 received for the purchase of shares has cleared, which may
                 take up to 15 days.
 
By TEL-A-CHECK   If you have authorized telephone redemption and your account
                 address has not changed within the last 60 days, you can
                 redeem shares that are held in non-certificate form and that
                 are worth $50,000 or less by calling Nuveen at 800-621-7227.
                 While you or anyone authorized by you may make telephone
                 redemption requests, redemption checks will be issued only in
                 the name of the shareholder of record and will be mailed to
                 the address of record. If your telephone request is received
                 prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption check will
                 normally be mailed the next business day. For requests
                 received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be
                 effected at 4:00 p.m. eastern time the following business day
                 and the check will normally be mailed on the second business
                 day after the request.
 
By TEL-A-WIRE    If you have authorized TEL-A-WIRE redemption or established
or Fund Direct   Fund Direct privileges, you can take advantage of the
                 following expedited redemption procedures to redeem shares
                 held in non-certificate form that are worth at least $1,000.
                 You may make TEL-A-WIRE redemption requests through a phone
                 representative or Fund Direct redemption requests by calling
                 Nuveen at 800-621-7227. If a redemption request is received
                 by 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be made as of
                 4:00 p.m. that day. If the redemption request is received
                 after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be made as
                 of 4:00 p.m. the following business day. Proceeds of
                 redemptions through TEL-A-WIRE will normally be wired on the
                 second business day following the redemption, but may be
                 delayed one additional
 
                                         33
<PAGE>
 
                 business day if the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or the
                 Federal Reserve Bank of New York is closed on the day
                 redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired. The Fund
                 reserves the right to charge a fee for TEL-A-WIRE. Proceeds
                 of redemptions through Fund Direct will normally be wired to
                 your Fund Direct bank account on the second or third business
                 day after the redemption.
 
                 Before you may redeem shares by TEL-A-CHECK, TEL-A-WIRE or
                 Fund Direct, you need to complete the telephone redemption
                 authorization section of the enclosed Application Form or the
                 Fund Direct Application Form and return it to Nuveen or SSI.
                 If you did not authorize telephone redemption when you opened
                 your account, you may obtain a telephone redemption
                 authorization form by writing the Fund or by calling Nuveen
                 toll-free at 800-621-7227. Proceeds of share redemptions made
                 by TEL-A-WIRE will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire
                 only to the commercial bank account specified by the
                 shareholder on the application form. You need to send a
                 written request to Nuveen or SSI in order to establish
                 multiple accounts, or to change the account or accounts
                 designated to receive redemption proceeds. These requests
                 must be signed by each account owner with signatures
                 guaranteed by a member of an approved Medallion Guarantee
                 Program or in such other manner as may be acceptable to the
                 Fund. Further documentation may be required from
                 corporations, executors, trustees or personal
                 representatives.
 
                 For the convenience of shareholders, the Fund has authorized
                 Nuveen as its agent to accept orders from financial advisers
                 by wire or telephone for the redemption of Fund shares. The
                 redemption price is the first net asset value of the
                 appropriate share class determined following receipt of an
                 order placed by the financial adviser. The Fund makes payment
                 for the redeemed shares to the securities representatives who
                 placed the order promptly upon presentation of required
                 documents with signatures guaranteed as described above.
                 Neither the Fund nor Nuveen charges any redemption fees other
                 than any CDSC as described above. However, your financial
                 adviser may charge you for serving as agent in the redemption
                 of shares.
 
                 The Fund reserves the right to refuse telephone redemptions
                 and, at its option, may limit the timing, amount or frequency
                 of these redemptions. Telephone redemption procedures may be
                 modified or terminated at any time, on 30 days' notice, by
                 the Fund. The Fund, SSI and Nuveen will not be liable for
                 following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be
                 genuine. The Fund employs procedures reasonably designed to
                 confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. These
                 procedures include recording all telephone instructions and
                 requiring up to three forms of identification prior to acting
                 upon a caller's instructions. If the Fund does
 
                                         34
<PAGE>
 
                 not follow reasonable procedures for protecting shareholders
                 against loss on telephone transactions, it may be liable for
                 any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
                 instructions.
 
Automatic        If you own Fund shares currently worth at least $10,000, you
Withdrawal       may establish an Automatic Withdrawal Plan by completing an
Plan             application form for the Plan. You may obtain an application
                 form by checking the applicable box on the enclosed
                 Application Form or by calling Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-
                 7227.
 
                 The Plan permits you to request periodic withdrawals on a
                 monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis in an amount
                 of $50 or more. Depending upon the size of the withdrawals
                 requested under the Plan and fluctuations in the net asset
                 value of Fund shares, these withdrawals may reduce or even
                 exhaust your account.
 
                 The purchase of Class A Shares, other than through
                 reinvestment, while you are participating in the Automatic
                 Withdrawal Plan with respect to Class A Shares will usually
                 be disadvantageous because you will be paying a sales charge
                 on any Class A Shares you purchase at the same time you are
                 redeeming shares. Similarly, use of the Automatic Withdrawal
                 Plan for Class B Shares held for less than six years or Class
                 C Shares held for less than 12 months may be disadvantageous
                 because the newly-purchased Class B or Class C Shares will be
                 subject to the CDSC.
 
General          The Fund may suspend the right of redemption of Fund shares
                 or delay payment more than seven days (a) during any period
                 when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than
                 customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when trading in
                 the markets the Fund normally utilizes is restricted, or an
                 emergency exists as determined by the Securities and Exchange
                 Commission so that trading of the Fund's investments or
                 determination of its net asset value is not reasonably
                 practicable, or (c) for any other periods that the Securities
                 and Exchange Commission by order may permit for protection of
                 Fund shareholders.
 
                 The Fund may, from time to time, establish a minimum total
                 investment for Fund shareholders, and the Fund reserves the
                 right to redeem your shares if your investment is less than
                 the minimum after giving you at least 30 days' notice. If any
                 minimum total investment is established, and if your account
                 is below the minimum, you will be allowed 30 days following
                 the notice in which to purchase sufficient shares to meet the
                 minimum. So long as the Fund continues to offer shares at net
                 asset value to holders of Nuveen Unit Trusts who are
                 investing their Nuveen Unit Trust distributions, no minimum
                 total investment will be established for the Fund.
 
                                         35
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of         The management of the Fund, including general supervision of
Trustees         the duties performed for the Fund by NIAC under the
                 Management Agreement, is the responsibility of the Board of
                 Trustees of the Trust.
 
NIAC oversees    Overall management of the Fund is the responsibility of NIAC,
operation of     which is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois
the Fund         60606. NIAC oversees the management of the Fund's investment
                 portfolio, manages the Fund's business affairs and provides
                 certain day-to-day administrative services to the Fund. NIAC
                 has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with ICAP under
                 which ICAP manages the Fund's investment portfolio.
 
                 NIAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen, which has
                 sponsored or underwritten more than $60 billion of investment
                 company securities. Nuveen, the principal underwriter of the
                 Fund's shares, is sponsor of the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
                 a registered unit investment trust. It is also the principal
                 underwriter for the Nuveen Mutual Funds, and served as co-
                 managing underwriter for the shares of the Nuveen Exchange-
                 Traded Funds. Over 1,000,000 individuals have invested to
                 date in Nuveen investment products. Founded in 1898, Nuveen
                 is a subsidiary of The John Nuveen Company which, in turn, is
                 approximately 80% owned by The St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("St.
                 Paul"). St. Paul is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is
                 principally engaged in providing property-liability insurance
                 through subsidiaries.
 
                 For the fund management services and facilities furnished by
                 NIAC, the Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee as
                 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSET VALUE   FUND MANAGEMENT FEE
                 ---------------------------------------------
           <S>                             <C>
           For the first $125 million          .8500 of 1%
           For the next $125 million           .8375 of 1%
           For the next $250 million           .8250 of 1%
           For the next $500 million           .8125 of 1%
           For the next $1 billion             .8000 of 1%
           For assets over $2 billion          .7750 of 1%
</TABLE>
                    
                 All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before
                 payment of dividends to investors. In addition to the fee
                 paid to NIAC, the Fund pays all its other costs and expenses
                 and a portion of the Nuveen Investment Trust's general
                 administrative expenses allocated in proportion to the net
                 assets of each Fund. In order to prevent total operating
                 expenses (excluding any distribution or service fee, and
                 extraordinary expenses) from exceeding .95% of 1% of the
                 average daily net asset value of any class of shares of the
                 Fund for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, NIAC has agreed
                 to waive all or a portion of its management fees or reimburse
                 certain expenses of the Fund.     
 
                                         36
<PAGE>
 
 
ICAP manages     ICAP was founded in 1970 and is located at 225 West Wacker
the Fund's       Drive, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606. Under the Sub-Advisory
investment       Agreement, NIAC pays ICAP a portfolio management fee on the
portfolio        Fund's average daily net asset value at an annual rate as set
                 forth below, which is determined by reference to the average
                 daily market value of that portion of the assets of all
                 Nuveen-sponsored investment products for which ICAP is
                 designated as equity portfolio manager:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           ASSETS OF NUVEEN-SPONSORED   PORTFOLIO
           INVESTMENT PRODUCTS          MANAGEMENT
           MANAGED BY ICAP                 FEE
                 ---------------------------------
           <S>                          <C>
           For the first $500 million   .35 of 1%
           For the next $500 million    .30 of 1%
           For assets over $1 billion   .25 of 1%
</TABLE>
 
                 The investment decisions for the Fund are made through a team
                 approach, with all of the ICAP investment professionals
                 contributing to the process. ICAP currently maintains a staff
                 of 12 investment professionals. Each of the investment
                 officers and other investment professionals of ICAP has
                 developed an expertise in at least one functional investment
                 area, including equity research, strategy, fixed income
                 analysis, quantitative research, technical research, and
                 trading. A key element in the decision making process is a
                 formal investment committee meeting generally held each
                 business day and attended by all the investment
                 professionals. These meetings also provide for the ongoing
                 review of ICAP's investment positions. Pertinent information
                 from outside sources is shared and incorporated into the
                 investment outlook. The investment strategy, asset sectors,
                 and individual security holdings are reviewed to verify their
                 continued appropriateness. Investment recommendations are
                 presented to the committee for decisions.
 
                 ICAP provides continuous advice and recommendations
                 concerning the Fund's investments, and is responsible for
                 selecting the broker-dealers who execute the portfolio's
                 transactions. In executing such transactions, ICAP seeks to
                 obtain the best net results for the Fund. ICAP also serves as
                 investment adviser to the ICAP Funds, Inc. and to pension and
                 profit-sharing plans, and other institutional and private
                 investors. As of May 1, 1996, ICAP had approximately $5
                 billion under management. Mr. Robert H. Lyon, President of
                 ICAP, owns shares representing 51% of the voting rights of
                 ICAP. In addition, The John Nuveen Company owns preferred
                 shares of ICAP, which are convertible after several years
                 into a 20% common stock interest of ICAP.
 
                                         37
<PAGE>
 
HOW THE FUND SHOWS PERFORMANCE
 
                 The Fund may quote its yield or total return in reports to
                 shareholders, sales literature and advertisements. The Fund
                 may also from time to time compare its investment results to
                 various passive indices or other mutual funds with similar
                 investment objectives. Comparative performance information
                 may include data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.,
                 Morningstar, Inc. and other industry publications. See the
                 Statement of Additional Information for a more detailed
                 discussion.
 
                 All total return figures assume the reinvestment of all
                 dividends and measure the net investment income generated by,
                 and the effect of any realized and unrealized appreciation or
                 depreciation of, the underlying investments in the Fund over
                 a specified period of time. Average annual total return
                 figures are annualized and therefore represent the average
                 annual percentage change over the specified period.
                 Cumulative total return figures are not annualized and
                 represent the aggregate percentage or dollar value change
                 over a stated period of time. Average annual total return and
                 cumulative total return are based upon the historical results
                 of the Fund and are not necessarily representative of the
                 future performance of the Fund.
 
                                         38
<PAGE>
 
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
                 The Fund intends to operate as a "Regulated Investment
                 Company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and
                 therefore will not be liable for federal income taxes to the
                 extent earnings are distributed on a timely basis.
 
                 For federal income tax purposes, unless you are exempt from
                 taxation or entitled to a tax deferral, ALL DIVIDENDS PAID BY
                 THE FUND THAT ARE DERIVED FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET
                 SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAINS ARE TAXABLE AS ORDINARY INCOME, AND
                 DISTRIBUTIONS PAID BY THE FUND FROM NET LONG-TERM CAPITAL
                 GAINS ARE TAXABLE AS LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAIN, WHETHER RECEIVED
                 IN CASH OR REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL SHARES. The capital gain
                 holding period for this purpose is determined by the length
                 of time the Fund has held the security and not the length of
                 time you have held shares in the Fund. Long-term capital gain
                 distributions received by individual shareholders are taxed
                 at a maximum rate of 28%. Investors are informed annually as
                 to the amount and nature of all dividends and capital gains
                 paid during the prior year. Such capital gains and dividends
                 may also be subject to state or local taxes. If you are not
                 required to pay taxes on your income, you are generally not
                 required to pay federal income taxes on the amounts
                 distributed to you.
 
                 Income dividends are usually distributed quarterly, and
                 capital gains, if any, are usually distributed annually in
                 December. When a dividend or capital gain is distributed, the
                 Fund's net asset value decreases by the amount of the
                 payment. ANY SUCH DISTRIBUTION WILL BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL
                 INCOME TAX, EVEN IF THE DISTRIBUTION OCCURS SHORTLY AFTER A
                 PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES. All dividends or capital gains
                 distributions will automatically be reinvested in additional
                 shares of the same class of the Fund at the then prevailing
                 net asset value unless an investor specifically requests that
                 either dividends or capital gains, or both, be paid in cash.
                 The election to receive dividends or reinvest them may be
                 changed by writing to: Nuveen Funds, c/o Shareholder
                 Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO 80217-5330. Such
                 notice needs to be received at least 5 days prior to the
                 record date of any dividend or capital gain distribution.
 
                 Under certain circumstances, a corporate shareholder may be
                 entitled to a dividends received deduction with respect to
                 such shareholder's taxable dividends which are attributable
                 to dividends received by the Fund on its equity securities.
 
                 If you do not furnish the Fund with your correct social
                 security number or employer identification number, the Fund
                 is required by federal law to withhold federal income tax
                 from your distributions and redemption proceeds at a rate of
                 31%.
 
                                         39
<PAGE>
 
 
                 This section is not intended to be a full discussion of
                 federal income tax laws and the effect of such laws on you. A
                 more detailed summary appears in the Statement of Additional
                 Information. There may be other federal, state, or local tax
                 considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are
                 urged to consult your own tax adviser.
 
                                         40
<PAGE>
 
NET ASSET VALUE
Net asset           
value is         The Fund's net asset value per share is determined as of the
calculated       close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) on each
daily            day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. The
                 Fund's net asset value may not be calculated on days during
                 which the Fund receives no orders to purchase shares and no
                 shares are tendered for redemption. Net asset value is
                 calculated by taking the fair value of the Fund's total
                 assets, including interest or dividends accrued but not yet
                 collected, less all liabilities, and dividing by the total
                 number of shares outstanding. The result, rounded to the
                 nearest cent, is the net asset value per share. In
                 determining net asset value, expenses are accrued and applied
                 daily and securities and other assets for which market
                 quotations are available are valued at market value. Common
                 stocks and other equity-type securities are valued at the
                 last sales price on the national securities exchange or
                 Nasdaq on which such securities are primarily traded;
                 however, securities traded on a national securities exchange
                 or Nasdaq for which there were no transactions on a given day
                 or securities not listed on a national securities exchange or
                 Nasdaq are valued at the most recent bid prices. Debt
                 securities are valued by a pricing service that utilizes
                 electronic data processing techniques to determine values for
                 normal institutional-sized trading units of debt securities
                 without regard to the existence of sale or bid prices when
                 such values are believed to more accurately reflect the fair
                 market value of such securities; otherwise, actual sale or
                 bid prices are used. Any securities or other assets for which
                 market quotations are not readily available are valued at
                 fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of
                 Trustees. Debt securities having remaining maturities of 60
                 days or less when purchased are valued by the amortized cost
                 method when the Board of Trustees determines that the fair
                 market value of such securities is their amortized cost.
                 Under this method of valuation, a security is initially
                 valued at its acquisition cost, and thereafter amortization
                 of any discount or premium is assumed each day, regardless of
                 the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value
                 of the security. Regardless of the method employed to value a
                 particular security, all valuations are subject to review by
                 the Fund's Board of Trustees or its delegate who may
                 determine the appropriate value of a security whenever the
                 value as calculated is significantly different from the
                 previous day's calculated value.     
 
Fund expenses    In addition to the Fund management fee paid to NIAC and the
                 distribution and service fees paid to Nuveen, the Fund is
                 responsible for its own expenses that are not covered under
                 such agreements, including, without limitation: custodial,
                 transfer agent, accounting and legal fees; interest charges;
                 brokerage commissions; organizational expenses; and
                 extraordinary expenses.
 
                                         41
<PAGE>
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
Custodian and       
Transfer and     The Custodian of the assets of the Fund is The Chase
Shareholder      Manhattan Bank ("Chase"), 770 Broadway, New York, New York
Service Agent    10003. Chase also provides certain accounting services to the
                 Fund. The Fund's transfer, shareholder services and dividend
                 paying agent, Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330,
                 Denver, CO 80217-5330, performs bookkeeping, data processing
                 and administrative services for the maintenance of
                 shareholder accounts.     
 
Organization     The Fund is a series of the Nuveen Investment Trust
                 ("Trust"). The Trust is an open-end diversified management
                 investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
                 The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
                 May 6, 1996. The Board of Trustees of the Trust is authorized
                 to issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more series
                 or "Funds," which may be divided into classes of shares.
                 Currently, there are three series authorized and outstanding,
                 each of which is divided into four classes of shares
                 designated as Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares
                 and Class R Shares. Each class of shares represents an
                 interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund.
                 Each class of shares has equal rights as to voting,
                 redemption, dividends and liquidation, except that each bears
                 different class expenses, including different distribution
                 and service fees, and each has exclusive voting rights with
                 respect to any distribution or service plan applicable to its
                 shares. There are no conversion, preemptive or other
                 subscription rights, except that Class B Shares automatically
                 convert into Class A Shares, as described above. The Board of
                 Trustees of the Trust has the right to establish additional
                 series and classes of shares in the future, to change those
                 series or classes and to determine the preferences, voting
                 powers, rights and privileges thereof.
 
                 The Trust is not required and does not intend to hold annual
                 meetings of shareholders. Shareholders owning more than 10%
                 of the outstanding shares of the Fund have the right to call
                 a special meeting to remove Trustees or for any other
                 purpose.
 
                 Under Massachusetts law applicable to Massachusetts business
                 trusts, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain
                 circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for its
                 obligations. However, the Declaration of Trust of the Trust
                 contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for
                 acts or obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of
                 this disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or
                 instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the
                 Trustees. The Fund's Declaration of Trust further provides
                 for indemnification out of the assets and property of the
                 Trust for all loss and expense of any shareholder held
                 personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the
                 risk of a shareholder incurring
 
                                         42
<PAGE>
 
                 financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited
                 to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed
                 and the Trust or Fund itself was unable to meet its
                 obligations. The Trust believes the likelihood of the
                 occurrence of these circumstances is remote.
 
                                         43
<PAGE>
 
                                             PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
                                                
                                             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                                 
                                             333 West Wacker Drive
                                                
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286     
                                                
                                             FUND MANAGER     
                                                
                                             Nuveen Institutional Advisory
                                             Corp.     
                                             Subsidiary of John Nuveen & Co. 
                                             Incorporated
                                             333 West Wacker Drive
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606
                                                
                                             PORTFOLIO MANAGER     
                                                
                                             Institutional Capital Corporation
                                                    
                                             225 West Wacker Drive     
                                                
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606     
 
                                             CUSTODIAN
                                                
                                             The Chase Manhattan Bank     
                                             770 Broadway
                                             New York, New York 10003
 
                                             TRANSFER AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
                                             AGENT
                                             Shareholder Services, Inc.
                                             P.O. Box 5330
                                             Denver, Colorado 80217
                                                
                                             800-627-7227     
                                                
                                             INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                                             FOR THE FUND     
                                             Arthur Andersen LLP
                                             33 West Monroe Street
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60603
                                                                           
                                             EPR-GROWTH 8.96     
    LOGO
    John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
    333 West Wacker Drive
    Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286                           RECYCLED PAPER LOGO
<PAGE>
                                                                LOGO 





NUVEEN BALANCED
STOCK AND BOND FUND







    
PROSPECTUS/AUGUST 1, 1996     
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN FAMILY OF MUTUAL FUNDS



               Nuveen offers individual investors a broad range of mutual funds 
               to meet their investment needs:

               GROWTH AND INCOME FUNDS
               Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund

               BALANCED FUNDS
               Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund
               Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund

               NATIONAL TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS 
               Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund
               Nuveen Insured Municipal Bond Fund

               STATE TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS
               Arizona
               Nuveen Arizona Tax-Free Value Fund
               California
               Nuveen California Tax-Free Value Fund
               Nuveen California Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
               Florida
               Nuveen Florida Tax-Free Value Fund
               Maryland
               Nuveen Maryland Tax-Free Value Fund
               Massachusetts
               Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Value Fund
               Nuveen Massachusetts Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
               Michigan 
               Nuveen Michigan Tax-Free Value Fund
               New Jersey
               Nuveen New Jersey Tax-Free Value Fund
               New York
               Nuveen New York Tax-Free Value Fund
               Nuveen New York Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
               Ohio
               Nuveen Ohio Tax-Free Value Fund
               Pennsylvania 
               Nuveen Pennsylvania Tax-Free Value Fund                
               Virginia 
               Nuveen Virginia Tax-Free Value Fund
             
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN BALANCED STOCK AND BOND FUND
Prospectus
   
August 1, 1996     
 
The NUVEEN BALANCED STOCK AND BOND FUND (the "Fund") is a mutual fund that
seeks to provide over time an attractive total return from a diversified
portfolio of equity securities, taxable fixed-income securities and cash
equivalents. The Fund emphasizes capital appreciation in favorable market
environments and capital preservation in adverse market environments by
gradually shifting the allocation of the Fund's portfolio between equity
securities, taxable fixed-income securities and cash equivalents, depending
upon the relative risk/reward characteristics of these asset categories, within
defined ranges for each asset category.
 The Fund offers you Flexible Purchase Options, which provide the flexibility
to purchase Fund shares in the same manner you typically make other mutual fund
investments. You may choose from one of four alternative classes of Fund shares
(Classes A, B, C and R), each with a different combination of sales charges,
ongoing fees, eligibility requirements, and other features. Your financial
adviser will be able to assist you in determining which share class is best for
you. See "Flexible Purchase Options," "How to Buy Fund Shares" and "Summary of
Fund Expenses."
   
 The Fund is a series of The Nuveen Investment Trust (the "Trust"). This
Prospectus contains information you should know before investing in the Fund.
Please retain it for future reference. You can find more detailed information
about the Fund in the Statement of Additional Information dated August 1, 1996,
as amended from time to time. For a free copy of this Statement, write to the
Nuveen Mutual Funds, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, or call Nuveen
toll-free at 800-621-7227. The Statement has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.     
 Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any bank and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency. Shares
of the Fund involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal.
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>
                            <C> <S>
                                CONTENTS
                              3 SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
                              5 SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
                              <C> <S>
                                5 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
                                5 HOW THE FUND PURSUES ITS OBJECTIVE
                                7 PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER
                                9 HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE FUND IS RIGHT FOR YOU
                                9 FUND FEATURES AND BENEFITS
                               11 RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
                               12 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE
                                  FUND?
</TABLE>
<TABLE>                              
                            <C> <S>
                             13 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND'S
                                INVESTMENTS
                             19 FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
                             22 HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
                             34 DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
                             35 HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
                             39 MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
                             42 HOW THE FUND SHOWS PERFORMANCE
                             43 DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
                             45 NET ASSET VALUE
                             46 GENERAL INFORMATION
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
 
                 The purpose of the tables below is to help you understand all
                 expenses and fees that you would bear directly or indirectly
                 as a Fund shareholder. The percentages shown are estimated
                 for the current fiscal year. Actual fees and expenses may be
                 greater or less than those shown. An example of how the
                 expenses work is on the next page.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Shareholder Transaction
  Expenses (as a percent of
  offering price)(1)                     Class A         Class B         Class C      Class R(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
  Maximum Sales Charge Imposed          5.25%(3)            None            None            None
   on Purchases
  Maximum Sales Charge Imposed              None            None            None            None
   on Reinvested Dividends
  Exchange Fees                             None            None            None            None
  Deferred Sales Charge (as a            None(4)           5%(5)           1%(6)            None
   percentage of lesser of pur-
   chase price or redemption
   proceeds)
 
<CAPTION>
  Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  (as a percent of average daily
  net assets)                            Class A         Class B         Class C         Class R
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
  Management Fees                           .75%            .75%            .75%            .75%
  Rule 12b-1 Fees(7)                        .25%           1.00%           1.00%            None
  Other Operating Expenses (after
   reimbursement)(8)                        .10%            .10%            .10%            .10%
                                           -----           -----           -----            ----
  Total Expenses                           1.10%           1.85%           1.85%            .85%
</TABLE>
 
(1) Investment dealers and other firms may independently charge additional fees
for shareholder transactions or for advisory services; please see their
materials for details.
(2) Class R Shares are available for purchase only under certain limited
circumstances, or by specified classes of investors. See "How to Buy Fund
Shares--Class R Shares."
(3) Reduced sales charges apply to purchases of $50,000 or more. See "How to
Buy Fund Shares--Class A Shares."
(4) Certain Class A purchases at net asset value of $1 million or more may be
subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 18 months
of purchase. See "How to Buy Fund Shares--Class A Shares."
(5) Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of 5% during the first year, 4% during the
second and third years, 3% during the fourth year, 2% during the fifth year,
and 1% during the sixth year.
(6) Class C Shares redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1%
contingent deferred sales charge.
   
(7) Class A, Class B and Class C Shares are subject to an annual service fee of
 .25% of the average daily net assets to compensate Authorized Dealers for
ongoing account services. In addition, Class B and Class C Shares are subject
to annual distribution fees of .75% of the average daily net assets to
reimburse Nuveen for costs in connection with the sale of Fund shares. See
"Distribution and Service Plan." Long-term holders of Class B and Class C
Shares may pay more in Rule 12b-1 fees than the economic equivalent of the
maximum front-end sales charge permitted under the National Association of
Securities Dealers Rules of Fair Practice.     
   
(8) The investment adviser has agreed to waive fees and reimbursement expenses
through July 31, 1997 in order to prevent Total Expenses (excluding any
distribution or service fees and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding .85% of
the average daily net asset value of any class of Fund shares. Absent
reimbursement, "Other Operating Expenses" are estimated to be .25%.     
 
 
                                         3
<PAGE>
 
                 EXAMPLE*
                 For the Fund, you would pay the following expenses on a
                 $1,000 investment over various time periods, assuming (1) a
                 5% annual rate of return and (2) redemption at the end of
                 each time period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1 Year         3 Years
                 ----------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                                   <C>             <C>
            Class A                                   $63             $86
            Class B**                                 $58             $90
            Class C***                                $19             $58
            Class R                                   $ 9             $27
</TABLE>
 
                 *This example does not represent past or future expenses,
                 which may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, the
                 Fund's actual rate of return may be greater or less than the
                 hypothetical 5% return shown in this example. This example
                 assumes that the percentage amounts listed under Annual
                 Operating Expenses remain the same in each of the periods.
                 For additional information about the Fund's fees and
                 expenses, see "Distribution and Service Plan" and "Management
                 of the Fund."
                 **Assumes that the shareholder redeemed on the first day of
                 the next year and the contingent deferred sales charge was
                 applied as follows: 1 year (4%) and 3 years (3%). If instead
                 the shareholder had redeemed on the last day of the prior
                 year, the expenses would have been as follows: 1 year $68 and
                 3 years $100. See "How to Buy Fund Shares--Class B Shares."
                 ***Assumes that the shareholder redeemed on the first day of
                 the second year and the contingent deferred sales charge was
                 not applicable for any of the periods shown. If instead the
                 shareholder had redeemed on the last day of the first year,
                 the expenses in the first year would have been $29. See "How
                 to Buy Fund Shares--Class C Shares."
 
                                         4
<PAGE>
 
SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
                 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
                 The Fund seeks to provide over time an attractive total
                 return from a diversified portfolio of equity securities,
                 taxable fixed income securities and cash equivalents by
                 emphasizing capital appreciation in favorable markets and
                 capital preservation in adverse markets. The investment
                 objective may not be changed without shareholder approval.
                 There is no assurance that this objective will be realized.
 
                 HOW THE FUND PURSUES ITS OBJECTIVE
The Fund         The Fund invests in a conservative mix of equities, taxable
invests across   bonds and cash equivalents. The Fund will seek capital growth
different        primarily through its equity investments. The Fund invests in
asset classes    taxable fixed-income securities and cash equivalents in order
to reduce        to reduce risk and preserve capital and to provide current
investment       income. Please see "Additional Information About the Fund's
risk             Investments", starting on page 13 for a more detailed
                 discussion.
 
The Fund         The Fund's portfolio manager, Institutional Capital
employs a        Corporation ("ICAP"), employs a value-oriented approach to
value-oriented   select equity securities for the equity portion of the Fund's
strategy and     investment portfolio. Equity securities are initially
fundamental      screened using proprietary valuation models on the basis of
company          each security's relative price-earnings ratio and earnings
research to      stability. ICAP then conducts extensive company research on
choose           the securities that pass this initial screen in order to
equities         identify those securities with a clear company-specific or
                 thematic catalyst which ICAP believes will trigger
                 significant price appreciation over a defined nine to
                 eighteen month period. The most attractive 40-45 securities
                 identified are purchased by ICAP for the Fund's investment
                 portfolio. ICAP then monitors the performance of its
                 investments closely; if an investment underperforms
                 expectations and ICAP's expectations of the investment's
                 future performance potential no longer meet its original
                 purchase criteria, ICAP will quickly replace the security in
                 order to prevent continued underperformance.
 
 
                                         5
<PAGE>
 
The Fund may     Over time, the Fund may gradually shift the mix of its
shift its        investment portfolio in order to emphasize capital
asset mix over   appreciation in favorable markets and capital preservation in
time to          adverse markets. The Fund may shift its asset mix within the
enhance          ranges defined below for each category in response to
returns and      changing market conditions, and will rebalance when necessary
reduce risk      in order to prevent the portfolio's investment mix from
                 moving outside these ranges under normal market conditions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    TARGET INVESTMENT
                                      MIX OVER FULL   ALLOWABLE
                                      MARKET CYCLE      RANGE
                 ----------------------------------------------
           <S>                      <C>               <C>
           Equity Securities               55%         40-70%
           Fixed-Income Securities         40%         25-55%
           Cash Equivalents                 5%          0-20%
</TABLE>
 
                                         6
<PAGE>
 
 
                PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER
                   
                The Fund does not have any prior operating history.
                ICAP, the Fund's portfolio manager, has managed
                separate private accounts since 1971. The following
                chart illustrates the growth of a hypothetical $10,000
                investment based upon the investment performance of the
                ICAP Balanced Composite between June 30, 1976 and June
                30, 1996. The ICAP Balanced Composite represents the
                composite performance of the managed accounts,
                presently totalling approximately $370 million, for
                which ICAP has served as investment adviser and that
                have substantially the same investment objectives and
                policies as the Fund. The ICAP Balanced Composite
                performance represents past performance and should not
                be interpreted as indicative of future performance of
                the Fund.     
 
    
                        Growth of a $10,000 Investment
                           July 1976 - June 1996
                            [Chart Appears Here]
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                        1976     1996
<S>                                                   <C>      <C> 
ICAP with Dividends Reinvested                        $10,000  $123,336
Morningstar Balanced Index with Dividends Reinvested  $10,000  $106,491
Balanced Index with Dividends Reinvested              $10,000  $105,827
Consumer Price Index (inflation)                      $10,000   $27,638
</TABLE> 

           Average Annual Total Returns
<TABLE> 
    
   
<CAPTION>
  ICAP       1 Year   5 Year   10 Year   20 Year
- ------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
Offer Price   8.39%   11.59%   13.11%    13.38%
NAV          14.40%   12.80%   13.73%    13.69%
</TABLE>
     

THE ABOVE ILLUSTRATION IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE FUND'S FUTURE PERFORMANCE. 
                                     7
<PAGE>
 
                 ICAP's performance results presented above and below reflect
                 the investment performance of the ICAP Balanced Composite
                 before deduction of any investment advisory fees or other
                 expenses, less Class A's projected annual operating expenses
                 as summarized in the Summary of Fund Expenses on page 3. The
                 chart above illustrating the growth of a hypothetical $10,000
                 investment also assumes payment of the maximum Class A sales
                 charge of 5.25%. These performance results would be different
                 from a comparable Class B, C or R investment, reflecting the
                 different sales charge and ongoing operating expenses of each
                 respective class. The Balanced Index represents the
                 investment performance of an unmanaged index comprised 60% of
                 Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P
                 500") and 40% of the Lehman Brothers Intermediate Treasury
                 Index (the "Lehman Index"). The Balanced Index returns assume
                 reinvestment of all dividends paid by the stocks and interest
                 paid by the bonds included in the index, but do not include
                 brokerage commissions or other fees an investor would incur
                 by investing in the portfolio of stocks and bonds comprising
                 the index. The Morningstar returns represent the average of
                 the annualized returns with dividends reinvested of all the
                 funds in the Morningstar Balanced Fund category for the
                 periods measured, but do not include the effect of any sales
                 charges that an investor would incur by purchasing the funds
                 comprising the Morningstar Index directly. All returns and
                 comparisons of returns are calculated on a quarterly basis.
                 See "How the Fund Shows Performance" for additional
                 information.
                    
                 For the 10-year period ending June 30, 1996, the annualized
                 total returns of the ICAP Balanced Composite exceeded those
                 of the Balanced Index by approximately 2% annually. Over the
                 same investment period, the ICAP Composite's annualized total
                 returns exceeded those of the Morningstar Balanced Fund
                 average by more than 3.5% annually. Only 6 funds in the
                 Morningstar Balanced Fund category provided annualized
                 returns over this 10-year period in excess of the Balanced
                 Index, and no fund provided annualized returns in excess of
                 the ICAP Composite. For all 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year holding
                 periods between June 30, 1976 and June 30, 1996, the ICAP
                 Composite's annualized total returns on average exceeded
                 those of the Balanced Index by 1.42%, 1.44%, 1.52% and 1.74%,
                 respectively, and exceeded those of the Morningstar Balanced
                 Fund average by 1.40%, 1.50%, 1.63% and 2.06%, respectively.
                 Of the 309 funds in the Morningstar Balanced Fund category,
                 there are 293, 160, 83 and 40 funds, respectively, with 1-,
                 3-, 5- and 10-year performance records.     
 
                 The track record of the ICAP's Balanced Composite is
                 particularly strong in adverse markets. Over the past 20
                 years, there have been 4 periods over which the S&P 500
                 declined by more than 10% over consecutive quarters. As
                 illustrated in the table below, in each of these market
                 downturns the ICAP Composite's cumulative
 
                                         8
<PAGE>
 
                 performance significantly exceeded that of the Balanced Index
                 or the Morningstar Balanced Fund average:
 
<TABLE>             
           <S>          <C>   <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>
                                                   ICAP/BALANCED
             MARKET           BALANCED                 INDEX       ICAP/MS
            DOWNTURN    ICAP   INDEX   MORNINGSTAR DIFFERENTIAL  DIFFERENTIAL
                 ------------------------------------------------------------
           01/77-03/78  -2.1%  -5.8%    -0.7%      3.7%          -1.4%
           04/81-06/82   4.1%  -2.7%     0.5%      6.8%           3.6%
           10/87-12/87  -9.3% -11.8%   -11.1%      2.5%           1.8%
           07/90-09/90  -6.8%  -7.5%    -8.2%      0.7%           1.4%
</TABLE>    
 
                 HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE FUND IS RIGHT FOR YOU
 
                 WHO SHOULD INVEST
 
                 The Fund may be a suitable investment if:
                 . you are seeking the growth potential of stocks but are
                   concerned about the higher risks of mutual funds investing
                   only in stocks.
                 . you are seeking the growth potential of stocks yet also
                   desire both capital preservation and current income
                 . you are looking for a balanced approach to achieving your
                   financial objectives in a single investment
                 . you have a long-term investment horizon
                 . you are seeking a balanced mutual fund for use in a tax-
                   deferred account
 
                 WHO SHOULD NOT INVEST
 
                 The Fund may not be a suitable investment if:
                 . you are unwilling to accept some fluctuations in share
                   price
                 . you have a short-term investment horizon
 
                 FUND FEATURES AND BENEFITS
 
                 LOW MINIMUM INVESTMENT
$3,000 minimum
initial          You can start your investment with a low initial purchase of
investment       $3,000 ($1,000 for an Individual Retirement Account) in a
                 particular share class. Additional investments can be made
                 for as little as $50. Exceptions to these minimums are made
                 for
 
                                         9
<PAGE>
 
                 participants in the Fund's automatic deposit, group purchase
                 or reinvestment programs. See "How to Buy Fund Shares" for
                 more details.
 
                 FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
Choose from      The Fund offers four classes of shares--Classes A, B, C and
Class A, B, C    R. Each class offers a different combination of sales
or R shares      charges, ongoing fees, eligibility requirements and other
                 features. This permits you and your financial adviser to
                 choose the share class which best meets your investment
                 needs. You and your adviser will want to consider:
                 . the amount of your current investment
                 . current holdings in the Fund
                 . length of time you expect to hold the shares
                 . timing and amount of any future Fund investments
                 . other relevant information
 
                 See "Flexible Purchase Options", "How to Buy Fund Shares" and
                 "How to Redeem Fund Shares" for further discussion of the
                 Fund's flexible purchase options.
 
                 EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Exchange         Shares of the Fund may be quickly and easily exchanged by
shares at no     telephone, without a sales charge, for shares of the same or
charge           equivalent class of any other Nuveen Mutual Fund or for
                 shares of certain Nuveen money market funds.
 
                 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
Dividends        All income dividends or capital gains paid with respect to
automatically    each class of shares will be reinvested automatically into
reinvested at    additional shares of the same class without a sales charge,
no charge        unless you elect to receive them in cash.
 
                 INVESTMENT OF NUVEEN UNIT TRUST DISTRIBUTIONS
Invest           Distributions from any Nuveen Unit Trust may be used to buy
distributions    Class A Shares of the Fund without a sales charge.
from Nuveen
Unit Trusts at
no charge
 
                 AUTOMATIC DEPOSIT AND WITHDRAWAL PLANS
Easy-to-use      The Fund offers a number of options to help you manage
systematic       additions to, and withdrawals from, your account. These
investment and   include automatic deposit, direct deposit and payroll
withdrawal       deduction plans for adding to your account on a regular
options          basis. If you need periodic withdrawals, and own shares
                 totaling $10,000 or more, you can arrange to have $50 or more
                 sent directly from your account monthly or quarterly.
 
                                         10
<PAGE>
 
 
                 ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS
Transfer funds   Nuveen's Fund Direct lets you link your Fund account to your
electronically   account at a bank or other financial institution. You may use
                 Fund Direct to transfer money electronically between
                 accounts, to purchase shares by phone, to invest through an
                 automatic deposit plan, or to send payments directly to your
                 bank account.
 
                 TELEPHONE REDEMPTION
Free telephone   You may establish free telephone redemption privileges for
redemption       your account.
 
                 EASY LIQUIDITY
Redemption on    You may redeem all or some of your Fund shares on any
any business     business day at the then net asset value. Class B and Class C
day              Shares, as well as certain Class A purchases of $1 million or
                 more at net asset value, may be subject to a contingent
                 deferred sales charge upon redemption. See "How to Redeem
                 Fund Shares".
 
                 RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
                 You should consider certain other factors about the Fund
                 before investing. The value and market risk of the Fund's
                 investment portfolio will tend to vary with changes in the
                 allocation of its investments among different asset classes
                 and changes in the fixed income and equity markets. The
                 Fund's equity investments are subject to equity market risk,
                 i.e. the risk that equity prices could decline over short or
                 even extended periods. The equity markets tend to be
                 cyclical, with periods of generally rising prices and periods
                 of generally declining prices. The Fund's fixed-income
                 investments are subject to interest rate and credit risk. In
                 general, the market value of the Fund's fixed-income
                 investments will increase when interest rates decline and
                 decrease when interest rates rise. Although the prices of
                 equity and fixed-income securities often rise and fall at
                 different times so that a fall in price of one will be offset
                 by a rise in, or at least buffered by price stability in, the
                 other, prices in the two markets often move in tandem.
                 Accordingly, the Fund should be considered a long-term
                 investment, designed to provide the best results when held
                 for a multi-year period. The Fund may not be suitable if you
                 have a short-term investment horizon. In addition,
                 investments by the Fund in American Depository Receipts
                 ("ADRs") of foreign companies involve opportunities and risks
                 not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies.
                 There are special risks associated with options and futures
                 transactions. See "Additional Information About the Fund's
                 Investments."
 
                                         11
<PAGE>
 
 
                 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FUND?
 
                 The following organizations work together to provide the
                 services and features offered by the Fund:
 
<TABLE>              
<CAPTION>
            ORGANIZATION           FUNCTION               DUTIES
                 --------------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                    <C>                    <C>
            John Nuveen & Co.      Fund Sponsor and       Sponsors and manages
            Incorporated           Principal Underwriter  the offering of Fund
            ("Nuveen")                                    shares
            Nuveen Institutional   Fund Manager           Oversees the Fund's
            Advisory Corp.                                portfolio manager,
            ("NIAC")                                      manages the Fund's
                                                          business affairs and
                                                          provides day-to-day
                                                          administrative
                                                          services to the Fund
            Institutional Capital  Portfolio Manager      Manages the Fund's
            Corporation ("ICAP")                          investment portfolio
            Shareholder Services,  Transfer Agent;        Maintains shareholder
            Inc. ("SSI")           Shareholder Services   accounts, handles
                                   Agent; Dividend Paying share redemptions and
                                   Agent                  exchanges and
                                                          dividend payments
            The Chase Manhattan    Custodian              Maintains custody of
            Bank ("Chase")                                the Fund's
                                                          investments and
                                                          provides certain
                                                          accounting services
                                                          to the Fund
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                         12
<PAGE>
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND'S INVESTMENTS
                 HOW THE FUND DIVERSIFIES ITS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
The Fund         The Fund's investment portfolio will be invested in a
invests in a     diversified portfolio of equity securities, taxable fixed-
conservative     income securities and cash equivalents. The Fund's target
mix of stocks,   investment mix is 55% equity securities, 40% fixed-income
bonds and cash   securities and 5% cash equivalents, reflecting the Fund's
                 anticipated average allocation of its investment portfolio
                 over a full market cycle. The Fund may gradually shift the
                 allocation of its investment portfolio in order to emphasize
                 capital appreciation in favorable market environments and
                 capital preservation in adverse market environments. The Fund
                 will shift its investment mix within defined ranges for each
                 asset category based upon each category's relative risk and
                 reward characteristics. The Fund will also rebalance its
                 investment portfolio when necessary in order to prevent the
                 portfolio's investment mix from moving outside these defined
                 ranges under normal market conditions. The table below
                 summarizes the Fund's target investment mix and the allowable
                 range of each asset category's target mix.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      TARGET
                                    INVESTMENT ALLOWABLE
                                       MIX       RANGE
                 ---------------------------------------
           <S>                      <C>        <C>
           Equity Securities           55%      40-70%
           Fixed-Income Securities     40%      25-55%
           Cash Equivalents             5%       0-20%
</TABLE>
 
                 The Fund's Board of Trustees from time to time, without
                 shareholder approval, may change the Fund's target investment
                 mix and the allowable range for each asset category if, after
                 consultation with NIAC and ICAP, the Board determines that
                 such a change is in the best interests of shareholders.
 
                 During temporary defensive periods, the Fund may invest any
                 percentage of its assets in temporary investments, as
                 described below under "Temporary Investments." During such
                 periods, which may occur at a time when the Fund would
                 otherwise rebalance its investment mix, the proportion of the
                 Fund's assets invested in an asset category may fall outside
                 the allowable range for that asset category.
 
                 HOW THE FUND SELECTS INVESTMENTS
                 As portfolio manager, ICAP selects equity securities on the
The Fund         basis of its evaluation of each security's relative value in
employs a        terms of projected price-earnings ratios and earnings
value-oriented   stability. When making investment decisions, ICAP develops an
strategy and     economic framework (including an interest rate, inflation,
fundamental      and business cycle outlook) and analyzes strategic economic
company          and/or industry themes to identify appropriate investments.
research to      ICAP uses a variety of proprietary research techniques and
choose           computer
equities
 
                                         13
<PAGE>
 
                 models to search for equity securities believed to possess
                 the best relative value based on proprietary price/earnings
                 projections and an analysis of earnings stability.
                 Furthermore, a clear catalyst must exist, either stock-
                 specific, industry or economic, which ICAP believes will
                 trigger significant price appreciation in a definable period.
                 In order to enhance its internal research, ICAP also utilizes
                 a wide variety of external sources for investment information
                 including recognized strategists, economists, technical and
                 fundamental analysts, corporate executives, and industry
                 sources.
 
                 For each equity investment, ICAP establishes an upside price
                 target and a downside risk potential. This strategy allows
                 for continuous monitoring of fundamental conditions and stock
                 price performance. Although ICAP typically expects the
                 investment potential of each investment to be realized over a
                 nine to eighteen month time period, it is not unusual for
                 equities to be held for a longer period if justified by their
                 potential future performance. Investments that underperform
                 expectations are reviewed intensively. If the risk/reward
                 profile of a particular investment becomes unattractive or
                 the reasons for owning the security no longer appear valid,
                 the investment typically is sold expeditiously to avoid
                 continued underperformance.
 
                 EQUITY SECURITIES
The Fund         Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest the
invests          assets allocated to equity investments primarily in equity
primarily in     securities of domestic companies with market capitalizations
domestic         of at least $500 million ("Equity Securities"). Equity
companies with   Securities include, but are not limited to, common stocks;
capitalizations  preferred stocks; warrants to purchase common stocks or
of at least      preferred stocks; securities convertible into common or
$500 million     preferred stocks, such as convertible bonds and debentures;
                 and other securities with equity characteristics.
 
                 Convertible bonds and debentures must be rated Baa or higher
                 by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") or BBB or higher by
                 Standard & Poor's ("S&P"), Duff & Phelps, Inc. ("D&P") or
                 Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"). Bonds rated Baa or
                 BBB, although considered investment grade, have speculative
                 characteristics and may be subject to greater fluctuations in
                 value than higher-rated bonds. A general description of
                 ratings may be found in the Statement of Additional
                 Information.
 
                 In addition, the Fund may invest indirectly in equity
                 securities of foreign issuers through investments in American
                 Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), described later in this
                 section.
 
                                         14
<PAGE>
 
 
                 FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Fund         The Fund invests in taxable fixed-income securities and cash
invests in       equivalents in order to reduce risk and preserve capital, and
taxable bonds    to provide current income.
and cash to
reduce the
risks of
stocks and to
provide income
 
                 The Fund will invest the portion of its net assets allocated
                 to fixed-income securities in U.S. Treasury and investment
                 grade debt securities with maturities of one to fifteen
                 years. These securities are selected on the basis of the
                 shape of the yield curve and ICAP's outlook for interest
                 rates. Investment grade debt securities include bonds rated
                 Baa or higher by Moody's and BBB or higher by S&P, D&P or
                 Fitch. See the discussion above on bonds rated BBB or Baa.
                    
                 The Fund will invest the portion of its net assets allocated
                 to cash in cash equivalents and short-term fixed-income
                 securities issued by issuers having a long-term rating of A
                 or higher by S&P, Moody's or Fitch, or A- or higher by Duff &
                 Phelps, and having a maturity of one year or less. Cash
                 equivalents may include U.S. Government securities,
                 certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, commercial
                 paper rated A-1 or higher by S&P, Prime-1 or higher by
                 Moody's, Duff 2 or higher by D&P or Fitch 2 or higher by
                 Fitch, and repurchase agreements entered into only with
                 respect to obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies
                 or instrumentalities, certificates of deposit and bankers
                 acceptances.     
 
                 TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
The Fund may     During certain temporary periods, in order to keep cash on
make temporary   hand fully invested or, as a defensive measure in response to
investments      prevailing market conditions, the Fund may invest without
from time to     limitation in cash equivalents and short-term fixed-income
time             securities as described above. See the Statement of
                 Additional Information under "Investment Policies and
                 Techniques--Short-Term Taxable Fixed Income Securities" for
                 additional information.
 
                 WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Fund may     In order to lock in a fixed price on a security it intends to
purchase When-   purchase, the Fund may invest without limitation in
Issued           securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery
Securities       basis ("When-Issued Securities"). Although the payment and
                 terms of these securities are established at the time the
                 purchaser enters into the commitment, these securities may be
                 delivered and paid for at a future date, generally within 45
                 days. The Fund will segregate and maintain cash, cash
                 equivalents, U.S. government securities, or other high-
                 quality, liquid debt securities in an amount at least equal
                 to the amount of outstanding commitments for When-Issued
                 Securities at all times. Such securities involve a risk of
                 loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines
                 prior to the settlement date.
 
 
                                         15
<PAGE>
 
                 AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS ("ADRs")
The Fund may     ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
invest up to     company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign
20% of its       security and denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest
assets in        up to 20% of its net assets in ADRs or other instruments
foreign          denominated in U.S. dollars that permit indirect investment
securities       in foreign securities. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk
                 inherent in investing in foreign issuers, such as changes in
                 foreign currency exchange rates. However, by investing in
                 ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers' stock, the Fund
                 avoids currency risks during the settlement period.
 
                 Investments in securities of foreign issuers involve risks in
                 addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments,
                 including currency risks. The value of a foreign security in
                 U.S. dollars tends to decrease when the value of the U.S.
                 dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the
                 security is denominated and tends to increase when the value
                 of the U.S. dollar falls against such currency.
 
                 Some ADRs may not be sponsored by the issuer. ADRs are
                 affected by the fact that in many countries there is less
                 publicly available information about issuers than is
                 available in the reports and ratings published about
                 companies in the U.S. and companies may not be subject to
                 uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
                 standards. Other risks inherent in foreign investments
                 include expropriation; confiscatory taxation; withholding
                 taxes on dividends and interest; less extensive regulation of
                 foreign brokers, securities markets and issuers; diplomatic
                 developments; and political or social instability. Foreign
                 economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S.
                 economy in various respects, and many foreign securities are
                 less liquid and their prices tend to be more volatile than
                 comparable U.S. securities. From time to time, foreign
                 securities may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without
                 adverse price effects.
 
                 CERTAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND LIMITATIONS
Options and      The Fund may engage in options and futures transactions,
Futures          which are sometimes referred to as derivative transactions.
Transactions     The Fund's options and futures transactions may include
                 instruments such as stock index options and futures
                 contracts. Such transactions may be used for several reasons,
                 including hedging unrealized portfolio gains. The Fund will
                 only engage in futures and options transactions that,
                 pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commodity Futures
                 Trading Commission (the "CFTC"), constitute bona fide hedging
                 or other permissible risk management transactions and will
                 not enter into such transactions if the sum of the initial
                 margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
                 exceeds 5% of the Fund's
 
                                         16
<PAGE>
 
                 total assets. In addition, the Fund will not enter into
                 options and futures transactions if more than 30% of the
                 Fund's net assets would be committed to such instruments.
 
                 The ability of the Fund to benefit from options and futures
                 is largely dependent upon ICAP's ability to correctly use
                 such instruments, which may involve skills different from
                 those associated with managing securities generally. The Fund
                 could lose money on a futures transaction or an option could
                 expire worthless, in addition to the Fund suffering a loss on
                 the value of its portfolio assets. For a further discussion
                 of options and futures transactions, please see the Statement
                 of Additional Information.
 
Lending of       The Fund may lend its portfolio securities, up to 33 1/3% of
Portfolio        its total assets, to broker-dealers or institutional
Securities       investors. The loans will be secured continuously by
                 collateral at least equal to the value of the securities lent
                 by "marking to market" daily. The Fund will continue to
                 receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by
                 the issuer of the securities lent and will retain the right
                 to call, upon notice, the lent securities. The Fund may also
                 receive interest on the investment of the collateral or a fee
                 from the borrower as compensation for the loan. As with other
                 extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or
                 even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of
                 the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made
                 only to firms deemed by the portfolio manager to be of good
                 standing.
 
Illiquid         The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
Securities       securities, which include, but are not limited to, restricted
                 securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted
                 under the federal securities laws); securities which may be
                 resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933
                 but that are deemed to be illiquid; and repurchase agreements
                 with maturities in excess of seven days.
 
                 PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
                 The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
                 will be between 75% and 100% under normal market conditions,
                 and will generally not exceed 125%. A turnover rate of 100%
                 would occur, for example, if the Fund sold and replaced
                 securities valued at 100% of its net assets within one year.
                 The Fund anticipates that the annual portfolio turnover rate
                 for the equity portion of the portfolio will be between 100%
                 and 125% under normal market conditions, and will generally
                 not exceed 150%.
 
                                         17
<PAGE>
 
 
                 OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The Fund         The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in
employs other    any one of the following types of investments: warrants;
restrictions     unseasoned companies; and transactions in short sales against
to protect       the box. In addition the Fund has adopted several
shareholders     restrictions on the investments and other activities of the
                 Fund that may not be changed without shareholder approval.
                 For example, the Fund may not:
                 . With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the
                   securities of any issuer (except securities issued or
                   guaranteed by the U.S. government or any agency or
                   instrumentality thereof) if, as a result, (i) more than 5%
                   of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities
                   of that issuer, or (ii) the Fund would hold more than 10%
                   of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
                 . Borrow money, except that the Fund may (i) borrow money
                   from banks for temporary or emergency purposes (but not for
                   leverage or the purchase of investments) and (ii) make
                   other investments or engage in other transactions
                   permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that
                   may involve a borrowing, provided that the combination of
                   (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the
                   Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less
                   the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).
 
                 If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of
                 investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage beyond
                 the specified limit resulting from a change in the value of
                 assets will not be considered a violation.
 
                 Except as specifically noted above or in the Statement of
                 Additional Information, the Fund's investment policies are
                 not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder
                 approval. For a more complete description of investment
                 restrictions that may be changed without a shareholder vote,
                 see the Statement of Additional Information.
 
 
                                         18
<PAGE>
 
FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
The Fund         The Fund has adopted Flexible Purchase Options that offers
offers various   you four alternative classes of Fund shares (Classes A, B, C
methods of       and R), each with a different combination of sales charges,
purchasing       ongoing fees, eligibility requirements, and other features.
shares which     The Fund's Flexible Purchase Options are designed to permit
are designed     you and your financial adviser to choose the method of
to meet your     purchasing shares that you believe is most beneficial given
individual       the amount of your investment, any current holdings of Fund
investment       shares, the length of time you expect to hold your investment
needs and        and other relevant circumstances. A summary of the four
preferences      classes of Fund shares is set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      UP-FRONT   CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES   ANNUAL 12B-1   ANNUAL 12B-1
                    SALES CHARGE       CHARGE "CDSC"       DISTRIBUTION FEE SERVICE FEE
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>      <C>          <C>                       <C>              <C>
           Class A    5.25%(1)            None(2)                None           .25%
           Class B    None                5%(3)                  .75%(4)        .25%
           Class C    None                1%(5)                  .75%           .25%
           Class R    None                None                   None           None
</TABLE>
                 (1) Maximum up-front sales charge, which is reduced for
                     purchases of $50,000 or more. Up-front sales charge may
                     be reduced or waived for certain purchases.
                 (2) Certain Class A purchases at net asset value of $1
                     million or more may be subject to a 1% CDSC if redeemed
                     within 18 months of purchase.
                 (3) CDSC in the first year. CDSC declines to 0% after six
                     years.
                 (4) Class B Shares convert to Class A Shares after eight
                     years, which reduces the ongoing expenses borne by an
                     investor.
                 (5) CDSC is applicable to shares redeemed within 12 months of
                     purchase.
 
                 For more information regarding features of each class, see
                 "How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Redeem Fund Shares" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan" below.
 
Which Option     When you purchase Class A Shares, you will normally pay an
is Right for     up-front sales charge. As a result, you will have less money
You?             invested initially and you will own fewer Class A Shares than
                 you would in the absence of an up-front sales charge.
                 Alternatively, when you purchase Class B or Class C Shares,
                 you will not pay an up-front sales charge and all of your
                 monies will be fully invested at the time of purchase.
                 However, Class B and Class C Shares are subject to an annual
                 distribution fee which constitutes an asset-based sales
                 charge whose purpose is the same as an up-front sales charge.
                 In addition, Class B Shares when redeemed are subject to a
                 CDSC, which will vary depending on the length of time you
                 owned your shares. Class B Shares
                 automatically convert to Class A Shares eight years after
                 purchase in order to limit the distribution fees you pay over
                 the life of your investment. Class C Shares are subject to a
                 CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Because
                 Class C Shares do not convert to Class A Shares and continue
                 to pay an annual distribution fee indefinitely, Class C
                 Shares should normally not be purchased by an investor who
                 expects to hold shares for significantly longer than eight
                 years. Class A,
 
                                         19
<PAGE>
 
                 Class B and Class C Shares are subject to annual service
                 fees, which are identical in amount and are used to
                 compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing
                 account services. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge
                 or a sales charge waiver on a purchase of Class A Shares, as
                 described on page 23 under "How the Class A Sales Charge May
                 Be Reduced or Waived." Class R Shares are available for
                 purchase at a price equal to their net asset value, but only
                 under certain circumstances or for certain categories of
                 investors, as described below under "How to Buy Fund Shares--
                 Class R Shares."
 
                 In deciding whether to purchase Class A, Class B, Class C or
                 Class R Shares, you should consider all relevant factors,
                 including the dollar amount of your purchase, any current
                 holdings of Fund shares, the length of time you expect to
                 hold the shares and whether a CDSC would apply, the amount of
                 any applicable up-front sales charge, the amount of any
                 applicable distribution or service fees that may be incurred
                 while you own the shares, whether or not you will be
                 reinvesting income or capital gain distributions in
                 additional shares, whether or not you meet applicable
                 eligibility requirements or qualify for a sales charge waiver
                 or reduction, and the relative level of services that your
                 financial adviser may provide to different classes.
                 Authorized Dealers and other persons distributing the Fund's
                 shares may receive different compensation for selling
                 different classes of shares.
 
Differences      Each class of shares represents an interest in the same
Between the      portfolio of investments. Each class of shares is identical
Classes of       in all respects except that each class has its own sales
Shares           charge structure, each class bears its own class expenses,
                 including distribution and service fees, and each class has
                 exclusive voting rights with respect to any distribution or
                 service plan applicable to its shares. In addition, Class B
                 Shares are subject to a conversion feature. As a result of
                 the differences in the expenses borne by each class of
                 shares, and differences in the purchase and redemption
                 activity for each class, net income per share, dividends per
                 share and net asset value per share will vary among the
                 Fund's classes of shares.
 
Dealer           Upon notice to all Authorized Dealers, Nuveen may reallow to
Incentives       Authorized Dealers electing to participate up to the full
                 applicable Class A Share up-front sales charge during periods
                 and for transactions specified in the notice. The
                 reallowances made during these periods may be based upon
                 attainment of minimum sales levels. Furthermore, Nuveen may
                 from time to time provide additional promotional support and
                 make additional reallowances only to certain Authorized
                 Dealers who sell or are expected to sell certain minimum
                 amounts of the Fund or other Nuveen Mutual Funds and Nuveen
                 Unit Trusts during specified time periods. Promotional
 
                                         20
<PAGE>
 
                 support may include providing sales literature to and holding
                 informational or educational programs for the benefit of such
                 Authorized Dealers' representatives, seminars for the public,
                 and advertising and sales campaigns. Nuveen may reimburse a
                 participating Authorized Dealer for up to one-half of
                 specified media costs incurred in the placement of
                 advertisements which jointly feature the Authorized Dealer
                 and Nuveen Funds and Nuveen Unit Trusts.
 
                 Such reimbursement will be based on the number of its
                 financial advisers who have sold Nuveen Fund shares and
                 Nuveen Unit Trust units during the prior calendar year
                 according to an established schedule. Any such support or
                 reimbursement would be provided by Nuveen out of its own
                 assets, and not out of the assets of the Funds, and will not
                 change the price an investor pays for shares or the amount
                 that a Fund will receive from such a sale. The staff of the
                 Securities and Exchange Commission takes the position that
                 dealers who receive 90% or more of the applicable sales
                 charge may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act of
                 1933, as amended.
 
                                         21
<PAGE>
 
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
 
                 CLASS A SHARES
Class A Shares   You may purchase Class A Shares at a public offering price
are offered at   equal to the applicable net asset value per share plus an up-
their net        front sales charge imposed at the time of purchase as set
asset value      forth below. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge, or
plus an up-      the sales charge may be waived in its entirety, as described
front sales      below under "How the Class A Sales Charge May Be Reduced or
charge           Waived." Class A Shares are also subject to an annual service
                 fee of .25%. See "Flexible Purchase Options" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan."
 
                 The up-front sales charge schedule for Class A Shares is as
                 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   SALES CHARGE AS SALES CHARGE AS REALLOWANCE AS
                                     % OF PUBLIC      % OF NET      % OF PUBLIC
           AMOUNT OF PURCHASE      OFFERING PRICE  AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE
                 ----------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>                     <C>             <C>             <C>
           Less than $50,000            5.25%           5.54%          5.00%
           $50,000 but less than
            $100,000                    4.25%           4.44%          4.00%
           $100,000 but less than
            $250,000                    3.50%           3.63%          3.25%
           $250,000 but less than
            $500,000                    2.75%           2.83%          2.50%
           $500,000 but less than
            $1,000,000                  2.00%           2.04%          1.75%
           $1,000,000 and over          0.00%           0.00%          0.00%*
</TABLE>
                 *Authorized Dealers are eligible to receive a commission from
                 Nuveen as discussed below.
 
                 The Fund receives the entire net asset value of all Class A
                 Shares that are sold. Nuveen retains the full applicable
                 sales charge from which it pays the uniform reallowances
                 shown above to Authorized Dealers. See "Flexible Purchase
                 Options
                 --Dealer Incentives" on page 20 for more information about
                 reallowances and other compensation to Authorized Dealers.
 
                 Certain commercial banks may make Class A Shares of the Fund
                 available to their customers on an agency basis. Pursuant to
                 the agreements between Nuveen and these banks, some or all of
                 the sales charge paid by a bank customer in connection with a
                 purchase of Class A Shares may be retained by or paid to the
                 bank. Certain banks and other financial institutions may be
                 required to register as securities dealers in certain states.
 
Class A             
purchases of     Class A purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset
$1 million or    value without an up-front sales charge. Nuveen pays
more at net      Authorized Dealers of record on such Class A Share purchases
asset value      a sales commission equal to the sum of 1.00% of the first
are subject to   $2.5 million, plus 0.50% of the next $2.5 million, plus 0.25%
a CDSC           of purchases over $5.0 million. If such shares are redeemed
                 within 18 months of purchase, a CDSC of 1% of the lower of
                 the purchase price or the redemption proceeds may be imposed
                 upon the     
 
                                         22
<PAGE>
 
                 redemption. Shares purchased by investors investing $1
                 million or more who have made arrangements with Nuveen and
                 whose dealer of record waived the commission are not subject
                 to the CDSC.
 
                 HOW THE CLASS A SALES CHARGE MAY BE REDUCED OR WAIVED
There are        There are several ways to reduce or eliminate the up-front
several ways     sales charge:
to reduce or     . cumulative discount;
eliminate the    . letter of intent;
up-front sales   . purchases with monies representing distributions from
charge             Nuveen-sponsored Unit Trusts;
                 . group purchase programs;
                 . reinvestment of redemption proceeds from non-affiliated
                   funds; and
                 . special sales charge waivers for certain categories of
                   investors.
 
Cumulative       You may qualify for a reduced sales charge as shown above on
Discount         a purchase of Class A Shares if the amount of your purchase,
                 when added to the value that day of all of your prior
                 purchases of shares of the Fund or of another Nuveen Mutual
                 Fund, or units of a Nuveen Unit Trust, on which an up-front
                 sales charge or ongoing distribution fee is imposed, falls
                 within the amounts stated in the table. You or your financial
                 adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI of any cumulative
                 discount level you have achieved at the time you purchase
                 your shares.
 
Letter of        You may qualify for a reduced sales charge on a purchase of
Intent           Class A Shares if you plan to purchase Class A Shares of
                 Nuveen Mutual Funds over the next 13 months and the total
                 amount of your purchases would, if purchased at one time,
                 qualify you for one of the reduced sales charges shown above.
                 In order to take advantage of this option, you need to
                 complete the applicable section of the Application Form or
                 sign and deliver either to an Authorized Dealer or to SSI a
                 written Letter of Intent in a form acceptable to Nuveen. A
                 Letter of Intent states that you intend, but are not
                 obligated, to purchase over the next 13 months a stated total
                 amount of Class A Shares that would qualify you for a reduced
                 sales charge shown above. You may count shares of a Nuveen
                 Mutual Fund that you already own on which you paid an up-
                 front sales charge or an ongoing distribution fee and any
                 Class B and Class C Shares of a Nuveen Mutual Fund that you
                 purchase over the next 13 months towards completion of your
                 investment program, but you will receive a reduced sales
                 charge only on new Class A Shares you purchase over that
                 period. You cannot count Class A Shares that you purchase
                 without a sales charge through investment of distributions
                 from a Nuveen Mutual Fund, a Nuveen Unit Trust or otherwise,
                 towards completion of your Letter of Intent program.
 
 
                                         23
<PAGE>
 
                 By establishing a Letter of Intent, you agree that your first
                 purchase of Class A Shares following execution of the Letter
                 of Intent will be at least 5% of the total amount of your
                 intended purchases. You further agree that shares
                 representing 5% of the total amount of your intended
                 purchases will be held in escrow pending completion of these
                 purchases. All dividends and capital gains distributions on
                 Class A Shares held in escrow will be credited to your
                 account. If total purchases, less redemptions, prior to the
                 expiration of the 13 month period equal or exceed the amount
                 specified in your Letter of Intent, the Class A Shares held
                 in escrow will be transferred to your account. If the total
                 purchases, less redemptions, exceed the amount specified in
                 your Letter of Intent and thereby qualify for a lower sales
                 charge than the sales charge specified in your Letter of
                 Intent, you will receive this lower sales charge
                 retroactively, and the difference between it and the higher
                 sales charge paid will be used to purchase additional Class A
                 Shares on your behalf. If the total purchases, less
                 redemptions, are less than the amount specified, you must pay
                 Nuveen an amount equal to the difference between the amounts
                 paid for these purchases and the amounts that would have been
                 paid if the higher sales charge had been applied. If you do
                 not pay the additional amount within 20 days after written
                 request by Nuveen or your financial adviser, Nuveen will
                 redeem an appropriate number of your escrowed Class A Shares
                 to meet the required payment. By establishing a Letter of
                 Intent, you irrevocably appoint Nuveen as attorney to give
                 instructions to redeem any or all of your escrowed shares,
                 with full power of substitution in the premises.
 
                 You or your financial adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI
                 whenever you make a purchase of Fund shares that you wish to
                 be covered under the Letter of Intent option.
 
Investment of    You may purchase Class A Shares without an up-front sales
Nuveen Unit      charge if you are investing distributions from a Nuveen Unit
Trust            Trust. There is no initial or subsequent minimum investment
Distributions    requirement for such purchases.
 
Group Purchase   If you are a member of a qualified group, you may purchase
Programs         Class A Shares of the Fund or of another Nuveen Mutual Fund
                 at the reduced sales charge applicable to the group's
                 purchases taken as a whole. A "qualified group" is one which
                 has been in existence for more than six months, has a purpose
                 other than investment, has five or more participating
                 members, has agreed to include Fund sales publications in
                 mailings to members and has agreed to comply with certain
                 administrative requirements relating to its group purchases.
 
 
                                         24
<PAGE>
 
                 Under any group purchase program, the minimum monthly
                 investment in Class A Shares of any particular fund or
                 portfolio by each participant is $25, and the minimum monthly
                 investment in Class A Shares of any particular fund or
                 portfolio for all participants in the program combined is
                 $3,000. No certificates will be issued for any participant's
                 account. All dividends and other distributions by the Fund
                 will be reinvested in additional Class A Shares of the Fund.
                 No participant may utilize a systematic withdrawal program.
 
                 To establish a group purchase program, both the group itself
                 and each participant must fill out special application
                 materials, which the group administrator may obtain from the
                 group's financial adviser by checking the applicable box on
                 the enclosed Application Form or by calling SSI toll-free at
                 800-621-7227. See the Statement of Additional Information for
                 more complete information about "qualified groups" and group
                 purchase programs.
 
Reinvestment        
of Redemption    You may also purchase Class A Shares at net asset value
Proceeds from    without a sales charge if the purchase takes place through an
Unaffiliated     Authorized Dealer and represents the reinvestment of the
Funds            proceeds of the redemption of shares of one or more
                 registered investment companies not affiliated with Nuveen.
                 You need to provide appropriate documentation that the
                 redemption occurred not more than 360 days prior to the
                 reinvestment of the proceeds in Class A Shares, and that you
                 either paid an up-front sales charge or were subject to a
                 contingent deferred sales charge upon the redemption of the
                 shares of the other investment company.     
 
Special Sales    Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset
Charge Waivers   value without a sales charge and in any amount by officers,
                 trustees and retired trustees of the Trust; bona fide, full-
                 time and retired employees of Nuveen or ICAP, any parent
                 company of Nuveen, and subsidiaries thereof, or their
                 immediate family members (as defined below); any person who,
                 for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona
                 fide employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their immediate
                 family members; officers and directors of bank holding
                 companies that make Fund shares available directly or through
                 subsidiaries or bank affiliates; bank or broker-affiliated
                 trust departments; investors purchasing on a periodic fee,
                 asset-based fee or no transaction fee basis through a broker-
                 dealer sponsored mutual fund purchase program; and clients of
                 investment advisers, financial planners or other financial
                 intermediaries that charge periodic or asset-based fees for
                 their services. For further details about these special
                 categories and their eligibility requirements, please consult
                 your financial adviser or the Statement of Additional
                 Information, or call Nuveen at 800-621-7227.
 
 
                                         25
<PAGE>
 
                 Any Class A Shares purchased pursuant to a special sales
                 charge waiver must be acquired for investment purposes and on
                 the condition that they will not be transferred or resold
                 except through redemption by the Fund. You or your financial
                 adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI whenever you make a
                 purchase of Class A Shares that you wish to be covered under
                 these special sales charge waivers. All of the above
                 categories of investors are also eligible to purchase Class R
                 Shares, as described below under "Class R Shares." Finally,
                 Class A Shares may be issued at net asset value without a
                 sales charge in connection with the acquisition by the Fund
                 of another investment company.
 
                 GENERAL
 
                 In determining the amount of your purchases of Class A Shares
                 that may qualify for a reduced sales charge, the following
                 purchases may be combined: (1) all purchases by a trustee or
                 other fiduciary for a single trust estate or fiduciary
                 account; (2) all purchases by individuals and their immediate
                 family members (i.e., their spouses and their children under
                 21 years of age); or (3) all purchases made through a group
                 purchase program as described above.
 
                 The reduced sales charge programs may be modified or
                 discontinued by the Fund at any time upon prior written
                 notice to shareholders of the Fund.
 
                 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A SHARES OR
                 REDUCED SALES CHARGE PROGRAMS, OR TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED
                 APPLICATION FORMS, CALL NUVEEN TOLL-FREE AT 800-621-7227.
 
                 CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares   You may purchase Class B Shares at a public offering price
may be           equal to the applicable net asset value per share without any
purchased at     up-front sales charge. Since Class B Shares are sold without
net asset        an initial sales charge, the full amount of your purchase
value, but are   payment will be invested in Class B Shares. Class B Shares
subject to an    are subject to an annual distribution fee to compensate
annual           Nuveen for its costs in connection with the sale of Class B
distribution     shares, and are also subject to an annual service fee to
fee and a CDSC   compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing
                 financial advice and other account services.
 
                 You may be subject to a CDSC if you redeem your Class B
                 shares within a specified period after purchase, as shown in
                 the table below. See "Flexible Purchase Options" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan." Nuveen compensates
                 Authorized Dealers for sales of Class B Shares at the time of
                 sale at the rate of 4.00% of the amount of Class B Shares
                 purchased, which represents a sales commission of 3.75% plus
                 an advance on the first year's annual service fee of .25%.
 
                                         26
<PAGE>
 
 
                 If redeemed prior to the end of the sixth year after
                 purchase, Class B Shares may be subject to a CDSC, as set
                 forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  YEARS
                  SINCE
                PURCHASE   CDSC
                         ------
                <S>        <C>
                 0-1        5%
                 1-2        4%
                 2-3        4%
                 3-4        3%
                 4-5        2%
                 5-6        1%
</TABLE>
 
                 Class B Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends
                 are not subject to a CDSC. Any CDSC will be imposed on the
                 lower of the redeemed shares' cost or net asset value at the
                 time of redemption. For more information regarding the
                 imposition of the CDSC, see "How to Redeem Fund Shares --
                 Class B Shares," below.
 
Class B Shares   Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares
automatically    eight years after purchase. The purpose of the conversion is
convert to       to limit the distribution fees you pay over the life of your
Class A Shares   investment. All conversions will be done at net asset value
eight years      without the imposition of any sales load, fee, or other
after purchase   charge, so that the value of each shareholder's account
                 immediately before conversion will be the same as the value
                 of the account immediately after conversion. Class B Shares
                 acquired through reinvestment of distributions will convert
                 into Class A Shares based on the date of the initial purchase
                 to which such shares relate. For this purpose, Class B Shares
                 acquired through reinvestment of distributions will be
                 attributed to particular purchases of Class B Shares in
                 accordance with such procedures as the Board of Trustees may
                 determine from time to time. Class B Shares that are
                 converted to Class A Shares will remain subject to an annual
                 service fee that is identical in amount for both Class B
                 Shares and Class A Shares. Since net asset value per share of
                 the Class B Shares and the Class A Shares may differ at the
                 time of conversion, a shareholder may receive more or fewer
                 Class A Shares than the number of Class B Shares converted.
                 Any conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares will be
                 subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of
                 counsel or a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
                 Service to the effect that the conversion of shares would not
                 constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law.
                 Conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares might be
                 suspended if such an opinion or ruling were no longer
                 available.
 
                                         27
<PAGE>
 
 
                 CLASS C SHARES
                 You may purchase Class C Shares at a public offering price
Class C Shares   equal to the applicable net asset value per share without any
may be           up-front sales charge. Class C Shares are subject to an
purchased at     annual distribution fee to compensate Nuveen for its costs in
net asset        connection with the sale of Class C Shares. Class C Shares
value, but are   are also subject to an annual service fee to compensate
subject to an    Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing financial
annual           advice and other account services. Nuveen compensates
distribution     Authorized Dealers for sales of Class C Shares at the time of
fee and a CDSC   the sale at a rate of 1% of the amount of Class C Shares
if redeemed      purchased, which represents a sales commission of .75% plus
within 12        an advance on the first year's annual service fee of .25%.
months of        See "Flexible Purchase Options" and "Distribution and Service
purchase         Plan."
 
                 Redemptions of Class C Shares within 12 months of purchase
                 may be subject to a CDSC of 1% of the lower of the purchase
                 price or redemption proceeds. See "How to Redeem Fund Shares
                 -- Class C Shares."
 
                 CLASS R SHARES
Class R Shares   If you are making an initial purchase of $1 million or more
are offered at   of Fund shares in a single transaction, you may purchase
net asset        Class R shares at a public offering price equal to the
value only       applicable net asset value per share without any up-front
under limited    sales charge or ongoing distribution or service fees. You
circumstances    also may purchase Class R Shares subject only to the Fund's
or to            minimum investment requirement of $3,000 if you are within
specified        the following specified categories of investors who are
classes of       eligible to purchase Class A Shares at net asset value
investors        without an up-front sales charge: officers, trustees and
                 retired trustees of the Trust; bona fide, full-time and
                 retired employees of Nuveen or ICAP, any parent company of
                 Nuveen, and subsidiaries thereof, or their immediate family
                 members; any person who, for at least 90 days, has been an
                 officer, director or
                 bona fide employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their
                 immediate family members; officers and directors of bank
                 holding companies that make Fund shares available directly or
                 through subsidiaries or bank affiliates; bank or broker-
                 affiliated trust departments; investors purchasing on a
                 periodic fee, asset based fee or no transaction fee basis
                 through a broker-dealer sponsored mutual fund purchase
                 program; and clients of investment advisers, financial
                 planners or other financial intermediaries that charge
                 periodic or asset-based fees for their services. For further
                 details about these special categories and their eligibility
                 requirements, please consult your financial adviser or the
                 Statement of Additional Information, or call Nuveen at 800-
                 621-7227.
 
                 If you are eligible to purchase either Class R Shares or
                 Class A Shares without a sales charge at net asset value, you
                 should be aware of the differences between these two classes
                 of shares. Class A Shares are subject to an annual service
                 fee to compensate
 
                                         28
<PAGE>
 
                 Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing account
                 services. Class R Shares are not subject to a distribution or
                 service fee and, consequently, holders of Class R Shares may
                 not receive the same types or levels of services from
                 Authorized Dealers. In choosing between Class A Shares and
                 Class R Shares, you should weigh the benefits of the services
                 to be provided by Authorized Dealers against the annual
                 service fee imposed upon the Class A Shares.
 
                 INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES OF SHARES
The Fund         You may buy Fund shares through Authorized Dealers or by
offers a         calling or directing your financial adviser to call Nuveen
number of        toll-free at 800-843-6765. You may pay for your purchase by
convenient       Federal Reserve draft or by check made payable to "Nuveen
payment          Balanced Stock and Bond Fund, Class [A], [B], [C], [R],"
methods          delivered to the financial adviser through whom the
                 investment is to be made for forwarding to the Fund's
                 shareholder services agent, SSI. When making your initial
                 investment, you must also furnish the information necessary
                 to establish your Fund account by completing and enclosing
                 with your payment the attached Application Form. After your
                 initial investment, you may make subsequent purchases at any
                 time by forwarding to your financial adviser or SSI a check
                 in the amount of your purchase made payable to "Nuveen
                 Balanced Stock and Bond Fund, Class [A], [B], [C], [R]," and
                 indicating on the check your account number. All payments
                 need to be in U.S. dollars and should be sent directly to SSI
                 at its address listed on the back cover of this Prospectus. A
                 check drawn on a foreign bank or payable other than to the
                 order of the Fund generally will not be acceptable. You may
                 also wire Federal Funds directly to SSI, but you may be
                 charged a fee for this. For instructions on how to make Fund
                 purchases by wire transfer, call Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-
                 7227.
 
                 PURCHASE PRICE
                    
                 The price at which you purchase a class of Fund shares is
                 based on the next calculation of the net asset value for that
                 share class after the order is placed. The net asset value
                 per share of each share class is determined as of the close
                 of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) on each day the
                 New York Stock Exchange is open for business. See "Net Asset
                 Value," below for a description of how net asset value is
                 calculated.     
 
                 MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS
                 Generally, your first purchase of any class of the Fund's
                 shares needs to be for $3,000 or more ($1,000 or more for an
                 Individual Retirement Account). Additional purchases may be
                 in amounts of $50 or more. These minimums may be changed at
                 any time by the Fund. There are exceptions to these minimums
                 for shareholders who qualify under one or more of the Fund's
                 automatic investment, group purchase or reinvestment
                 programs.
 
                                         29
<PAGE>
 
 
                 SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
The Fund         The Fund offers you several opportunities to capture the
offers several   benefits of "dollar cost averaging" through systematic
ways to make     investment programs. In a regularly followed dollar cost
systematic       averaging program, you would purchase more shares when Fund
investments      share prices are lower and fewer shares when Fund share
                 prices are higher, so that the average price paid for Fund
                 shares is less than the average price of the Fund shares over
                 the same time period. Dollar cost averaging does not assure
                 profits or protect against losses in a steadily declining
                 market. Since dollar cost averaging involves continuous
                 investment regardless of fluctuating price levels, you should
                 consider your financial ability to continue investing in
                 declining as well as rising markets before deciding to invest
                 in this way. The Fund offers two different types of
                 systematic investment programs:
 
Automatic        Once you have established a Fund account, you may make
Deposit Plan     regular investments in an amount of $25 or more each month by
                 authorizing SSI to draw preauthorized checks on your bank
                 account. There is no obligation to continue payments and you
                 may terminate your participation at any time at your
                 discretion. No charge in addition to the applicable sales
                 charge is made in connection with this Plan, and there is no
                 cost to the Fund. To obtain an application form for the
                 Automatic Deposit Plan, check the applicable box on the
                 enclosed Application Form or call Nuveen toll-free at 800-
                 621-7227.
 
Payroll Direct   Once you have established a Fund account, you may, with your
Deposit Plan     employer's consent, make regular investments in Fund shares
                 of $25 or more per pay period by authorizing your employer to
                 deduct this amount automatically from your
                 paycheck. There is no obligation to continue payments and you
                 may terminate your participation at any time at your
                 discretion. No charge in addition to the applicable sales
                 charge is made for this Plan, and there is no cost to the
                 Fund. To obtain an application form for the Payroll Direct
                 Deposit Plan, check the applicable box on the enclosed
                 Application Form or call Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-7227.
 
                 OTHER SHAREHOLDER PROGRAMS
Exchange         You may exchange shares of a class of the Fund for shares of
Privilege        the same class of any other Nuveen Mutual Fund with
                 reciprocal exchange privileges, at net asset value without a
                 sales charge, by sending a written request to the Fund, c/o
                 Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO 80217-
                 5330. Similarly, Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R Shares
                 of other Nuveen Mutual Funds may be exchanged for the same
                 class of shares of the Fund at net asset value without a
                 sales charge. Exchanges of shares from any Nuveen money
                 market fund will be made into Class A Shares,
 
                                         30
<PAGE>
 
                 Class B Shares, Class C Shares or Class R Shares (if
                 eligible) of the Fund at the public offering price. If,
                 however, a sales charge has previously been paid on the
                 investment represented by the exchanged shares (i.e., the
                 shares to be exchanged were originally issued in exchange for
                 shares on which a sales charge was paid), the exchange of
                 shares from a Nuveen money market fund will be made into
                 shares of the Fund at net asset value. Class A Shares, Class
                 C Shares or Class R Shares may be exchanged for shares of any
                 Nuveen money market fund, but Class B Shares may not be
                 exchanged for shares of a Nuveen money market fund.
 
                 If you exchange shares subject to a CDSC, no CDSC will be
                 charged at the time of the exchange. However, if you
                 subsequently redeem the shares acquired through the exchange,
                 the redemption may be subject to a CDSC, depending on when
                 you purchased your original shares and the CDSC schedule of
                 the fund from which you exchanged your shares.
 
                 The shares to be purchased must be offered in your state of
                 residence and you must have held the shares you are
                 exchanging for at least 15 days. The total value of exchanged
                 shares must at least equal the minimum investment requirement
                 of the Nuveen Mutual Fund being purchased. For federal income
                 tax purposes, any exchange constitutes a sale and purchase of
                 shares and may result in capital gain or loss. Before making
                 any exchange, you should obtain the Prospectus for the Nuveen
                 Mutual Fund you are purchasing and read it carefully. If the
                 registration of the account for the Fund you are purchasing
                 is not exactly the same as that of the fund account from
                 which the exchange is made, written instructions from all
                 holders of the account from which the exchange is being made
                 must be received, with signatures guaranteed by a member of
                 an approved Medallion Guarantee Program or in such other
                 manner as may be acceptable to the Fund. You may also
                 exchange shares by telephone if you authorize telephone
                 exchanges by checking the applicable box on the enclosed
                 Application Form or by calling Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-
                 7227 to obtain an authorization form. The exchange privilege
                 may be modified or discontinued by the Fund at any time upon
                 prior written notice to shareholders of the Fund.
 
                 The exchange privilege is not intended to permit the Fund to
                 be used as a vehicle for short-term trading. Excessive
                 exchange activity may interfere with portfolio management,
                 raise expenses, and otherwise have an adverse effect on all
                 shareholders. In order to limit excessive exchange activity
                 and in other circumstances where Fund management believes
                 doing so would be in the best interest of the Fund, the Fund
                 reserves the right to revise or terminate the exchange
                 privilege, or limit the amount
 
                                         31
<PAGE>
 
                 or number of exchanges or reject any exchange. Shareholders
                 would be notified of any such action to the extent required
                 by law.
 
Reinstatement    If you redeemed Class A, Class B or Class C Shares of the
Privilege        Fund or any other Nuveen Mutual Fund that were subject to a
                 sales charge or a CDSC, you have up to one year to reinvest
                 all or part of the full amount of the redemption in the same
                 class of shares of the Fund at net asset value. This
                 reinstatement privilege can be exercised only once for any
                 redemption, and reinvestment will be made at the net asset
                 value next calculated after reinstatement of the appropriate
                 class of Fund shares. If you reinstate shares that were
                 subject to a CDSC, your holding period as of the redemption
                 date also will be reinstated for purposes of calculating a
                 CDSC. The federal income tax consequences of any capital gain
                 realized on a redemption will not be affected by
                 reinstatement, but a capital loss may be disallowed in whole
                 or in part depending on the timing, the amount of the
                 reinvestment and the fund from which the redemption occurred.
 
Fund Direct      You can use Fund Direct to link your Fund account to your
                 account at a bank or other financial institution. Fund Direct
                 enables you to transfer money electronically between these
                 accounts and perform a variety of account transactions. These
                 include purchasing shares by telephone, investing through an
                 Automatic Deposit Plan, and sending dividends, distributions,
                 redemption payments or Automatic Withdrawal Plan payments
                 directly to your bank account. Please refer to the
                 Application for details, or call SSI at 800-621-7227 for more
                 information.
 
                 Fund Direct privileges may be requested via an Application
                 you obtain by calling 800-621-7227. Fund Direct privileges
                 will apply to each shareholder listed in the registration on
                 your account as well as to your Authorized Dealer
                 representative of record unless and until SSI receives
                 written instructions terminating or changing those
                 privileges. After you establish Fund Direct for your account,
                 any change of bank account information must be made by
                 signature-guaranteed instructions to SSI signed by all
                 shareholders who own the account.
 
                 Purchases may be made by telephone only after your account
                 has been established. To purchase shares in amounts up to
                 $250,000 through a telephone representative, call SSI at 800-
                 621-7227. The purchase payment will be debited from your bank
                 account.
 
                                         32
<PAGE>
 
 
                 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE PURCHASE OPTIONS AND TO
                 OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FORMS REQUIRED FOR SOME OF THEM, CALL
                 NUVEEN TOLL-FREE AT 800-621-7227.
 
                 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                 If you choose to invest in the Fund, an account will be
                 opened and maintained for you by SSI, the Fund's shareholder
                 services agent. Share certificates will be issued to you only
                 upon written request to SSI, and no certificates will be
                 issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to
                 reject any purchase order and to waive or increase minimum
                 investment requirements. A change in registration or transfer
                 of shares held in the name of your financial adviser's firm
                 can only be made by an order in good form from the financial
                 adviser acting on your behalf.
 
                 Authorized Dealers are encouraged to open single master
                 accounts. However, some Authorized Dealers may wish to use
                 SSI's sub-accounting system to minimize their internal
                 recordkeeping requirements. An Authorized Dealer or other
                 investor requesting shareholder servicing or accounting other
                 than the master account or sub-accounting service offered by
                 SSI will be required to enter into a separate agreement with
                 another agent for these services for a fee that will depend
                 upon the level of services to be provided.
 
                 Subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
                 Exchange Commission, the Fund reserves the right to suspend
                 the continuous offering of its shares at any time, but no
                 suspension shall affect your right of redemption as described
                 below.
 
                                         33
<PAGE>
 
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
                 The Fund has adopted a plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule
                 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which
                 provides that Class B and Class C Shares will be subject to
                 an annual distribution fee and Class A, Class B and Class C
                 Shares will be subject to an annual service fee. Class R
                 Shares will not be subject to either distribution or service
                 fees.
 
                 The distribution fee applicable to Class B and Class C Shares
                 under the Plan will be payable to reimburse Nuveen for
                 services and expenses incurred in connection with the
                 distribution of such Shares. The distribution fee primarily
                 reimburses Nuveen for providing compensation to Authorized
                 Dealers, including Nuveen, either at the time of sale or on
                 an ongoing basis. The other expenses for which Nuveen may be
                 reimbursed include, without limitation, expenses of printing
                 and distributing prospectuses to persons other than
                 shareholders of the Fund, expenses of preparing, printing and
                 distributing advertising and sales literature and reports to
                 shareholders used in connection with the sale of such Shares,
                 certain other expenses associated with the distribution of
                 such Shares, and any other distribution-related expenses that
                 may be authorized from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
 
                 The service fee applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C
                 Shares under the Plan will be paid to Nuveen to compensate
                 Authorized Dealers, including Nuveen, in connection with the
                 provision of ongoing account services to shareholders. These
                 services may include establishing and maintaining shareholder
                 accounts, answering shareholder inquiries and providing other
                 personal services to shareholders.
 
                 The Fund may spend up to .25 of 1% per year of the average
                 daily net assets of Class A Shares as a service fee under the
                 Plan applicable to Class A Shares. The Fund may spend up to
                 .75 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of Class B
                 Shares as a distribution fee and up to .25 of 1% per year of
                 the average daily net assets of Class B Shares as a service
                 fee under the Plan applicable to Class B Shares. The Fund may
                 spend up to .75 of 1% per year of the average daily net
                 assets of Class C Shares as a distribution fee and up to .25
                 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of Class C
                 Shares as a service fee under the Plan applicable to Class C
                 Shares.
 
                                         34
<PAGE>
 
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
                 You may redeem your Fund shares at any time for cash at the
                 net asset value next computed after the redemption
                 instructions and any required documents and certificates are
                 received in proper form, as described below. There is no
                 charge for the redemption of Class R Shares.
 
                 CLASS A SHARES
                 Class A Shares are normally redeemed at net asset value,
                 without any CDSC. However, in the case of Class A purchases
                 of $1 million or more at net asset value, where the dealer of
                 record has not waived the sales commission, a CDSC of 1% is
                 imposed on any redemptions within 18 months of purchase.
 
                 CLASS B SHARES
                 Class B Shares redeemed within 6 years of purchase may be
                 subject to a CDSC. The level of the CDSC is determined by how
                 long you have owned your shares, as described under "How to
                 Buy Fund Shares -- Class B Shares," above.
 
                 CLASS C SHARES
                 Class C Shares are redeemed at net asset value, without any
                 CDSC, except that a CDSC of 1% is imposed upon redemptions of
                 Class C Shares within 12 months of purchase.
 
                 OPERATION OF THE CDSC
                 In determining whether a CDSC is payable, a Fund will first
                 redeem shares not subject to any charge, and then in the
                 order in which the Class B Shares were purchased or in the
                 reverse order in which the Class A or Class C Shares were
                 purchased, except if another order of redemption would result
                 in a lower charge or you specify another order. No CDSC is
                 charged on shares purchased as a result of automatic
                 reinvestment of dividends or capital gains paid. In addition,
                 no CDSC will be charged on exchanges of shares into another
                 Nuveen Mutual Fund or money market fund. Your holding period
                 is calculated on a monthly basis and begins the first day of
                 the month in which the order for investment is received. The
                 CDSC is calculated based on the lower of the redeemed shares'
                 cost or net asset value at the time of the redemption and is
                 deducted from the redemption proceeds. Nuveen receives the
                 amount of any CDSC you pay. The CDSC may be waived under
                 certain special circumstances, as described in the Statement
                 of Additional Information.
 
                                         35
<PAGE>
 
 
By Written       You may redeem shares by sending a written request for
Request          redemption directly to the Fund, c/o Shareholder Services,
                 Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO 80217-5330, accompanied by
                 duly endorsed certificates, if issued. Requests for
                 redemption and share certificates, if issued, must be signed
                 by each shareholder and, if the redemption proceeds exceed
                 $50,000 or are payable other than to the shareholder of
                 record at the address of record (which address may not have
                 changed in the preceding 60 days), the signature must be
                 guaranteed by a member of an approved Medallion Guarantee
                 Program or in such other manner as may be acceptable to the
                 Fund. You will receive payment based on the net asset value
                 per share next determined after receipt by the Fund of a
                 properly executed redemption request in proper form. A check
                 for the redemption proceeds will be mailed to you within
                 seven days after receipt of your redemption request. For
                 accounts registered in the name of a broker-dealer, payment
                 will be forwarded within three business days. However, if any
                 shares to be redeemed were purchased by check within 15 days
                 prior to the date the redemption request is received, the
                 Fund will not mail the redemption proceeds until the check
                 received for the purchase of shares has cleared, which may
                 take up to 15 days.
 
By TEL-A-CHECK   If you have authorized telephone redemption and your account
                 address has not changed within the last 60 days, you can
                 redeem shares that are held in non-certificate form and that
                 are worth $50,000 or less by calling Nuveen at 800-621-7227.
                 While you or anyone authorized by you may make telephone
                 redemption requests, redemption checks will be issued only in
                 the name of the shareholder of record and will be mailed to
                 the address of record. If your telephone request is received
                 prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption check will
                 normally be mailed the next business day. For requests
                 received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be
                 effected at 4:00 p.m. eastern time the following business day
                 and the check will normally be mailed on the second business
                 day after the request.
 
By TEL-A-WIRE    If you have authorized TEL-A-WIRE redemption or established
or Fund Direct   Fund Direct privileges, you can take advantage of the
                 following expedited redemption procedures to redeem shares
                 held in non-certificate form that are worth at least $1,000.
                 You may make TEL-A-WIRE redemption requests through a phone
                 representative or Fund Direct redemption requests by calling
                 Nuveen at 800-621-7227. If a redemption request is received
                 by 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be made as of
                 4:00 p.m. that day. If the redemption request is received
                 after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be made as
                 of 4:00 p.m. the following business day. Proceeds of
                 redemptions through TEL-A-WIRE will normally be wired on the
                 second business day following the redemption, but may be
                 delayed one additional
 
                                         36
<PAGE>
 
                 business day if the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or the
                 Federal Reserve Bank of New York is closed on the day
                 redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired. The Fund
                 reserves the right to charge a fee for TEL-A-WIRE. Proceeds
                 of redemptions through Fund Direct will normally be wired to
                 your Fund Direct bank account on the second or third business
                 day after the redemption.
 
                 Before you may redeem shares by TEL-A-CHECK, TEL-A-WIRE or
                 Fund Direct, you need to complete the telephone redemption
                 authorization section of the enclosed Application Form or the
                 Fund Direct Application Form and return it to Nuveen or SSI.
                 If you did not authorize telephone redemption when you opened
                 your account, you may obtain a telephone redemption
                 authorization form by writing the Fund or by calling Nuveen
                 toll-free at 800-621-7227. Proceeds of share redemptions made
                 by TEL-A-WIRE will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire
                 only to the commercial bank account specified by the
                 shareholder on the application form. You need to send a
                 written request to Nuveen or SSI in order to establish
                 multiple accounts, or to change the account or accounts
                 designated to receive redemption proceeds. These requests
                 must be signed by each account owner with signatures
                 guaranteed by a member of an approved Medallion Guarantee
                 Program or in such other manner as may be acceptable to the
                 Fund. Further documentation may be required from
                 corporations, executors, trustees or personal
                 representatives.
 
                 For the convenience of shareholders, the Fund has authorized
                 Nuveen as its agent to accept orders from financial advisers
                 by wire or telephone for the redemption of Fund shares. The
                 redemption price is the first net asset value of the
                 appropriate share class determined following receipt of an
                 order placed by the financial adviser. The Fund makes payment
                 for the redeemed shares to the securities representatives who
                 placed the order promptly upon presentation of required
                 documents with signatures guaranteed as described above.
                 Neither the Fund nor Nuveen charges any redemption fees other
                 than any CDSC as described above. However, your financial
                 adviser may charge you for serving as agent in the redemption
                 of shares.
 
                 The Fund reserves the right to refuse telephone redemptions
                 and, at its option, may limit the timing, amount or frequency
                 of these redemptions. Telephone redemption procedures may be
                 modified or terminated at any time, on 30 days' notice, by
                 the Fund. The Fund, SSI and Nuveen will not be liable for
                 following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be
                 genuine. The Fund employs procedures reasonably designed to
                 confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. These
                 procedures include recording all telephone instructions and
                 requiring up to three forms of identification prior to acting
                 upon a caller's instructions. If the Fund does
 
                                         37
<PAGE>
 
                 not follow reasonable procedures for protecting shareholders
                 against loss on telephone transactions, it may be liable for
                 any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
                 instructions.
 
Automatic        If you own Fund shares currently worth at least $10,000, you
Withdrawal       may establish an Automatic Withdrawal Plan by completing an
Plan             application form for the Plan. You may obtain an application
                 form by checking the applicable box on the enclosed
                 Application Form or by calling Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-
                 7227.
 
                 The Plan permits you to request periodic withdrawals on a
                 monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis in an amount
                 of $50 or more. Depending upon the size of the withdrawals
                 requested under the Plan and fluctuations in the net asset
                 value of Fund shares, these withdrawals may reduce or even
                 exhaust your account.
 
                 The purchase of Class A Shares, other than through
                 reinvestment, while you are participating in the Automatic
                 Withdrawal Plan with respect to Class A Shares will usually
                 be disadvantageous because you will be paying a sales charge
                 on any Class A Shares you purchase at the same time you are
                 redeeming shares. Similarly, use of the Automatic Withdrawal
                 Plan for Class B Shares held for less than six years or Class
                 C Shares held for less than 12 months may be disadvantageous
                 because the newly-purchased Class B or Class C Shares will be
                 subject to the CDSC.
 
General          The Fund may suspend the right of redemption of Fund shares
                 or delay payment more than seven days (a) during any period
                 when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than
                 customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when trading in
                 the markets the Fund normally utilizes is restricted, or an
                 emergency exists as determined by the Securities and Exchange
                 Commission so that trading of the Fund's investments or
                 determination of its net asset value is not reasonably
                 practicable, or (c) for any other periods that the Securities
                 and Exchange Commission by order may permit for protection of
                 Fund shareholders.
 
                 The Fund may, from time to time, establish a minimum total
                 investment for Fund shareholders, and the Fund reserves the
                 right to redeem your shares if your investment is less than
                 the minimum after giving you at least 30 days' notice. If any
                 minimum total investment is established, and if your account
                 is below the minimum, you will be allowed 30 days following
                 the notice in which to purchase sufficient shares to meet the
                 minimum. So long as the Fund continues to offer shares at net
                 asset value to holders of Nuveen Unit Trusts who are
                 investing their Nuveen Unit Trust distributions, no minimum
                 total investment will be established for the Fund.
 
                                         38
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of         The management of the Fund, including general supervision of
Trustees         the duties performed for the Fund by NIAC under the
                 Management Agreement, is the responsibility of the Board of
                 Trustees of the Trust.
 
NIAC oversees    Overall management of the Fund is the responsibility of NIAC,
operation of     which is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois
the Fund         60606. NIAC oversees the management of the Fund's investment
                 portfolio, manages the Fund's business affairs and provides
                 certain day-to-day administrative services to the Fund. NIAC
                 has entered into an agreement with ICAP under which ICAP
                 manages the Fund's investment portfolio.
 
                 NIAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen, which has
                 sponsored or underwritten more than $60 billion of investment
                 company securities. Nuveen, the principal underwriter of the
                 Fund's shares, is sponsor of the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
                 a registered unit investment trust. It is also the principal
                 underwriter for the Nuveen Mutual Funds, and served as co-
                 managing underwriter for the shares of the Nuveen Exchange-
                 Traded Funds. Over 1,000,000 individuals have invested to
                 date in Nuveen investment products. Founded in 1898, Nuveen
                 is a subsidiary of The John Nuveen Company which, in turn, is
                 approximately 80% owned by The St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("St.
                 Paul"). St. Paul is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is
                 principally engaged in providing property-liability insurance
                 through subsidiaries.
 
                 For the fund management services and facilities furnished by
                 NIAC, the Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee as
                 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSET
           VALUE                       FUND MANAGEMENT FEE
                 -----------------------------------------
           <S>                         <C>
           For the first $125 million      .7500 of 1%
           For the next $125 million       .7375 of 1%
           For the next $250 million       .7250 of 1%
           For the next $500 million       .7125 of 1%
           For the next $1 billion         .7000 of 1%
           For assets over $2 billion      .6750 of 1%
</TABLE>
                    
                 All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before
                 payment of dividends to investors. In addition to the fee
                 paid to NIAC, the Fund pays all of its other costs and
                 expenses and a portion of the Nuveen Investment Trust's
                 general administrative expenses allocated in proportion to
                 the net assets of each Fund. In order to prevent total
                 operating expenses (excluding any distribution or service
                 fees, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding .85% of the
                 average daily net asset value of any class of shares of the
                 Fund for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, NIAC has agreed
                 to waive all or a portion of its management fee or reimburse
                 certain expenses of the Fund.     
 
                                         39
<PAGE>
 
 
ICAP manages     ICAP was founded in 1970 and is located at 225 West Wacker
the Fund's       Drive, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606. Under the Sub-Advisory
investment       Agreement, NIAC pays ICAP a portfolio management fee on the
portfolio        Fund's average daily net asset value at the annual rates as
                 set forth below, which are determined by reference to the
                 average daily market value of the equity and fixed-income
                 assets, respectively, of all Nuveen-sponsored investment
                 products for which ICAP is designated as portfolio manager,
                 based on the proportions set forth in the Sub-Advisory
                 Agreement. For these purposes, the equity management fee is
                 paid on a specified proportion of the Fund's average daily
                 net assets equal to the Fund's target investment mix with
                 respect to Equity Securities and the fixed income management
                 fee is paid on a specified proportion of the Fund's average
                 daily net assets equal to the Fund's target investment mix
                 with respect to the fixed income securities and cash
                 equivalents.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           ASSETS OF NUVEEN-SPONSORED                              FIXED-INCOME
           INVESTMENT PRODUCTS             EQUITY PORTFOLIO         PORTFOLIO
           MANAGED BY ICAP                  MANAGEMENT FEE        MANAGEMENT FEE
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>                             <C>                    <C>
           For the first $500 million         .35 of 1%             .20 of 1%
           For the next $500 million          .30 of 1%             .15 of 1%
           For assets over $1 billion         .25 of 1%             .12 of 1%
</TABLE>
 
                 The investment decisions for the Fund are made through a team
                 approach, with all of the ICAP investment professionals
                 contributing to the process. ICAP currently maintains a staff
                 of 12 investment professionals. Each of the officers and
                 other investment professionals of ICAP has developed an
                 expertise in at least one functional investment area,
                 including equity research, strategy, fixed income analysis,
                 quantitative research, technical research, and trading. A key
                 element in the decision making process is a formal investment
                 committee meeting generally held each business day and
                 attended by all the investment professionals. These meetings
                 also provide for the review of ICAP's investment positions.
                 Pertinent information from outside sources is shared and
                 incorporated into the investment outlook. The investment
                 strategy, asset sectors, and individual security holdings are
                 reviewed to verify their continued appropriateness.
                 Investment recommendations are presented to the committee for
                 decisions.
 
                 ICAP provides continuous advice and recommendations
                 concerning the Fund's investments, and is responsible for
                 selecting the broker-dealers who execute the portfolio's
                 transactions. In executing such transactions, ICAP seeks to
                 obtain the best net results for the Funds. ICAP also serves
                 as investment adviser to the ICAP Funds, Inc. and to pension
                 and profit-sharing plans, and other institutional and private
                 investors. As of May 1, 1996, ICAP had approximately $5
                 billion under management. Mr. Robert H. Lyon, President of
                 ICAP, owns shares representing
 
                                         40
<PAGE>
 
       
                 51% of the voting rights of ICAP. In addition, The John
                 Nuveen Company owns preferred shares of ICAP, which are
                 convertible after several years into a 20% common stock
                 interest of ICAP.
 
 
                                         41
<PAGE>
 
       
HOW THE FUND SHOWS PERFORMANCE
 
                 The Fund may quote its yield or total return in reports to
                 shareholders, sales literature and advertisements. The Fund
                 may also from time to time compare its investment results to
                 various passive indices or other mutual funds with similar
                 investment objectives. Comparative performance information
                 may include data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.,
                 Morningstar, Inc. and other industry publications. See the
                 Statement of Additional Information for a more detailed
                 discussion.
 
                 All total return figures assume the reinvestment of all
                 dividends and measure the net investment income generated by,
                 and the effect of any realized and unrealized appreciation or
                 depreciation of, the underlying investments in the Fund over
                 a specified period of time. Average annual total return
                 figures are annualized and therefore represent the average
                 annual percentage change over the specified period.
                 Cumulative total return figures are not annualized and
                 represent the aggregate percentage or dollar value change
                 over a stated period of time. Average annual total return and
                 cumulative total return are based upon the historical results
                 of the Fund and are not necessarily representative of the
                 future performance of the Fund.
 
                                         42
<PAGE>
 
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
                 The Fund intends to operate as a "Regulated Investment
                 Company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and
                 therefore will not be liable for federal income taxes to the
                 extent earnings are distributed on a timely basis.
 
                 For federal income tax purposes, unless you are exempt from
                 taxation or entitled to a tax deferral, ALL DIVIDENDS PAID BY
                 THE FUND THAT ARE DERIVED FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET
                 SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAINS ARE TAXABLE AS ORDINARY INCOME, AND
                 DISTRIBUTIONS PAID BY THE FUND FROM NET LONG-TERM CAPITAL
                 GAINS ARE TAXABLE AS LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAIN, WHETHER RECEIVED
                 IN CASH OR REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL SHARES. The capital gain
                 holding period for this purpose is determined by the length
                 of time the Fund has held the security and not the length of
                 time you have held shares in the Fund. Long-term capital gain
                 distributions received by individual shareholders are taxed
                 at a maximum rate of 28%. Investors are informed annually as
                 to the amount and nature of all dividends and capital gains
                 paid during the prior year. Such capital gains and dividends
                 may also be subject to state or local taxes. If you are not
                 required to pay taxes on your income, you are generally not
                 required to pay federal income taxes on the amounts
                 distributed to you.
 
                 Income dividends are usually distributed quarterly, and
                 capital gains, if any, are usually distributed annually in
                 December. When a dividend or capital gain is distributed, the
                 Fund's net asset value decreases by the amount of the
                 payment. ANY SUCH DISTRIBUTION WILL BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL
                 INCOME TAX, EVEN IF THE DISTRIBUTION OCCURS SHORTLY AFTER A
                 PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES. All dividends or capital gains
                 distributions will automatically be reinvested in additional
                 shares of the same class of the Fund at the then prevailing
                 net asset value unless an investor specifically requests that
                 either dividends or capital gains, or both, be paid in cash.
                 The election to receive dividends or reinvest them may be
                 changed by writing to: Nuveen Funds, c/o Shareholder
                 Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO 80217-5330. Such
                 notice needs to be received at least 5 days prior to the
                 record date of any dividend or capital gain distribution.
 
                 Under certain circumstances, a corporate shareholder may be
                 entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to
                 such shareholder's taxable dividends which are attributable
                 to dividends received by the Fund on its Equity Securities.
 
                 If you do not furnish the Fund with your correct social
                 security number or employer identification number, the Fund
                 is required by federal law to withhold federal income tax
                 from your distributions and redemption proceeds at a rate of
                 31%.
 
                                         43
<PAGE>
 
       
                 This section is not intended to be a full discussion of
                 federal income tax laws and the effect of such laws on you. A
                 more detailed summary appears in the Statement of Additional
                 Information. There may be other federal, state, or local tax
                 considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are
                 urged to consult your own tax adviser.
 
                                         44
<PAGE>
 
       
NET ASSET VALUE
 
Net asset           
value is         The Fund's net asset value per share is determined as of the
calculated       close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) on each
daily            day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. The
                 Fund's net asset value may not be calculated on days during
                 which the Fund receives no orders to purchase shares and no
                 shares are tendered for redemption. Net asset value is
                 calculated by taking the fair value of the Fund's total
                 assets, including interest or dividends accrued but not yet
                 collected, less all liabilities, and dividing by the total
                 number of shares outstanding. The result, rounded to the
                 nearest cent, is the net asset value per share. In
                 determining net asset value, expenses are accrued and applied
                 daily and securities and other assets for which market
                 quotations are available are valued at market value. Common
                 stocks and other equity-type securities are valued at the
                 last sales price on the national securities exchange or
                 Nasdaq on which such securities are primarily traded;
                 however, securities traded on a national securities exchange
                 or Nasdaq for which there were no transactions on a given day
                 or securities not listed on a national securities exchange or
                 Nasdaq are valued at the most recent bid prices. Debt
                 securities are valued by a pricing service that utilizes
                 electronic data processing techniques to determine values for
                 normal institutional-sized trading units of debt securities
                 without regard to the existence of sale or bid prices when
                 such values are believed to more accurately reflect the fair
                 market value of such securities; otherwise, actual sale or
                 bid prices are used. Any securities or other assets for which
                 market quotations are not readily available are valued at
                 fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of
                 Trustees. Debt securities having remaining maturities of 60
                 days or less when purchased are valued by the amortized cost
                 method when the Board of Trustees determines that the fair
                 market value of such securities is their amortized cost.
                 Under this method of valuation, a security is initially
                 valued at its acquisition cost, and thereafter amortization
                 of any discount or premium is assumed each day, regardless of
                 the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value
                 of the security. Regardless of the method employed to value a
                 particular security, all valuations are subject to review by
                 the Fund's Board of Trustees or its delegate who may
                 determine the appropriate value of a security whenever the
                 value as calculated is significantly different from the
                 previous day's calculated value.     
 
Fund expenses    In addition to the Fund management fee paid to NIAC and the
                 distribution and service fees paid to Nuveen, the Fund is
                 responsible for its own expenses that are not covered under
                 such agreements, including, without limitation: custodial,
                 transfer agent, accounting and legal fees; interest charges;
                 brokerage commissions; organizational expenses; and
                 extraordinary expenses.
 
                                         45
<PAGE>
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
Custodian and       
Transfer and     The Custodian of the assets of the Fund is The Chase
Shareholder      Manhattan Bank ("Chase"), 770 Broadway, New York, New York
Service Agent    10003. Chase also provides certain accounting services to the
                 Fund. The Fund's transfer, shareholder services and dividend
                 paying agent, Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330,
                 Denver, CO 80217-5330, performs bookkeeping, data processing
                 and administrative services for the maintenance of
                 shareholder accounts.     
 
Organization     The Fund is a series of the Nuveen Investment Trust
                 ("Trust"). The Trust is an open-end diversified management
                 investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
                 The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
                 May 6, 1996. The Board of Trustees is authorized to issue an
                 unlimited number of shares in one or more series or "Funds,"
                 which may be divided into classes of shares. Currently, there
                 are three series authorized and outstanding, each of which is
                 divided into four classes of shares designated as Class A
                 Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares.
                 Each class of shares represents an interest in the same
                 portfolio of investments of a Fund. Each class of shares has
                 equal rights as to voting, redemption, dividends and
                 liquidation, except that each bears different class expenses,
                 including different distribution and service fees, and each
                 has exclusive voting rights with respect to any distribution
                 or service plan applicable to its shares. There are no
                 conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights, except
                 that Class B Shares automatically convert into Class A Shares
                 of the same Fund, as described above. The Board of Trustees
                 has the right to establish additional series and classes of
                 shares in the future, to change those series or classes and
                 to determine the preferences, voting powers, rights and
                 privileges thereof.
 
                 The Trust is not required and does not intend to hold annual
                 meetings of shareholders. Shareholders owning more than 10%
                 of the outstanding shares of the Trust have the right to call
                 a special meeting to remove Trustees or for any other
                 purpose.
 
                 Under Massachusetts law applicable to Massachusetts business
                 trusts, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain
                 circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for its
                 obligations. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an
                 express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or
                 obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of this
                 disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or
                 instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the
                 Trustees. The Declaration of Trust further provides for
                 indemnification out of the assets and property of the Trust
                 for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally
                 liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a
                 shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
                 shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which
                 both inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was
                 unable to meet its obligations. The Trust believes the
                 likelihood of the occurrence of these circumstances is
                 remote.
 
                                         46
<PAGE>
 
                                             PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
                                                
                                             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                                 
                                             333 West Wacker Drive
                                                
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286     
                                                
                                             FUND MANAGER     
                                                
                                             Nuveen Institutional Advisory
                                             Corp.     
                                             Subsidiary of John Nuveen & Co. 
                                             Incorporated
                                             333 West Wacker Drive
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606
                                                
                                             PORTFOLIO MANAGER     
                                                
                                             Institutional Capital Corporation
                                                    
                                             225 West Wacker Drive     
                                                
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606     
 
                                             CUSTODIAN
                                                
                                             The Chase Manhattan Bank     
                                             770 Broadway
                                             New York, New York 10003
 
                                             TRANSFER AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
                                             AGENT
                                             Shareholder Services, Inc.
                                             P.O. Box 5330
                                             Denver, Colorado 80217
                                                
                                             800-627-7227     
                                                
                                             INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                                             FOR THE FUND     
                                             Arthur Andersen LLP
                                             33 West Monroe Street
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60603
                                                                           LOGO
                                             EPR-STK-BOND 8.96     
    LOGO
 
    John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
    333 West Wacker Drive
    Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286
<PAGE>
 
                                                                          [LOGO]







NUVEEN
EQUITY
MUTUAL FUNDS                       


NUVEEN BALANCED

MUNICIPIAL AND STOCK FUND











PROSPECTUS/AUGUST 1, 1996
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN FAMILY OF MUTUAL FUNDS



              Nuveen offers individual investors a broad range of mutual funds
              to meet their investment needs:

              GROWTH AND INCOME FUNDS
              Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund

              BALANCED FUNDS
              Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund
              Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund


              NATIONAL TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS 
              Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund
              Nuveen Insured Municipal Bond Fund

            
              STATE TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS 
              Arizona
              Nuveen Arizona Tax-Free Value Fund
              California
              Nuveen California Tax-Free Value Fund
              Nuveen California Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
              Florida
              Nuveen Florida Tax-Free Value Fund
              Maryland
              Nuveen Maryland Tax-Free Value Fund
              Massachusetts
              Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Value Fund
              Nuveen Massachusetts Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
              Michigan
              Nuveen Michigan Tax-Free Value Fund
              New Jersey
              Nuveen New Jersey Tax-Free Value Fund
              New York
              Nuveen New York Tax-Free Value Fund
              Nuveen New York Insured Tax-Free Value Fund
              Ohio
              Nuveen Ohio Tax-Free Value Fund
              Pennsylvania
              Nuveen Pennsylvania Tax-Free Value Fund
              Virginia
              Nuveen Virginia Tax-Free Value Fund

<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN BALANCED MUNICIPAL AND STOCK FUND
Prospectus
   
August 1, 1996     
 
 The NUVEEN BALANCED MUNICIPAL AND STOCK FUND (the "Fund") is a mutual fund
that seeks to provide over time an attractive after-tax total return through a
combination of federally tax-exempt income and long-term capital appreciation,
and preservation of capital in adverse markets. The Fund pursues this objective
by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities consisting of investment
grade quality municipal obligations and equity securities of domestic companies
with market capitalizations of at least $500 million. The Fund is designed to
offer you a tax-conscious investment strategy that reduces taxable
distributions and offers a balance between after-tax total returns and capital
preservation.
 The Fund offers you Flexible Purchase Options, which provide the flexibility
to purchase Fund shares in the same manner you typically make other mutual fund
investments. You may choose from one of four alternative classes of Fund shares
(Classes A, B, C and R), each with a different combination of sales charges,
ongoing fees, eligibility requirements, and other features. Your financial
adviser will be able to assist you in determining which share class is best for
you. See "Flexible Purchase Options," "How to Buy Fund Shares" and "Summary of
Fund Expenses."
   
 The Fund is a series of The Nuveen Investment Trust (the "Trust"). This
Prospectus contains information you should know before investing in the Fund.
Please retain it for future reference. You can find more detailed information
about the Fund in the Statement of Additional Information dated August 1, 1996,
as amended from time to time. For a free copy of this Statement, write to the
Nuveen Mutual Funds, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, or call Nuveen
toll-free at 800-621-7227. The Statement has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.     
 Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any bank and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency. Shares
of the Fund involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal.
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>
                         <C> <S>
                             CONTENTS
                           3 SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
                           5 SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
                         <S>   <C>
                           5   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
                           5   HOW THE FUND PURSUES ITS OBJECTIVE
                           7   THE BENEFITS OF BALANCING STOCKS
                               WITH MUNICIPAL BONDS
                           8   HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE FUND IS
                               RIGHT FOR YOU
                           9   FUND FEATURES AND BENEFITS
                          10   RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
                          11   WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
                               OPERATION OF THE FUND?
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>                           
                         <C> <S>
                          12 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE
                             FUND'S INVESTMENTS
                          21 FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
                          23 HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
                          35 DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
                          36 HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
                          40 MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
                          43 HOW THE FUND SHOWS PERFORMANCE
                          44 DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
                          45 TAX MATTERS
                          48 NET ASSET VALUE
                          49 GENERAL INFORMATION
</TABLE>    
 
 
<PAGE>
 
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
                 The purpose of the tables below is to help you understand all
                 expenses and fees that you would bear directly or indirectly
                 as a Fund shareholder. The percentages shown are estimated
                 for the current fiscal year. Actual fees and expenses may be
                 greater or less than those shown. An example of how the
                 expenses work is on the next page.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Shareholder Transaction
  Expenses (as a percent of
  offering price)(1)                 Class A      Class B       Class C    Class R(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                            <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
  Maximum Sales Charge Imposed      5.25%(3)          None         None          None
   on Purchases
  Maximum Sales Charge Imposed          None          None         None          None
   on Reinvested Dividends
  Exchange Fees                         None          None         None          None
  Deferred Sales Charge (as a        None(4)         5%(5)        1%(6)          None
   percentage of lesser of pur-
   chase price or redemption
   proceeds)
 
<CAPTION>
  Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  (as a percent of average daily
  net assets)                        Class A      Class B       Class C       Class R
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                            <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
  Management Fees                       .75%         .75%          .75%          .75%
  Rule 12b-1 Fees(7)                    .25%        1.00%         1.00%          None
  Other Operating Expenses (af-         .10%          .10%          .10%          .10%
   ter reimbursement)(8)                
                                        ----          ----          ----          ----
  Total Expenses                       1.10%        1.85%         1.85%          .85%
</TABLE>
 
(1) Investment dealers and other firms may independently charge additional fees
for shareholder transactions or for advisory services; please see their
materials for details.
(2) Class R Shares are available for purchase only under certain limited
circumstances, or by specified classes of investors. See "How to Buy Fund
Shares--Class R Shares."
(3) Reduced sales charges apply to purchases of $50,000 or more. See "How to
Buy Fund Shares--Class A Shares."
(4) Certain Class A purchases at net asset value of $1 million or more may be
subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 18 months
of purchase. See "How to Buy Fund Shares--Class A Shares."
(5) Class B Shares redeemed within six years of purchase are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of 5% during the first year, 4% during the
second and third years, 3% during the fourth year, 2% during the fifth year,
and 1% during the sixth year.
(6) Class C Shares redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1%
contingent deferred sales charge.
   
(7) Class A, Class B and Class C Shares are subject to an annual service fee of
 .25% of the average daily net assets to compensate Authorized Dealers for
ongoing account services. In addition, Class B and Class C Shares are subject
to annual distribution fees of .75% of the average daily net assets to
reimburse Nuveen for costs in connection with the sale of Fund shares. See
"Distribution and Service Plan." Long-term holders of Class B and Class C
Shares may pay more in Rule 12b-1 fees than the economic equivalent of the
maximum front-end sales charge permitted under the National Association of
Securities Dealers Rules of Fair Practice.     
   
(8) The investment adviser has agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses
through July 31, 1997 in order to prevent Total Expenses (excluding any
distribution or service fees and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding .85% of
the average daily net asset value of any class of Fund shares. Absent
reimbursement, "Other Operating Expenses" are estimated to be .25%.     
 
 
                                         3
<PAGE>
 
                 EXAMPLE*
                 For the Fund, you would pay the following expenses on a
                 $1,000 investment over various time periods, assuming (1) a
                 5% annual rate of return and (2) redemption at the end of
                 each time period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           1 Year        3 Years
                 -------------------------------
            <S>         <C>           <C>
            Class A          $63           $86
            Class B**        $58           $90
            Class C***       $19           $58
            Class R          $ 9           $27
</TABLE>
 
                 *This example does not represent past or future expenses,
                 which may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, the
                 Fund's actual rate of return may be greater or less than the
                 hypothetical 5% return shown in this example. This example
                 assumes that the percentage amounts listed under Annual
                 Operating Expenses remain the same in each of the periods.
                 For additional information about the Fund's fees and
                 expenses, see "Distribution and Service Plan" and "Management
                 of the Fund."
                 **Assumes that the shareholder redeemed on the first day of
                 the next year and the contingent deferred sales charge was
                 applied as follows: 1 year (4%) and 3 years (3%). If instead
                 the shareholder had redeemed on the last day of the prior
                 year, the expenses would have been as follows: 1 year $68 and
                 3 years $100. See "How to Buy Fund Shares--Class B Shares."
                 ***Assumes that the shareholder redeemed on the first day of
                 the second year and the contingent deferred sales charge was
                 not applicable for any of the periods shown. If instead the
                 shareholder had redeemed on the last day of the first year,
                 the expenses in the first year would have been $29. See "How
                 to Buy Fund Shares--Class C Shares."
 
                                         4
<PAGE>
 
SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
                 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
                 The Fund seeks to provide over time an attractive after-tax
                 total return through a combination of capital appreciation
                 and federally tax-exempt income and capital preservation in
                 adverse markets. The investment objective may not be changed
                 without shareholder approval. There is no assurance that this
                 objective will be realized.
 
                 HOW THE FUND PURSUES ITS OBJECTIVE
The Fund            
invests across   The Fund invests in a conservative mix of equities and tax-
different        exempt securities. The Fund will seek capital growth
asset classes    primarily through its equity investments. The Fund invests in
to reduce        tax-exempt securities in order to reduce risk and preserve
investment       capital, and to provide monthly current income exempt from
risk             regular federal income tax. Dividends earned on the Fund's
                 equity investments are distributed annually and are taxable
                 as ordinary income. Please see "Additional Information About
                 the Fund's Investments," starting on page 12 for a more
                 detailed discussion.     
 
The Fund         The Fund's equity portfolio manager, Institutional Capital
employs a        Corporation ("ICAP"), pursues a value-oriented approach to
value-oriented   select equity securities for the equity portion of the Fund's
strategy and     investment portfolio. Equity securities are initially
fundamental      screened using proprietary valuation models on the basis of
company          each security's relative price-earnings ratio and earnings
research to      stability. ICAP then conducts extensive company research on
choose           the securities that pass this initial screen in order to
equities         identify those securities with a clear company-specific or
                 thematic catalyst which ICAP believes will trigger
                 significant price appreciation over a defined nine to
                 eighteen month period. The most attractive 40-45 securities
                 identified are purchased by ICAP for the Fund's investment
                 portfolio. ICAP then monitors the performance of its
                 investments closely; if an investment underperforms
                 expectations and ICAP's expectations of the investment's
                 future performance potential no longer meet its original
                 purchase criteria, ICAP will quickly replace the security in
                 order to prevent continued underperformance.
 
                 The Fund's municipal portfolio manager, Nuveen Institutional
                 Advisory Corp. ("NIAC"), pursues a value-oriented approach to
                 select municipal securities for the fixed-income portion of
                 the Fund's investment portfolio. The Fund invests only in
                 investment-grade quality municipal securities, and
                 diversifies geographically and across different municipal
                 sectors in order to further reduce risk. The Fund seeks to
                 moderate its exposure to interest rates by purchasing
                 municipal securities having a broad range of effective
                 maturities in order to create and maintain a diversified
                 portfolio with intermediate characteristics. In so doing, the
                 Fund seeks to
 
                                         5
<PAGE>
 
                 prudently balance over economic cycles the Fund's exposure to
                 interest rates and its ability to provide stable current
                 income exempt from regular federal income tax.
 
                 NIAC selects municipal securities on the basis of its
                 evaluation of each security's relative value in terms of
                 current yield, price, credit quality and future prospects.
                 When making investment decisions, NIAC utilizes the resources
                 of Nuveen's award-winning research team of more than 30
                 professionals dedicated exclusively to following the
                 municipal markets. On a daily basis, Nuveen's research
                 analysts prepare credit reviews of individual municipal
                 securities available for purchase, monitor the continued
                 creditworthiness of the Fund's current municipal portfolio,
                 and analyze economic, political and demographic trends
                 affecting the municipal markets. By emphasizing fundamental
                 research and continuous monitoring of investments, NIAC seeks
                 to identify those municipal securities that over time offer
                 the best value consistent with the Fund's investment
                 objective.
 
The Fund         Over time, the Fund may gradually shift the mix of its
adjusts its      investment portfolio in order to emphasize capital
asset mix over   appreciation in favorable markets and capital preservation in
time to          adverse markets. The Fund will shift its asset mix within the
enhance          ranges defined below for each investment category in response
returns and      to changing market conditions, and will rebalance when
reduce risk      necessary in order to prevent the portfolio's investment mix
                 from moving outside these defined ranges under normal market
                 conditions.
 
<TABLE>             
           <S>                    <C>                    <C>
                                          TARGET
                                      INVESTMENT MIX     ALLOWABLE
           ASSET CATEGORY         OVER FULL MARKET CYCLE   RANGE
                 -------------------------------------------------
           Equity Securities               35%            30%-50%
           Municipal Obligations           60%            50%-70%
           Cash Equivalents                 5%             0%-10%
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                         6
<PAGE>
 
 
                 THE BENEFITS OF BALANCING STOCKS WITH MUNICIPAL BONDS
 
                 Through a tax-conscious, balanced strategy the Fund seeks to
                 provide the growth potential of stocks with less risk than an
                 all-stock fund, as well as the benefits of stable current
                 income exempt from regular federal income tax. The benefits
                 of balancing stocks with municipal bonds in an investment
                 portfolio can be seen in the chart below, which represents
                 the returns and risk of a hypothetical balanced investment
                 portfolio.
 
                     Balancing Stocks with Municipal Bonds
                         January 1980 - December 1995

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
              Before Tax                                After Tax
<S>                     <C>                 <C>                 <C> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Average Annual        Variability         Average Annual      Variability
  Total Return %       of Returns %         Total Return %      of Returns %
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      0.158               0.1481                0.1126            0.1504
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      0.155               0.1423                0.1115            0.1445
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.1518               0.1367                0.1104            0.1389
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.1487               0.1312                0.1092            0.1334
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.1454                0.126                 0.108            0.1281
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.1421                0.121                0.1067             0.123
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.1388               0.1163                0.1054            0.1182
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.1353               0.1118                0.1041            0.1136
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.1319               0.1077                0.1028            0.1094
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.1284                0.104                0.1014            0.1056
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.0867               0.0964                0.0838            0.0965
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

THE ABOVE ILLUSTRATION IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE FUND'S FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
 
                                         7
<PAGE>
 
 
                 Stock returns are represented by the Standard & Poor's 500
                 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500"), a widely-
                 recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. S&P 500
                 returns assume reinvestment of all dividends paid by the
                 stocks included in the index, but do not include brokerage
                 commissions or other fees an investor would incur by
                 investing in the portfolio of stocks comprising the index.
                 Municipal bond returns are represented by the Lehman 10 Year
                 Municipal Bond Index (the "Lehman 10 Year Index"), an
                 unmanaged index of fixed-rate, investment grade municipal
                 bonds with maturities from 8 to 12 years that reflect the
                 overall municipal bond marketplace. Lehman 10 Year Index
                 returns are available beginning in January 1980 and assume
                 reinvestment of all coupon income on the bonds included in
                 the index. For purposes of calculating after-tax returns,
                 portfolio turnover in each asset class was assumed to equal
                 the projected portfolio turnover rates of those classes in
                 the Fund. Ordinary income was taxed at the highest marginal
                 tax rate of 39.6% and realized capital gains were taxed at
                 the long-term individual rate of 28%. All returns used in the
                 chart above are quarterly returns.
 
                 The foregoing example depicts the performance of unmanaged
                 indices and does not depict the performance of the Fund or of
                 any investment product managed by NIAC or ICAP. There can be
                 no assurance that the return and risk characteristics of the
                 municipal and equity markets in the future will resemble
                 those in the past; nor can there be assurance that the Fund's
                 future performance will be comparable to that of these
                 indices.
 
                 HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE FUND IS RIGHT FOR YOU
 
                 WHO SHOULD INVEST
 
                 The Fund may be a suitable investment if:
                 . you are a tax-conscious investor seeking to reduce the
                   impact of taxes on your investment returns
                 . you are seeking the growth potential of stocks but are
                   concerned about the higher risks of mutual funds investing
                   only in stocks
                 . you are seeking the growth potential of stocks yet also
                   desire capital preservation and current tax-free income
                 . you are looking for a balanced approach to achieving your
                   financial goals in a single investment
                 . you have a long-term investment horizon
 
                                         8
<PAGE>
 
 
                 WHO SHOULD NOT INVEST
 
                 The Fund may not be a suitable investment if:
                 . you are looking for a balanced mutual fund for a tax-
                   deferred account
                 . you are unwilling to accept some fluctuations in share
                   price
                 . you have a short-term investment horizon
 
                 FUND FEATURES AND BENEFITS
 
                 LOW MINIMUM INVESTMENT
$3,000 minimum   You can start your investment with a low initial purchase of
initial          $3,000 ($1,000 for an Individual Retirement Account) in a
investment       particular share class. Additional investments can be made
                 for as little as $50. Exceptions to these minimums are made
                 for participants in the Fund's automatic deposit, group
                 purchase or reinvestment programs. See "How to Buy Fund
                 Shares" for more details.
 
                 FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
Choose from      The Fund offers four classes of shares--Classes A, B, C and
Class A, B, C    R. Each class offers a different combination of sales
or R shares      charges, ongoing fees, eligibility requirements and other
                 features. This permits you and your financial adviser to
                 choose the share class which best meets your investment
                 needs. You and your adviser will want to consider:
                 . the amount of your current investment
                 . current holdings in the Fund
                 . length of time you expect to hold the shares
                 . timing and amount of any future Fund investments
                 . other relevant information
 
                 See "Flexible Purchase Options", "How to Buy Fund Shares" and
                 "How to Redeem Fund Shares" for further discussion of the
                 Fund's flexible purchase options.
 
                 EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Exchange         Shares of the Fund may be quickly and easily exchanged by
shares at no     telephone, without a sales charge, for shares of the same or
charge           equivalent class of any other Nuveen Mutual Fund or for
                 shares of certain Nuveen money market funds.
 
                                         9
<PAGE>
 
 
                 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
Dividends        All income dividends or capital gains paid with respect to
automatically    each class of shares will be reinvested automatically into
reinvested at    additional shares of the same class without a sales charge,
no charge        unless you elect to receive them in cash.
 
                 INVESTMENT OF NUVEEN UNIT TRUST DISTRIBUTIONS
Invest           Distributions from any Nuveen Unit Trust may be used to buy
distributions    Class A Shares of the Fund without a sales charge.
from Nuveen
Unit Trusts at
no charge
 
 
                 AUTOMATIC DEPOSIT AND WITHDRAWAL PLANS
                 The Fund offers a number of options to help you manage
                 additions to, and withdrawals from, your account. These
                 include automatic deposit, direct deposit and payroll
                 deduction plans for adding to your account on a regular
                 basis. If you need periodic withdrawals, and own shares
                 totaling $10,000 or more, you can arrange to have $50 or more
                 sent directly from your account monthly or quarterly.
 
Easy-to-use
systematic
investment and
withdrawal
options
 
                 ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS
Transfer funds   Nuveen's Fund Direct lets you link your Fund account to your
electronically   account at a bank or other financial institution. You may use
                 Fund Direct to transfer money electronically between
                 accounts, to purchase shares by phone, to invest through an
                 automatic deposit plan, or to send payments directly to your
                 bank account.
 
                 TELEPHONE REDEMPTION
Free telephone   You may establish free telephone redemption privileges for
redemption       your account.
 
                 EASY LIQUIDITY
Redemption on    You may redeem all or some of your Fund shares on any
any business     business day at the then net asset value. Class B and Class C
day              Shares, as well as certain Class A purchases of $1 million or
                 more at net asset value, may be subject to a contingent
                 deferred sales charge upon redemption. See "How to Redeem
                 Fund Shares".
 
                 RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
                 You should consider certain other factors about the Fund
                 before investing. The value and market risk of the Fund's
                 investment portfolio will tend to vary with changes in its
                 asset allocations among investment classes and changes in the
                 municipal and equity markets. The Fund's investments in
                 municipal bonds will be subject to interest rate and credit
                 risk. In general, the market value of the Fund's investments
                 in municipal bonds will increase when interest rates decline
                 and decrease when interest rates rise. In addition, the
                 Fund's investments in stocks will be subject to
 
                                         10
<PAGE>
 
                 equity market risk, i.e. the risk that equity prices could
                 decline over short or even extended periods. The equity
                 markets tend to be cyclical, with periods of generally rising
                 prices and periods of generally declining prices. Although
                 the prices of fixed-income and equity securities often rise
                 and fall at different times so that a fall in price of one
                 will be offset by a rise in, or at least buffered by price
                 stability in, the other, prices in the two markets often move
                 in tandem. Accordingly, the Fund should be considered a long-
                 term investment, designed to provide the best results when
                 held for a multi-year period. The Fund may not be suitable if
                 you have a short-term investment horizon. In addition,
                 investments by the Fund in American Depository Receipts
                 ("ADRs") of foreign companies involve opportunities and risks
                 not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies.
                 There are special risks associated with options and futures
                 transactions. See "Additional Information About the Fund's
                 Investments."
 
                 WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FUND?
 
                 The following organizations work together to provide the
                 services and features offered by the Fund:
 
<TABLE>              
<CAPTION>
            ORGANIZATION           FUNCTION               DUTIES
                 --------------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                    <C>                    <C>
            John Nuveen & Co.      Fund Sponsor and       Sponsors and manages
            Incorporated           Principal Underwriter  the offering of Fund
            ("Nuveen")                                    shares
            Nuveen Institutional   Fund Manager;          Manages the Fund's
            Advisory Corp.         Municipal Portfolio    municipal portfolio,
            ("NIAC")               Manager                oversees the Fund's
                                                          equity portfolio
                                                          manager, manages the
                                                          Fund's business
                                                          affairs and provides
                                                          day-to-day
                                                          administrative
                                                          services to the Fund
            Institutional Capital  Equity Portfolio       Manages the Fund's
            Corporation ("ICAP")   Manager                equity investment
                                                          portfolio
            Shareholder Services,  Transfer Agent;        Maintains shareholder
            Inc. ("SSI")           Shareholder Services   accounts, handles
                                   Agent; Dividend Paying share redemptions and
                                   Agent                  exchanges and
                                                          dividend payments
            The Chase Manhattan    Custodian              Maintains custody of
            Bank ("Chase")                                the Fund's
                                                          investments and
                                                          provides certain
                                                          accounting services
                                                          to the Fund
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                         11
<PAGE>
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND'S INVESTMENTS
 
                 HOW THE FUND DIVERSIFIES ITS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
The Fund            
invests in a     The Fund's investment portfolio will be invested in a
conservative     diversified portfolio of Equity Securities and Municipal
mix of           Obligations. The Fund's target investment mix is 60%
municipal        Municipal Obligations, 35% Equity Securities and 5% cash
bonds and        equivalents, reflecting the Fund's anticipated average
stocks           allocation of its investment portfolio over a full market
                 cycle. The Fund may gradually shift the allocation of the
                 investment portfolio in order to emphasize capital
                 appreciation in favorable market environments and capital
                 preservation in adverse market environments. The Fund will
                 shift its investment mix within defined ranges for each asset
                 category based upon each category's relative risk and reward
                 characteristics. The Fund will also rebalance its investment
                 portfolio when necessary in order to prevent the Fund's
                 investment mix from moving outside defined ranges for each
                 asset category under normal market conditions. The table
                 below summarizes the Fund's target investment mix and the
                 allowable range for each asset category.     
 
<TABLE>             
           <S>                    <C>            <C>
                                      TARGET     ALLOWABLE
           ASSET CATEGORY         INVESTMENT MIX   RANGE
                 -----------------------------------------
           Equity Securities           35%        30%-50%
           Municipal Obligations       60%        50%-70%
           Cash Equivalents             5%         0%-10%
</TABLE>    
 
                 The Fund's Board of Trustees from time to time may also
                 adjust the Fund's target investment mix and the allowable
                 range for each asset category if, after consultation with
                 NIAC and ICAP, the Board determines that such a change is in
                 the best interests of shareholders, provided, however, that
                 the minimum allowable allocation for Municipal Obligations
                 may not be set below 50%.
 
                 During temporary defensive periods, the Fund may invest any
                 percentage of its assets in temporary investments, as
                 described below under "Temporary Investments." During such
                 periods, which may occur at a time when the Fund would
                 otherwise rebalance its investment mix, the proportion of the
                 Fund's assets invested in an asset category may fall outside
                 the allowable range for that asset category.
 
                 HOW THE FUND SELECTS INVESTMENTS
The Fund         As equity portfolio manager, ICAP selects equity securities
employs a        on the basis of its evaluation of each security's relative
value-oriented   value in terms of projected relative price-earnings ratios
strategy and     and earnings stability. When making investment decisions,
fundamental      ICAP develops an economic framework (including an interest
company          rate, inflation, and business cycle outlook) and analyzes
research to      strategic economic and/or industry themes to identify
choose           appropriate investments. ICAP uses a variety of proprietary
equities         research techniques and
 
                                         12
<PAGE>
 
                 computer models to search for equity securities believed to
                 possess the best relative value based on proprietary
                 price/earnings projections and an analysis of earnings
                 stability. Furthermore, a clear catalyst must exist, either
                 stock-specific, industry or economic, which ICAP believes
                 will trigger significant price appreciation within a
                 definable period. In order to enhance its internal research,
                 ICAP also utilizes a wide variety of external sources for
                 investment information including recognized strategists,
                 economists, technical and fundamental analysts, corporate
                 executives, and industry sources.
 
                 For each investment, ICAP establishes an upside price target
                 and a downside risk potential. This strategy allows for
                 continuous monitoring of fundamental conditions and stock
                 price performance. Although ICAP typically expects the
                 investment potential of each investment to be realized over a
                 nine to eighteen month time period, it is not unusual for
                 equities to be held for a longer period if justified by their
                 potential future performance. Investments that underperform
                 expectations are reviewed intensively. If the risk/reward
                 profile of a particular investment becomes unattractive or
                 the reasons for owning the security no longer appear valid,
                 the investment typically is sold expeditiously to avoid
                 continued underperformance.
 
The Fund         The Fund's municipal portfolio manager, Nuveen Institutional
employs a        Advisory Corp. ("NIAC"), pursues a value-oriented approach
value-oriented   for selecting municipal securities for the Fund's investment
strategy and     portfolio. The Fund invests only in investment-grade quality
fundamental      Municipal Obligations, and diversifies geographically and
credit           across different municipal sectors in order to further reduce
research to      risk. The Fund seeks to moderate its exposure to interest
choose           rates by purchasing Municipal Obligations having a range of
municipal        effective remaining maturities in order to create and
securities       maintain a diversified portfolio with overall performance
                 characteristics similar to an otherwise comparable portfolio
                 of intermediate-term municipal securities. In so doing, the
                 Fund seeks to prudently balance over economic cycles the
                 Fund's exposure to interest rates and its ability to provide
                 stable current income exempt from regular federal income tax.
 
                 The Fund will invest substantially all (in excess of 80%) of
                 its assets allocated to municipal investments in a portfolio
                 of Municipal Obligations with effective remaining maturities
                 of no more than 15 years. The Fund will actively manage the
                 effective remaining maturities of the Municipal Obligations
                 in the Fund's investment portfolio, and will adjust its
                 holdings of Municipal Obligations in response to prevailing
                 market conditions in order to preserve the portfolio's
                 intermediate characteristics and insure that at all times
                 substantially all of the Municipal Obligations in which the
                 Fund invests continue to have a remaining effective maturity
                 of no more than 15 years.
 
                                         13
<PAGE>
 
 
                 The Fund's foregoing policy of investing in Municipal
                 Obligations with effective remaining maturities of no more
                 than 15 years will not limit the stated or nominal maturities
                 of the Municipal Obligations in which the Fund invests. The
                 effective remaining maturity of a Municipal Obligation may be
                 shorter than its stated maturity as a result of the coupon,
                 the actual or expected payment schedule, or other terms or
                 conditions of an issue that cause the security to trade and
                 therefore have the risk of price fluctuation similar to an
                 otherwise comparable, but shorter-maturity, security. For
                 example, a Municipal Obligation with an above-market coupon
                 having a stated maturity of 25 years and a par call in 12
                 years will have volatility characteristics similar to an
                 otherwise comparable 12-year Municipal Obligation; a housing
                 revenue Municipal Obligation with a stated maturity of 30
                 years structured to have an expected maturity of five years
                 will have volatility characteristics similar to a five-year
                 Municipal Obligation; and a 20-year Municipal Obligation
                 advance refunded to a premium call in ten years will have
                 volatility characteristics similar to a ten-year Municipal
                 Obligation.
 
                 NIAC selects municipal securities on the basis of its
                 evaluation of each security's relative value in terms of
                 current yield, price, credit quality and future prospects.
                 When making investment decisions, NIAC utilizes the resources
                 of Nuveen's award-winning research team of more than 30
                 professionals dedicated exclusively to following the
                 municipal markets. On a daily basis, Nuveen's research
                 analysts prepare credit reviews of individual municipal
                 securities available for purchase, monitor the continued
                 creditworthiness of the Fund's current municipal portfolio,
                 and analyze economic, political and demographic trends
                 affecting the municipal markets. By emphasizing fundamental
                 research and continuous monitoring of investments, NIAC seeks
                 to identify those municipal securities that over time offer
                 the best value consistent with the Fund's investment
                 objective.
 
The Fund         As a fundamental policy, the Fund will invest all of its
purchases only   assets allocated to municipal investments in Municipal
investment-      Obligations that are either (1) rated at the time of purchase
grade quality    within the four highest grades (Baa or better by Moody's
Municipal        Investors Service ("Moody's") or BBB or better by Standard &
Obligations      Poor's ("S&P")), or (2) unrated but that, in the NIAC's
                 opinion, have credit characteristics equivalent to, and are
                 of comparable quality to, Municipal Obligations so rated,
                 provided that not more than 20% of the Fund's investments in
                 Municipal Obligations may be in such unrated Municipal
                 Obligations. Bonds rated in the lowest investment grade
                 category may have speculative characteristics, and changes in
                 economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to
                 lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest
                 payments than is the case with higher grade bonds. A general
                 description of S&P's and Moody's ratings is set forth in the
                 Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                         14
<PAGE>
 
 
                 EQUITY SECURITIES
The Fund         Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest the
invests          assets allocated to equity investments primarily in equity
primarily in     securities of domestic companies with market capitalizations
domestic         of at least $500 million ("Equity Securities"). Equity
companies with   Securities include, but are not limited to, common stocks;
capitalizations  preferred stocks; warrants to purchase common stocks or
of at least      preferred stocks; securities convertible into common or
$500 million.    preferred stocks, such as convertible bonds and debentures;
                 and other securities with equity characteristics.
 
                 Convertible bonds and debentures must be rated Baa or higher
                 by Moody's or BBB or higher by S&P, Duff & Phelps, Inc.
                 ("D&P") or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"). Bonds
                 rated Baa or BBB, although considered investment grade, have
                 speculative characteristics and may be subject to greater
                 fluctuations in value than higher-rated bonds. A general
                 description of ratings may be found in the Statement of
                 Additional Information.
 
                 In addition, the Fund may invest indirectly in equity
                 securities of foreign issuers through investments in American
                 Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), described later in this
                 section.
 
                 MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
Municipal        Municipal Obligations are debt obligations issued by states,
Obligations      cities and local authorities, and certain possessions and
are issued by    territories of the United States, to obtain funds for various
municipalities   public purposes. These purposes include the construction and
to support       maintenance of public facilities such as airports, bridges,
various          highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools,
essential        streets and water and sewer works. Other public purposes for
public           which Municipal Obligations may be issued include the
purposes         refinancing of outstanding obligations and the obtaining of
                 funds for general operating expenses and for loans to other
                 public institutions and facilities. Certain industrial
                 development, private activity and pollution control bonds
                 also may be included within the term Municipal Obligations if
                 the interest paid thereon qualifies as exempt from regular
                 federal income tax. The two principal classifications of
                 Municipal Obligations are "general obligation" and "revenue"
                 bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's
                 pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the
                 payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds (e.g.,
                 industrial development bonds) are payable only from the
                 revenues derived from a particular facility or class of
                 facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special
                 excise tax or other specific revenue source.
 
                                         15
<PAGE>
 
                    
                 Municipal Obligations may also include participations in
                 lease obligations or installment purchase contract
                 obligations (collectively, "lease obligations") of municipal
                 authorities or entities. Certain "non-appropriation" lease
                 obligations may present special risks because the
                 municipality's obligation to make future lease or installment
                 payments depends on money being appropriated each year for
                 this purpose. The Fund will seek to minimize these risks by
                 not investing more than 20% of the assets allocated to
                 investments in municipal obligations in non-appropriation
                 lease obligations and by only investing in those non-
                 appropriation lease obligations that meet certain criteria of
                 the Fund. See "Investment Policies and Techniques--
                 Investment in Municipal Obligations" in the Statement of
                 Additional Information for further information about lease
                 obligations.     
 
                 Municipal Obligations in which the Fund will invest bear
                 interest that, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer,
                 is exempt from federal income tax, although such interest may
                 be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.
 
                 The yields on Municipal Obligations are dependent on a
                 variety of factors, including the condition of the financial
                 markets in general and the municipal bond market in
                 particular and the size, maturity and rating of a particular
                 issue. The market value of Municipal Obligations will vary
                 inversely with changes in prevailing interest rate levels and
                 as a result of changing evaluations of the ability of their
                 issuers to meet interest and principal payments.
 
                 TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
The Fund may     During certain temporary periods, in order to keep cash on
make temporary   hand fully invested or as a defensive measure in response to
investments      prevailing market conditions, the Fund may invest without
from time to     limitation in cash equivalent and short-term fixed income
time             securities ("temporary investments"). Temporary investments
                 are high quality, short-term securities which may be either
                 tax-exempt or taxable. The Fund intends to invest in taxable
                 temporary investments only in the event that suitable tax-
                 exempt temporary investments are not available at reasonable
                 prices and yields.
 
                 Tax-exempt temporary investments include Municipal
                 Obligations maturing in three years or less from the date of
                 issuance such as tax-exempt notes (including bond
                 anticipation notes, tax anticipation notes, and revenue
                 anticipation notes) and municipal commercial paper. Taxable
                 temporary investments in which the Fund may invest include:
                 U.S. Government securities or securities rated within the
                 highest grade by Moody's or S&P, and which mature within one
                 year from the date of purchase or carry a variable or
                 floating rate of interest; certificates of deposit issued by
                 U.S. banks with assets of at least $1 billion; commercial
                 paper or corporate
 
                                         16
<PAGE>
 
                    
                 notes, bonds or debentures with a remaining maturity of one
                 year or less; and repurchase agreements entered into only
                 with respect to obligations of the U.S. government, its
                 agencies or instrumentalities, certificates of deposit and
                 bankers acceptances. See the Statement of Additional
                 Information under "Investment Policies and Techniques--Short-
                 Term Taxable Fixed Income Securities and Short-Term Tax-
                 Exempt Fixed Income Securities" for additional information.
                     
                 WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Fund may     In order to lock in a fixed price on a security it intends to
purchase When-   purchase, the Fund may invest without limitation in
Issued           securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery
Securities       basis ("When-Issued Securities"). Although the payment and
                 terms of these securities are established at the time the
                 purchaser enters into the commitment, these securities may be
                 delivered and paid for at a future date, generally within 45
                 days. The Fund will segregate and maintain cash, cash
                 equivalents, U.S. government securities, or other high-
                 quality, liquid debt securities in an amount at least equal
                 to the amount of outstanding commitments for When-Issued
                 Securities at all times. Such securities involve a risk of
                 loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines
                 prior to the settlement date.
 
                 AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS ("ADRs")
The Fund may     ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
invest up to     company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign
20% of its       security and denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest
assets in        up to 20% of its net assets in ADRs or other instruments
foreign          denominated in U.S. dollars that permit indirect investment
securities       in foreign securities. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk
                 inherent in investing in foreign issuers, such as changes in
                 foreign currency exchange rates. However, by investing in
                 ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers' stock, the Fund
                 avoids currency risks during the settlement period.
 
                 Investments in securities of foreign issuers involve risks in
                 addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments,
                 including currency risks. The value of a foreign security in
                 U.S. dollars tends to decrease when the value of the U.S.
                 dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the
                 security is denominated and tends to increase when the value
                 of the U.S. dollar falls against such currency.
 
                 Some ADRs may not be sponsored by the issuer. ADRs are
                 affected by the fact that in many countries there is less
                 publicly available information about issuers than is
                 available in the reports and ratings published about
                 companies in the U.S. and companies may not be subject to
                 uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
                 standards. Other risks inherent in foreign investments
                 include
 
                                         17
<PAGE>
 
                 expropriation; confiscatory taxation; withholding taxes on
                 dividends and interest; less extensive regulation of foreign
                 brokers, securities markets and issuers; diplomatic
                 developments; and political or social instability. Foreign
                 economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S.
                 economy in various respects, and many foreign securities are
                 less liquid and their prices tend to be more volatile than
                 comparable U.S. securities. From time to time, foreign
                 securities may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without
                 adverse price effects.
 
                 CERTAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND LIMITATIONS
Options and      The Fund may engage in options and futures transactions,
Futures          which are sometimes referred to as derivative transactions.
Transactions     The Fund's options and futures transactions may include
                 instruments such as stock index options and futures
                 contracts. Such transactions may be used for several reasons,
                 including hedging unrealized portfolio gains. The Fund will
                 only engage in futures and options transactions that,
                 pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commodity Futures
                 Trading Commission (the "CFTC"), constitute bona fide hedging
                 or other permissible risk management transactions and will
                 not enter into such transactions if the sum of the initial
                 margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
                 exceeds 5% of the Fund's total assets. In addition, the Fund
                 will not enter into options and futures transactions if more
                 than 30% of the Fund's net assets would be committed to such
                 instruments.
 
                 The ability of the Fund to benefit from options and futures
                 is largely dependent upon NIAC's or ICAP's ability to
                 correctly use such instruments, which may involve skills
                 different from those associated with managing securities
                 generally. The Fund could lose money on a futures transaction
                 or an option could expire worthless, in addition to the Fund
                 suffering a loss on the value of its portfolio assets. For a
                 further discussion of options and futures transactions,
                 please see the Statement of Additional Information.
 
Lending of       The Fund may lend its portfolio securities, up to 33 1/3% of
Portfolio        its total assets, to broker-dealers or institutional
Securities       investors. The loans will be secured continuously by
                 collateral at least equal to the value of the securities lent
                 by "marking to market" daily. The Fund will continue to
                 receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by
                 the issuer of the securities lent and will retain the right
                 to call, upon notice, the lent securities. The Fund may also
                 receive interest on the investment of the collateral or a fee
                 from the borrower as compensation for the loan. As with other
                 extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or
                 even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of
                 the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made
                 only to firms deemed by the portfolio manager to be of good
                 standing.
 
 
                                         18
<PAGE>
 
Illiquid         The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid
Securities       securities, which include, but are not limited to, restricted
                 securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted
                 under the federal securities laws); securities which may be
                 resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933
                 but that are deemed to be illiquid; and repurchase agreements
                 with maturities in excess of seven days.
 
                 PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
                 Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects annual
                 portfolio turnover for the municipal portion of the portfolio
                 to be significantly less than 75%, as the Fund will attempt
                 to achieve its municipal investment objectives by prudent
                 selection of Municipal Obligations with a view to holding
                 them for investment. However, the rate of municipal turnover
                 will not be a limiting factor if it is desirable to sell or
                 purchase Municipal Obligations.
 
                 The Fund anticipates that its annual equity portfolio
                 turnover rate will be between 100% and 125% under normal
                 market conditions, and will generally not exceed 150%. A
                 turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if the Fund
                 sold and replaced securities valued at 100% of its net assets
                 within one year.
 
                 In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may be required to
                 purchase or sell Municipal Obligations and Equity Securities
                 pursuant to a required reallocation of assets as described
                 under "How The Fund Diversifies its Investment Portfolio" and
                 the anticipated portfolio turnover rates set forth above are
                 made without regard to such a required reallocation of
                 assets.
 
                 OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The Fund         The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in
employs other    any one of the following types of investments: warrants;
restrictions     unseasoned companies; and transactions in short sales against
to protect       the box. In addition the Fund has adopted several
shareholders     restrictions on the investments and other activities of the
                 Fund that may not be changed without shareholder approval.
                 For example, the Fund may not:
                 . With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the
                   securities of any issuer (except securities issued or
                   guaranteed by the U.S. government or any agency or
                   instrumentality thereof) if, as a result, (i) more than 5%
                   of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities
                   of that issuer, or (ii) the Fund would hold more than 10%
                   of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
                 . Borrow money, except that the Fund may (i) borrow money
                   from banks for temporary or emergency purposes (but not for
                   leverage or the purchase of investments) and (ii) make
                   other investments or engage in other transactions
 
                                         19
<PAGE>
 
                  permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that
                  may involve a borrowing, provided that the combination of
                  (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the
                  Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less
                  the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).
 
                 If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of
                 investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage beyond
                 the specified limit resulting from a change in the value of
                 assets will not be considered a violation.
 
                 Except as specifically noted above or in the Statement of
                 Additional Information, the Fund's investment policies are
                 not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder
                 approval. For a more complete description of investment
                 restrictions that may be changed without a shareholder vote,
                 see the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                         20
<PAGE>
 
FLEXIBLE PURCHASE OPTIONS
The Fund         The Fund has adopted Flexible Purchase Options that offers
offers various   you four alternative classes of Fund shares (Classes A, B, C
methods of       and R), each with a different combination of sales charges,
purchasing       ongoing fees, eligibility requirements, and other features.
shares which     The Fund's Flexible Purchase Options are designed to permit
are designed     you and your financial adviser to choose the method of
to meet your     purchasing shares that you believe is most beneficial given
individual       the amount of your investment, any current holdings of Fund
investment       shares, the length of time you expect to hold your investment
needs and        and other relevant circumstances. A summary of the four
preferences      classes of Fund shares is set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 CONTINGENT DEFERRED
                  UP-FRONT SALES    SALES CHARGE       ANNUAL 12B-1   ANNUAL 12B-1
                      CHARGE           "CDSC"        DISTRIBUTION FEE SERVICE FEE
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>    <C>            <C>                 <C>              <C>
           Class      5.25%(1)          None(2)            None           .25%
            A
           Class       None               5%(3)            .75%(4)        .25%
            B
           Class       None               1%(5)            .75%           .25%
            C
           Class       None             None               None           None
            R
</TABLE>
                 (1) Maximum up-front sales charge, which is reduced for
                 purchases of $50,000 or more. Up-front sales charge may be
                 reduced or waived for certain purchases.
                 (2) Certain Class A purchases at net asset value of $1
                 million or more may be subject to a 1% CDSC if redeemed
                 within 18 months of purchase.
                 (3) CDSC in the first year. CDSC declines to 0% after six
                 years.
                 (4) Class B Shares convert to Class A Shares after eight
                 years, which reduces the ongoing expenses borne by an
                 investor.
                 (5) CDSC is applicable to shares redeemed within 12 months of
                 purchase.
 
                 For more information regarding features of each class, see
                 "How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Redeem Fund Shares" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan" below.
 
Which Option     When you purchase Class A Shares, you will normally pay an
is Right for     up-front sales charge. As a result, you will have less money
You?             invested initially and you will own fewer Class A Shares than
                 you would in the absence of an up-front sales charge.
                 Alternatively, when you purchase Class B or Class C Shares,
                 you will not pay an up-front sales charge and all of your
                 monies will be fully invested at the time of purchase.
                 However, Class B and Class C Shares are subject to an annual
                 distribution fee, which constitutes an asset-based sales
                 charge whose purpose is the same as an up-front sales charge.
                 In addition, Class B Shares when redeemed are subject to a
                 CDSC, which will vary depending on the length of time you
                 owned your shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to
                 Class A Shares eight years after purchase in order to limit
                 the distribution fees you pay over the life of your
                 investment. Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if
                 redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Because Class C Shares
                 do not convert to Class A Shares and continue to pay an
                 annual distribution fee indefinitely, Class C Shares should
                 normally not be purchased by an investor who expects to hold
                 shares for significantly longer than eight years. Class A,
 
                                         21
<PAGE>
 
                 Class B and Class C Shares are subject to annual service
                 fees, which are identical in amount and are used to
                 compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing
                 account services. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge
                 or a sales charge waiver on a purchase of Class A Shares, as
                 described on page 24 under "How the Class A Sales Charge May
                 Be Reduced or Waived." Class R Shares are available for
                 purchase at a price equal to their net asset value, but only
                 under certain circumstances or for certain categories of
                 investors, as described below under "How to Buy Fund Shares--
                 Class R Shares."
 
                 In deciding whether to purchase Class A, Class B, Class C or
                 Class R Shares, you should consider all relevant factors,
                 including the dollar amount of your purchase, any current
                 holdings of Fund shares, the length of time you expect to
                 hold the shares and whether a CDSC would apply, the amount of
                 any applicable up-front sales charge, the amount of any
                 applicable distribution or service fees that may be incurred
                 while you own the shares, whether or not you will be
                 reinvesting income or capital gain distributions in
                 additional shares, whether or not you meet applicable
                 eligibility requirements or qualify for a sales charge waiver
                 or reduction, and the relative level of services that your
                 financial adviser may provide to different classes.
                 Authorized Dealers and other persons distributing the Fund's
                 shares may receive different compensation for selling
                 different classes of shares.
 
Differences      Each class of shares represents an interest in the same
Between the      portfolio of investments. Each class of shares is identical
Classes of       in all respects except that each class has its own sales
Shares           charge structure, each class bears its own class expenses,
                 including distribution and service fees, and each class has
                 exclusive voting rights with respect to any distribution or
                 service plan applicable to its shares. In addition, Class B
                 Shares are subject to a conversion feature. As a result of
                 the differences in the expenses borne by each class of
                 shares, and differences in the purchase and redemption
                 activity for each class, net income per share, dividends per
                 share and net asset value per share will vary among the
                 Fund's classes of shares.
 
Dealer           Upon notice to all Authorized Dealers, Nuveen may reallow to
Incentives       Authorized Dealers electing to participate up to the full
                 applicable Class A Share up-front sales charge during periods
                 and for transactions specified in the notice. The
                 reallowances made during these periods may be based upon
                 attainment of minimum sales levels. Furthermore, Nuveen may
                 from time to time provide additional promotional support and
                 make additional reallowances only to certain Authorized
                 Dealers who sell or are expected to sell certain minimum
                 amounts of the Fund or other Nuveen Mutual Funds and Nuveen
                 Unit Trusts during specified time periods. Promotional
 
                                         22
<PAGE>
 
                 support may include providing sales literature to and holding
                 informational or educational programs for the benefit of such
                 Authorized Dealers' representatives, seminars for the public,
                 and advertising and sales campaigns. Nuveen may reimburse a
                 participating Authorized Dealer for up to one-half of
                 specified media costs incurred in the placement of
                 advertisements which jointly feature the Authorized Dealer
                 and Nuveen Funds and Nuveen Unit Trusts.
 
                 Such reimbursement will be based on the number of its
                 financial advisers who have sold Nuveen Fund shares and
                 Nuveen Unit Trust units during the prior calendar year
                 according to an established schedule. Any such support or
                 reimbursement would be provided by Nuveen out of its own
                 assets, and not out of the assets of the Funds, and will not
                 change the price an investor pays for shares or the amount
                 that a Fund will receive from such a sale. The staff of the
                 Securities and Exchange Commission takes the position that
                 dealers who receive 90% or more of the applicable sales
                 charge may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act of
                 1933, as amended.
 
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
 
                 CLASS A SHARES
Class A Shares   You may purchase Class A Shares at a public offering price
are offered at   equal to the applicable net asset value per share plus an up-
their net        front sales charge imposed at the time of purchase as set
asset value      forth below. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge, or
plus an up-      the sales charge may be waived in its entirety, as described
front sales      below under "How the Class A Sales Charge May Be Reduced or
charge           Waived." Class A Shares are also subject to an annual service
                 fee of .25%. See "Flexible Purchase Options" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan."
 
                 The up-front sales charge schedule for Class A Shares is as
                 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   SALES CHARGE AS SALES CHARGE AS REALLOWANCE AS
                                       % OF PUBLIC    % OF NET      % OF PUBLIC
           AMOUNT OF PURCHASE       OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE
                 ----------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>                     <C>             <C>             <C>
           Less than $50,000            5.25%           5.54%          5.00%
           $50,000 but less than
            $100,000                    4.25%           4.44%          4.00%
           $100,000 but less than
            $250,000                    3.50%           3.63%          3.25%
           $250,000 but less than
            $500,000                    2.75%           2.83%          2.50%
           $500,000 but less than
            $1,000,000                  2.00%           2.04%          1.75%
           $1,000,000 and over          0.00%           0.00%          0.00%*
</TABLE>
                 *Authorized Dealers are eligible to receive a commission from
                 Nuveen as discussed below.
 
                                         23
<PAGE>
 
 
                 The Fund receives the entire net asset value of all Class A
                 Shares that are sold. Nuveen retains the full applicable
                 sales charge from which it pays the uniform reallowances
                 shown above to Authorized Dealers. See "Flexible Purchase
                 Options--Dealer Incentives" on page 22 for more information
                 about reallowances and other compensation to Authorized
                 Dealers.
 
                 Certain commercial banks may make Class A Shares of the Fund
                 available to their customers on an agency basis. Pursuant to
                 the agreements between Nuveen and these banks, some or all of
                 the sales charge paid by a bank customer in connection with a
                 purchase of Class A Shares may be retained by or paid to the
                 bank. Certain banks and other financial institutions may be
                 required to register as securities dealers in certain states.
 
Class A             
purchases of     Class A purchases of $1 million or more are sold at net asset
$1 million or    value without an up-front sales charge. Nuveen pays
more at net      Authorized Dealers of record on such Class A Share purchases
asset value      a sales commission equal to the sum of 1.00% of the first
are subject to   $2.5 million, plus 0.50% of the next $2.5 million, plus 0.25%
a CDSC           of purchases over $5.0 million amount of the purchase. If
                 such shares are redeemed within 18 months of purchase, a CDSC
                 of 1% of the lower of the purchase price or the redemption
                 proceeds may be imposed upon the redemption. Shares purchased
                 by investors investing $1 million or more who have made
                 arrangements with Nuveen and whose dealer of record waived
                 the commission are not subject to the CDSC.     
 
                 HOW THE CLASS A SALES CHARGE MAY BE REDUCED OR WAIVED
There are        There are several ways to reduce or eliminate the up-front
several ways     sales charge:
to reduce or     . cumulative discount;
eliminate the    . letter of intent;
up-front sales   . purchases with monies representing distributions from
charge             Nuveen-sponsored Unit Trusts;
                 . group purchase programs;
                 . reinvestment of redemption proceeds from non-affiliated
                   funds; and
                 . special sales charge waivers for certain categories of
                   investors.
 
Cumulative       You may qualify for a reduced sales charge as shown above on
Discount         a purchase of Class A Shares if the amount of your purchase,
                 when added to the value that day of all of your prior
                 purchases of shares of the Fund or of another Nuveen Mutual
                 Fund, or units of a Nuveen Unit Trust, on which an up-front
                 sales charge or ongoing distribution fee is imposed, falls
                 within the amounts stated in the table. You or your financial
                 adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI of any cumulative
                 discount level you have achieved at the time you purchase
                 your shares.
 
                                         24
<PAGE>
 
 
Letter of        You may qualify for a reduced sales charge on a purchase of
Intent           Class A Shares if you plan to purchase Class A Shares of
                 Nuveen Mutual Funds over the next 13 months and the total
                 amount of your purchases would, if purchased at one time,
                 qualify you for one of the reduced sales charges shown above.
                 In order to take advantage of this option, you need to
                 complete the applicable section of the Application Form or
                 sign and deliver either to an Authorized Dealer or to SSI a
                 written Letter of Intent in a form acceptable to Nuveen. A
                 Letter of Intent states that you intend, but are not
                 obligated, to purchase over the next 13 months a stated total
                 amount of Class A Shares that would qualify you for a reduced
                 sales charge shown above. You may count shares of a Nuveen
                 Mutual Fund that you already own on which you paid an up-
                 front sales charge or an ongoing distribution fee and any
                 Class B and Class C Shares of a Nuveen Mutual Fund that you
                 purchase over the next 13 months towards completion of your
                 investment program, but you will receive a reduced sales
                 charge only on new Class A Shares you purchase over that
                 period. You cannot count Class A Shares that you purchase
                 without a sales charge through investment of distributions
                 from a Nuveen Mutual Fund, a Nuveen Unit Trust or otherwise,
                 towards completion of your Letter of Intent program.
 
                 By establishing a Letter of Intent, you agree that your first
                 purchase of Class A Shares following execution of the Letter
                 of Intent will be at least 5% of the total amount of your
                 intended purchases. You further agree that shares
                 representing 5% of the total amount of your intended
                 purchases will be held in escrow pending completion of these
                 purchases. All dividends and capital gains distributions on
                 Class A Shares held in escrow will be credited to your
                 account. If total purchases, less redemptions, prior to the
                 expiration of the 13 month period equal or exceed the amount
                 specified in your Letter of Intent, the Class A Shares held
                 in escrow will be transferred to your account. If the total
                 purchases, less redemptions, exceed the amount specified in
                 your Letter of Intent and thereby qualify for a lower sales
                 charge than the sales charge specified in your Letter of
                 Intent, you will receive this lower sales charge
                 retroactively, and the difference between it and the higher
                 sales charge paid will be used to purchase additional Class A
                 Shares on your behalf. If the total purchases, less
                 redemptions, are less than the amount specified, you must pay
                 Nuveen an amount equal to the difference between the amounts
                 paid for these purchases and the amounts that would have been
                 paid if the higher sales charge had been applied. If you do
                 not pay the additional amount within 20 days after written
                 request by Nuveen or your financial adviser, Nuveen will
                 redeem an appropriate number of your escrowed Class A Shares
                 to meet the required payment. By establishing a Letter of
                 Intent, you irrevocably appoint Nuveen as attorney to give
                 instructions to redeem any or all of your escrowed shares,
                 with full power of substitution in the premises.
 
                                         25
<PAGE>
 
 
                 You or your financial adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI
                 whenever you make a purchase of Fund shares that you wish to
                 be covered under the Letter of Intent option.
 
Investment of    You may purchase Class A Shares without an up-front sales
Nuveen Unit      charge if you are investing distributions from a Nuveen Unit
Trust            Trust. There is no initial or subsequent minimum investment
Distributions    requirement for such purchases.
 
Group Purchase   If you are a member of a qualified group, you may purchase
Programs         Class A Shares of the Fund or of another Nuveen Mutual Fund
                 at the reduced sales charge applicable to the group's
                 purchases taken as a whole. A "qualified group" is one which
                 has been in existence for more than six months, has a purpose
                 other than investment, has five or more participating
                 members, has agreed to include Fund sales publications in
                 mailings to members and has agreed to comply with certain
                 administrative requirements relating to its group purchases.
 
                 Under any group purchase program, the minimum monthly
                 investment in Class A Shares of any particular fund or
                 portfolio by each participant is $25, and the minimum monthly
                 investment in Class A Shares of any particular fund or
                 portfolio for all participants in the program combined is
                 $3,000. No certificates will be issued for any participant's
                 account. All dividends and other distributions by the Fund
                 will be reinvested in additional Class A Shares of the Fund.
                 No participant may utilize a systematic withdrawal program.
 
                 To establish a group purchase program, both the group itself
                 and each participant must fill out special application
                 materials, which the group administrator may obtain from the
                 group's financial adviser by checking the applicable box on
                 the enclosed Application Form or by calling SSI toll-free at
                 800-621-7227. See the Statement of Additional Information for
                 more complete information about "qualified groups" and group
                 purchase programs.
 
Reinvestment        
of Redemption    You may also purchase Class A Shares at net asset value
Proceeds from    without a sales charge if the purchase takes place through an
Unaffiliated     Authorized Dealer and represents the reinvestment of the
Funds            proceeds of the redemption of shares of one or more
                 registered investment companies not affiliated with Nuveen.
                 You need to provide appropriate documentation that the
                 redemption occurred not more than 360 days prior to the
                 reinvestment of the proceeds in Class A Shares, and that you
                 either paid an up-front sales charge or were subject to a
                 contingent deferred sales charge upon the redemption of the
                 shares of the other investment company.     
 
                                         26
<PAGE>
 
 
Special Sales    Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset
Charge Waivers   value without a sales charge and in any amount by officers,
                 trustees and retired trustees of the Trust; bona fide, full-
                 time and retired employees of Nuveen or ICAP, any parent
                 company of Nuveen, and subsidiaries thereof, or their
                 immediate family members (as defined below); any person who,
                 for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona
                 fide employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their immediate
                 family members; officers and directors of bank holding
                 companies that make Fund shares available directly or through
                 subsidiaries or bank affiliates; bank or broker-affiliated
                 trust departments; investors purchasing on a periodic fee,
                 asset-based fee or no transaction fee basis through a broker-
                 dealer sponsored mutual fund purchase program; and clients of
                 investment advisers, financial planners or other financial
                 intermediaries that charge periodic or asset-based fees for
                 their services. For further details about these special
                 categories and their eligibility requirements, please consult
                 your financial adviser or the Statement of Additional
                 Information, or call Nuveen at 800-621-7227.
 
                 Any Class A Shares purchased pursuant to a special sales
                 charge waiver must be acquired for investment purposes and on
                 the condition that they will not be transferred or resold
                 except through redemption by the Fund. You or your financial
                 adviser need to notify Nuveen or SSI whenever you make a
                 purchase of Class A Shares that you wish to be covered under
                 these special sales charge waivers. All of the above
                 categories of investors are also eligible to purchase Class R
                 Shares, as described below under "Class R Shares." Finally,
                 Class A Shares may be issued at net asset value without a
                 sales charge in connection with the acquisition by the Fund
                 of another investment company.
 
                 GENERAL
                 In determining the amount of your purchases of Class A Shares
                 that may qualify for a reduced sales charge, the following
                 purchases may be combined: (1) all purchases by a trustee or
                 other fiduciary for a single trust estate or fiduciary
                 account; (2) all purchases by individuals and their immediate
                 family members (i.e., their spouses and their children under
                 21 years of age); or (3) all purchases made through a group
                 purchase program as described above.
 
                 The reduced sales charge programs may be modified or
                 discontinued by the Fund at any time upon prior written
                 notice to shareholders of the Fund.
 
                 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PURCHASE OF CLASS A SHARES OR
                 REDUCED SALES CHARGE PROGRAMS, OR TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED
                 APPLICATION FORMS, CALL NUVEEN TOLL-FREE AT 800-621-7227.
 
                                         27
<PAGE>
 
 
                 CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares   You may purchase Class B Shares at a public offering price
may be           equal to the applicable net asset value per share without any
purchased at     up-front sales charge. Since Class B Shares are sold without
net asset        an initial sales charge, the full amount of your purchase
value, but are   payment will be invested in Class B Shares. Class B Shares
subject to an    are subject to an annual distribution fee to compensate
annual           Nuveen for its costs in connection with the sale of Class B
distribution     shares, and are also subject to an annual service fee to
fee and a CDSC   compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing
                 financial advice and other account services.
 
                 You may be subject to a CDSC if you redeem your Class B
                 shares within a specified period after purchase, as shown in
                 the table below. See "Flexible Purchase Options" and
                 "Distribution and Service Plan." Nuveen compensates
                 Authorized Dealers for sales of Class B Shares at the time of
                 sale at the rate of 4.00% of the amount of Class B Shares
                 purchased, which represents a sales commission of 3.75% plus
                 an advance on the first year's annual service fee of .25%.
 
                 If redeemed prior to the end of the sixth year after
                 purchase, Class B Shares may be subject to a CDSC, as set
                 forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                YEARS
                SINCE
                PURCHASE   CDSC
                         ------
                <S>        <C>
                0-1         5%
                1-2         4%
                2-3         4%
                3-4         3%
                4-5         2%
                5-6         1%
</TABLE>
 
                 Class B Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends
                 are not subject to a CDSC. Any CDSC will be imposed on the
                 lower of the redeemed shares' cost or net asset value at the
                 time of redemption. For more information regarding the
                 imposition of the CDSC, see "How to Redeem Fund Shares--Class
                 B Shares," below.
 
Class B Shares   Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares
automatically    eight years after purchase. The purpose of the conversion is
convert to       to limit the distribution fees you pay over the life of your
Class A Shares   investment. All conversions will be done at net asset value
eight years      without the imposition of any sales load, fee, or other
after purchase   charge, so that the value of each shareholder's account
                 immediately before conversion will be the same as the value
                 of the account immediately after conversion. Class B Shares
                 acquired through reinvestment of distributions will convert
                 into Class A Shares based on the date of the initial purchase
                 to which such shares relate. For this purpose, Class B Shares
 
                                         28
<PAGE>
 
                 acquired through reinvestment of distributions will be
                 attributed to particular purchases of Class B Shares in
                 accordance with such procedures as the Board of Trustees may
                 determine from time to time. Class B Shares that are
                 converted to Class A Shares will remain subject to an annual
                 service fee that is identical in amount for both Class B
                 Shares and Class A Shares. Since net asset value per share of
                 the Class B Shares and the Class A Shares may differ at the
                 time of conversion, a shareholder may receive more or fewer
                 Class A Shares than the number of Class B Shares converted.
                 Any conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares will be
                 subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of
                 counsel or a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
                 Service to the effect that the conversion of shares would not
                 constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law.
                 Conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares might be
                 suspended if such an opinion or ruling were no longer
                 available.
 
                 CLASS C SHARES
Class C Shares   You may purchase Class C Shares at a public offering price
may be           equal to the applicable net asset value per share without any
purchased at     up-front sales charge. Class C Shares are subject to an
net asset        annual distribution fee to compensate Nuveen for its costs in
value, but are   connection with the sale of Class C Shares. Class C Shares
subject to an    are also subject to an annual service fee of .25% to
annual           compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with ongoing
distribution     financial advice and other account services. Nuveen
fee and a CDSC   compensates Authorized Dealers for sales of Class C Shares at
if redeemed      the time of the sale at a rate of 1% of the amount of Class C
within 12        Shares purchased, which represents a sales commission of .75%
months of        plus an advance on the first year's annual service fee of
purchase         .25%. See "Flexible Purchase Options" and "Distribution and
                 Service Plan."
 
                 Redemptions of Class C Shares within 12 months of purchase
                 may be subject to a CDSC of 1% of the lower of the purchase
                 price or redemption proceeds. See "How to Redeem Fund
                 Shares--Class C Shares."
 
                 CLASS R SHARES
Class R Shares   If you are making an initial purchase of $1 million or more
are offered at   of Fund Shares in a single transaction, you may purchase
net asset        Class R Shares at a public offering price equal to the
value only       applicable net asset value per share without any up-front
under limited    sales charge or ongoing distribution or service fees. You
circumstances    also may purchase Class R Shares subject only to the Fund's
or to            minimum investment requirement of $3,000 if you are within
specified        the following specified categories of investors who are
classes of       eligible to purchase Class A Shares at net asset value
investors        without an up-front sales charge: officers, trustees and
                 retired trustees of the Fund; bona fide, full-time and
                 retired employees of Nuveen or
 
                                         29
<PAGE>
 
                 ICAP, any parent company of Nuveen, and subsidiaries thereof,
                 or their immediate family members; any person who, for at
                 least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona fide
                 employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their immediate family
                 members; officers and directors of bank holding companies
                 that make Fund shares available directly or through
                 subsidiaries or bank affiliates; and bank or broker-
                 affiliated trust departments; investors purchasing on a
                 periodic fee, asset-based fee or no transaction fee basis
                 through a broker-dealer sponsored mutual fund purchase
                 program; and clients of investment advisers, financial
                 planners or other financial intermediaries that charge
                 periodic or asset-based fees for their services. For further
                 details about these special categories and their eligibility
                 requirements, please consult your financial adviser or the
                 Statement of Additional Information, or call Nuveen at 800-
                 621-7227.
 
                 If you are eligible to purchase either Class R Shares or
                 Class A Shares without a sales charge at net asset value, you
                 should be aware of the differences between these two classes
                 of shares. Class A Shares are subject to an annual service
                 fee to compensate Authorized Dealers for providing you with
                 ongoing account services. Class R Shares are not subject to a
                 distribution or service fee and, consequently, holders of
                 Class R Shares may not receive the same types or levels of
                 services from Authorized Dealers. In choosing between Class A
                 Shares and Class R Shares, you should weigh the benefits of
                 the services to be provided by Authorized Dealers against the
                 annual service fee imposed upon the Class A Shares.
 
                 INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE OF SHARES
The Fund         You may buy Fund shares through Authorized Dealers or by
offers a         calling or directing your financial adviser to call Nuveen
number of        toll-free at 800-843-6765. You may pay for your purchase by
convenient       Federal Reserve draft or by check made payable to "Nuveen
payment          Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund, Class [A], [B], [C], [R],"
methods          delivered to the financial adviser through whom the
                 investment is to be made for forwarding to the Fund's
                 shareholder services agent, SSI. When making your initial
                 investment, you must also furnish the information necessary
                 to establish your Fund account by completing and enclosing
                 with your payment the attached Application Form. After your
                 initial investment, you may make subsequent purchases at any
                 time by forwarding to your financial adviser or SSI a check
                 in the amount of your purchase made payable to "Nuveen
                 Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund, Class [A], [B], [C], [R],"
                 and indicating on the check your account number. All payments
                 need to be in U.S. dollars and should be sent directly to SSI
                 at its address listed on the back cover of this Prospectus. A
                 check drawn on a foreign bank or payable other than to the
                 order of the Fund generally will not be acceptable. You may
                 also wire Federal Funds directly to SSI, but you may be
                 charged a
 
                                         30
<PAGE>
 
                 fee for this. For instructions on how to make Fund purchases
                 by wire transfer, call Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-7227.
 
                 PURCHASE PRICE
                    
                 The price at which you purchase a class of Fund shares is
                 based on the next calculation of the net asset value for that
                 share class after the order is placed. The net asset value
                 per share of each share class is determined as of the close
                 of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the
                 New York Stock Exchange is open for business. See "Net Asset
                 Value," below for a description of how net asset value is
                 calculated.     
 
                 MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS
                 Generally, your first purchase of any class of the Fund's
                 shares needs to be for $3,000 or more ($1,000 or more for an
                 Individual Retirement Account). Additional purchases may be
                 in amounts of $50 or more. These minimums may be changed at
                 any time by the Fund. There are exceptions to these minimums
                 for shareholders who qualify under one or more of the Fund's
                 automatic investment, group purchase or reinvestment
                 programs.
 
                 SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
The Fund         The Fund offers you several opportunities to capture the
offers several   benefits of "dollar cost averaging" through systematic
ways to make     investment programs. In a regularly followed dollar cost
systematic       averaging program, you would purchase more shares when Fund
investments      share prices are lower and fewer shares when Fund share
                 prices are higher, so that the average price paid for Fund
                 shares is less than the average price of the Fund shares over
                 the same time period. Dollar cost averaging does not assure
                 profits or protect against losses in a steadily declining
                 market. Since dollar cost averaging involves continuous
                 investment regardless of fluctuating price levels, you should
                 consider your financial ability to continue investing in
                 declining as well as rising markets before deciding to invest
                 in this way. The Fund offers two different types of
                 systematic investment programs:
 
Automatic        Once you have established a Fund account, you may make
Deposit Plan     regular investments in an amount of $25 or more each month by
                 authorizing SSI to draw preauthorized checks on your bank
                 account. There is no obligation to continue payments and you
                 may terminate your participation at any time at your
                 discretion. No charge in addition to the applicable sales
                 charge is made in connection with this Plan, and there is no
                 cost to the Fund. To obtain an application form for the
                 Automatic Deposit Plan, check the applicable box on the
                 enclosed Application Form or call Nuveen toll-free at 800-
                 621-7227.
 
                                         31
<PAGE>
 
 
Payroll Direct   Once you have established a Fund account, you may, with your
Deposit Plan     employer's consent, make regular investments in Fund shares
                 of $25 or more per pay period by authorizing your employer to
                 deduct this amount automatically from your paycheck. There is
                 no obligation to continue payments and you may terminate your
                 participation at any time at your discretion. No charge in
                 addition to the applicable sales charge is made for this
                 Plan, and there is no cost to the Fund. To obtain an
                 application form for the Payroll Direct Deposit Plan, check
                 the applicable box on the enclosed Application Form or call
                 Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-7227.
 
                 OTHER SHAREHOLDER PROGRAMS
Exchange         You may exchange shares of a class of the Fund for shares of
Privilege        the same class of any other Nuveen Mutual Fund with
                 reciprocal exchange privileges, at net asset value without a
                 sales charge, by sending a written request to the Fund, c/o
                 Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO 80217-
                 5330. Similarly, Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R Shares
                 of other Nuveen Mutual Funds may be exchanged for the same
                 class of shares of the Fund at net asset value without a
                 sales charge. Exchanges of shares from any Nuveen money
                 market fund will be made into Class A Shares, Class B Shares,
                 Class C Shares or Class R Shares (if eligible) of the Fund at
                 the public offering price. If, however, a sales charge has
                 previously been paid on the investment represented by the
                 exchanged shares (i.e., the shares to be exchanged were
                 originally issued in exchange for shares on which a sales
                 charge was paid), the exchange of shares from a Nuveen money
                 market fund will be made into shares of the Fund at net asset
                 value. Class A Shares, Class C Shares or Class R Shares may
                 be exchanged for shares of any Nuveen money market fund, but
                 Class B Shares may not be exchanged for shares of a Nuveen
                 money market fund.
 
                 If you exchange shares subject to a CDSC, no CDSC will be
                 charged at the time of the exchange. However, if you
                 subsequently redeem the shares acquired through the exchange,
                 the redemption may be subject to a CDSC, depending on when
                 you purchased your original shares and the CDSC schedule of
                 the fund from which you exchanged your shares.
 
                 The shares to be purchased must be offered in your state of
                 residence and you must have held the shares you are
                 exchanging for at least 15 days. The total value of exchanged
                 shares must at least equal the minimum investment requirement
                 of the Nuveen Mutual Fund being purchased. For federal income
                 tax purposes, any exchange constitutes a sale and purchase of
                 shares and may result in capital gain or loss. Before making
                 any exchange, you should obtain the Prospectus for the Nuveen
                 Mutual Fund you are purchasing and read it carefully. If the
                 registration of the
 
                                         32
<PAGE>
 
                 account for the Fund you are purchasing is not exactly the
                 same as that of the fund account from which the exchange is
                 made, written instructions from all holders of the account
                 from which the exchange is being made must be received, with
                 signatures guaranteed by a member of an approved Medallion
                 Guarantee Program or in such other manner as may be
                 acceptable to the Fund. You may also exchange shares by
                 telephone if you authorize telephone exchanges by checking
                 the applicable box on the enclosed Application Form or by
                 calling Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-7227 to obtain an
                 authorization form. The exchange privilege may be modified or
                 discontinued by the Fund at any time upon prior written
                 notice to shareholders of the Fund.
 
                 The exchange privilege is not intended to permit the Fund to
                 be used as a vehicle for short-term trading. Excessive
                 exchange activity may interfere with portfolio management,
                 raise expenses, and otherwise have an adverse effect on all
                 shareholders. In order to limit excessive exchange activity
                 and in other circumstances where Fund management believes
                 doing so would be in the best interest of the Fund, the Fund
                 reserves the right to revise or terminate the exchange
                 privilege, or limit the amount or number of exchanges or
                 reject any exchange. Shareholders would be notified of any
                 such action to the extent required by law.
 
Reinstatement    If you redeemed Class A, Class B or Class C Shares of the
Privilege        Fund or any other Nuveen Mutual Fund that were subject to a
                 sales charge or a CDSC, you have up to one year to reinvest
                 all or part of the full amount of the redemption in the same
                 class of shares of the Fund at net asset value. This
                 reinstatement privilege can be exercised only once for any
                 redemption, and reinvestment will be made at the net asset
                 value next calculated after reinstatement of the appropriate
                 class of Fund shares. If you reinstate shares that were
                 subject to a CDSC, your holding period as of the redemption
                 date also will be reinstated for purposes of calculating a
                 CDSC. The federal income tax consequences of any capital gain
                 realized on a redemption will not be affected by
                 reinstatement, but a capital loss may be disallowed in whole
                 or in part depending on the timing, the amount of the
                 reinvestment and the fund from which the redemption occurred.
 
Fund Direct      You can use Fund Direct to link your Fund account to your
                 account at a bank or other financial institution. Fund Direct
                 enables you to transfer money electronically between these
                 accounts and perform a variety of account transactions. These
                 include purchasing shares by telephone, investing through an
                 Automatic Deposit Plan, and sending dividends, distributions,
                 redemption payments or Automatic Withdrawal Plan payments
                 directly to your bank account. Please refer to the
                 Application for details, or call SSI at 800-621-7227 for more
                 information.
 
                                         33
<PAGE>
 
 
                 Fund Direct privileges may be requested via an Application
                 you obtain by calling 800-621-7227. Fund Direct privileges
                 will apply to each shareholder listed in the registration on
                 your account as well as to your Authorized Dealer
                 representative of record unless and until SSI receives
                 written instructions terminating or changing those
                 privileges. After you establish Fund Direct for your account,
                 any change of bank account information must be made by
                 signature-guaranteed instructions to SSI signed by all
                 shareholders who own the account.
 
                 Purchases may be made by telephone only after your account
                 has been established. To purchase shares in amounts up to
                 $250,000 through a telephone representative, call SSI at 800-
                 621-7227. The purchase payment will be debited from your bank
                 account.
 
                 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE PURCHASE OPTIONS AND TO
                 OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FORMS REQUIRED FOR SOME OF THEM, CALL
                 NUVEEN TOLL-FREE AT 800-621-7227.
 
                 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                 If you choose to invest in the Fund, an account will be
                 opened and maintained for you by SSI, the Fund's shareholder
                 services agent. Share certificates will be issued to you only
                 upon written request to SSI, and no certificates will be
                 issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to
                 reject any purchase order and to waive or increase minimum
                 investment requirements. A change in registration or transfer
                 of shares held in the name of your financial adviser's firm
                 can only be made by an order in good form from the financial
                 adviser acting on your behalf.
 
                 Authorized Dealers are encouraged to open single master
                 accounts. However, some Authorized Dealers may wish to use
                 SSI's sub-accounting system to minimize their internal
                 recordkeeping requirements. An Authorized Dealer or other
                 investor requesting shareholder servicing or accounting other
                 than the master account or sub-accounting service offered by
                 SSI will be required to enter into a separate agreement with
                 another agent for these services for a fee that will depend
                 upon the level of services to be provided.
 
                 Subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
                 Exchange Commission, the Fund reserves the right to suspend
                 the continuous offering of its shares at any time, but no
                 suspension shall affect your right of redemption as described
                 below.
 
                                         34
<PAGE>
 
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
                 The Fund has adopted a plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule
                 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which
                 provides that Class B and Class C Shares will be subject to
                 an annual distribution fee and Class A, Class B and Class C
                 Shares will be subject to an annual service fee. Class R
                 Shares will not be subject to either distribution or service
                 fees.
 
                 The distribution fee applicable to Class B and Class C Shares
                 under the Plan will be payable to reimburse Nuveen for
                 services and expenses incurred in connection with the
                 distribution of such Shares. The distribution fee primarily
                 reimburses Nuveen for providing compensation to Authorized
                 Dealers, including Nuveen, either at the time of sale or on
                 an ongoing basis. The other expenses for which Nuveen may be
                 reimbursed include, without limitation, expenses of printing
                 and distributing prospectuses to persons other than
                 shareholders of the Fund, expenses of preparing, printing and
                 distributing advertising and sales literature and reports to
                 shareholders used in connection with the sale of such Shares,
                 certain other expenses associated with the distribution of
                 such Shares, and any other distribution-related expenses that
                 may be authorized from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
 
                 The service fee applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C
                 Shares under the Plan will be paid to Nuveen to compensate
                 Authorized Dealers, including Nuveen, in connection with the
                 provision of ongoing account services to shareholders. These
                 services may include establishing and maintaining shareholder
                 accounts, answering shareholder inquiries and providing other
                 personal services to shareholders.
 
                 The Fund may spend up to .25 of 1% per year of the average
                 daily net assets of Class A Shares as a service fee under the
                 Plan applicable to Class A Shares. The Fund may spend up to
                 .75 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of Class B
                 Shares as a distribution fee and up to .25 of 1% per year of
                 the average daily net assets of Class B Shares as a service
                 fee under the Plan applicable to Class B Shares. The Fund may
                 spend up to .75 of 1% per year of the average daily net
                 assets of Class C Shares as a distribution fee and up to .25
                 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of Class C
                 Shares as a service fee under the Plan applicable to Class C
                 Shares.
 
                                         35
<PAGE>
 
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
                 You may redeem your Fund shares at any time for cash at the
                 net asset value next computed after the redemption
                 instructions and any required documents and certificates are
                 received in proper form, as described below. There is no
                 charge for the redemption of Class R Shares.
 
                 CLASS A SHARES
                 Class A Shares are normally redeemed at net asset value,
                 without any CDSC. However, in the case of Class A purchases
                 of $1 million or more at net asset value, where the dealer of
                 record has not waived the sales commission, a CDSC of 1% is
                 imposed on any redemptions within 18 months of purchase.
 
                 CLASS B SHARES
                 Class B Shares redeemed within 6 years of purchase may be
                 subject to a CDSC. The level of the CDSC is determined by how
                 long you have owned your shares, as described under "How to
                 Buy Fund Shares--Class B Shares," above.
 
                 CLASS C SHARES
                 Class C Shares are redeemed at net asset value, without any
                 CDSC, except that a CDSC of 1% is imposed upon redemptions of
                 Class C Shares within 12 months of purchase.
 
                 OPERATION OF THE CDSC
                 In determining whether a CDSC is payable, a Fund will first
                 redeem shares not subject to any charge, and then in the
                 order in which the Class B Shares were purchased or in the
                 reverse order in which the Class A or Class C Shares were
                 purchased, except if another order of redemption would result
                 in a lower charge or you specify another order. No CDSC is
                 charged on shares purchased as a result of automatic
                 reinvestment of dividends or capital gains paid. In addition,
                 no CDSC will be charged on exchanges of shares into another
                 Nuveen Mutual Fund or money
                 market fund. Your holding period is calculated on a monthly
                 basis and begins the first day of the month in which the
                 order for investment is received. The CDSC is calculated
                 based on the lower of the redeemed shares' cost or net asset
                 value at the time of the redemption and is deducted from the
                 redemption proceeds. Nuveen receives the amount of any CDSC
                 you pay. The CDSC may be waived under certain special
                 circumstances, as described in the Statement of Additional
                 Information.
 
                                         36
<PAGE>
 
 
By Written       You may redeem shares by sending a written request for
Request          redemption directly to the Fund, c/o Shareholder Services,
                 Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO 80217-5330, accompanied by
                 duly endorsed certificates, if issued. Requests for
                 redemption and share certificates, if issued, must be signed
                 by each shareholder and, if the redemption proceeds exceed
                 $50,000 or are payable other than to the shareholder of
                 record at the address of record (which address may not have
                 changed in the preceding 60 days), the signature must be
                 guaranteed by a member of an approved Medallion Guarantee
                 Program or in such other manner as may be acceptable to the
                 Fund. You will receive payment based on the net asset value
                 per share next determined after receipt by the Fund of a
                 properly executed redemption request in proper form. A check
                 for the redemption proceeds will be mailed to you within
                 seven days after receipt of your redemption request. For
                 accounts registered in the name of a broker-dealer, payment
                 will be forwarded within three business days. However, if any
                 shares to be redeemed were purchased by check within 15 days
                 prior to the date the redemption request is received, the
                 Fund will not mail the redemption proceeds until the check
                 received for the purchase of shares has cleared, which may
                 take up to 15 days.
 
By TEL-A-CHECK   If you have authorized telephone redemption and your account
                 address has not changed within the last 60 days, you can
                 redeem shares that are held in non-certificate form and that
                 are worth $50,000 or less by calling Nuveen at 800-621-7227.
                 While you or anyone authorized by you may make telephone
                 redemption requests, redemption checks will be issued only in
                 the name of the shareholder of record and will be mailed to
                 the address of record. If your telephone request is received
                 prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption check will
                 normally be mailed the next business day. For requests
                 received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be
                 effected at 4:00 p.m. eastern time the following business day
                 and the check will normally be mailed on the second business
                 day after the request.
By TEL-A-WIRE    If you have authorized TEL-A-WIRE redemption or established
or Fund Direct   Fund Direct privileges, you can take advantage of the
                 following expedited redemption procedures to redeem shares
                 held in non-certificate form that are worth at least $1,000.
                 You may make TEL-A-WIRE redemption requests through a phone
                 representative or Fund Direct redemption requests by calling
                 Nuveen at 800-621-7227. If a redemption request is received
                 by 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be made as of
                 4:00 p.m. that day. If the redemption request is received
                 after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, the redemption will be made as
                 of 4:00 p.m. the following business day. Proceeds of
                 redemptions through TEL-A-WIRE will normally be wired on the
                 second business day following the redemption, but may be
                 delayed one additional
 
                                         37
<PAGE>
 
                 business day if the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or the
                 Federal Reserve Bank of New York is closed on the day
                 redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired. The Fund
                 reserves the right to charge a fee for TEL-A-WIRE. Proceeds
                 of redemptions through Fund Direct will normally be wired to
                 your Fund Direct bank account on the second or third business
                 day after the redemption.
 
                 Before you may redeem shares by TEL-A-CHECK, TEL-A-WIRE or
                 Fund Direct, you need to complete the telephone redemption
                 authorization section of the enclosed Application Form or the
                 Fund Direct Application Form and return it to Nuveen or SSI.
                 If you did not authorize telephone redemption when you opened
                 your account, you may obtain a telephone redemption
                 authorization form by writing the Fund or by calling Nuveen
                 toll-free at 800-621-7227. Proceeds of share redemptions made
                 by TEL-A-WIRE will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire
                 only to the commercial bank account specified by the
                 shareholder on the application form. You need to send a
                 written request to Nuveen or SSI in order to establish
                 multiple accounts, or to change the account or accounts
                 designated to receive redemption proceeds. These requests
                 must be signed by each account owner with signatures
                 guaranteed by a member of an approved Medallion Guarantee
                 Program or in such other manner as may be acceptable to the
                 Fund. Further documentation may be required from
                 corporations, executors, trustees or personal
                 representatives.
 
                 For the convenience of shareholders, the Fund has authorized
                 Nuveen as its agent to accept orders from financial advisers
                 by wire or telephone for the redemption of Fund shares. The
                 redemption price is the first net asset value of the
                 appropriate share class determined following receipt of an
                 order placed by the financial adviser. The Fund makes payment
                 for the redeemed shares to the securities representatives who
                 placed the order promptly upon presentation of required
                 documents with signatures guaranteed as described above.
                 Neither the Fund nor Nuveen charges any redemption fees other
                 than any CDSC as described above. However, your financial
                 adviser may charge you for serving as agent in the redemption
                 of shares.
 
                 The Fund reserves the right to refuse telephone redemptions
                 and, at its option, may limit the timing, amount or frequency
                 of these redemptions. Telephone redemption procedures may be
                 modified or terminated at any time, on 30 days' notice, by
                 the Fund. The Fund, SSI and Nuveen will not be liable for
                 following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be
                 genuine. The Fund employs procedures reasonably designed to
                 confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. These
                 procedures include recording all telephone instructions and
                 requiring up to three forms of identification prior to acting
                 upon a caller's instructions. If the Fund does
 
                                         38
<PAGE>
 
                 not follow reasonable procedures for protecting shareholders
                 against loss on telephone transactions, it may be liable for
                 any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
                 instructions.
 
Automatic        If you own Fund shares currently worth at least $10,000, you
Withdrawal       may establish an Automatic Withdrawal Plan by completing an
Plan             application form for the Plan. You may obtain an application
                 form by checking the applicable box on the enclosed
                 Application Form or by calling Nuveen toll-free at 800-621-
                 7227.
 
                 The Plan permits you to request periodic withdrawals on a
                 monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis in an amount
                 of $50 or more. Depending upon the size of the withdrawals
                 requested under the Plan and fluctuations in the net asset
                 value of Fund shares, these withdrawals may reduce or even
                 exhaust your account.
 
                 The purchase of Class A Shares, other than through
                 reinvestment, while you are participating in the Automatic
                 Withdrawal Plan with respect to Class A Shares will usually
                 be disadvantageous because you will be paying a sales charge
                 on any Class A Shares you purchase at the same time you are
                 redeeming shares. Similarly, use of the Automatic Withdrawal
                 Plan for Class B Shares held for less than six years or Class
                 C Shares held for less than 12 months may be disadvantageous
                 because the newly-purchased Class B or Class C Shares will be
                 subject to the CDSC.
 
General          The Fund may suspend the right of redemption of Fund shares
                 or delay payment more than seven days (a) during any period
                 when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than
                 customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when trading in
                 the markets the Fund normally utilizes is restricted, or an
                 emergency exists as determined by the Securities and Exchange
                 Commission so that trading of the Fund's investments or
                 determination of its net asset value is not reasonably
                 practicable, or (c) for any other periods that the Securities
                 and Exchange Commission by order may permit for protection of
                 Fund shareholders.
 
                 The Fund may, from time to time, establish a minimum total
                 investment for Fund shareholders, and the Fund reserves the
                 right to redeem your shares if your investment is less than
                 the minimum after giving you at least 30 days' notice. If any
                 minimum total investment is established, and if your account
                 is below the minimum, you will be allowed 30 days following
                 the notice in which to purchase sufficient shares to meet the
                 minimum. So long as the Fund continues to offer shares at net
                 asset value to holders of Nuveen Unit Trusts who are
                 investing their Nuveen Unit Trust distributions, no minimum
                 total investment will be established for the Fund.
 
                                         39
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of         The management of the Fund, including general supervision of
Trustees         the duties performed for the Fund by NIAC under the
                 Management Agreement, is the responsibility of the Board of
                 Trustees of the Trust.
 
NIAC oversees    Overall management of the Fund is the responsibility of NIAC,
operation of     which is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois
the Fund         60606. NIAC oversees the management of the Fund's investment
                 portfolio, manages the Fund's business affairs and provides
                 certain day-to-day administrative services to the Fund. NIAC
                 has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with ICAP under
                 which ICAP manages the Fund's equity investments.
 
NIAC manages        
the Fund's       NIAC manages the Fund's municipal investments and is
municipal        responsible for the periodic rebalancing of the Fund's
investments      investment portfolio in order to achieve the Fund's target
                 investment mix. Anthony T. Dean, a Trustee and Chairman of
                 the Board, has general supervisory responsibility for all
                 investment company assets managed by NIAC. The day to day
                 management of the Fund's municipal portfolio is the
                 responsibility of Daniel F. Solender, an Assistant Portfolio
                 Manager of NIAC since July 1996 and portfolio manager of the
                 municipal portfolio since the Fund's inception. Mr. Solender
                 is also an Assistant Portfolio Manager of Nuveen Advisory
                 Corp., another investment subsidiary of Nuveen. Prior to
                 joining Nuveen Advisory Corp., he attended the University of
                 Chicago (from September 1990 to June 1992) where he received
                 his MBA and worked part-time in Nuveen's research department.
                 Mr. Solender currently manages nine Nuveen-sponsored
                 investment companies. NIAC places orders for the purchase and
                 sale of Municipal Obligations and is responsible for
                 selecting the broker-dealers who execute the portfolio
                 transactions.     
 
                 Consistent with the Fund's investment objective, NIAC's day-
                 to-day management of the Fund's Municipal Obligations is
                 characterized by an emphasis on value investing, a process
                 which involves the search for Municipal Obligations with
                 favorable characteristics that, in NIAC's judgment, have not
                 yet been recognized in the marketplace. The process of
                 searching for such undervalued or underrated securities is an
                 ongoing one that draws upon the resources of the portfolio
                 managers of the various Nuveen funds and senior management of
                 NIAC. All portfolio management decisions are subject to
                 weekly review by NIAC's management and to quarterly review by
                 the Board of Trustees.
 
                 NIAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen, which has
                 sponsored or underwritten more than $60 billion of investment
                 company securities. Nuveen, the principal underwriter of the
                 Fund's shares, is sponsor of the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
                 a registered unit investment trust. It is also the principal
                 underwriter for the Nuveen Mutual Funds, and served as co-
                 managing underwriter for the shares of the Nuveen Exchange-
                 Traded Funds. Over 1,000,000 individuals have invested to
                 date
 
                                         40
<PAGE>
 
                 in Nuveen investment products. Founded in 1898, Nuveen is a
                 subsidiary of The John Nuveen Company which, in turn, is
                 approximately 80% owned by The St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("St.
                 Paul"). St. Paul is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is
                 principally engaged in providing property-liability insurance
                 through subsidiaries.
 
                 For the fund management services and facilities furnished by
                 NIAC, the Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee as
                 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FUND
           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSET     MANAGEMENT
           VALUE                           FEE
                 ---------------------------------
           <S>                         <C>
           For the first $125 million  .7500 of 1%
           For the next $125 million   .7375 of 1%
           For the next $250 million   .7250 of 1%
           For the next $500 million   .7125 of 1%
           For the next $1 billion     .7000 of 1%
           For assets over $2 billion  .6750 of 1%
</TABLE>
                    
                 All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before
                 payment of dividends to investors. In addition to the fee
                 paid to NIAC, the Fund pays all its other costs and expenses
                 and a portion of the Nuveen Investment Trust's general
                 administrative expenses allocated in proportion to the net
                 assets of each Fund. In order to prevent total operating
                 expenses (excluding any distribution or service fees and
                 extraordinary expenses) from exceeding .85 of 1% of the
                 average daily net asset value of any class of shares of the
                 Fund for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, NIAC has agreed
                 to waive all or a portion of its management fees or reimburse
                 certain expenses of the Fund.     
 
ICAP manages     ICAP was founded in 1970 and is located at 225 West Wacker
the Fund's       Drive, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606. Under the Sub-Advisory
equity           Agreement, NIAC pays ICAP a portfolio management fee on a
investments      specified proportion of the Fund's average daily net asset
                 value, such proportion to be equal to the Fund's target
                 investment mix with respect to Equity Securities. The
                 portfolio management fee is paid at an annual rate as set
                 forth below, and is determined by reference to the average
                 daily market value of the equity assets of all Nuveen-
                 sponsored investment products for which ICAP is designated as
                 portfolio manager:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           PORTION OF NUVEEN           PORTFOLIO
           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS    MANAGEMENT
           MANAGED BY ICAP                FEE
                 --------------------------------
           <S>                         <C>
           For the first $500 million  .35 of 1%
           For the next $500 million   .30 of 1%
           For assets over $1 billion  .25 of 1%
</TABLE>
 
                                         41
<PAGE>
 
 
                 The investment decisions made with respect to the Fund's
                 equity investments are made through a team approach, with all
                 of the ICAP investment professionals contributing to the
                 process. ICAP currently maintains a staff of 12 investment
                 professionals. Each of the investment officers and other
                 investment professionals of ICAP has developed an expertise
                 in at least one functional investment area, including equity
                 research, strategy, fixed income analysis, quantitative
                 research, technical research, and trading. A key element in
                 the decision making process is a formal investment committee
                 meeting generally held each business day and attended by all
                 the investment professionals. These meetings also provide for
                 the ongoing review of ICAP's investment positions. Pertinent
                 information from outside sources is shared and incorporated
                 into the investment outlook. The investment strategy, asset
                 sectors, and individual security holdings are reviewed to
                 verify their continued appropriateness. Investment
                 recommendations are presented to the committee for decisions.
 
                 ICAP provides continuous advice and recommendations
                 concerning the assets of the Fund allocated to Equity
                 Securities, and is responsible for selecting the broker-
                 dealers who execute the portfolio's transactions. In
                 executing such transactions, ICAP seeks to obtain the best
                 net results for the Fund. ICAP also serves as investment
                 adviser to the ICAP Funds, Inc. and to pension and profit-
                 sharing plans, and other institutional and private investors.
                 As of May 1, 1996, ICAP had approximately $5 billion under
                 management. Mr. Robert H. Lyon, President of ICAP, owns
                 shares representing 51% of the voting rights of ICAP. In
                 addition, The John Nuveen Company owns preferred shares of
                 ICAP, which are convertible after several years into a 20%
                 common stock interest of ICAP.
 
 
                                         42
<PAGE>
 
HOW THE FUND SHOWS PERFORMANCE
                 The Fund may quote its yield or total return in reports to
                 shareholders, sales literature and advertisements. The Fund
                 may also from time to time compare its investment results to
                 various passive indices or other mutual funds with similar
                 investment objectives. Comparative performance information
                 may include data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.,
                 Morningstar, Inc. and other industry publications. See the
                 Statement of Additional Information for a more detailed
                 discussion.
 
                 All total return figures assume the reinvestment of all
                 dividends and measure the net investment income generated by,
                 and the effect of any realized and unrealized appreciation or
                 depreciation of, the underlying investments in the Fund over
                 a specified period of time. Average annual total return
                 figures are annualized and therefore represent the average
                 annual percentage change over the specified period.
                 Cumulative total return figures are not annualized and
                 represent the aggregate percentage or dollar value change
                 over a stated period of time. Average annual total return and
                 cumulative total return are based upon the historical results
                 of the Fund and are not necessarily representative of the
                 future performance of the Fund.
 
                                         43
<PAGE>
 
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
                 DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund pays    The Fund will pay monthly tax-exempt income dividends to
monthly tax-     shareholders at a level rate that reflects the past and
free dividends   projected net tax-exempt income of the Fund and that results,
                 over time, in the distribution of substantially all of the
                 Fund's net tax-exempt income. To maintain a more stable
                 monthly distribution, the Fund may from time to time
                 distribute less than the entire amount of net tax-exempt
                 income earned in a particular period. This undistributed net
                 tax-exempt income would be available to supplement future
                 distributions, which might otherwise have been reduced by a
                 decrease in the Fund's monthly net income due to fluctuations
                 in investment income or expenses. As a result, the tax-exempt
                 income distributions paid by the Fund for any particular
                 monthly period may be more or less than the amount of net
                 tax-exempt income actually earned by the Fund during such
                 period. Undistributed net tax-exempt income is included in
                 the Fund's net asset value and, correspondingly,
                 distributions from previously undistributed net tax-exempt
                 income are deducted from the Fund's net asset value. It is
                 not expected that this dividend policy will impact the
                 management of the Fund's portfolio.
 
                 Net ordinary taxable income, including dividends received on
                 the Fund's equity investments, and net realized capital
                 gains, if any, will be paid annually.
 
                 When a dividend or capital gain is distributed, the Fund's
                 net asset value decreases by the amount of the payment. ANY
                 DISTRIBUTION OF ORDINARY TAXABLE INCOME AND CAPITAL GAIN WILL
                 BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX, EVEN IF THE DISTRIBUTION
                 OCCURS SHORTLY AFTER A PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES. All dividends
                 or capital gains distributions will automatically be
                 reinvested in additional shares of the same class of the Fund
                 at the then prevailing net asset value unless an investor
                 specifically requests that either dividends or capital gains,
                 or both, be paid in cash. The election to receive dividends
                 or reinvest them may be changed by writing to: Nuveen Funds,
                 c/o Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, CO
                 80217-5330. Such notice needs to be received at least 5 days
                 prior to the record date of any dividend or capital gain
                 distribution.
 
                                         44
<PAGE>
 
TAX MATTERS
                 FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
                 The Fund intends to operate as a "Regulated Investment
                 Company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and
                 therefore will not be liable for federal income taxes to the
                 extent earnings are distributed on a timely basis. In
                 addition the Fund intends to satisfy conditions which will
                 enable interest from Municipal Obligations, which is exempt
                 from federal income tax when received by the Fund, to qualify
                 as "exempt-interest" dividends when distributed to the
                 Shareholders of the Fund.
 
                 Each year the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of
                 its net tax-exempt income from Municipal Obligations, any
                 ordinary taxable income, including dividends from Equity
                 Securities, recognized market discount and net realized
                 short-term capital gains, and net realized long-term capital
                 gains, if any.
 
                 Exempt-interest dividends are not subject to the regular
                 federal income tax, but may be subject to the federal
                 alternative minimum tax as set forth below. For federal
                 income tax purposes, all dividends paid by the Fund that are
                 derived from taxable net investment income and net short-term
                 capital gains are taxable as ordinary income whether
                 reinvested or received in cash unless you are exempt from
                 taxation or entitled to tax deferral. Distributions paid by
                 the Fund from net long-term capital gains, whether received
                 in cash or reinvested in additional shares, are taxable as
                 long-term capital gain. The capital gain holding period for
                 this purpose is determined by the length of time the Fund has
                 held the security and not the length of time you have held
                 shares in the Fund. Long-term capital gain distributions
                 received by individual shareholders are taxed at a maximum
                 rate of 28%.
 
                 Federal tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with
                 respect to both corporations and individuals based on certain
                 items of tax preference. Interest on certain Municipal
                 Obligations is included as an item of tax preference in
                 determining the amount of a taxpayer's alternative minimum
                 taxable income. To the extent that the Fund receives income
                 from Municipal Obligations treated as a tax preference item
                 for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax, a
                 portion of the dividends paid by it, although otherwise
                 exempt from federal income tax, will be taxable to holders of
                 Shares to the extent that their tax liability is determined
                 under the alternative minimum tax. In addition, for
                 corporations, alternative minimum taxable income is increased
                 by 75% of the difference between an alternative measure of
                 income ("adjusted current earnings") and the amount otherwise
                 determined to be the alternative minimum taxable income. The
                 Fund will annually supply Shareholders with a report
                 indicating the percentage of Fund income attributable to
 
                                         45
<PAGE>
 
                 Municipal Obligations that is treated as a tax preference
                 item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax.
 
                 Shareholders will be required to disclose on their federal
                 income tax returns the amount of tax-exempt interest earned
                 during the year, including exempt-interest dividends from the
                 Fund.
 
                 Under certain circumstances, a corporate shareholder may be
                 entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to
                 such shareholder's taxable dividends which are attributable
                 to dividends received by the Fund on its Equity Securities.
 
                 A more detailed summary of the provisions of the Code and
                 regulations thereunder presently in effect as they directly
                 govern the taxation of the Fund and its Shareholders appears
                 in the Statement of Additional Information. These provisions
                 are subject to change by legislative or administrative
                 action, and any such change may be retroactive with respect
                 to Fund transactions. Shareholders are advised to consult
                 with their own tax advisers for more detailed information
                 concerning Federal income tax matters.
 
                 STATE AND LOCAL TAX MATTERS
                 The exemption from federal income tax for exempt-interest
                 dividends does not necessarily result in exemption for such
                 dividends under the income or other tax laws of any state or
                 local taxing authority. Some states exempt from state income
                 tax that portion of any exempt-interest dividend that is
                 derived from interest received by a regulated investment
                 company on its holdings of securities of that state and its
                 political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Therefore, the
                 Fund will report annually to its shareholders the percentage
                 of interest income earned by the Fund during the preceding
                 year on tax-exempt Municipal Obligations indicating, on a
                 state-by-state basis, the source of such income.
 
                 Shareholders of the Fund are advised to consult with their
                 own tax advisers about state and local tax matters.
 
                                         46
<PAGE>
 
 
                 GENERAL
                 If you do not furnish the Fund with your correct social
                 security number or employer identification number, the Fund
                 is required by federal law to withhold federal income tax
                 from your distributions and redemption proceeds at a rate of
                 31%.
 
                 This section is not intended to be a full discussion of
                 federal and state income tax laws and the effect of such laws
                 on you. A more detailed summary appears in the Statement of
                 Additional Information. There may be other federal, state, or
                 local tax considerations applicable to a particular investor.
                 You are urged to consult your own tax adviser.
 
                                         47
<PAGE>
 
NET ASSET VALUE
Net asset           
value is         The Fund's net asset value per share is determined as of the
calculated       close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) on each
daily            day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. The
                 Fund's net asset value may not be calculated on days during
                 which the Fund receives no orders to purchase shares and no
                 shares are tendered for redemption. Net asset value is
                 calculated by taking the fair value of the Fund's total
                 assets, including interest or dividends accrued but not yet
                 collected, less all liabilities, and dividing by the total
                 number of shares outstanding. The result, rounded to the
                 nearest cent, is the net asset value per share. In
                 determining net asset value, expenses are accrued and applied
                 daily and securities and other assets for which market
                 quotations are available are valued at market value. Common
                 stocks and other equity-type securities are valued at the
                 last sales price on the national securities exchange or
                 Nasdaq on which such securities are primarily traded;
                 however, securities traded on a national securities exchange
                 or Nasdaq for which there were no transactions on a given day
                 or securities not listed on a national securities exchange or
                 Nasdaq are valued at the most recent bid prices. Municipal
                 obligations are valued by a pricing service that values
                 portfolio securities at the mean between the quoted bid and
                 asked prices or the yield equivalent when quotations are
                 readily available. Securities for which quotations are not
                 readily available (which are expected to constitute a
                 majority of the Municipal Obligations held by the Fund) are
                 valued at fair value as determined by the pricing service
                 using methods that include consideration of the following:
                 yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable quality,
                 type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating; indications as to
                 value from securities dealers; and general market conditions.
                 The pricing service may employ electronic data processing
                 techniques and/or a matrix system to determine valuations.
                 Debt securities having remaining maturities of 60 days or
                 less when pruchased are valued by the amortized cost method
                 when the Board of Trustees determines that the fair market
                 value of such securities is their amortized cost. Under this
                 method of valuation, a security is initially valued at its
                 acquisition cost, and thereafter amortization of any discount
                 or premium is assumed each day, regardless of the impact of
                 fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the
                 security. Regardless of the method employed to value a
                 particular security, all valuations are subject to review by
                 the Fund's Board of Trustees or its delegate who may
                 determine the appropriate value of a security whenever the
                 value as calculated is significantly different from the
                 previous day's calculated value.     
 
Fund expenses    In addition to the Fund management fee paid to NIAC and the
                 distribution and service fees paid to Nuveen, the Fund is
                 responsible for its own expenses that are not covered under
                 such agreements, including, without limitation: custodial,
                 transfer agent, accounting and legal fees; interest charges;
                 brokerage commissions; organizational expenses; and
                 extraordinary expenses.
 
                                         48
<PAGE>
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
Custodian and       
Transfer and     The Custodian of the assets of the Fund is The Chase
Shareholder      Manhattan Bank ("Chase"), 770 Broadway, New York, New York
Service Agent    10003. Chase also provides certain accounting services to the
                 Fund. The Fund's transfer, shareholder services and dividend
                 paying agent, Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330,
                 Denver, CO 80217-5330, performs bookkeeping, data processing
                 and administrative services for the maintenance of
                 shareholder accounts.     
 
Organization     The Fund is a series of the Nuveen Investment Trust
                 ("Trust"). The Trust is an open-end diversified management
                 investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
                 The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
                 May 6, 1996. The Board of Trustees is authorized to issue an
                 unlimited number of shares in one or more series or "Funds,"
                 which may be divided into classes of shares. Currently, there
                 are three series authorized and outstanding, each of which is
                 divided into four classes of shares designated as Class A
                 Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares.
                 Each class of shares represents an interest in the same
                 portfolio of investments of a Fund. Each class of shares has
                 equal rights as to voting, redemption, dividends and
                 liquidation, except that each bears different class expenses,
                 including different distribution and service fees, and each
                 has exclusive voting rights with respect to any distribution
                 or service plan applicable to its shares. There are no
                 conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights, except
                 that Class B Shares automatically convert into Class A Shares
                 of the same Fund, as described above. The Board of Trustees
                 has the right to establish additional series and classes of
                 shares in the future, to change those series or classes and
                 to determine the preferences, voting powers, rights and
                 privileges thereof.
 
                 The Trust is not required and does not intend to hold annual
                 meetings of shareholders. Shareholders owning more than 10%
                 of the outstanding shares of the Trust have the right to call
                 a special meeting to remove Trustees or for any other
                 purpose.
 
                 Under Massachusetts law applicable to Massachusetts business
                 trusts, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain
                 circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for its
                 obligations. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an
                 express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or
                 obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of this
                 disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or
                 instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the
                 Trustees. The Declaration of Trust further provides for
                 indemnification out of the assets and property of the Trust
                 for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally
                 liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a
                 shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
                 shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which
                 both inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was
                 unable to meet its obligations. The Trust believes the
                 likelihood of the occurrence of these circumstances is
                 remote.
 
                                         49
<PAGE>
 
                                             PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
                                                
                                             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                                 
                                             333 West Wacker Drive
                                                
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286     
                                                
                                             FUND MANAGER     
                                                
                                             Nuveen Institutional Advisory
                                             Corp.     
                                             Subsidiary of John Nuveen & Co. 
                                             Incorporated
                                             333 West Wacker Drive
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606
                                                
                                             EQUITY PORTFOLIO MANAGER     
                                                
                                             Institutional Capital Corporation
                                                    
                                             225 West Wacker Drive     
                                                
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60606     
 
                                             CUSTODIAN
                                                
                                             The Chase Manhattan Bank     
                                             770 Broadway
                                             New York, New York 10003
 
                                             TRANSFER AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
                                             AGENT
                                             Shareholder Services, Inc.
                                             P.O. Box 5330
                                             Denver, Colorado 80217
                                                
                                             800-627-7227     
                                                
                                             INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                                             FOR THE FUND     
                                             Arthur Andersen LLP
                                             33 West Monroe Street
                                             Chicago, Illinois 60603
                                                                           LOGO
                                             EPR-MUNI-STK 8.96     
    LOGO
 
    John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
    333 West Wacker Drive
    Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Additional Information
   
August 1, 1996     
Nuveen Investment Trust
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
NUVEEN GROWTH AND INCOME STOCK FUND
NUVEEN BALANCED STOCK AND BOND FUND
NUVEEN BALANCED MUNICIPAL AND STOCK FUND
   
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. A prospectus may
be obtained from certain securities representatives, banks and other financial
institutions that have entered into sales agreements with John Nuveen & Co. In-
corporated, or from the Fund, c/o John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, 333 West
Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. This Statement of Additional Information
relates to, and should be read in conjunction with, as to each Fund the Pro-
spectus for that Fund dated August 1, 1996.     
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                                                                   <C>
Table of Contents                                                     Page
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Information                                                    B-2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Policies and Restrictions                                   B-2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Policies and Techniques                                     B-4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management                                                            B-18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Manager and Portfolio Manager                                    B-20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Transactions                                                B-21
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value                                                       B-23
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Matters                                                           B-23
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Information                                               B-28
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Information on the Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares  B-31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and Service Plans                                        B-34
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Public Accountants and Custodian                          B-35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Statements                                                  B-36
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report of Independent Public Accountants                              B-37
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix A--Ratings of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund, Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund and
Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund (individually a "Fund" and collec-
tively the "Funds") are series of the Nuveen Investment Trust (the "Trust"), an
open-end diversified management series investment company. Each series of the
Trust represents shares of beneficial interest in a separate portfolio of secu-
rities and other assets, with its own objectives and policies. Currently, three
series of the Trust are authorized and outstanding.
 
Certain matters under the Investment Company Act of 1940 which must be submit-
ted to a vote of the holders of the outstanding voting securities of a series
company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved
by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each se-
ries affected by such matter.
 
                    INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
 
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment objective and certain fundamental investment policies of each
Fund are described in the Prospectus for that Fund. A Fund, as a fundamental
policy, may not, without the approval of the holders of a majority of the
shares of the Fund:
 
(1) With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the securities of any is-
suer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or
any agency or instrumentality thereof) if, as a result, (i) more than 5% of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer, or (ii) the
Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that is-
suer;
 
(2) Borrow money, except that the Fund may (i) borrow money from banks for tem-
porary or emergency purposes (but not for leverage or the purchase of invest-
ments) and (ii) make other investments or engage in other transactions permis-
sible under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that may involve a borrowing,
provided that the combination of (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less the
Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).
 
(3) Act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except to the extent
that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Se-
curities Act of 1933 in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio se-
curities.
 
(4) Make loans to other persons, except through (i) the purchase of debt secu-
rities permissible under the Fund's investment policies, (ii) repurchase agree-
ments, or (iii) the lending of portfolio securities, provided that no such loan
of portfolio securities may be made by the Fund if, as a result, the aggregate
of such loans would exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
 
(5) Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of owner-
ship of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund
from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts, or other derivative in-
struments, or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by phys-
ical commodities).
 
(6) Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of
securities or other instruments (but this shall not prohibit the Fund from pur-
chasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or of
issuers engaged in real estate activities).
 
B-2
<PAGE>
 
(7) Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment Company
Act of 1940.
 
(8) Purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, 25% or more of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers whose prin-
cipal business activities are in the same industry (except that this restric-
tion shall not be applicable to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or any agency or instrumentality thereof and, in the case of the
Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund, to Municipal Obligations, other than
those Municipal Obligations backed only by the assets and revenues of non-gov-
ernmental users).
 
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later
increase in percentage resulting from a change in market value of the invest-
ment or the total assets will not constitute a violation of that restriction.
 
For the purpose of applying the limitation set forth in restriction (1) above
to Municipal Obligations, an issuer shall be deemed the sole issuer of a secu-
rity when its assets and revenues are separate from other governmental entities
and its securities are backed only by its assets and revenues. Similarly, in
the case of a non-governmental user, such as an industrial corporation or a
privately owned or operated hospital, if the security is backed only by the as-
sets and revenues of the non-governmental user, then such non-governmental user
would be deemed to be the sole issuer. Where a security is also backed by the
enforceable obligation of a superior or unrelated governmental or other entity
(other than a bond insurer), it shall also be included in the computation of
securities owned that are issued by such governmental or other entity. Where a
security is guaranteed by a governmental entity or some other facility, such as
a bank guarantee or letter of credit, such a guarantee or letter of credit
would be considered a separate security and would be treated as an issue of
such government, other entity or bank. When a Municipal Obligation is insured
by bond insurance, it shall not be considered a security that is issued or
guaranteed by the insurer; instead, the issuer of such Municipal Obligation
will be determined in accordance with the principles set forth above. The fore-
going restrictions do not limit the percentage of the Nuveen Balanced Municipal
and Stock Fund's assets that may be invested in Municipal Obligations insured
by any given insurer.
 
The foregoing fundamental investment policies, together with the investment ob-
jective of each of the Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund, the Nuveen Balanced
Stock and Bond Fund and the Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund, and cer-
tain other policies specifically identified in the prospectus, cannot be
changed without approval by holders of a "majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting shares." As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, this means
the vote of (i) 67% or more of the Fund's shares present at a meeting, if the
holders of more than 50% of the Fund's shares are present or represented by
proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund's shares, whichever is less.
 
In addition to the foregoing fundamental investment policies, each Fund is also
subject to the following non-fundamental restrictions and policies, which may
be changed by the Board of Trustees. A Fund may not:
 
(1) Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to obtain se-
curities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short at no added
cost, and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options on
futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed to constitute
selling securities short.
 
                                                                             B-3
<PAGE>
 
(2) Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-
term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions; and provided
that margin deposits in connection with futures contracts, options on futures
contracts, or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing se-
curities on margin.
 
(3) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate any assets owned by the Fund except as may
be necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or investments and then
such pledging, mortgaging, or hypothecating may not exceed 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets at the time of the borrowing or investment.
 
(4) Purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by domestic or foreign governments or political subdivisions there-
of) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the
securities of issuers that, including predecessors or unconditional guarantors,
have a record of less than three years of continuous operation. This policy
does not apply to securities of pooled investment vehicles or mortgage or as-
set-backed securities.
 
(5) Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies except
in compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and applicable state law.
 
(6) Enter into futures contracts or related options if more than 30% of the
Fund's net assets would be represented by futures contracts or more than 5% of
the Fund's net assets would be committed to initial margin deposits and premi-
ums on futures contracts and related options.
 
(7) Invest in direct interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration pro-
grams or leases; however, the Fund may invest in the securities of issuers that
engage in these activities.
 
(8) Purchase securities when borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets. If due
to market fluctuations or other reasons, the value of the Fund's assets falls
below 300% of its borrowings, the Fund will reduce its borrowings within 3
business days. To do this, the Fund may have to sell a portion of its invest-
ments at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
 
(9) The Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund, the Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond
Fund and the Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund may not invest in illiq-
uid securities if, as a result of such investment, more than 15% of the Fund's
net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
 
                    INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
 
The following information supplements the discussion of the Funds' investment
objectives, policies, and techniques that are described in the Prospectus for
each Fund.
 
INVESTMENT IN MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
 
Portfolio Investments
Except to the extent the Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund invests in
temporary investments as described below, all of the Fund's investments in Mu-
nicipal Obligations will be comprised of tax- exempt Municipal Obligations that
are either (1) rated at the time of purchase within the four highest grades
(Baa or better by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better
by Standard &
 
B-4
<PAGE>
 
Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P")), or (2) unrated but which, in the opinion of the
NIAC, have credit characteristics equivalent to, and will be of comparable
quality to, Municipal Obligations so rated; provided, however, that not more
than 20% of the Fund's investments in Municipal Obligations may be in such
unrated Municipal Obligations. The foregoing policies are fundamental policies
of the Fund. Municipal Obligations rated Baa or BBB are considered "investment
grade" securities; Municipal Obligations rated Baa are considered medium grade
obligations which lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well, while Municipal Obligations rated BBB are
regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest. Munici-
pal Obligations rated AAA in which the Fund may invest may have been so rated
on the basis of the existence of insurance guaranteeing the timely payment,
when due, of all principal and interest. A general description of Moody's and
S&P's ratings is set forth in Appendix A hereto. The ratings of Moody's and S&P
represent their opinions as to the quality of the Municipal Obligations they
rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not
absolute standards of quality. Consequently, Municipal Obligations with the
same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of
the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield.
 
The foregoing policies as to rating of investments in securities will apply
only at the time of the purchase of a security, and the Fund will not be re-
quired to dispose of securities in the event Moody's or S&P downgrades its as-
sessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issuer.
 
The Fund's municipal portfolio manager pursues a value oriented approach for
selecting municipal securities by seeking to identify underrated or undervalued
Municipal Obligations. Underrated Municipal Obligations are those whose ratings
do not, in NIAC's opinion, reflect their true value. Municipal Obligations may
be underrated because of the time that has elapsed since their rating was as-
signed or reviewed, or because of positive factors that may not have been fully
taken into account by rating agencies, or for other similar reasons. Municipal
Obligations that are undervalued or that represent undervalued municipal market
sectors are Municipal Obligations that, in NIAC's opinion, are worth more than
the value assigned to them in the marketplace. Municipal Obligations of partic-
ular types or purposes (e.g., hospital bonds, industrial revenue bonds or bonds
issued by a particular municipal issuer) may be undervalued because there is a
temporary excess of supply in that market sector, or because of a general de-
cline in the market price of Municipal Obligations of the market sector for
reasons that do not apply to the particular Municipal Obligations that are con-
sidered undervalued. The Fund's investment in underrated or undervalued Munici-
pal Obligations will be based on NIAC's belief that their prices should ulti-
mately reflect their true value.
 
The Fund has not established any limit on the percentage of its portfolio of
investments in Municipal Obligations that may be invested in Municipal Obliga-
tions subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of Federal tax law.
Consequently, a substantial portion of the current income produced by the Fund
may be includable in alternative minimum taxable income. Special considerations
apply to corporate investors. See "Tax Matters."
 
Also included within the general category of Municipal Obligations described in
the Prospectus are participations in lease obligations or installment purchase
contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called "Municipal Lease Obliga-
tions") of municipal authorities or entities. Although a Municipal Lease
 
                                                                             B-5
<PAGE>
 
Obligation does not constitute a general obligation of the municipality for
which the municipality's taxing power is pledged, a Municipal Lease Obligation
is ordinarily backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate
and make the payments due under the Municipal Lease Obligation. However, cer-
tain Municipal Lease Obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses which
provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment
purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such pur-
pose on a yearly basis. In the case of a "non-appropriation" lease, the Fund's
ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or de-
fault will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property, with-
out recourse to the general credit of the lessee, and disposition or releasing
of the property might prove difficult. The Fund will seek to minimize these
risks by not investing more than 20% of the assets allocated to investments in
Municipal Obligations in Municipal Lease Obligations that contain "non-appro-
priation" clauses, and by only investing in those "non-appropriation" Munici-
pal Lease Obligations where (1) the nature of the leased equipment or property
is such that its ownership or use is essential to a governmental function of
the municipality, (2) appropriate covenants will be obtained from the munici-
pal obligor prohibiting the substitution or purchase of similar equipment if
lease payments are not appropriated, (3) the lease obligor has maintained good
market acceptability in the past, and (4) the investment is of a size that
will be attractive to institutional investors.
 
During temporary defensive periods (e.g., times when, in NIAC's opinion, the
ability of the Fund to meet its long-term investment objectives and preserve
the asset value of the Fund may be adversely affected by significant adverse
market, economic, political, or other circumstances), and in order to keep
cash on hand fully invested, the Fund may invest any percentage of its assets
in temporary investments. Temporary investments may be either tax-exempt or
taxable. To the extent the Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund invests in
taxable temporary investments, the Fund will not at such times be in a posi-
tion to achieve that portion of its investment objective of seeking federally
tax-exempt income. For further information, see "Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fixed
Income Securities" and "Short-Term Taxable Fixed Income Securities."
 
Obligations of issuers of Municipal Obligations are subject to the provisions
of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors, such as the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. In addition, the obliga-
tions of such issuers may become subject to the laws enacted in the future by
Congress, state legislatures or referenda extending the time for payment of
principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement
of such obligations or upon municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the
possibility that, as a result of legislation or other conditions, the power or
ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its
Municipal Obligations may be materially affected.
 
Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fixed Income Securities
During certain temporary periods, in order to keep cash on hand fully invest-
ed, the Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund may invest up to 20% of its
total assets as "temporary investments" in short-term tax-exempt fixed income
securities, and as a defensive measure in response to prevailing market condi-
tions up to 100% of its total assets in such securities. Short-term tax-exempt
fixed income securities are defined to include, without limitation, the fol-
lowing:
 
Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) are usually general obligations of state and
local governmental issuers which are sold to obtain interim financing for pro-
jects that will eventually be funded through the sale of
 
B-6
<PAGE>
 
long-term debt obligations or bonds. The ability of an issuer to meet its obli-
gations on its BANs is primarily dependent on the issuer's access to the long-
term municipal bond market and the likelihood that the proceeds of such bond
sales will be used to pay the principal and interest on the BANs.
 
Tax Anticipation Notes (TANs) are issued by state and local governments to fi-
nance the current operations of such governments. Repayment is generally to be
derived from specific future tax revenues. Tax anticipation notes are usually
general obligations of the issuer. A weakness in an issuer's capacity to raise
taxes due to, among other things, a decline in its tax base or a rise in delin-
quencies, could adversely affect the issuer's ability to meet its obligations
on outstanding TANs.
 
Revenue Anticipation Notes (RANs) are issued by governments or governmental
bodies with the expectation that future revenues from a designated source will
be used to repay the notes. In general, they also constitute general obliga-
tions of the issuer. A decline in the receipt of projected revenues, such as
anticipated revenues from another level of government, could adversely affect
an issuer's ability to meet its obligations on outstanding RANs. In addition,
the possibility that the revenues would, when received, be used to meet other
obligations could affect the ability of the issuer to pay the principal and in-
terest on RANs.
 
Construction Loan Notes are issued to provide construction financing for spe-
cific projects. Frequently, these notes are redeemed with funds obtained from
the Federal Housing Administration.
 
Bank Notes are notes issued by local government bodies and agencies as those
described above to commercial banks as evidence of borrowings. The purposes for
which the notes are issued are varied but they are frequently issued to meet
short-term working capital or capital-project needs. These notes may have risks
similar to the risks associated with TANs and RANs.
 
Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper (Municipal Paper) represents very short-term
unsecured, negotiable promissory notes, issued by states, municipalities and
their agencies. Payment of principal and interest on issues of municipal paper
may be made from various sources, to the extent the funds are available there-
from. Maturities of municipal paper generally will be shorter than the maturi-
ties of TANs, BANs or RANs. There is a limited secondary market for issues of
municipal paper.
 
Certain Municipal Obligations may carry variable or floating rates of interest
whereby the rate of interest is not fixed but varies with changes in specified
market rates or indices, such as a bank prime rate or a tax-exempt money market
index.
 
While the various types of notes described above as a group represent the major
portion of the tax-exempt note market, other types of notes are occasionally
available in the marketplace and the Fund may invest in such other types of
notes to the extent permitted under its investment objective, policies and lim-
itations. Such notes may be issued for different purposes and may be secured
differently from those mentioned above.
 
                                                                             B-7
<PAGE>
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
Short-Term Taxable Fixed Income Securities
The Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund may invest up to 35% of its total as-
sets and, for temporary defensive purposes up to 100% of its total assets, in
cash equivalents and short-term taxable fixed income securities. The Nuveen
Balanced Stock and Bond Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets and, for
temporary defensive purposes up to 100% of its total assets, in cash equiva-
lents and short-term taxable fixed income securities. For temporary defensive
purposes the Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund may invest up to 100% of
its total assets in cash equivalents and short-term taxable fixed income secu-
rities, although the Fund intends to invest in taxable temporary investments
only in the event that suitable tax-exempt temporary investments are not avail-
able at reasonable prices and yields. Short-term taxable fixed income securi-
ties are defined to include, without limitation, the following:
 
(1) U.S. government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as
to maturity and rates of interest, which are either issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Treasury or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. govern-
ment agency securities include securities issued by (a) the Federal Housing Ad-
ministration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United
States, Small Business Administration, and the Government National Mortgage As-
sociation, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit
Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by
the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal Na-
tional Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the discretion-
ary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the
agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing Association,
whose securities are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. government
provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored agencies or in-
strumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do so since it
is not so obligated by law. The U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumen-
talities do not guarantee the market value of their securities, and consequent-
ly, the value of such securities may fluctuate.
 
(2) Certificates of Deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or savings
and loan association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn
a specified rate of return, and are normally negotiable. If such certificates
of deposit are non-negotiable, they will be considered illiquid securities and
be subject to the Fund's 5% restriction on investments in illiquid securities.
Pursuant to the certificate of deposit, the issuer agrees to pay the amount de-
posited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the dated specified
thereon. Under current FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to
any one certificate of deposit is $100,000; therefore, certificates of deposit
purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured.
 
(3) Bankers' acceptances which are short-term credit instruments used to fi-
nance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn
on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to
pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in
effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on
its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an
asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of interest
for a specific maturity.
 
B-8
<PAGE>
 
(4) Repurchase agreements which involve purchases of debt securities. In such
an action, at the time the Fund purchases the security, it simultaneously
agrees to resell and redeliver the security to the seller, who also simultane-
ously agrees to buy back the security at a fixed price and time. This assures a
predetermined yield for the Fund during its holding period since the resale
price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon
market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest tempo-
rarily available cash. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements only with
respect to obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentali-
ties; certificates of deposit; or bankers acceptances in which the Fund may in-
vest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateral-
ized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is limited to the abil-
ity of the seller to pay the agreed-upon sum on the repurchase date; in the
event of default, the repurchase agreement provides that the affected Fund is
entitled to sell the underlying collateral. If the value of the collateral de-
clines after the agreement is entered into, however, and if the seller defaults
under a repurchase agreement when the value of the underlying collateral is
less than the repurchase price, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal
and interest. ICAP monitors the value of the collateral at the time the action
is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement.
ICAP does so in an effort to determine that the value of the collateral always
equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price to be paid to the Fund. If
the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability
of a Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of
certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.
 
(5) Bank time deposits, which are monies kept on deposit with banks or savings
and loan associations for a stated period of time at a fixed rate of interest.
There may be penalties for the early withdrawal of such time deposits, in which
case the yields of these investments will be reduced.
 
(6) Commercial paper, which are short-term unsecured promissory notes, includ-
ing variable rate master demand notes issued by corporations to finance their
current operations. Master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between
the Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for the notes. Howev-
er, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. ICAP will consider the finan-
cial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow, and other
liquidity ratios) and will continuously monitor the corporation's ability to
meet all of its financial obligations, because the Fund's liquidity might be
impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on de-
mand. Investments in commercial paper will be limited to commercial paper rated
in the two highest categories by a major rating agency or unrated commercial
paper which is, in the opinion of ICAP, of comparable quality.
 
Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fixed Income Securities
For a discussion regarding these instruments, see the above-named section set
forth under Investments in Municipal Obligations.
 
HEDGING STRATEGIES
 
General Description of Hedging Strategies
Each Fund may engage in hedging activities. NIAC or ICAP may cause a Fund to
utilize a variety of financial instruments, including options, futures con-
tracts (sometimes referred to as "futures") and options on futures contracts to
attempt to hedge the Fund's holdings.
 
 
                                                                             B-9
<PAGE>
 
Hedging instruments on securities generally are used to hedge against price
movements in one or more particular securities positions that the Fund owns or
intends to acquire. Hedging instruments on stock indices, in contrast, gener-
ally are used to hedge against price movements in broad equity market sectors
in which the Fund has invested or expects to invest. The use of hedging instru-
ments is subject to applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Com-
mission (the "SEC"), the several options and futures exchanges upon which they
are traded, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") and various
state regulatory authorities. In addition, the Fund's ability to use hedging
instruments will be limited by tax considerations.
 
General Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions
   
The Trust has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition
of the term "commodity pool operator" with the CFTC and the National Futures
Association, which regulate trading in the futures markets. Pursuant to Section
4.5 of the regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act (the "CEA"), the notice
of eligibility for a Fund includes the representation that the Fund will use
futures contracts and related options solely for bona fide hedging purposes
within the meaning of CFTC regulations.The Fund will not enter into futures and
options transactions if the sum of the initial margin deposits and premiums
paid for unexpired options exceeds 5% of the Fund's total assets. In addition,
the Fund will not enter into futures contracts and options transactions if more
than 30% of its net assets would be committed to such instruments.     
 
The foregoing limitations are not fundamental policies of a Fund and may be
changed without shareholder approval as regulatory agencies permit. Various ex-
changes and regulatory authorities have undertaken reviews of options and
futures trading in light of market volatility. Among the possible actions that
have been presented are proposals to adopt new or more stringent daily price
fluctuation limits for futures and options transactions and proposals to in-
crease the margin requirements for various types of futures transactions.
 
Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions
Each Fund will comply with the regulatory requirements of the SEC and the CFTC
with respect to coverage of options and futures positions by registered invest-
ment companies and, if the guidelines so require, will set aside cash, U.S.
government securities, high grade liquid debt securities and/or other liquid
assets permitted by the SEC and CFTC in a segregated custodial account in the
amount prescribed. Securities held in a segregated account cannot be sold while
the futures or options position is outstanding, unless replaced with other per-
missible assets, and will be marked-to-market daily.
 
Stock Index Options
Each Fund may (i) purchase stock index options for any purpose, (ii) sell stock
index options in order to close out existing positions, and/or (iii) write cov-
ered options on stock indexes for hedging purposes. Stock index options are put
options and call options on various stock indexes. In most respects, they are
identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between
stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the
case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered.
However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by de-
livery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises
the index option
 
B-10
<PAGE>
 
receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which
the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in
the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is
equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the
exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple.
 
A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stock in-
cluded in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad
market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 or the Value Line Composite In-
dex or a narrower market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 100. Indexes may
also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the AMEX Oil and Gas
Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indexes
are currently traded on the following exchanges: the Chicago Board of Options
Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Pacific
Stock Exchange, and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.
 
A Fund's use of stock index options is subject to certain risks. Successful use
by the Funds of options on stock indexes will be subject to the ability of ICAP
to correctly predict movements in the directions of the stock market. This re-
quires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of
individual securities. In addition, a Fund's ability to effectively hedge all
or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in anticipation of or during a
market decline through transactions in put options on stock indexes, depends on
the degree to which price movements in the underlying index correlate with the
price movements of the securities held by a Fund. Inasmuch as a Fund's securi-
ties will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be
perfect. Consequently, each Fund will bear the risk that the prices of its se-
curities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the prices of its put
options on the stock indexes. It is also possible that there may be a negative
correlation between the index and a Fund's securities which would result in a
loss on both such securities and the options on stock indexes acquired by the
Fund.
 
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the
underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close
before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate
movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in
the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity
which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated
with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of stock index
options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by a Fund
in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in
prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is
based.
 
Certain Considerations Regarding Options
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange
will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some
options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If a Fund is
unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the
option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securi-
ties in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such secu-
rities. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect
to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the
option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon
the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.
 
 
                                                                            B-11
<PAGE>
 
The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Imperfect correlation between the
options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of attempted
hedging. Options transactions may result in significantly higher transaction
costs and portfolio turnover for the Funds.
 
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Options
Certain option transactions have special federal income tax results for the
Funds. Expiration of a call option written by a Fund will result in short-term
capital gain. If the call option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or
loss from the sale of the security covering the call option and, in determining
such gain or loss, the option premium will be included in the proceeds of the
sale.
 
If a Fund writes options other than "qualified covered call options," as de-
fined in Section 1092 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), or purchases puts, any losses on such options transactions, to the ex-
tent they do not exceed the unrealized gains on the securities covering the op-
tions, may be subject to deferral until the securities covering the options
have been sold.
 
In the case of transactions involving "nonequity options," as defined in Code
Section 1256, the Funds will treat any gain or loss arising from the lapse,
closing out or exercise of such positions as 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gain or loss as required by Section 1256 of the Code. In addition, such
positions must be marked-to-market as of the last business day of the year, and
gain or loss must be recognized for federal income tax purposes in accordance
with the 60%/40% rule discussed above even though the position has not been
terminated. A "nonequity option" includes an option with respect to any group
of stocks or a stock index if there is in effect a designation by the CFTC of a
contract market for a contract based on such group of stocks or indexes. For
example, options involving stock indexes such as the Standard & Poor's 500 and
100 indexes would be "nonequity options" within the meaning of Code Section
1256.
 
Futures Contracts
Each Fund may enter into futures contracts (hereinafter referred to as
"Futures" or "Futures Contracts"), including index Futures as a hedge against
movements in the equity markets, in order to establish more definitely the ef-
fective return on securities held or intended to be acquired by the Funds or
for other purposes permissible under the CEA. Each Fund's hedging may include
sales of Futures as an offset against the effect of expected declines in stock
prices and purchases of Futures as an offset against the effect of expected in-
creases in stock prices. The Funds will not enter into Futures Contracts which
are prohibited under the CEA and will, to the extent required by regulatory au-
thorities, enter only into Futures Contracts that are traded on national
futures exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying fi-
nancial instrument. The principal interest rate Futures exchanges in the United
States are the Board of Trade of the City of Chicago and the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange. Futures exchanges and trading are regulated under the CEA by the
CFTC.
 
An index Futures Contract is an agreement pursuant to which the parties agree
to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between
the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and
the price at which the index Futures Contract was originally written.
 
B-12
<PAGE>
 
Transaction costs are incurred when a Futures Contract is bought or sold and
margin deposits must be maintained. A Futures Contract may be satisfied by de-
livery or purchase, as the case may be, of the instrument or by payment of the
change in the cash value of the index. More commonly, Futures Contracts are
closed out prior to delivery by entering into an offsetting transaction in a
matching Futures Contract. Although the value of an index might be a function
of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of those se-
curities is made. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original
sale price, a gain will be realized; if it is more, a loss will be realized.
Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase
price, a gain will be realized; if it is less, a loss will be realized. The
transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Funds will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular Futures Contract at a particular time.
If the Funds are not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Funds
will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the Futures
Contract.
 
Margin is the amount of funds that must be deposited by each Fund with its cus-
todian in a segregated account in the name of the futures commission merchant
in order to initiate Futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions
in Futures Contracts. A margin deposit is intended to ensure the Fund's perfor-
mance of the Futures Contract. The margin required for a particular Futures
Contract is set by the exchange on which the Futures Contract is traded and may
be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of
the Futures Contract. Futures Contracts are customarily purchased and sold on
margins that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the Futures
Contract being traded.
 
If the price of an open Futures Contract changes (by increase in the case of a
sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the Futures
Contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin
requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if
the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the
Futures Contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the
broker will pay the excess to the Fund. In computing daily net asset value,
each Fund will mark to market the current value of its open Futures Contracts.
The Funds expect to earn interest income on their margin deposits.
 
Because of the low margin deposits required, Futures trading involves an ex-
tremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price movement
in a Futures Contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, as well as
gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of the
value of the Futures Contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10% decrease
in the value of the Futures Contract would result in a total loss of the margin
deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were
then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the
original margin deposit, if the Futures Contract were closed out. Thus, a pur-
chase or sale of a Futures Contract may result in losses in excess of the
amount initially invested in the Futures Contract. However, a Fund would pre-
sumably have sustained comparable losses if, instead of the Futures Contract,
it had invested in the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the
decline.
 
Most United States Futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted
in Futures Contract prices during a single trading day. The day limit estab-
lishes the maximum amount that the price of a
 
                                                                            B-13
<PAGE>
 
Futures Contract may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement
price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in
a particular type of Futures Contract, no trades may be made on that day at a
price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a
particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because
the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures Con-
tract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive
trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation
of Futures positions and subjecting some Futures traders to substantial losses.
 
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when the
Funds seek to close out a Futures position. The Funds would continue to be re-
quired to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly re-
sulting in a decline in the Funds' net asset value. In addition, many of the
contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant
trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active second-
ary market will develop or continue to exist.
 
A public market exists in Futures Contracts covering a number of indexes, in-
cluding, but not limited to, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, the Standard &
Poor's 100 Index, the NASDAQ 100 Index, the Value Line Composite Index and the
New York Stock Exchange Composite Index.
 
Options on Futures
Each Fund may also purchase or write put and call options on Futures Contracts
and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate
an existing position. A futures option gives the holder the right, in return of
the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a
Futures Contract at a specified exercise price prior to the expiration of the
option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in
the Futures Contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In
the case of a put option, the opposite is true. Prior to exercise or expira-
tion, a futures option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of a
futures option of the same series.
 
The Funds may use options on Futures Contracts in connection with hedging
strategies. Generally, these strategies would be applied under the same market
and market sector conditions in which the Funds use put and call options on se-
curities or indexes. The purchase of put options on Futures Contracts is analo-
gous to the purchase of puts on securities or indexes so as to hedge the Funds'
securities holdings against the risk of declining market prices. The writing of
a call option or the purchasing of a put option on a Futures Contract consti-
tutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the securities which are de-
liverable upon exercise of the Futures Contract. If the futures price at expi-
ration of a written call option is below the exercise price, the Fund will re-
tain the full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge
against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's holdings of securi-
ties. If the futures price when the option is exercised is above the exercise
price, however, the Fund will incur a loss, which may be offset, in whole or in
part, by the increase in the value of the securities held by the Fund that were
being hedged. Writing a put option or purchasing a call option on a Futures
Contract serves as a partial hedge against an increase in the value of the se-
curities the Fund intends to acquire.
 
As with investments in Futures Contracts, each Fund is required to deposit and
maintain margin with respect to put and call options on Futures Contracts writ-
ten by it. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the under-
lying Futures Contract (and the related initial margin require-
 
B-14
<PAGE>
 
ments), the current market value of the option, and other futures positions
held by the Fund. The Funds will set aside in a segregated account at the
Funds' custodian liquid assets, such as cash, U.S. government securities or
other high grade liquid debt obligations equal in value to the amount due on
the underlying obligation. Such segregated assets will be marked to market dai-
ly, and additional assets will be placed in the segregated account whenever the
total value of the segregated account falls below the amount due on the under-
lying obligation.
 
The risks associated with the use of options on Futures Contracts include the
risk that a Fund may close out its position as a writer of an option only if a
liquid secondary market exists for such options, which cannot be assured. The
Funds' successful use of options on Futures Contracts depends on ICAP's ability
to correctly predict the movement in prices of Futures Contracts and the under-
lying instruments, which may prove to be incorrect. In addition, there may be
imperfect correlation between the instruments being hedged and the Futures Con-
tract subject to the option. For additional information, see "Futures Con-
tracts."
 
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Futures Contracts
For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is required to recognize as income
for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on Futures Contracts
as of the end of the year, as well as gains and losses actually realized during
the year. Except for transactions in Futures Contracts that are classified as
part of a "mixed straddle" under Code Section 1256, any gain or loss recognized
with respect to a Futures Contract is considered to be 60% long-term capital
gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, without regard to the
holding period of the Futures Contract. In the case of a Futures transaction
not classified as a "mixed straddle," the recognition of losses may be deferred
to a later taxable year.
 
Sales of Futures Contracts that are intended to hedge against a change in the
value of securities held by a Fund may affect the holding period of such secu-
rities and, consequently, the nature of the gain or loss on such securities
upon disposition.
 
Each Fund intends to operate as a "Regulated Investment Company" under
Subchapter M of the Code. In order for each Fund to qualify for federal income
tax treatment as a Regulated Investment Company, gains realized on the sale or
other disposition of securities or Futures Contracts held for less than three
months must be limited to less than 30% of the Fund's annual gross income. It
is anticipated that unrealized gains on Futures Contracts which have been open
for less than three months as of the end of a Fund's fiscal year and which are
recognized for tax purposes will not be considered gains on securities held
less than three months for purposes of the 30% test.
 
The Funds will distribute to shareholders annually any net capital gains which
have been recognized for federal income tax purposes (including unrealized
gains at the end of the Fund's fiscal year) on Futures transactions. Such dis-
tributions will be combined with distributions of capital gains realized on the
Funds' other investments and shareholders will be advised of the nature of the
payments.
 
 
                                                                            B-15
<PAGE>
 
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
 
Illiquid Securities
   
The Fund may invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that are not read-
ily marketable). For purposes of this restriction, illiquid securities include,
but are not limited to, restricted securities ( securities the disposition of
which is restricted under the federal securities laws), securities that may
only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), but that are deemed to be illiquid; and repur-
chase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days. However, the Fund
will not acquire illiquid securities if, as a result, such securities would
comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Board of
Trustees or its delegate has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent
permissible under the federal securities laws, which securities are liquid or
illiquid for purposes of this 15% limitation. The Board of Trustees has dele-
gated to Institutional Capital Corporation ("ICAP") the day-to-day determina-
tion of the illiquidity of any equity or taxable fixed-income security and to
Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. ("NIAC") as to any municipal security, al-
though it has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determi-
nations. Although no definitive liquidity criteria are used, the Board of
Trustees has directed ICAP and NIAC to look to such factors as (i) the nature
of the market for a security (including the institutional private resale mar-
ket; the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; the number of dealers
willing to purchase or sell the security; and the amount of time normally
needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the me-
chanics of transfer), (ii) the terms of certain securities or other instruments
allowing for the disposition to a third party or the issuer thereof (e.g., cer-
tain repurchase obligations and demand instruments), and (iii) other permissi-
ble relevant factors.     
 
Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or
in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in ef-
fect under the Securities Act. Where registration is required, the Fund may be
obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable
period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the
Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration state-
ment. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the
Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it de-
cided to sell. Illiquid securities will be priced at fair value as determined
in good faith by the Board of Trustees or its delegate. If, through the appre-
ciation of illiquid securities or the depreciation of liquid securities, the
Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets
are invested in illiquid securities, including restricted securities which are
not readily marketable, the affected Fund will take such steps as is deemed ad-
visable, if any, to protect liquidity.
 
Short Sales Against the Box
When ICAP believes that the price of a particular security held by a Fund may
decline, it may make "short sales against the box" to hedge the unrealized gain
on such security. Selling short against the box involves selling a security
which the Fund owns for delivery at a specified date in the future. The Fund
will limit its transactions in short sales against the box to 5% of its net as-
sets. In addition, the Fund will limit its transactions such that the value of
the securities of any issuer in which it is short will not exceed the lesser of
2% of the value of the Fund's net assets or 2% of the securities of any class
of the issuer. If, for example, the Fund bought 100 shares of ABC at $40 per
share in January and the price appreciates to $50 in March, the Fund might
"sell short" the 100 shares at $50 for delivery the follow-
 
B-16
<PAGE>
 
ing July. Thereafter, if the price of the stock declines to $45, it will real-
ize the full $1,000 gain rather than the $500 gain it would have received had
it sold the stock in the market. On the other hand, if the price appreciates to
$55 per share, the Fund would be required to sell at $50 and thus receive a
$1,000 gain rather than the $1,500 gain it would have received had it sold the
stock in the market. The Fund may also be required to pay a premium for short
sales which would partially offset any gain.
 
Warrants
Each Fund may invest in warrants if, after giving effect thereto, not more than
5% of its net assets will be invested in warrants other than warrants acquired
in units or attached to other securities. Of such 5%, not more than 2% of its
assets at the time of purchase may be invested in warrants that are not listed
on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange. Investing in
warrants is purely speculative in that they have no voting rights, pay no divi-
dends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing
them. Warrants basically are options to purchase equity securities at a spe-
cific price for a specific period of time. They do not represent ownership of
the securities but only the right to buy them. Warrants are issued by the is-
suer of the security, which may be purchased on their exercise. The prices of
warrants do not necessarily parallel the prices of the underlying securities.
 
When-Issued Securities
Each Fund may from time to time purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis.
The price of securities purchased on a when-issued basis is fixed at the time
the commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the securities
take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within 45 days
of the purchase. During the period between the purchase and settlement, no pay-
ment is made by the Fund to the issuer and no interest is accrued on debt secu-
rities or dividend income is earned on equity securities. Forward commitments
involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines
prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline
in value of the Fund's other assets. While when-issued securities may be sold
prior to the settlement date, the Fund intends to purchase such securities with
the purpose of actually acquiring them. At the time the Fund makes the commit-
ment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transac-
tion and reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset value.
The Fund does not believe that net asset value will be adversely affected by
purchases of securities on a when-issued basis.
 
The Fund will maintain cash, U.S. government securities and high grade liquid
debt securities equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities. Such
segregated securities either will mature or, if necessary be sold on or before
the settlement date. When the time comes to pay for when-issued securities, the
Fund will meet its obligations from then available cash flow, sale of the secu-
rities held in the separate account, described above, sale of other securities
or, although it would not normally expect to do so, from the sale of the when-
issued securities themselves (which may have a market value greater or less
than the Fund's payment obligation).
 
Unseasoned Companies
Each Fund may not invest more than 5% of its net assets in unseasoned issuers.
While smaller companies generally have potential for rapid growth, they often
involve higher risks because they lack the management experience, financial re-
sources, product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger
 
                                                                            B-17
<PAGE>
 
corporations. In addition, in many instances, the securities of smaller compa-
nies are traded only over-the-counter or on regional securities exchanges, and
the frequency and volume of their trading is substantially less than is typical
of larger companies. Therefore, the securities of smaller companies may be sub-
ject to wider price fluctuations. When making large sales, the Fund may have to
sell portfolio holdings of small companies at discounts from quoted prices or
may have to make a series of smaller sales over an extended period of time due
to the trading volume in smaller company securities.
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
   
The management of the Trust, including general supervision of the duties per-
formed for the Fund under the Management Agreement, is the responsibility of
its Board of Trustees. The number of trustees of the Trust is fixed at seven,
three of whom are "interested persons" (as the term "interested persons" is de-
fined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) and four of whom are "disinter-
ested persons." The names and business addresses of the trustees and officers
of the Trust and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the
past five years are set forth below, with those trustees who are "interested
persons" of the Trust indicated by an asterisk.     
 
<TABLE>   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITION AND         PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
     NAME AND ADDRESS     AGE  OFFICES WITH TRUST      DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                      <C> <C>                   <S>
 Anthony T. Dean*         51  Chairman and Trustee  President (since July 1996)
                                                    and Director, formerly
                                                    Executive Vice President,
                                                    of The John Nuveen Company
                                                    (from March 1992 to July
                                                    1996) and of John Nuveen &
                                                    Co. Incorporated; Director
                                                    (since October 1992) and
                                                    President (since July
                                                    1996), formerly Executive
                                                    Vice President (from May
                                                                               1994 to July 1996) of
                                                    Nuveen Institutional
                                                    Advisory Corp. and Nuveen
                                                    Advisory Corp.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Timothy R. Schwertfeger* 47  President and Trustee Chairman (since July 1996)
                                                    and Director, formerly
                                                    Executive Vice President,
                                                    of The John Nuveen Company
                                                    (from March 1992 to July
                                                    1996) and of John Nuveen &
                                                    Co. Incorporated; Director
                                                    (since October 1992) and
                                                    Chairman (since July 1996),
                                                    formerly Executive Vice
                                                                               President (from May 1994 to
                                                    July 1996) of Nuveen
                                                    Institutional Advisory Corp
                                                    and Nuveen Advisory Corp.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 Robert H. Lyon*          47  Trustee               President and a Director of
                                                    the ICAP Funds Inc. (since
                                                    its inception in December
                                                    1994); President, Chief
                                                    Investment Officer, and a
                                                    Director of ICAP (since
                                                    1992) and prior thereto a
                                                                               Vice President of ICAP.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 James E. Bacon           65  Trustee               Business consultant;
                                                    Director of Lone Star
                                                    Industries, Inc. (cement)
                                                    (since February 1992) and
                                                    Accuhealth, Inc. (home
                                                    health care) (since May
                                                    1994); retired (since April
                                                    1990); previously, Director
                                                    and Executive Vice
                                                    President of U.S. Trust
                                                                               Corporation and Trustee of
                                                    United States Trust Company
                                                    of New York.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 William L. Kissick       64  Trustee               Professor, School of
                                                    Medicine and the Wharton
                                                    School of Management and
                                                    Chairman, Leonard Davis
                                                    Institute of Health
                                                    Economics, University of
                                                    Pennsylvania.
</TABLE>    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
B-18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                              POSITION AND           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
   NAME AND ADDRESS    AGE OFFICES WITH TRUST       DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                   <C> <C>                 <S>
 Thomas E. Leafstrand  64  Trustee             Retired (since 1990), previously
                                               Vice President in charge of
                                               Municipal Underwriting and
                                               Dealer Sales at The Northern
                                               Trust Company.
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Sheila W. Wellington  64  Trustee             President (since 1993) of
                                               Catalyst (a not-for-profit
                                               organization focusing on women's
                                               leadership development in
                                               business and the professions);
                                               prior thereto (from July 1987 to
                                               July 1993), Secretary of Yale
                                                                               University.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Anna R. Kucinskis     50  Vice President      Vice President of John Nuveen &
 333 West Wacker Drive                         Co. Incorporated.
                                                                               Chicago, IL 60606
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Larry W. Martin       45  Vice President and  Vice President (since September
 333 West Wacker Drive     Assistant Secretary 1992), Assistant Secretary and
 Chicago, IL 60606                             Assistant General Counsel of
                                               John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated;
                                               Vice President (since May 1993)
                                               and Assistant Secretary of
                                               Nuveen Advisory Corp; Vice
                                               President (since May 1993) and
                                               Assistant Secretary (since
                                               January 1992) of Nuveen
                                                                               Institutional Advisory Corp.;
                                               Assistant Secretary of The John
                                               Nuveen Company (since February
                                               1993).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 O. Walter Renfftlen   57  Vice President and  Vice President and Controller of
 333 West Wacker Drive     Controller          The John Nuveen Company (since
 Chicago, IL 60606                             March 1992), John Nuveen & Co.
                                               Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory
                                               Corp. and Nuveen Institutional
                                               Advisory Corp. (since April
                                                                               1990).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Robert E. Toupin, Jr. 38  Vice President      Vice President of Nuveen
                                               Institutional Advisory Corp.
                                               (since January 1992); prior
                                               thereto, Vice President (from
                                               December 1991 to January 1992),
                                               formerly Assistant Vice
                                               President of John Nuveen Co.
                                                                               Incorporated.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 H. William Stabenow   62  Vice President and  Vice President and Treasurer of
 333 West Wacker Drive     Treasurer           The John Nuveen Company (since
 Chicago, IL 60606                             March 1992), John Nuveen & Co.
                                               Incorporated, Nuveen Advisory
                                               Corp. and Nuveen Institutional
                                               Advisory Corp, (since January
                                                                               1992).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 James J. Wesolowski   46  Vice President and  Vice President, General Counsel
 333 West Wacker Drive     Secretary           and Secretary of The John Nuveen
 Chicago, IL 60606                             Company (since March 1992), John
                                               Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
                                               Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen
                                               Institutional Advisory Corp.
                                                                               (since April 1990).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Gifford R. Zimmerman  39  Vice President and  Vice President (since September
 333 West Wacker Drive     Assistant Secretary 1992), Assistant Secretary and
 Chicago, IL 60606                             Assistant General Counsel of
                                               John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated;
                                               Vice President (since May 1993)
                                               and Assistant Secretary of
                                               Nuveen Advisory Corp.; Vice
                                               President (since May 1993) and
                                               Assistant Secretary (since
                                               January 1992) of Nuveen
                                               Institutional Advisory Corp.
</TABLE>    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
Anthony T. Dean, Thomas E. Leafstrand and Timothy R. Schwertfeger serve as mem-
bers of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Executive Commit-
tee, which meets between regular meetings of the Board of Trustees, is autho-
rized to exercise all of the powers of the Board of Trustees.     
   
Mr. Dean and Mr. Schwertfeger are also directors or trustees, as the case may
be, of 74 Nuveen open-end funds and closed-end funds advised by Nuveen Advisory
Corp.     
   
The other trustees of the Trust (other than Mr. Lyon) are also trustees of five
closed-end funds advised by NIAC. Mr. Lyon is also a director of ICAP and ICAP
Funds, Inc.     
 
                                                                            B-19
<PAGE>
 
   
The following table sets forth estimated compensation to be paid by the Trust
to each of the trustees who are not designated "interested persons" during the
Trust's first full fiscal year and the total compensation that the Nuveen
Funds paid or accrued to such trustees during fiscal year 1995. The Trust has
no retirement or pension plans. The officers and trustees affiliated with
Nuveen serve without any compensation from the Trust.     
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                     TOTAL**
                                   COMPENSATION
                       ESTIMATED*   FROM TRUST
                       AGGREGATE     AND FUND
                      COMPENSATION   COMPLEX
                        FROM THE     PAID TO
NAME OF TRUSTEE          TRUST       TRUSTEES
- -----------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>          <C>
James E. Bacon           $7,725      $25,000
William L. Kissick       $7,880      $25,000
Thomas E. Leafstrand     $8,189      $26,500
Sheila W. Wellington     $7,725      $25,000
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
*The estimated compensation to be paid by the Trust to the independent trust-
   ees for the current fiscal year is a pro rata portion of the total compen-
   sation to be paid by the Trust and Fund Complex to the independent trustees
   based upon the estimated relative net asset value of the Trust as compared
   to the Fund Complex.     
   
**Based on the compensation paid to the independent trustees for the fiscal
   year ended March 31, 1995 for services to five closed-end funds advised by
   NIAC.     
Each trustee who is not affiliated with NIAC or ICAP receives a $20,000 annual
retainer for serving as a director or trustee of all funds for which NIAC
serves as investment adviser or manager and a $1,000 fee per day plus expenses
for attendance at all meetings held on a day on which a regularly scheduled
Board meeting is held, a $500 fee per day plus expenses for attendance in per-
son or a $500 fee per day plus expenses for attendance by telephone at a meet-
ing held on a day on which no regular Board meeting is held and a $100 fee per
day plus expenses for attendance in person or by telephone at a meeting of the
Executive Committee held solely to declare dividends. The annual retainer,
fees and expenses are allocated among the funds for which NIAC serves as in-
vestment adviser or manager on the basis of relative net asset sizes. The
Trust requires no employees other than its officers, all of whom are compen-
sated by NIAC.
   
As of July 29, 1996, NIAC owned all the shares of each class of each Fund with
5,004 shares outstanding (Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R).     
 
                      FUND MANAGER AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER
 
Fund Manager. NIAC acts as the manager of each Fund, with responsibility for
the overall management of each Fund. Its address is 333 West Wacker Drive,
Chicago, Illinois 60606. For the Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund and the
Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund, NIAC has entered into a Sub-Advisory
Agreement with ICAP under which ICAP, subject to NIAC's supervision, manages
the Fund's investment portfolio. For the Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock
Fund, NIAC has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with ICAP under which
ICAP, subject to NIAC's supervision, manages the Fund's equity investments.
NIAC is also responsible for managing the Fund's business affairs and provid-
ing day-to-day administrative services to the Fund.
 
B-20
<PAGE>
 
   
NIAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen, which is also the principal under-
writer of the Fund's shares. Nuveen is sponsor of the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit
Trust, a registered unit investment trust, is also the principal underwriter
for the Nuveen Mutual Funds, and has served as co-managing underwriter for the
shares of the Nuveen Exchange-Traded Funds. Over 1,000,000 individuals have in-
vested to date in Nuveen's funds and trusts. Founded in 1898, Nuveen is a sub-
sidiary of The John Nuveen Company which, in turn, is approximately 80% owned
by The St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("St. Paul"). St. Paul is located in St. Paul,
Minnesota, and is principally engaged in providing property-liability insurance
through subsidiaries.     
 
Sub-Adviser. ICAP was founded in 1970 and is located at 225 West Wacker Drive,
Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606. Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement for each Fund,
ICAP is compensated by NIAC for its investment advisory services with respect
to all or a portion of each Fund's assets.
 
With regard to Fund assets subject to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, ICAP provides
continuous advice and recommendations concerning the Fund's investments, and is
responsible for selecting the broker-dealers who execute the portfolio transac-
tions. ICAP also serves as investment adviser to the ICAP Funds, Inc. and to
pension and profit-sharing plans, and other institutional and private invest-
ors. As of May 1, 1996, ICAP had approximately $5 billion under management. Mr.
Robert H. Lyon, President of ICAP, owns shares representing 51% of the voting
rights of ICAP.
 
                             PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
NIAC (with respect to transactions in Municipal Obligations) and ICAP (with re-
spect to other transactions) are responsible for decisions to buy and sell se-
curities for the Funds and for the placement of the Funds' securities business,
the negotiation of the commissions to be paid on brokered transactions, the
prices for principal trades in securities, and the allocation of portfolio bro-
kerage and principal business. It is the policy of both NIAC and ICAP to seek
the best execution at the best security price available with respect to each
transaction, and with respect to brokered transactions, in light of the overall
quality of brokerage and research services provided to the respective adviser
and its advisees. The best price to the Funds means the best net price without
regard to the mix between purchase or sale price and commission, if any. Pur-
chases may be made from underwriters, dealers, and, on occasion, the issuers.
Commissions will be paid on the Funds' futures and options transactions, if
any. The purchase price of portfolio securities purchased from an underwriter
or dealer may include underwriting commissions and dealer spreads. The Funds
may pay mark-ups on principal transactions. In selecting broker-dealers and in
negotiating commissions, the portfolio manager considers the firm's reliabili-
ty, the quality of its execution services on a continuing basis and its finan-
cial condition. Brokerage will not be allocated based on the sale of a Fund's
shares. NIAC expects that all transactions in Municipal Obligations will be ef-
fected on a principal (as opposed to an agency) basis and, accordingly, does
not expect to pay any brokerage commissions on such transactions.
 
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 28(e)") permits
an investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause an account to pay
a broker or dealer who supplies brokerage and research services a commission
for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another
 
                                                                            B-21
<PAGE>
 
broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction. Brokerage
and research services include (a) furnishing advice as to the value of securi-
ties, the advisability of investing, purchasing or selling securities, and the
availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (b) furnish-
ing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts; and
(c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental
thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody).
 
In selecting brokers, ICAP considers investment and market information and
other research, such as economic, securities and performance measurement re-
search, provided by such brokers, and the quality and reliability of brokerage
services, including execution capability, performance, and financial responsi-
bility. Accordingly, the commissions charged by any such broker may be greater
than the amount another firm might charge if ICAP determines in good faith that
the amount of such commissions is reasonable in relation to the value of the
research information and brokerage services provided by such broker to ICAP or
the Funds. ICAP believes that the research information received in this manner
provides the Funds with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise avail-
able to the Funds. The Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement pro-
vide that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Funds unless the ap-
plicable adviser determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in re-
lation to the services provided. The investment advisory fees paid by the Funds
to NIAC under the Management Agreement or the subadvisory fees paid by NIAC to
ICAP under the Sub-Advisory Agreement are not reduced as a result of receipt by
either NIAC or ICAP of research services.
 
NIAC and ICAP each place portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts
managed by them. Research services furnished by firms through which the Funds
effect their securities transactions may be used by NIAC and/or ICAP in servic-
ing all of its accounts; not all of such services may be used by NIAC and/or
ICAP in connection with the Funds. NIAC and ICAP believe it is not possible to
measure separately the benefits from research services to each of the accounts
(including the Funds) managed by them. Because the volume and nature of the
trading activities of the accounts are not uniform, the amount of commissions
in excess of those charged by another broker paid by each account for brokerage
and research services will vary. However, NIAC and ICAP believe such costs to
the Funds will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the Funds on
a continuing basis. NIAC and ICAP seek to allocate portfolio transactions equi-
tably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by
the Funds and another advisory account. In some cases, this procedure could
have an adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities available to
the Funds. In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory ac-
counts, the main factors considered by NIAC and ICAP are the respective invest-
ment objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or compa-
rable securities, the availability of cash for investment and the size of in-
vestment commitments generally held.
 
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, a Fund may not purchase portfolio se-
curities from any underwriting syndicate of which Nuveen is a member except un-
der certain limited conditions set forth in Rule 10f-3. The Rule sets forth re-
quirements relating to, among other things, the terms of a security purchased
by the Fund, the amount of securities that may be purchased in any one issue
and the assets of the Fund that may be invested in a particular issue. In addi-
tion, purchases of securities made pursuant to the terms of the Rule must be
approved at least quarterly by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of
the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust.
 
B-22
<PAGE>
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
   
As stated in the Prospectuses, each Fund's net asset value per share is deter-
mined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) on each day
the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for business. The Exchange
is not open for trading on New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The net asset value per share of a class of shares of a Fund will be computed
by dividing the value of the Fund's assets attributable to the class, less the
liabilities attributable to the class, by the number of shares of the class
outstanding.     
 
                                  TAX MATTERS
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following discussion of federal income tax matters is based upon the advice
of Chapman and Cutler, counsel to the Trust.
 
As described in the Prospectuses, each of the Funds intends to qualify under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") for
tax treatment as a regulated investment company. In order to qualify as a regu-
lated investment company, a Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating to
the source of its income, diversification of its assets, and distributions of
its income to shareholders. First, the Fund must derive at least 90% of its an-
nual gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from dividends, interest,
payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other dispo-
sition of stock or securities, foreign currencies or other income (including
but not limited to gains from options and futures) derived with respect to its
business of investing in such stock or securities (the "90% gross income
test"). Second, a Fund must derive less than 30% of its annual gross income
from the sale or other disposition of any of the following which was held for
less than three months: stock, securities and certain options, futures, or for-
ward contracts (the "short-short test"). Third, the Fund must diversify its
holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (i) at
least 50% of the value of its total assets is comprised of cash, cash items,
United States Government securities, securities of other regulated investment
companies and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an
amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and
to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and
(ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets is invested in
the securities of any one issuer (other than United States Government securi-
ties and securities of other regulated investment companies) or two or more is-
suers controlled by a Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades
or businesses.
 
As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to federal income
tax in any taxable year for which it distributes at least 90% of its "invest-
ment company taxable income" (which includes dividends, taxable interest, in-
come from securities lending, net short-term capital gain in excess of long-
term capital loss, and any other taxable income other than "net capital gain"
(as defined below) and is reduced by deductible expenses). A Fund may retain
for investment its net capital gain (which consists of the excess of its net
long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss). However, if the
Fund retains any net capital gain or any investment company taxable income, it
will be subject to federal
 
                                                                            B-23
<PAGE>
 
income tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Fund re-
tains any net capital gain, such Fund may designate the retained amount as un-
distributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who, if subject to
federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include
in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their
shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their
proportionate shares of the tax paid by such Fund against their federal income
tax liabilities if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds
such liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares
owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal under
current law to 65% of the amount of undistributed net capital gains included in
the shareholder's gross income. Each Fund intends to distribute at least annu-
ally to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company
taxable income and net capital gain.
 
Treasury regulations permit a regulated investment company, in determining its
investment company taxable income and net capital gain, to elect (unless it has
made a taxable year election for excise tax purposes as discussed below) to
treat all or part of any net capital loss, any net long-term capital loss or
any net foreign currency loss incurred after October 31 as if they had been in-
curred in the succeeding year.
 
If any of the Funds engages in hedging transactions involving financial futures
and options, these transactions will be subject to special tax rules, the ef-
fect of which may be to accelerate income to a Fund, defer a Fund's losses,
cause adjustments in the holding periods of a Fund's securities, convert long-
term capital gains into short-term capital gains and convert short-term capital
losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the
amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
 
Prior to purchasing shares in one of the Funds, the impact of dividends or dis-
tributions which are expected to be or have been declared, but not paid, should
be carefully considered. Any dividend or distribution declared shortly after a
purchase of such shares prior to the record date will have the effect of reduc-
ing the per share net asset value by the per share amount of the dividend or
distribution and will be subject to federal income tax to the extent it is a
distribution of ordinary income or capital gain.
 
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, divi-
dends declared in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of
record on a specified date in one of those months and paid during the following
January, will be treated as having been distributed by each Fund (and received
by the shareholders) on December 31.
 
The redemption or exchange of the shares of a Fund normally will result in cap-
ital gain or loss to the shareholders. Generally, a shareholder's gain or loss
will be long-term gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one
year. Present law taxes both long- and short-term capital gains of corporations
at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, howev-
er, net capital gains (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss) will be taxed at a maximum marginal rate of 28%, while
short-term capital gains and other ordinary income will be taxed at a maximum
marginal rate of 39.6%. Because of the limitations on itemized deductions and
the deduction for personal exemptions applicable to higher income taxpayers,
the effective tax rate may be higher in certain circumstances.
 
B-24
<PAGE>
 
All or a portion of a sales load paid in purchasing shares of a Fund cannot be
taken into account for purposes of determining gain or loss on the redemption
or exchange of such shares within 90 days after their purchase to the extent
shares of a Fund or another fund are subsequently acquired without payment of a
sales load or with the payment of a reduced sales load pursuant to the rein-
vestment or exchange privilege. Any disregarded portion of such load will re-
sult in an increase in the shareholder's tax basis in the shares subsequently
acquired. Moreover, losses recognized by a shareholder on the redemption or ex-
change of shares of a Fund held for six months or less are disallowed to the
extent of any distribution of exempt-interest dividends received with respect
to such shares and, if not disallowed, such losses are treated as long-term
capital losses to the extent of any distributions of long-term capital gains
made with respect to such shares. In addition, no loss will be allowed on the
redemption or exchange of shares of a Fund if the shareholder purchases other
shares of such Fund (whether through reinvestment of distributions or other-
wise) or the shareholder acquires or enters into a contract or option to ac-
quire securities that are substantially identical to shares of a Fund within a
period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such re-
demption or exchange. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjust-
ment to the basis of the shares acquired.
 
In order to avoid a 4% federal excise tax, each Fund must distribute or be
deemed to have distributed by December 31 of each calendar year at least 98% of
its taxable ordinary income for such year, at least 98% of the excess of its
realized capital gains over its realized capital losses (generally computed on
the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year) and 100% of
any taxable ordinary income and the excess of realized capital gains over real-
ized capital losses for the prior year that was not distributed during such
year and on which such Fund paid no federal income tax. For purposes of the ex-
cise tax, a regulated investment company may reduce its capital gain net income
(but not below its net capital gain) by the amount of any net ordinary loss for
the calendar year. The Funds intend to make timely distributions in compliance
with these requirements and consequently it is anticipated that they generally
will not be required to pay the excise tax.
 
If in any year a Fund should fail to qualify under Subchapter M for tax treat-
ment as a regulated investment company, the Fund would incur a regular corpo-
rate federal income tax upon its income for that year (other than interest in-
come from Municipal Obligations), and distributions to its shareholders would
be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividend income for federal income tax
purposes to the extent of the Fund's available earnings and profits.
 
The Funds are required in certain circumstances to withhold 31% of taxable div-
idends and certain other payments paid to non-corporate holders of shares who
have not furnished to the Funds their correct taxpayer identification number
(in the case of individuals, their social security number) and certain certifi-
cations, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding.
 
Shareholders who are non-resident aliens are subject to U.S. withholding tax on
ordinary income dividends at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as prescribed by
an applicable tax treaty.
 
A corporate shareholder will generally be entitled to a 70% dividends received
deduction with respect to any portion of such shareholder's ordinary income
dividends which are attributable to dividends received by a Fund on certain Eq-
uity Securities (other than corporate shareholders, such as "S" corporations,
 
                                                                            B-25
<PAGE>
 
which are not eligible for the deduction because of their special characteris-
tics and other than for purposes of special taxes such as the accumulated earn-
ings tax and the personal holding corporation tax). A Fund will designate the
portion of any taxable dividend which is eligible for this deduction. However,
a corporate shareholder should be aware that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code
impose additional limitations on the eligibility of dividends for the 70% divi-
dends received deduction. These limitations include a requirement that stock
(and therefore Shares of a Fund) must generally be held at least 46 days (as
determined under Section 246(c) of the Code). Regulations have been issued
which address special rules that must be considered in determining whether the
46 day holding requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of the
deduction will generally be reduced from 70% if a corporate shareholder owns
Shares of the Fund the financing of which is directly attributable to indebted-
ness incurred by such corporation. It should be noted that various legislative
proposals that would affect the dividends received deduction have been intro-
duced. To the extent dividends received by a Fund are attributable to foreign
corporations, a corporate shareholder will not be entitled to the dividends re-
ceived deduction with respect to its share of such foreign dividends since the
dividends received deduction is generally available only with respect to divi-
dends paid by domestic corporations. It should be noted that payments to a Fund
of dividends on Equity Securities that are attributable to foreign corporations
may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Corporate shareholders should con-
sult with their tax advisers with respect to the limitations on, and possible
modifications to, the dividends received deduction.
 
Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund Tax Matters
 
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Nuveen Balanced Municipal and
Stock Fund intends to qualify to pay "exempt-interest" dividends as defined un-
der the Code. Under the Code, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year,
if at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of Municipal Obliga-
tions, the Fund shall be qualified to pay exempt-interest dividends to its
Shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are dividends or any part thereof
(other than a capital gain dividend) paid by the Fund which are attributable to
interest on Municipal Obligations (net of expenses and any bond premium amorti-
zation with respect to Municipal Obligations) and are so designated by the
Fund. Exempt-interest dividends will be exempt from federal income tax, subject
to the possible application of the federal alternative minimum tax. Insurance
proceeds received by the Fund under any insurance policies in respect of sched-
uled interest payments on defaulted Municipal Obligations, as described herein,
will be excludable from federal gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code
provided that, at the time such policies are purchased, the amounts paid for
such policies are reasonable, customary and consistent with the reasonable ex-
pectation that the respective issuer of the Municipal Obligations, rather than
the insurer, will pay debt service on the Municipal Obligations; in the case of
non-appropriation by a political subdivision, however, there can be no assur-
ance that payments made by the insurer representing interest on such "non-ap-
propriation" Municipal Lease Obligations will be excludable from gross income
for federal income tax purposes. If the Fund purchases a Municipal Obligation
at a market discount, any gain realized by the Fund upon sale or redemption of
the Municipal Obligation will be treated as taxable interest income to the ex-
tent such gain does not exceed the market discount, and any gain realized in
excess of the market discount generally will be treated as capital gain. The
Fund will be required by the Code to allocate its expenses proportionately be-
tween its tax-exempt income and taxable income (excluding net realized long-
term capital gains). Distributions to shareholders by the Fund of net income
received, if any, from taxable dividends market discount on Municipal Obliga-
tions treated as
 
B-26
<PAGE>
 
interest and net short-term capital gains, if any, realized by the Fund will be
taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of net realized long-
term capital gains, if any, are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless
of the length of time the shareholder has owned shares of the Fund and regard-
less of whether the distribution is received in additional shares or in cash.
 
In general, market discount is the amount (if any) by which the stated redemp-
tion price at maturity exceeds the Fund's purchase price (except to the extent
that such difference, if any, is attributable to original issue discount not
yet accrued). Accretion of market discount is taxable as ordinary income; under
prior law the accretion had been treated as capital gain. Market discount that
accretes while the Fund holds a Municipal Obligation would be recognized as or-
dinary income by the Fund when principal payments are received on the Municipal
Obligation, upon sale or at redemption (including early redemption) or at the
Fund's election, as such market discount accrues. Market discount income recog-
nized by the Fund will result in taxable dividends to the shareholders.
 
For purposes of computing the alternative minimum tax for individuals and cor-
porations and the Superfund tax for corporations, interest on certain private
activity bonds (which includes most industrial and housing bonds) issued on or
after August 8, 1986 is included as a preference item. The Fund will annually
supply shareholders with a report indicating the percentage of Fund income at-
tributable to Municipal Obligations that is treated as a tax preference item
for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. Moreover, for corpora-
tions, the alternative minimum taxable income is increased by 75% of the dif-
ference between an alternative measure of income ("adjusted current earnings")
and the amount otherwise determined to be the alternative minimum taxable in-
come. Interest on all Municipal Obligations, and therefore all exempt-interest
dividends received from the Fund, are included in calculating adjusted current
earnings. In addition, a corporate shareholder cannot take into account the
dividends received deductions in determining its adjusted current earnings.
 
For taxable years beginning before 1996, the Code imposes a separate tax on
corporations at a rate of 0.12% of the excess of such corporation's "modified
alternative minimum taxable income" over $2,000,000. A portion of the tax-ex-
empt interest, including exempt-interest dividends from the Fund, and taxable
dividends are includable in modified alternative minimum taxable income. This
tax will be imposed even if the corporation is not required to pay an alterna-
tive minimum tax because the corporation's regular income tax liability exceeds
its minimum tax liability.
 
Individuals whose "modified income" exceeds a base amount will be subject to
federal income tax on up to one-half of their social security benefits. Modi-
fied income currently includes adjusted gross income, one-half of social secu-
rity benefits and tax-exempt interest, including exempt-interest dividends
from the Fund. In addition, individuals whose modified income exceeds certain
base amounts are required to include in gross income up to 85% of their social
security benefits.
 
The interest on private activity bonds in most instances is not federally tax-
exempt to a person who is a "substantial user" of a facility financed by such
bonds or a "related person" of such "substantial user." As a result, the Fund
may not be an appropriate investment for shareholders who are considered either
a "substantial user" or a "related person" within the meaning of the Code. In
general, a "substantial user" of a facility includes a "non-exempt person who
regularly uses a part of such facility in his trade or business." "Related per-
sons" are in general defined to include persons among whom there exists a rela-
tionship, either by family or business, which would result in a disallowance of
losses in transactions
 
                                                                            B-27
<PAGE>
 
among them under various provisions of the Code (or if they are members of the
same controlled group of corporations under the Code), including a partnership
and each of its partners (and their spouses and minor children), an S corpora-
tion and each of its shareholders (and their spouses and minor children) and
various combinations of these relationships. The foregoing is not a complete
statement of all of the provisions of the Code relating to the definitions of
"substantial user" and "related person." For additional information, investors
should consult their tax advisers before investing in the Fund.
 
The Code provides that interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to pur-
chase or carry shares of a fund that distributes exempt-interest dividends is
not deductible. Under rules used by the IRS for determining when borrowed funds
are considered used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying particular as-
sets, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have been made
with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly traceable to the
purchase or ownership of shares.
 
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the
Code and Treasury Regulations presently in effect as they directly govern the
federal income taxation of the Funds and their shareholders. For complete pro-
visions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and Treasury
Regulations. The Code and Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legis-
lative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive with
respect to Fund transactions. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax
advisers for more detailed information concerning the federal taxation of the
Funds and the income tax consequences to their shareholders.
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
As explained in the Prospectuses, the historical investment performance of the
Funds may be shown in the form of "average annual total return," and "cumula-
tive total return" each of which will be calculated separately for each class
of shares.
 
The average annual total return quotation is computed in accordance with a
standardized method prescribed by SEC rules. The average annual total return
for a specific period is found by taking a hypothetical, $1,000 investment
("initial investment") in Fund shares on the first day of the period, reducing
the amount to reflect the maximum sales charge, and computing the "redeemable
value" of that investment at the end of the period. The redeemable value is
then divided by the initial investment, and this quotient is taken to the Nth
root (N representing the number of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted
from the result, which is then expressed as a percentage. The calculation as-
sumes that all income and capital gains distributions have been reinvested in
Fund shares at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
 
Calculation of cumulative total return is not subject to a prescribed formula.
Cumulative total return for a specific period is calculated by first taking a
hypothetical initial investment in Fund shares on the first day of the period,
deducting (in some cases) the maximum sales charge, and computing the "redeem-
able value" of that investment at the end of the period. The cumulative total
return percentage is then determined by subtracting the initial investment from
the redeemable value and dividing the remainder by the initial investment and
expressing the result as a percentage. The calculation assumes that all income
and capital gains distributions by a Fund have been reinvested at net asset
value on the reinvest-
 
B-28
<PAGE>
 
ment dates during the period. Cumulative total return may also be shown as the
increased dollar value of the hypothetical investment over the period. Cumula-
tive total return calculations that do not include the effect of the sales
charge would be reduced if such charge were included.
 
From time to time, each Fund may compare its risk-adjusted performance with
other investments that may provide different levels of risk and return. For
example, a Fund may compare its risk level, as measured by the variability of
its periodic returns, or its RISK-ADJUSTED TOTAL RETURN, with those of other
funds or groups of funds. Risk-adjusted total return would be calculated by
adjusting each investment's total return to account for the risk level of the
investment.
 
The risk level for a class of shares of a Fund, and any of the other invest-
ments used for comparison, would be evaluated by measuring the variability of
the investment's return, as indicated by the standard deviation of the invest-
ment's monthly returns over a specified measurement period (e.g., two years).
An investment with a higher standard deviation of monthly returns would indi-
cate that a fund had greater price variability, and therefore greater risk,
than an investment with a lower standard deviation.
 
THE RISK-ADJUSTED TOTAL RETURN for a class of shares of a Fund and for other
investments over a specified period would be evaluated by dividing (a) the re-
mainder of the investment's annualized two-year total return minus the
annualized total return of an investment in Treasury bill securities (essen-
tially a risk-free return) over that period, by (b) the standard deviation of
the investment's monthly returns for the period. This ratio is sometimes re-
ferred to as the "Sharpe measure" of return. An investment with a higher
Sharpe measure would be regarded as producing a higher return for the amount
of risk assumed during the measurement period than an investment with a lower
Sharpe measure.
 
Class A Shares of each Fund are sold at net asset value plus a current maximum
sales charge of 5.25% of the offering price. This current maximum sales charge
will typically be used for purposes of calculating performance figures. Re-
turns and net asset value of each class of shares of the Funds will fluctuate.
Factors affecting the performance of the Funds include general market condi-
tions, operating expenses and investment management. Any additional fees
charged by a securities representative or other financial services firm would
reduce returns described in this section. Shares of the Funds are redeemable
at net asset value, which may be more or less than original cost.
 
In reports or other communications to shareholders or in advertising and sales
literature, a Fund may also compare its performance with that of: (1) the Con-
sumer Price Index and (2) equity mutual funds or mutual fund indexes as re-
ported by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. ("Lipper"), Morningstar, Inc.
("Morningstar"), Wiesenberger Investment Companies Service ("Wiesenberger")
and CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. ("CDA") or similar independent services
which monitor the performance of mutual funds, or other industry or financial
publications such as Barron's, Changing Times, Forbes and Money Magazine. Per-
formance comparisons by these indexes, services or publications may rank mu-
tual funds over different periods of time by means of aggregate, average,
year-by-year, or other types of total return and performance figures. Any
given performance quotation or performance comparison should not be considered
as representative of the performance of the Funds for any future period.
 
There are differences and similarities between the investments which the Funds
may purchase and the investments measured by the indexes and reporting serv-
ices which are described herein. The Consumer
 
                                                                           B-29
<PAGE>
 
Price Index is generally considered to be a measure of inflation. Lipper, Morn-
ingstar, Wiesenberger and CDA are widely recognized mutual fund reporting serv-
ices whose performance calculations are based upon changes in net asset value
with all dividends reinvested and which do not include the effect of any sales
charges.
 
NUVEEN GROWTH AND INCOME STOCK FUND
   
THE FUND DOES NOT HAVE ANY PRIOR OPERATING HISTORY. THE TABLE BELOW PRESENTS
ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURNS FOR THE ICAP DISCRETIONARY EQUITY COMPOSITE BETWEEN
DECEMBER 31, 1985 AND DECEMBER 31, 1995. THE ICAP DISCRETIONARY EQUITY COMPOS-
ITE REPRESENTS THE COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE OF THE 40 MANAGED ACCOUNTS TOTALLING
APPROXIMATELY $2.4 BILLION FOR WHICH ICAP SERVES AS INVESTMENT ADVISER AND THAT
HAVE THE SAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES AS THE FUND.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                           1ST
                          HALF      ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
                          1996  1995  1994   1993  1992 1991  1990   1989  1988  1987  1986
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>   <C>   <C>    <C>   <C>  <C>   <C>    <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>
ICAP Discretionary Eq-
 uity Composite (Gross).  10.66 38.16  1.95  16.58 7.38 33.63  1.47  33.54  9.37 29.08 16.09
ICAP Discretionary Eq-
 uity Composite (Net)...  10.02 36.63  0.74  15.24 6.12 32.15  0.26  32.05  8.09 27.63 14.75
S&P 500.................  10.20 37.43  1.31   9.99 7.67 30.55 (3.17) 31.49 16.81  5.23 18.47
Morningstar Growth and
 Income Average.........   8.90 31.80 (1.05) 11.12 8.36 28.66 (4.79) 23.56 15.05  2.48 15.93
</TABLE>    
 
NUVEEN BALANCED STOCK AND BOND FUND
   
THE FUND DOES NOT HAVE ANY PRIOR OPERATING HISTORY. THE TABLE BELOW PRESENTS
ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURNS FOR THE ICAP BALANCED COMPOSITE BETWEEN DECEMBER 31,
1985 AND DECEMBER 31, 1995. THE ICAP BALANCED COMPOSITE REPRESENTS THE COMPOS-
ITE PERFORMANCE OF THE 8 MANAGED ACCOUNTS TOTALLING APPROXIMATELY $370 MILLION
FOR WHICH ICAP SERVES AS INVESTMENT ADVISER AND THAT HAVE THE SAME INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES AS THE FUND.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                          1ST
                          HALF     ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
                          1996 1995  1994   1993  1992 1991  1990   1989  1988  1987  1986
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>  <C>   <C>    <C>   <C>  <C>   <C>    <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>
ICAP Balanced Composite
 (Gross)................  5.77 29.09  0.21  13.81 7.34 31.04  2.69  31.14  8.57 27.52 15.75
ICAP Balanced Composite
 (Net)..................  5.20 27.76 (0.89) 12.61 6.18 29.70  1.57  29.80  7.40 26.20 14.52
Balanced Index..........  6.04 28.71  0.09   9.29 7.41 23.91  2.07  23.81 12.53  6.27 16.50
Morningstar Balanced Av-
 erage..................  4.81 25.07 (2.84) 11.03 7.80 25.78 (0.25) 18.85 12.84  2.51 16.63
</TABLE>    
 
The gross performance results of the ICAP Discretionary Equity Composite and
the ICAP Balanced Composite reflect the investment performance of the respec-
tive composites before deduction of any investment advisory fees or other ex-
penses. The net performance results of the ICAP Discretionary Equity Composite
and the ICAP Balanced Composite reflect the deduction of the projected annual
operating expenses for Class A shares of the Nuveen Growth and Income Stock
Fund and the Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund, respectively, as summarized
in the Summary of Fund Expenses section of each Fund's prospectus. The Standard
& Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500") is a widely-recog-
nized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. S&P 500 returns assume reinvest-
ment of all dividends paid by the stocks included in the index, but do not in-
clude brokerage commissions or other fees an investor would incur by investing
in the portfolio of stocks comprising the index. The
 
B-30
<PAGE>
 
   
Morningstar Growth and Income Average represents the composite returns of the
511 funds comprising the Morningstar Growth and Income category and assumes re-
investment of all fund dividends and distributions. The Balanced Fund Index
represents the investment performance of an unmanaged index comprised 60% of
the S&P 500 and 40% of the Lehman Brothers Intermediate Treasury Index (the
"Lehman Index"). The Lehman Index is an unmanaged index of all public obliga-
tions of the U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies, quasi-federal corpora-
tions and corporate debt guaranteed by the U.S. Government with maturities be-
tween one and ten years and an outstanding par value of at least $100 million.
The Morningstar Balanced Average represents the composite returns of the 309
funds comprising the Morningstar Balanced category and assumes reinvestment of
all fund dividends and distributions.     
 
TOTAL RETURNS REFLECT PAST PERFORMANCE AND ARE NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE RE-
SULTS.
 
                   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PURCHASE AND
                           REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
   
As described in the Prospectuses, each Fund has adopted a Flexible Sales Charge
Program which provides you with alternative ways of purchasing Fund shares
based upon your individual investment needs and preferences. You may purchase
Class A Shares at a price equal to their net asset value plus an up-front sales
charge. For information regarding the up-front sales charge on Class A shares,
see the table under "How to Buy Fund Shares" of the Prospectus. Set forth is an
example of the method of computing the offering price of the Class A shares of
each of the Funds. The example assumes a purchase on August 1, 1996 of Class A
shares from a Fund aggregating less than $50,000 subject to the schedule of
sales charges set forth in the Prospectus at a price based upon the net asset
value of the Class A shares.     
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                                                                     <C>
Net Asset Value per share.............................................. $20.000
Per Share Sales Charge--5.25% of public offering price (5.54% of net
 asset value per share)................................................ $ 1.108
Per Share Offering Price to the Public................................. $21.108
</TABLE>    
 
You may purchase Class B Shares without any up-front sales charge at a price
equal to their net asset value, but subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC") if you redeem shares within six years of purchase. The CDSC
will be waived (a) in the event of the total disability (as evidenced by a de-
termination by the federal Social Security Administration) of the shareholder
(including a registered joint owner) occurring after the purchase of the shares
being redeemed, (b) in the event of the death of the shareholder (including a
registered joint owner), (c) for redemptions made pursuant to a systematic
withdrawal plan, (d) for redemptions made pursuant to an IRA systematic with-
drawal based on the shareholder's life expectancy including, but not limited
to, substantially equal periodic payments described in Internal Revenue Code
Section 72(t)(2)(A)(iv) prior to age 59 and (e) for redemptions to satisfy re-
quired minimum distributions after age 70 from an IRA account (with the maximum
amount subject to this waiver being based only upon the shareholder's Nuveen
IRA accounts). The CDSC will also be waived in connection with the following
redemptions of shares held by employer sponsored employee benefit plans main-
tained on the subaccount recordkeeping system made available by the Shareholder
Service Agent: (a) redemptions to satisfy participant loan advances (note than
loan repayments constitute new purchases for purposes of the contingent de-
ferred sales charge and the conversation privilege), (b) redemptions in connec-
tion with retirement distributions (limited at any one time to 10% of
 
                                                                            B-31
<PAGE>
 
the total value of plan assets invested in a Fund), (c) redemptions in connec-
tion with distributions qualifying under the hardship provisions of the Inter-
nal Revenue Code and (d) redemptions representing returns of excess contribu-
tions to such plans. Class B Shares are also subject to an annual distribution
fee designed to compensate Authorized Dealers over time for the sale of Fund
shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares eight years af-
ter purchase.
 
You may purchase Class C Shares without any up-front sales charge at a price
equal to their net asset value, but subject to an annual distribution fee de-
signed to compensate Authorized Dealers over time for the sale of Fund shares.
Class C Shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for redemption
within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC will be waived for redemption following
the disability (as determined in writing by the Social Security Administration)
or death of the shareholder. Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
are all subject to annual service fees, which are used to compensate Authorized
Dealers for providing you with ongoing financial advice and other services.
 
Each class of shares of a Fund represents an interest in the same portfolio of
investments. Each class of shares is identical in all respects except that each
class bears its own class expenses, including administration and distribution
expenses, and each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to any dis-
tribution or service plan applicable to its shares. In addition, the Class B
Shares are subject to a conversion feature, as described below. As a result of
the differences in the expenses borne by each class of shares, net income per
share, dividends per share and net asset value per share will vary among a
Fund's classes of shares.
 
The expenses to be borne by specific classes of shares may include (i) transfer
agency fees attributable to a specific class of shares, (ii) printing and post-
age expenses related to preparing and distributing materials such as share-
holder reports, prospectuses and proxy statements to current shareholders of a
specific class of shares, (iii) Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and
state securities registration fees incurred by a specific class of shares, (iv)
the expense of administrative personnel and services required to support the
shareholders of a specific class of shares, (vi) litigation or other legal ex-
penses relating to a specific class of shares, (vi) directors' fees or expenses
incurred as a result of issues relating to a specific class of shares, (vii)
accounting expenses relating to a specific class of shares and (viii) any addi-
tional incremental expenses subsequently identified and determined to be prop-
erly allocated to one or more classes of shares.
 
Each Fund has special purchase programs under which certain persons may pur-
chase Class A Shares at reduced sales charges. One such program is available to
members of a "qualified group."
 
An individual who is a member of a "qualified group" may purchase Class A
Shares of a Fund (or any other Nuveen Fund with respect to which a sales charge
is imposed), at the reduced sales charge applicable to the group taken as a
whole. A "qualified group" is one which (i) has been in existence for more than
six months; (ii) has a purpose other than investment; (iii) has five or more
participating members; (iv) has agreed to include sales literature and other
materials related to the Fund in publications and mailings to members; (v) has
agreed to have its group administrator submit a single bulk order and make pay-
ment with a single remittance for all investments in a Fund during each invest-
ment period by all participants who choose to invest in the Fund; and (vi) has
agreed to provide the Funds' transfer
agent with appropriate backup data for each participant of the group in a for-
mat fully compatible with the transfer agent's processing system.
 
B-32
<PAGE>
 
The "amount" of a share purchase by a participant in a group purchase program
for purposes of determining the applicable sales charge is (i) the aggregate
value of all shares of the Funds (and all other Nuveen Funds with respect to
which a sales charge is imposed) currently held by participants of the group,
plus (ii) the amount of shares currently being purchased.
 
Special Sales Charge Waivers. Class A Shares of the Funds may be purchased at
net asset value without a sales charge, and Class R Shares may be purchased, by
the following categories of investors:
 
 .  officers, trustees and retired trustees of the Trust;
 
 .  bona fide, full-time and retired employees of Nuveen or ICAP, any parent
   company of Nuveen, and subsidiaries thereof, or their immediate family mem-
   bers (as defined below);
 
 .  any person who, for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director or bona
   fide employee of any Authorized Dealer, or their immediate family members;
 
 .  officers and directors of bank holding companies that make Fund shares
   available directly or through subsidiaries or bank affiliates;
 
 .  bank or broker-affiliated trust departments investing funds over which they
   exercise exclusive discretionary investment authority and that are held in a
   fiduciary, agency, advisory, custodial or similar capacity;
 
 .  investors purchasing through a mutual fund purchase program sponsored by a
   broker-dealer that offers a selected group of mutual funds either without a
   transaction fee or with an asset-based fee or a fixed fee that does not vary
   with the amount of the purchase. In order to qualify, such purchase program
   must offer a full range of mutual fund related services and shareholder ac-
   count servicing capabilities, including establishment and maintenance of
   shareholder accounts, addressing investor inquiries regarding account activ-
   ity and investment performances, processing of trading and dividend activity
   and generation of monthly account statements and year-end tax reporting; and
 
 .  registered investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
   broker-dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees to their custom-
   ers for financial planning, investment advisory or asset management servic-
   es, or provide such services in connection with the establishment of an in-
   vestment account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed.
 
To help advisers and investors better understand and most efficiently use the
Funds to reach their investment goals, the Funds may advertise and create spe-
cific investment programs and systems. For example, this may include informa-
tion on how to use the Funds to accumulate assets for future education needs or
periodic payments such as insurance premiums. The Funds may produce software or
additional sales literature to promote the advantages of using the Funds to
meet these and other specific investor needs.
 
Exchanges of shares of a Fund for shares of a Nuveen money market fund may be
made on days when both funds calculate a net asset value and make shares avail-
able for public purchase. Shares of the Nuveen money market funds may be pur-
chased on days on which the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston is normally open for
business. In addition to the holidays observed by the Fund, the Nuveen money
 
                                                                            B-33
<PAGE>
 
market funds observe and will not make fund shares available for purchase on
the following holidays: Martin Luther King's Birthday, Columbus Day and Veter-
ans Day.
 
For more information on the procedure for purchasing shares of the Funds and on
the special purchase programs available thereunder, see "How to Buy Fund
Shares" in the Prospectus.
 
Nuveen serves as the principal underwriter of the shares of the Funds pursuant
to a "best efforts" arrangement as provided by a distribution agreement with
the Trust ("Distribution Agreement"). Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement,
the Trust appointed Nuveen to be its agent for the distribution of the Funds'
shares on a continuous offering basis. Nuveen sells shares to or through bro-
kers, dealers, banks or other qualified financial intermediaries (collectively
referred to as "Dealers"), or others, in a manner consistent with the then ef-
fective registration statement of the Trust. Pursuant to the Distribution
Agreement, Nuveen, at its own expense, finances certain activities incident to
the sale and distribution of the Funds' shares, including printing and distrib-
uting of prospectuses and statements of additional information to other than
existing shareholders, the printing and distributing of sales literature, ad-
vertising and payment of compensation and giving of concessions to dealers.
Nuveen receives for its services the excess, if any, of the sales price of a
Fund's shares less the net asset value of those shares, and reallows a majority
or all of such amounts to the Dealers who sold the shares; Nuveen may act as
such a Dealer. Nuveen also receives compensation pursuant to a distribution
plan adopted by the Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-1 and described herein under
"Distribution and Service Plans." Nuveen receives any CDSCs imposed on redemp-
tions of Shares, but any amounts as to which a reinstatement privilege is not
exercised are set off against and reduce amounts otherwise payable to Nuveen
pursuant to the distribution plan.
 
                         DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
 
Each Fund has adopted a plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the In-
vestment Company Act of 1940, which provides that Class B Shares and Class C
Shares will be subject to an annual distribution fee, and that Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares will all be subject to an annual service fee.
Class R Shares will not be subject to either distribution or service fees.
 
The distribution fee applicable to Class B Shares, and Class C Shares under
each Fund's Plan will be payable to reimburse Nuveen for services and expenses
incurred in connection with the distribution of such Shares. These expenses in-
clude payments to Authorized Dealers, including Nuveen, who are brokers of rec-
ord with respect to the Shares, as well as, without limitation, expenses of
printing and distributing prospectuses to persons other than shareholders of
the Fund, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing advertising and
sales literature and reports to shareholders used in connection with the sale
of such Shares, certain other expenses associated with the distribution of such
Shares, and any distribution-related expenses that may be authorized from time
to time by the Board of Trustees.
 
The service fee applicable to Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
under each Fund's Plan will be payable to Authorized Dealers in connection with
the provision of ongoing account services to shareholders. These services may
include establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts, answering share-
holder inquiries and providing other personal services to shareholders.
 
B-34
<PAGE>
 
Each Fund may spend up to .25 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of
Class A Shares as a service fee under the Plan as applicable to Class A Shares.
Each Fund may spend up to .75 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of
each of the Class B Shares and Class C Shares as a distribution fee and up to
 .25 of 1% per year of the average daily net assets of each of the Class B
Shares and Class C Shares as a service fee under the Plan as applicable to such
classes.
 
Under each Fund's Plan, the Fund will report quarterly to the Board of Trustees
for its review all amounts expended per class of shares under the Plan. The
Plan may be terminated at any time with respect to any class of shares, without
the payment of any penalty, by a vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not
"interested persons" and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the Plan or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such
class. The Plan may be renewed from year to year if approved by a vote of the
Board of Trustees and a vote of the non-interested Trustees who have no direct
or indirect financial interest in the Plan cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on the Plan. The Plan may be continued only if the
trustees who vote to approve such continuance conclude, in the exercise of rea-
sonable business judgment and in light of their fiduciary duties under applica-
ble law, that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the
Fund and its shareholders. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially
the cost which a class of shares may bear under the Plan without the approval
of the shareholders of the affected class, and any other material amendments of
the Plan must be approved by the non-interested trustees by a vote cast in per-
son at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments. During
the continuance of the Plan, the selection and nomination of the non-interested
trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of the non-interested
trustees then in office.
 
                  INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND CUSTODIAN
 
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, 33 West Monroe Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60603 have been selected as auditors for the Trust. In addi-
tion to audit services, Arthur Andersen LLP will provide consultation and as-
sistance on accounting, internal control, tax and related matters. The finan-
cial statements included in this Statement of Additional Information have been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP as indicated in their report with respect there-
to, and are included in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said report.
   
The custodian of the assets of the Funds is The Chase Manhattan Bank, 770
Broadway, New York, New York 10003. The custodian performs custodial, fund ac-
counting and portfolio accounting services.     
 
                                                                            B-35
<PAGE>
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                             
                          NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST     
                             
                          STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS     
                                  
                               JULY 29, 1996     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                GROWTH AND     BALANCED STOCK BALANCED MUNICIPAL
                             INCOME STOCK FUND AND BOND FUND    AND STOCK FUND
                             ----------------- -------------- ------------------
<S>                          <C>               <C>            <C>
Assets:
  Cash.....................      $ 33,360         $ 33,360         $ 33,360
  Deferred organization
   costs (note 2)..........       180,000          180,000          180,000
                                 --------         --------         --------
    Total assets...........       213,360          213,360          213,360
                                 --------         --------         --------
Liabilities:
  Organization costs ac-
   crued...................       180,000          180,000          180,000
                                 --------         --------         --------
Net assets.................      $ 33,360         $ 33,360         $ 33,360
                                 ========         ========         ========
Shares outstanding (note
 1):
  Class A shares...........           417              417              417
  Class B shares...........           417              417              417
  Class C shares...........           417              417              417
  Class R shares...........           417              417              417
Net asset value and redemp-
 tion price per share:
  Class A, B, C and R
   shares..................      $  20.00         $  20.00         $  20.00
                                 ========         ========         ========
Offering price per share:
  Class B, C and R shares
   at net asset value......      $  20.00         $  20.00         $  20.00
                                 ========         ========         ========
  Class A shares at net as-
   set value plus maximum
   sales
   charge of 5.25% of of-
   fering price............      $  21.11         $  21.11         $  21.11
                                 ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>    
   
(1) THE TRUST:     
   
The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on May 6, 1996 and
has been inactive since that date except for matters relating to its organiza-
tion, its registration as an open-end series investment company and the regis-
tration of its shares under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the sale of the outstanding shares
to Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp., the Trust's investment adviser. The
Trust's shares are issued in separate series. Additional series may be added in
the future. Each series issues its own shares at a price equal to net asset
value for the Class B, C, and R shares and at varying sales charges for the
Class A shares.     
   
(2) DEFERRED ORGANIZATION COSTS:     
   
The Trust expects to incur approximately $540,000 in organization costs. These
costs have been divided equally among the Funds and will be amortized over a
60-month period beginning with the commencement of Trust operations.     
   
Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp., the Trust's initial shareholder, has
agreed that if any of the initial shares are redeemed during the first 60
months of the Trust's operations by any holder thereof, the proceeds of redemp-
tion will be reduced by the pro rata share of the unamortized organization ex-
penses as of the date of redemption. The pro rata share by which the redemption
proceeds shall be reduced shall be derived by dividing the number of original
shares redeemed by the total number of original shares outstanding at the time
of redemption.     
   
(3) RELATED PARTIES:     
   
Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp., will act as investment adviser for and
manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of each series and will
administer each of their business affairs. For these services each series has
agreed to pay an annual management fee as described in each series' Prospectus.
    
B-36
<PAGE>
 
                    
                 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS     
   
To the Shareholder and Board of Trustees of     
   
Nuveen Investment Trust     
   
We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets of Nuveen Investment
Trust (a Massachusetts business trust) comprising the Nuveen Growth and Income
Stock Fund, Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund and Nuveen Balanced Municipal
and Stock Fund as of July 29, 1996. The statement of net assets is the respon-
sibility of Nuveen Investment Trust's management. Our responsibility is to ex-
press an opinion on the statement of net assets based on our audit.     
   
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing stan-
dards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the statement of net assets is free of mate-
rial misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence sup-
porting the amounts and disclosures in the statement of net assets. Our proce-
dures included confirmation of cash held by the custodian as of July 29, 1996.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.     
   
In our opinion, the statement of net assets referred to above presents fairly,
in all material respects, the net assets of the Funds constituting the Nuveen
Investment Trust as of July 29, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted ac-
counting principles.     
                                             
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP     
   
Chicago, Illinois     
   
July 29, 1996     
 
                                                                            B-37
<PAGE>
 
                       APPENDIX A--RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS
 
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP--A brief description of the applicable Standard
& Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") rating symbols and their meanings (as published
by S&P) follows:
 
                                 LONG TERM DEBT
 
An S&P corporate or municipal debt rating is a current assessment of the cred-
itworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assess-
ment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or
lessees.
 
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security,
inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a partic-
ular investor.
 
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or ob-
tained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does not perform an
audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited fi-
nancial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a
result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on other
circumstances.
 
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
 
  1. Likelihood of default--capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the
     timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with
     the terms of the obligation;
 
  2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
 
  3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the
     event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws
     of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA  Debt rated "AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to
     pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
AA   Debt rated "AA' has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
     principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small de-
     gree.
 
A    Debt rated "A' has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay princi-
     pal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
     changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher
     rated categories.
 
BBB  Debt rated "BBB' is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay in-
     terest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate pro-
     tection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circum-
     stances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest
     and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated
     categories.
 
<PAGE>
 
SPECULATIVE GRADE RATING
Debt rated "BB', "B', "CCC', "CC' and "C' is regarded as having predominantly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. "BB' indicates the least degree of speculation and "C' the highest.
While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics
these are outweighed by major uncertainties or major exposures to adverse con-
ditions.
 
BB   Debt rated "BB' has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
     speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
     exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which
     could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and princi-
     pal payments. The "BB' rating category is also used for debt subordi-
     nated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied "BBB-' rat-
     ing.
 
B    Debt rated "B' has a greater vulnerability to default but currently
     has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments.
     Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair
     capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
 
     The "B' rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior
     debt that is assigned an actual or implied "BB' or "BB-' rating.
 
CCC  Debt rated "CCC' has a currently identifiable vulnerability to de-
     fault, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and eco-
     nomic conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of
     principal. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic
     conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and
     repay principal.
 
     The "CCC' rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior
     debt that is assigned an actual or implied "B' or "B-' rating.
 
CC   The rating "CC' typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior
     debt that is assigned an actual or implied "CCC' debt rating.
 
C    The rating "C' typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior
     debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC-' debt rating. The
     "C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy peti-
     tion has been filed, but debt service payments are continued.
 
CI   The rating "CI' is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
     being paid.
 
D    Debt rated "D' is in payment default. The "D' rating category is used
     when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date
     due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P
     believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The
     "D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition
     if debt service payments are jeopardized.
 
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA' to "CCC' may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
 
PROVISIONAL RATINGS: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is provisional. A
provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project financed by
the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is
largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the
project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to
comple-
 
A-2
<PAGE>
 
tion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of, or the risk of de-
fault upon failure of, such completion. The investor should exercise judgment
with respect to such likelihood and risk.
 
L    The letter "L' indicates that the rating pertains to the principal
     amount of those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit col-
     lateral is federally insured by the Federal Savings & Loan Insurance
     Corp. or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.* and interest is ade-
     quately collateralized. In the case of certificates of deposit the
     letter "L' indicates that the deposit, combined with other deposits
     being held in the same right and capacity will be honored for princi-
     pal and accrued pre-default interest up to the federal insurance lim-
     its within 30 days after closing of the insured institution or, in the
     event that the deposit is assumed by a successor insured institution,
     upon maturity.
 
NR   Indicates no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient in-
     formation on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a par-
     ticular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
 
                                MUNICIPAL NOTES
 
An S&P note rating reflects the liquidity concerns and market access risks
unique to notes. Notes due in 3 years or less will likely receive a note rat-
ing. Notes maturing beyond 3 years will most likely receive a long-term debt
rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:
 
     --Amortization schedule (the larger the final maturity relative to
      other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note).
 
     --Source of payment (the more dependent the issue is on the market for
      its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note).
 
NOTE RATING SYMBOLS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to
     possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+)
     designation.
 
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest with some vulnera-
     bility to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
     notes.
 
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
A note rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security in-
asmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particu-
lar investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to S&P by
the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P
does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion,
rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended,
or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information or
based on other circumstances.
 
*Continuance of the rating is contingent upon S&P's receipt of an executed copy
of the escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming investments and
cash flow.
 
 
                                                                             A-3
<PAGE>
 
                                COMMERCIAL PAPER
 
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of
timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days.
 
Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from "A-1" for the highest
quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. These categories are as follows:
 
A-1  This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
     payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
     safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
 
A-2  Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satis-
     factory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
     issues designated "A-1."
 
A-3  Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
     payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse
     effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the
     higher designations.
 
B    Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative capacity for
     timely payment.
 
C    This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
     capacity for payment.
 
D    Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
     when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date
     due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P
     believes that such payments will be made during such grace period.
 
A commercial rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a secu-
rity inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a
particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to
S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable.
S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occa-
sion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, sus-
pended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such infor-
mation or based on other circumstances.
 
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.--A brief description of the applicable Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") rating symbols and their meanings (as pub-
lished by Moody's) follows:
 
                                 LONG TERM DEBT
 
AAA  Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
     carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally re-
     ferred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large
     or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While
     the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as
     can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong
     position of such issues.
 
AA   Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all stan-
     dards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
     known as high grade bonds. They are rated
 
A-4
<PAGE>
 
     lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as
     large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may
     be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which
     make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securi-
     ties.
 
A    Bonds which are rated A possess may favorable investment attributes
     and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
     giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but
     elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
     sometime in the future.
 
BAA  Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
     i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest
     payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
     certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristi-
     cally unrealiable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack out-
     standing investment characteristics and in fact have speculative char-
     acteristics as well.
 
BA   Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
     their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protec-
     tion of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
     thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the
     future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
 
B    Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desir-
     able investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
     maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of
     time may be small.
 
CAA  Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
     default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
     principal or interest.
 
CA   Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
     in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
     marked shortcomings.
 
C    Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and is-
     sues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
     ever attaining any real investment standing.
 
CON( . . . )
     Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act
     or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These
     are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b)
     earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals
     which begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which
     some other limiting condition attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes
     probable credit stature upon completion of construction or elimination
     of basis of condition.
 
NOTE:Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody's believes
     possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the sym-
     bols Aa1, A1, Baa1, Ba1, and B1.
 
                           MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM LOANS
 
MIG 1/VMIG 1     This designation denotes best quality. There is present
                 strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquid-
                 ity support or demonstrated broadbased access to the market
                 for refinancing.
 
                                                                             A-5
<PAGE>
 
MIG 2/VMIG 2     This designation denotes high quality. Margins or protection
                 are ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
 
MIG 3/VMIG 3     This designation denotes favorable quality. All security ele-
                 ments are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable
                 strength of the preceding grades. Liquidity and cash flow
                 protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is
                 likely to be less well-established.
 
MIG 4/VMIG 4     This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection com-
                 monly regarded as required of an investment security is pres-
                 ent and although not distinctly or predominantly speculative,
                 there is specific risk.
 
                                COMMERCIAL PAPER
 
Issuers rated PRIME-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a superior ca-
pacity for repayment of senior short-term promissory obligations. Prime-1 re-
payment capacity will often be evidenced by many of the following characteris-
tics:
 
  --Leading market positions in well-established industries.
 
  --High rates of return on funds employed.
 
  --Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
   ample asset protection.
 
  --Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high
   internal cash generation.
 
  --Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
   sources of alternate liquidity.
 
Issuers rated PRIME-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a strong capac-
ity for repayment of senior short-term promissory obligations. This will nor-
mally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser
degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject
to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be
more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
 
Issuers rated PRIME-3 (or related supporting institutions) have an acceptable
capacity for repayment of senior short-term promissory obligations. The effect
of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced.
Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of
debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial lever-
age. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
 
Issuers rated NOT PRIME do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
 
A-6
<PAGE>
 
DUFF & PHELPS, INC.--A brief description of the applicable Duff & Phelps, Inc.
("D&P") ratings symbols and their meanings (as published by D&P) follows:
 
                                 LONG TERM DEBT
 
These ratings represent a summary opinion of the issuer's long-term fundamental
quality. Rating determination is based on qualitative and quantitative factors
which may vary according to the basic economic and financial characteristics of
each industry and each issuer. Important considerations are vulnerability to
economic cycles as well as risks related to such factors as competition, gov-
ernment action, regulation, technological obsolescence, demand shifts, cost
structure, and management depth and expertise. The projected viability of the
obligor at the trough of the cycle is a critical determination.
 
Each rating also takes into account the legal form of the security, (e.g.,
first mortgage bonds, subordinated debt, preferred stock, etc.). The extent of
rating dispersion among the various classes of securities is determined by sev-
eral factors including relative weightings of the different security classes in
the capital structure, the overall credit strength of the issuer, and the na-
ture of covenant protection.
 
The Credit Rating Committee formally reviews all ratings once per quarter (more
frequently, if nec- essary). Ratings of "BBB-' and higher fall within the defi-
nition of investment grade securities, as defined by bank and insurance super-
visory authorities. Structured finance issues, including real estate, asset-
backed and mortgage-backed financings, use this same rating scale. Duff &
Phelps Credit Rating claims paying ability ratings of insurance companies use
the same scale with minor modification in the definitions. Thus, an investor
can compare the credit quality of investment alternatives across industries and
structural types. A "Cash Flow Rating" (as noted for specific ratings) ad-
dresses the likelihood that aggregate principal and interest will equal or ex-
ceed the rated amount under appropriate stress conditions.
 
RATING SCALEDEFINITION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
AAA         Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being
            only slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
AA+         High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is mod-
AA          est, but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic
AA-         conditions.
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A+          Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors
A           are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
A-
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
BBB+        Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient
BBB         for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during
BBB-        economic cycles.
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
                                                                             A-7
<PAGE>
 
BB+         Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when
BB          due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate
BB-         according to industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall
            quality may move up or down frequently within this category.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
B+          Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will
B           not be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate
B-          widely according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or
            company fortunes. Potential exists for frequent changes in the
            rating within this category or into a higher or lower rating
            grade.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CCC         Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty
            exists as to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred
            dividends. Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substan-
            tial with unfavorable economic/industry conditions, and/or with
            unfavorable company developments.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DD          Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled prin-
            cipal and/or interest payments.
DP          Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                            SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS
 
Duff & Phelps' short-term ratings are consistent with the rating criteria used
by money market participants. The ratings apply to all obligations with matu-
rities of under one year, including commercial paper, the uninsured portion of
certificates of deposit, unsecured bank loans, master notes, bankers accept-
ances, irrevocable letters of credit, and current maturities of long-term
debt. Asset-backed commercial paper is also rated according to this scale.
 
Emphasis is placed on liquidity which is defined as not only cash from opera-
tions, but also access to alternative sources of funds including trade credit,
bank lines, and the capital markets. An important consideration is the level
of an obligor's reliance on short-term funds on an ongoing basis.
 
The distinguishing feature of Duff & Phelps Credit Ratings' short-term ratings
is the refinement of the traditional "1' category. The majority of short-term
debt issuers carry the highest rating, yet quality differences exist within
that tier. As a consequence, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating has incorporated gra-
dations of "1+' (one plus) and "1-' (one minus) to assist investors in recog-
nizing those differences.
 
These ratings are recognized by the SEC for broker-dealer requirements, spe-
cifically capital computation guidelines. These ratings meet Department of La-
bor ERISA guidelines governing pension and profit sharing investments. State
regulators also recognize the ratings of Duff & Phelps Credit Rating for in-
surance company investment portfolios.
 
A-8
<PAGE>
 
RATING SCALE:
            DEFINITION
 
            HIGH GRADE
D-1+        Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term liquidity, includ-
            ing internal operating factors and/or access to alternative
            sources of funds, is outstanding, and safety is just below risk-
            free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations.
 
D-1         Very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are ex-
            cellent and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk
            factors are minor.
 
D-1-        High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong and
            supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are
            very small.
 
            GOOD GRADE
D-2         Good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and company
            fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge
            total financing requirements, access to capital markets is good.
            Risk factors are small.
 
            SATISFACTORY GRADE
D-3         Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issue
            as to investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to
            more variation. Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.
 
            NON-INVESTMENT GRADE
D-4         Speculative investment characteristics. Liquidity is not suffi-
            cient to insured against disruption in debt service. Operating
            factors and market access may be subject to a high degree of vari-
            ation.
 
            DEFAULT
D-5         Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or interest pay-
            ments.
 
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.--A brief description of the applicable Fitch In-
vestors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") ratings symbols and meanings (as published by
Fitch) follows:
 
                                 LONG TERM DEBT
 
Fitch investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in determining
the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings represent
Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet the obligations of a spe-
cific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.
 
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its rela-
tionship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective finan-
cial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor, as
well as the economic and political environment that might affect the issuer's
future financial strength and credit quality.
 
Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be provided by in-
surance policies or financial guaranties unless otherwise indicated.
 
                                                                             A-9
<PAGE>
 
Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily identical
credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small differ-
ences in the degrees of credit risk.
 
Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security. Rat-
ings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any se-
curity for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of
payments made in respect of any security.
 
Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other obligors,
underwriters, their experts, and other sources Fitch believes to be reliable.
Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such information. Rat-
ings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the
unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
 
AAA  Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
     quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay inter-
     est and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasona-
     bly foreseeable events.
 
AA   Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quali-
     ty. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
     strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA'. Because
     bonds rated in the "AAA' and "AA' categories are not significantly
     vulnerable to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of the
     issuers is generally rated "F-1+'.
 
A    Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
     The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is consid-
     ered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in
     economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 
BBB  Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
     quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
     considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
     circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on
     these bonds and, therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that
     the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher
     than for bonds with higher ratings.
 
Fitch speculative grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in determin-
ing the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings ("BB' to
"C') represent Fitch's assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of prin-
cipal and interest in accordance with the terms of obligation for bond issues
not in default. For defaulted bonds, the rating ("DDD' to "D') is an assessment
of the ultimate recovery value through reorganization or liquidation.
 
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its rela-
tionship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective finan-
cial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor, as
well as the economic and political environment that might affect the issuer's
future financial strength.
 
A-10
<PAGE>
 
Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily identical
credit quality since the rating categories cannot fully reflect the differ-
ences in the degrees of credit risk.
 
BB   Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay inter-
     est and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic
     changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be identi-
     fied which could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service re-
     quirements.
 
B    Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
     currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of con-
     tinued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's
     limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and eco-
     nomic activity throughout the life of the issue.
 
CCC  Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not reme-
     died, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an
     advantageous business and economic environment.
 
CC   Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
     principal seems probable over time.
 
C    Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
 
DDD, Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such bonds
DD   are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
AND Dultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obli-
     gor. "DDD' represents the highest potential for recovery of these
     bonds, and "D' represents the lowest potential for recovery.
 
                              SHORT-TERM RATINGS
 
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on de-
mand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal
and investment notes.
 
The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating on the
existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a timely
manner.
 
F-1+ EXCEPTIONALLY STRONG CREDIT QUALITY Issues assigned this rating are
     regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely pay-
     ment.
 
F-1  VERY STRONG CREDIT QUALITY Issues assigned this rating reflect an as-
     surance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues
     rated "F-1+'.
 
F-2  GOOD CREDIT QUALITY Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
     degree of assurance for timely payment but the margin of safety is not
     as great as for issues assigned "F-1+' and "F-1' ratings.
 
F-3  FAIR CREDIT QUALITY Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
     suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is ade-
     quate; however, near-term adverse changes could cause these securities
     to be rated below investment grade.
 
                                                                           A-11
<PAGE>
 
F-S  WEAK CREDIT QUALITY Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
     suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for timely payment and are
     vulnerable to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic con-
     ditions.
 
D    DEFAULT Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent payment
     default.
 
LOC  The symbol LOC indicates that the rating is based on a letter of
     credit issued by a commercial bank.
 
A-12
<PAGE>
 
                           PART C--OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 24: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial statements:
 
  Included in the Prospectus:
 
    Not Applicable
 
  Included in the Statement of Additional Information:
       
    Statement of Net Assets, July 29, 1996, for each of the Nuveen Growth
    and Income Stock Fund, Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund and Nuveen
    Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund     
       
    Report of Independent Public Accountants dated July 29, 1996     
 
(b) Exhibits
 
<TABLE>       
<CAPTION>
 
     <C>       <S>                                                          <C>
      1(a).    Declaration of Trust of Registrant./1/
      1(b).    Certificate for the Establishment and Designation of
               Series and Classes, dated
               June 20, 1996.
      2.       By-Laws of Registrant./1/
      3.       Not applicable.
      4.       Specimen certificate of Shares of each Fund.
      5(a).    Form of Management Agreement between Registrant and Nuveen
               Institutional Advisory Corp./2/
      5(b).    Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Nuveen
               Institutional Advisory Corp and Institutional Capital
               Corporation./2/
      6(a).    Form of Distribution Agreement between Registrant and John
               Nuveen & Co. Incorporated.
      7.       Not applicable.
      8.       Form of Custodian Agreement between Registrant and Chase
               Manhattan Bank.
      9(a).    Not applicable.
     10(a).    Opinion and consent of Chapman and Cutler, dated July 30,
               1996.
     10(b).    Opinion and consent of Bingham, Dana & Gould, dated July
               30, 1996.
<CAPTION>
 
     <C>       <S>                                                          <C>
     11.       Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
     12.       Not applicable.
     13.       Subscription Agreement with Nuveen Institutional Advisory
               Corp.
</TABLE>    
 
                                                                             C-1
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>       
     <C>       <S>                                                         <C>
     14.       Not applicable.
     15.       Plan of Distribution and Service Pursuant to Rule 12b-1
               for the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
               of each Fund.
     16.       Not applicable.
     17.       Financial Data Schedule.
     18.       Multi-Class Plan./2/
     99(a).    Original Powers of Attorney for Messrs. Schwertfeger and
               Dean, Trustees, authorizing, among others, James J.
               Wesolowski and Gifford R. Zimmerman to execute the
               Registration Statement./1/ Powers of Attorney for Messrs.
               Leafstrand, Bacon, Kissick, Lyon, and Ms. Wellington,
               Trustees, authorizing, among others, James J. Wesolowski
               and Gifford R. Zimmerman to execute the Registration
               Statement.
</TABLE>    
- --------
       
/1/Incorporated by reference to the initial registration statement filed on
   Form N-1A for Registrant.
   
/2/Incorporated by reference to the pre-effective amendment no. 1 filed on Form
   N-1A for Registrant.     
 
ITEM 25: PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 26: NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
   
At July 29, 1996:     
 
<TABLE>       
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER OF
      TITLE OF SERIES                                             RECORD HOLDERS
      ---------------                                             --------------
      <S>                                                         <C>
      Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund........................        1
      Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund........................        1
      Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund...................        1
</TABLE>    
 
ITEM 27: INDEMNIFICATION
   
Section 4 of Article XII of Registrant's Declaration of Trust provides as fol-
lows:     
 
Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 4, every
person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust,
including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees,
officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an
interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a
"Covered Person"), shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent per-
mitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or
paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which
he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having
been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts
paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof.
 
C-2
<PAGE>
 
No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:
 
  (a) against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of a
  final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding
  was brought that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negli-
  gence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
  office;
 
  (b) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adju-
  dicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his
  action was in the best interests of the Trust; or
 
  (c) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final
  adjudication (as provided in paragraph (a) or (b)) and resulting in a pay-
  ment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either a determination that
  such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
  negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
  his office by the court or other body approving the settlement or other
  disposition or a reasonable determination, based on a review of readily
  available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that he did not
  engage in such conduct:
 
    (i) by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the
    matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in
    office act on the matter); or
 
    (ii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel.
 
The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by poli-
cies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other
rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall con-
tinue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure
to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which
Trust personnel other than Covered Persons may be entitled by contract or oth-
erwise under law.
 
Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action,
suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this Section 4
shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt
of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it
is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this
Section 4, provided that either:
 
  (a) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate
  security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any
  such advances; or
 
  (b) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided
  that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the
  matter) or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine,
  based upon a review of the readily available facts (as opposed to a full
  trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ul-
  timately will be found entitled to indemnification.
 
As used in this Section 4, a "Disinterested Trustee" is one (x) who is not an
Interested Person of the Trust (including, as such Disinterested Trustee, any-
one who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regula-
tion or order of the Commission), and (y) against whom none of such
 
                                                                             C-3
<PAGE>
 
actions, suits or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding
on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending.
 
As used in this Section 4, the words "claim," "action," "suit" or "proceeding"
shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (civil, criminal, admin-
istrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the word "li-
ability" and "expenses" shall include without limitation, attorneys' fees,
costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other lia-
bilities.
 
                               -----------------
   
The trustees and officers of the Registrant are covered by Investment Trust Er-
rors and Omission policies in the aggregate amount of $40,000,000 (with a maxi-
mum deductible of $500,000) against liability and expenses of claims of wrong-
ful acts arising out of their position with the Registrant, except for matters
which involved willful acts, bad faith, gross negligence and willful disregard
of duty (i.e., where the insured did not act in good faith for a purpose he or
she reasonably believed to be in the best interest of Registrant or where he or
she shall have had reasonable cause to believe this conduct was unlawful).     
 
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to the officers, trustees or controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust of the Registrant or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Ex-
change Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indem-
nification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant
of expenses incurred or paid by an officer or trustee or controlling person of
the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such officer, trustee or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it
is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
 
ITEM 28: BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
(a) Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. serves as investment adviser or manager
to the following closed-end management type investment companies: Nuveen Select
Tax-Free Income Portfolio; Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2; Nuveen
Insured California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio; Nuveen Insured New York
Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio; Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3 and
the Registrant. The principal business address for all of these investment com-
panies is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. In addition, Nuveen
Institutional Advisory Corp. serves as investment adviser to separately managed
accounts.
 
For a description of other business, profession, vocation or employment of a
substantial nature in which any director or officer of the investment adviser
has engaged during the last two years for his account or in the capacity of di-
rector, officer, employee, partner or trustee, see the descriptions under "Man-
agement" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
C-4
<PAGE>
 
(b) Institutional Capital Corporation (ICAP) acts as investment adviser to the
ICAP Funds, Inc. and as sub-investment adviser to the Registrant. In addition,
ICAP serves as investment adviser to separately managed accounts.
 
The following is a listing of each director and officer of ICAP. The principal
business address for each person is 225 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                POSITIONS AND OFFICES     POSITIONS AND OFFICES
               NAME                   WITH ICAP              WITH REGISTRANT
               ----             ---------------------     ---------------------
      <S>                    <C>                          <C>
      Robert H. Lyon........ President, Chief Investment         Trustee
                             Officer and Director
      Pamela H. Conroy...... Senior Vice President                None
      Donald D. Niemann..... Executive Vice President and         None
                             Director
      Gary S. Maurer........ Executive Vice President and         None
                             Director
      Barbara A. Chiesa..... Vice President and Director          None
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 29: PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
   
(a) John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated ("Nuveen") acts as principal underwriter to
the following open-end management type investment companies: Nuveen Municipal
Bond Fund, Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc., Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves,
Inc., Nuveen California Tax-Free Fund, Inc., Nuveen Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc.,
Nuveen Insured Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc., Nuveen Tax-Free Money Market Fund,
Inc., Nuveen Multistate Tax-Free Trust and the Registrant. Nuveen also acts as
depositor and principal underwriter of the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, a regis-
tered unit investment trust. Nuveen has also served or is serving as co-manag-
ing underwriter to the following closed-end management type investment compa-
nies: Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc., Nuveen California Municipal Value
Fund, Inc., Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund, Inc., Nuveen Municipal Income
Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Performance Plus
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen California Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc.,
Nuveen New York Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Municipal Advan-
tage Fund, Inc., Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc., Nuveen Cali-
fornia Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc., Nuveen Investment Quality Mu-
nicipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen California Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.,
Nuveen New York Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured Quality
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Florida Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Nuveen
New Jersey Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Pennsylvania Invest-
ment Quality Municipal Fund, Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen
California Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen New York Select Quality
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen In-
sured Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc., Nuveen Florida Quality Income Municipal
Fund, Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Ohio Quality
Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen
California Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen New York Quality Income
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen Pre-
mier Insured Munici     
 
                                                                             C-5
<PAGE>
 
   
pal Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc., Nuveen In-
sured California Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured New York
Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund,
Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured Florida Pre-
mium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Michigan Premium Income Municipal Fund,
Inc., Nuveen New Jersey Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured
Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 4,
Inc., Nuveen Insured California Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc., Nuveen
Pennsylvania Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Maryland Premium Income
Municipal Fund, Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Vir-
ginia Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Washington Premium Income Municipal
Fund, Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Georgia Premium
Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Missouri Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen
North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen California Premium Income
Municipal Fund, Nuveen Insured Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Select
Tax-Free Income Portfolio, Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2, Nuveen
Insured California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio, Nuveen Insured New York
Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio and Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3.
    
(b)
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                        <C>                            <C>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL         POSITIONS AND OFFICES          POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS           WITH UNDERWRITER               WITH REGISTRANT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony T. Dean            President, Chief Operating     Chairman and Trustee
333 West Wacker Drive      Officer and Director
Chicago, IL 60606
Timothy R. Schwertfeger    Chairman of the Board,         President and Trustee
333 West Wacker Drive      Chief Executive Officer,
Chicago, IL 60606          and Director
John P. Amboian            Executive Vice President       None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
William Adams IV           Vice President                 None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Clifton L. Fenton          Vice President                 None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Kathleen M. Flanagan       Vice President                 Vice President
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Stephen D. Foy             Vice President                 None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
</TABLE>    
 
 
C-6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>                             <C>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL           POSITIONS AND OFFICES           POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS             WITH UNDERWRITER                WITH REGISTRANT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert D. Freeland           Vice President                  None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Michael G. Gaffney           Vice President                  None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Anna R. Kucinskis            Vice President                  Vice President
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Robert B. Kuppenheimer       Vice President                  None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Larry W. Martin              Vice President and              Vice President and
333 West Wacker Drive        Assistant Secretary             Assistant Secretary
Chicago, IL 60606
Thomas C. Muntz              Vice President                  None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
O. Walter Renfftlen          Vice President                  Vice President and
333 West Wacker Drive        and Controller                  Controller
Chicago, IL 60606
Stuart W. Rogers             Vice President                  None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Bradford W. Shaw, Jr.        Vice President                  None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
H. William Stabenow          Vice President                  Vice President and
333 West Wacker Drive        and Treasurer                   Treasurer
Chicago, IL 60606
James J. Wesolowski          Vice President,                 Vice President and
333 West Wacker Drive        General Counsel                 Secretary
Chicago, IL 60606            and Secretary
</TABLE>
 
 
                                                                             C-7
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                         <C>                               <C>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL          POSITIONS AND OFFICES             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS            WITH UNDERWRITER                  WITH REGISTRANT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul C. Williams            Vice President                    None
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Gifford R. Zimmerman        Vice President                    Vice President and
333 West Wacker Drive       and Assistant Secretary           Assistant Secretary
Chicago, IL 60606
</TABLE>
 
(c) Not applicable.
 
ITEM 30: LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
   
Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp., 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois
60606, maintains the Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, minutes of trustees and
shareholder meetings and contracts of the Registrant and all advisory material
of the investment adviser.     
   
The Chase Manhattan Bank, 770 Broadway, New York, New York 10003, maintains all
general and subsidiary ledgers, journals, trial balances, records of all port-
folio purchases and sales, and all other required records not maintained by
Nuveen Advisory Corp., or Shareholder Services, Inc.     
 
Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Denver, Colorado 80217-5330, main-
tains all the required records in its capacity as transfer, dividend paying,
and shareholder service agent for the Registrant.
 
ITEM 31: MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 32: UNDERTAKINGS
(a) Not applicable.
 
(b) The Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment to its regis-
    tration statement, using financial statements which need not be certified,
    within four to six months from the effective date of Registrant's 1933 Act
    registration statement.
 
(c) The Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is
    delivered with a copy of the Registrant's latest Annual Report to Share-
    holders upon request and without charge.
 
C-8
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
   
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT
COMPANY ACT OF 1940, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN
THE CITY OF CHICAGO, AND STATE OF ILLINOIS, ON THE 30TH DAY OF JULY, 1996.     
 
                                        NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
 
                                            /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                         Gifford R. Zimmerman, Vice President
 
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND
ON THE DATE INDICATED.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
           SIGNATURE                     TITLE                       DATE
           ---------                     -----                       ----
<S>                             <C>                      <C>
  /s/ O. Walter Renfftlen
- -------------------------------
      O. Walter Renfftlen       Vice President and              July 30, 1996
                                 Controller (Principal
                                 Financial and
                                 Accounting Officer)
                                Trustee
    Timothy R. Schwertfeger     President and Trustee
                                Trustee
                                Trustee
                                Trustee
                                Trustee
        Anthony T. Dean         Chairman and Trustee
                                 (Principal Executive    
                                 Officer)                
                                                        /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman
                                                      By________________________
                                                           Gifford R. Zimmerman
                                                             Attorney-in-Fact

                                                              July 30, 1996 
</TABLE>    

 
AN ORIGINAL POWER OF ATTORNEY AUTHORIZING, AMONG OTHERS, JAMES J. WESOLOWSKI
AND GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN TO EXECUTE THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT, AND AMENDMENTS
THERETO, FOR EACH OF THE OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES OF REGISTRANT ON WHOSE BEHALF
THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT IS FILED, HAS BEEN EXECUTED AND FILED WITH THE SE-
CURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SEQUENTIALLY
 EXHIBIT                                                             NUMBERED
 NUMBER                           EXHIBIT                              PAGE
 -------                          -------                          ------------
(b) Exhibits
 
 <C>       <S>                                                     <C>
  1(a).    Declaration of Trust of Registrant./1/
  1(b).    Certificate for the Establishment and Designation of
           Series and Classes, dated
           June 20, 1996.
  2.       By-Laws of Registrant./1/
  3.       Not applicable.
  4.       Specimen certificate of Shares of each Fund.
  5(a).    Form of Management Agreement between Registrant and
           Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp./2/
  5(b).    Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Nuveen
           Institutional Advisory Corp. and Institutional
           Capital Corporation./2/
  6(a).    Form of Distribution Agreement between Registrant and
           John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated.
  7.       Not applicable.
  8.       Form of Custodian Agreement between Registrant and
           Chase Manhattan Bank.
  9(a).    Not applicable.
 10(a).    Opinion and consent of Chapman and Cutler, dated July
           30, 1996.
 10(b).    Opinion and consent of Bingham, Dana & Gould, dated
           July 30, 1996.
 11.       Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
 12.       Not applicable.
 13.       Subscription Agreement with Nuveen Institutional
           Advisory Corp.
 14.       Not applicable.
 15.       Plan of Distribution and Service Pursuant to Rule
           12b-1 for the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and
           Class C Shares of each Fund.
 16.       Not applicable.
 17.       Financial Data Schedule.
 18.       Multi-Class Plan./2/
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SEQUENTIALLY
 EXHIBIT                                                             NUMBERED
 NUMBER                           EXHIBIT                              PAGE
 -------                          -------                          ------------
 
 <C>       <S>                                                     <C>
 99(a).    Original Powers of Attorney for Messrs. Schwertfeger
           and Dean, Trustees, authorizing, among others, James
           J. Wesolowski and Gifford R. Zimmerman to execute the
           Registration Statement./1/ Powers of Attorney for
           Messrs. Leafstrand, Bacon, Lyon, Kissick and Ms.
           Wellington, Trustees, authorizing, James J.
           Wesolowski and Gifford R. Zimmerman to execute the
           Registration Statement.
</TABLE>    
- --------
       
/1/Incorporated by reference to the initial registration statement filed on
   Form N-1A for Registrant.
   
/2/Incorporated by reference to the pre-effective amendment no. 1 filed on Form
   N-1A for Registrant.     

<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 1(b)
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST

                   ESTABLISHMENT AND DESIGNATION OF SERIES OF

                         SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST


     Pursuant to Section 2 of Article IV of the Declaration of Trust dated May
6, 1996 (the "Declaration"), of Nuveen Investment Trust, a Massachusetts
business trust (the "Trust"), the Trustees of the Trust, this 20th day of June,
1996, hereby establish and designate three series of Shares (as defined in the
Declaration) (each a "Fund") to have the special and relative rights described
below.

     1.   The following three Funds are established and designated:

          Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund

          Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund          
 
          Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund

     2.   Each Fund shall be authorized to hold cash, invest in securities,
instruments and other property and use investment techniques as from time to
time described in the Trust's then currently effective registration statement
under the Securities Act of 1933 to the extent pertaining to the offering of
Shares of such Fund.  Each Share of each Fund shall be redeemable, shall be
entitled to one vote (or fraction thereof in respect of a fractional share) on
matters on which Shareholders of that Fund may vote in accordance with the
Declaration, shall represent a pro rata beneficial interest in the assets
allocated or belonging to such Fund, and shall be entitled to receive its pro
rata share of the net assets of such Fund upon liquidation of such Fund, all as
provided in Article IV, Sections 2 and 5 of the Declaration.  The proceeds of
the sale of Shares of each Fund, together with any income and gain thereon, less
any diminution or expenses thereof, shall irrevocably belong to such Fund,
unless otherwise required by law.

     3.   Shareholders of each Fund shall vote either separately as a class on
any matter to the extent required by, and any matter shall be deemed to have
been effectively acted upon with respect to such Fund as provided in, Rule 18f-
2, as from time to time in effect, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, or any successor rules, and by the Declaration.

     4.   The assets and liabilities of the Trust shall be allocated among each
Fund as set forth in Article IV, Section 5 of the Declaration.

     5.   The designation of the three Funds hereby shall not impair the power 
of the Trustees from time to time to designate additional series of Shares of
the Trust.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


     6.  Subject to the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the provisions
of Article IV, Sections 2 and 5 of the Declaration, the Trustees shall have the
right at any time and from time to time to reallocate assets and expenses or to
change the designation of each Fund now or hereafter created, or to otherwise
change the special relative rights of each Fund designated hereby without any
action or consent of the Shareholders.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole Trustee(s) of the
Trust, have executed this instrument as of this 20th day of June, 1996.



/s/ Anthony T. Dean                    /s/ Timothy R. Schwertfeger 
- -------------------                    ---------------------------
Anthony T. Dean,                       Timothy R. Schwertfeger,
 as Trustee                             as Trustee
333 West Wacker Drive                  333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606                Chicago, Illinois  60606



STATE OF ILLINOlS  )
                   ) SS.
COUNTY OF COOK     )

     Then personally appeared the above-named person(s) who are known to me to 
be Trustee(s) of the Trust whose name(s) and signature(s) are affixed to the
foregoing Designation of Series and who acknowledged the same to be his/her free
act and deed, before me this 20th day of June, 1996.

                                         /s/ Karen L. Healy
                                         .....................................
                                         Notary Public
                                         My Commission Expires: 12/30/99
                                                                ..............
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 1(b)
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST

                    ESTABLISHMENT AND DESIGNATION OF CLASSES


     The undersigned, being the sole Trustees of Nuveen Investment Trust, a
Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), acting pursuant to Sections 1 and 2
of Article IV of the Declaration of Trust dated May 6, 1996, (the
"Declaration"), do hereby divide the Shares of its series, whether currently
existing or created in the future, into four Classes of Shares effective as of
the date hereof, as follows:

     1.  The four Classes of Shares are designated "Class A Shares", "Class B
Shares", "Class C Shares" and "Class R Shares".

     2.   Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares
shall be entitled to all the rights and preferences accorded to Shares under the
Declaration.

     3.  The number of Shares of each Class designated hereby shall be
unlimited.

     4.  The purchase price of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares
and Class R Shares, the method of determination of the net asset value of Class
A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares, the price, terms
and manner of redemption of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and
Class R Shares, any conversion or exchange feature or privilege of the Class A
Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares, and the relative
dividend rights of the holders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares
and Class R Shares shall be established by the Trustees of the Trust in
accordance with the Declaration and shall be set forth in the current prospectus
and statement of additional information of the Trust or any series thereof, as
amended from time to time, contained in the Trust's registration statement under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Prospectus").

     5.  Each of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R
Shares shall bear the expenses of payments under any distribution and service
agreements entered into by or on behalf of the Trust with respect to that Class,
and any other expenses that are properly allocated to such Class in accordance
with the Investment Company Act of 1940, or any rule or order issued thereunder
and applicable to the Trust (the "1940 Act").

     6.  As to any matter on which shareholders are entitled to vote, Class A
Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares of a series shall vote
together as a single class; provided however, that notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 4 of Article IX of the Declaration to the contrary, (a) as
to any matter with respect to which a separate vote of any Class is required by
the 1940 Act or is required by a separate agreement applicable to such Class,
such requirements as to 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


a separate vote by the Class shall apply, (b) except as required by (a) above,
to the extent that a matter affects more than one Class and the interests of two
or more Classes in the matter are not materially different, then the Shares of
such Classes whose interests in the matter are not materially different shall
vote together as a single Class, but to the extent that a matter affects more
than one Class and the interests of a Class in the matter are materially
different from that of each other Class, then the Shares of such Class shall
vote as a separate class; and (c) except as required by (a) above or as
otherwise required by the 1940 Act, as to any matter which does not affect the
interests of a particular Class, only the holders of Shares of the one or more
affected Classes shall be entitled to vote.
  
     7.  The designation of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and
Class R Shares hereby shall not impair the power of the Trustees from time to
time to designate additional classes of Shares of the Trust.

     8.  Subject to the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the Trustees may
from time to time modify the preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges
of any of the Classes designated hereby or redesignate any of the Classes
designated hereby without any action or consent of the Shareholders.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole Trustee(s) of the
Trust, have executed this instrument as of this 20th day of June, 1996.


/s/ Anthony T. Dean                        /s/ Timothy R. Schwertfeger
- -------------------                        ---------------------------
Anthony T. Dean,                           Timothy R. Schwertfeger,
 as Trustee                                 as Trustee
333 West Wacker Drive                      333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606                    Chicago, Illinois  60606



STATE OF ILLINOIS                   )
                                    ) SS.
COUNTY OF COOK                      )

          Then personally appeared the above-named person(s) who are known to me
to be Trustee(s) of the Trust whose name(s) and signature(s) are affixed to the
foregoing Designation of Classes and who acknowledged the same to be his/her
free act and deed, before me this 20th day of June, 1996.

                                       /s/ Karen L. Healy
                              .........................................
                              Notary Public
                              My Commission Expires: 12/30/99
                                                    ..................

<PAGE>
                                                         EXHIBIT (b)4


                                                                                
              

 
Number                                                   Class [    ] Shares

                            Nuveen Investment Trust

                               [Name of Series]

         Organized Under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

This is to certify that                             See Reverse for
                                                Certain Definitions
is the owner of

CUSIP 67064Y 30 5

                Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Class [    ] Shares
___________________________________________________________________________

of beneficial interest, with the par value of one-cent ($.01) each, of the [Name
of Series] series of the Nuveen Investment Trust (herein called the "Trust")
transferable on the books of the Trust by the holder hereof in person or by duly
authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed.  The
shares represented by this certificate are issued and held subject to all of the
provisions of the Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust as a Massachusetts
business trust and any amendments thereto and any designation of classes, and
the By-Laws of the Trust, and any amendments thereto, copies of which are on
file with the Transfer Agent, to all of which the holder by acceptance hereof
expressly assents.  This certificate is executed on behalf of the Trust by the
officers as officers and not individually and the obligations hereof are not
binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are
binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust.  This certificate is not
valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent.

     WITNESS THE FACsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.

                                                 Dated:

                                                 Nuveen Investment Trust

Secretary, Nuveen Investment Trust               Chairman of the Board, Nuveen
                                                     Investment Trust
<PAGE>

                            Nuveen Investment Trust

                               [Name of Series]

Nuveen Investment Trust (the "Trust") will furnish to any shareholder, upon
request and without charge, a full statement of the designations, preferences,
limitation as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of
redemption and relative rights and preferences of the shares of each class or
series of the Trust authorized to be issued, so far as they have been
determined, and the authority of the Board of Trustees to determine the relative
rights and preferences of subsequent classes or series. Any such request should
be addressed to the Secretary of the Trust.

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM - as tenants in common
TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN  - as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
common

UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - ___________ Custodian ____________ under Uniform gifts
                      (Cust)                 (Minor)

to Minors Act ____________
                (State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

__________________________________________________________________________

For value received,____________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

_____________________________________
Please insert social security or other identifying number of assignee


___________________________________________________________________________
(Please print or typewrite name and address, including zip code, of assignee)

_____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ Shares of
the beneficial interest represented by the within certificate, and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint _________________________________________
    
________________________________________________________________Attorney to
<PAGE>
 
transfer the said shares on the books of the within-named Trust with full power
of substitution in the premises.

Dated, _________________________      NOTICE:  The signature to this assignment
                                      must correspond with the name as written
                                      upon the face of the certificate in every
                                      particular, without alteration or
                                      enlargement or any change whatever.

Owner___________________________      The signature(s) must be guaranteed by one
                                      of the following entities:  U.S. bank,
                                      trust company, credit union, savings
                                      association, or foreign bank having a U.S.
                                      correspondent bank:  a U.S. registered
                                      securities dealer or broker, municipal
                                      securities dealer or broker, or government
                                      securities dealer or broker; or a national
                                      securities exchange, registered securities
                                      association or clearing agency.

Signature of Co-Owner, if any
_________________________________

Signature(s) guaranteed by:

________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE NOTE:  This document contains a watermark when viewed at an angle.  It is
invalid without this watermark:                                       NUVEEN
________________________________________________________________________________

                       This Space Must Not Be Covered In Any Way

<PAGE>
                                                              EXHIBIT (b)6(a) 

 
                            DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
                            ----------------------

     AGREEMENT made as of this ______ day of_________, l996 between NUVEEN
INVESTMENT TRUST, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts (the "Fund"), and JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED, a Delaware
corporation (the "Underwriter").

                              W I T N E S S E T H
                              - - - - - - - - - -

     In consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, it is
hereby agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:

1.  The Fund hereby appoints the Underwriter its agent for the distribution of
shares of beneficial interest, par value $.0l per share, including such series
or classes of shares as may now or hereafter be authorized, (the "Shares") in
jurisdictions wherein Shares may legally be offered for sale; provided, however,
that the Fund, in its absolute discretion, may:  (a) issue or sell Shares
directly to holders of Shares of the Fund upon such terms and conditions and for
such consideration, if any, as it may determine, whether in connection with the
distribution of subscription or purchase rights, the payment or reinvestment of
dividends or distributions, or otherwise; and (b) issue or sell Shares at net
asset value in connection with merger or consolidation with, or acquisition of
the assets of, other investment companies or similar companies.

2.  The Underwriter hereby accepts appointment as agent for the distribution of
the Shares and agrees that it will use its best efforts to sell such part of the
authorized Shares remaining unissued as from time to time shall be effectively
registered under the Securities Act of l933 ("Securities Act"), at prices
determined as hereinafter provided and on terms hereinafter set forth, all
subject to applicable Federal and State laws and regulations and to the
Declaration of Trust of the Fund.

3.  The Fund agrees that it will use its best efforts to keep effectively
registered under the Securities Act for sale, as herein contemplated, such
Shares as the Underwriter shall reasonably request and as the Securities and
Exchange Commission shall permit to be so registered.

4.  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Fund may terminate, suspend,
or withdraw the offering of the Shares, or Shares of any series or class,
whenever, in its sole discretion, it deems such action to be desirable.

5.  The Underwriter shall sell Shares to, or through, brokers, dealers, banks or
other qualified financial intermediaries (hereinafter referred to as "dealers"),
or others, in such manner not inconsistent with the provisions hereof and the
then effective Registration Statement of the Fund under the Securities Act (and
related Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information) as the Underwriter
may determine from time to time, provided that no dealer, or other person, shall
be appointed nor authorized to act as agent of the Fund without the prior
consent of the Fund.  The Underwriter shall have the right to enter into
<PAGE>
 
agreements with brokers, dealers and banks (referred to herein as "dealers") of
its choice for the sale of Shares and fix therein the portion of the sales
charge which may be allocated to such dealers; provided that the Fund shall
approve the form of such agreements and shall evidence such approval by filing
said form and any amendments thereto as attachments to this Agreement, which
shall be filed as an exhibit to the Fund's currently effective registration
statement under the Securities Act.  Shares sold to dealers shall be for resale
by such dealers only at the public offering price(s) set forth in the Fund's
then current Prospectus.  The current forms of such agreements are attached
hereto as Exhibits 1, 2 and 3.

6.  Shares offered for sale, or sold by the Underwriter, shall be so offered or
sold at a price per Share determined in accordance with the then current
Prospectus relating to the sale of Shares except as departure from such prices
shall be permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.  Any public offering price shall be the net asset value per Share
plus a sales charge of not more than 5.25% of such public offering price.
Shares may be sold at net asset value without a sales charge to such class or
classes of investors or in such class or classes of transactions as may be
permitted under applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
as described in the then current Prospectus of the Fund.  The net asset value
per Share of each series or class shall be calculated in accordance with the
Declaration of Trust of the Fund and shall be determined in the manner, and at
the time, set forth in the then current Prospectus of the Fund relating to such
Shares.

7.  The price the Fund shall receive for all Shares purchased from the Fund
shall be the net asset value used in determining the public offering price
applicable to the sale of such Shares.  The excess, if any, of the sales price
over the net asset value of Shares sold by the Underwriter as agent shall be
retained by the Underwriter as a commission for its services hereunder.  Out of
such commission, the Underwriter may allow commissions or concessions to dealers
in such amounts as the Underwriter shall determine from time to time.  Except as
may be otherwise determined by the Underwriter and the Fund from time to time,
such commissions or concessions shall be uniform to all dealers.

8.  The Underwriter shall issue and deliver, or cause to be issued and
delivered, on behalf of the Fund such confirmations of sales made by it as
agent, pursuant to this Agreement, as may be required.  At, or prior to, the
time of issuance of Shares, the Underwriter will pay, or cause to be paid, to
the Fund the amount due the Fund for the sale of such Shares.  Certificates
shall be issued, or Shares registered on the transfer books of the Fund, in such
names and denominations as the Underwriter may specify.

9.  The Fund will execute any and all documents, and furnish any and all
information, which may be reasonably necessary in connection with the
qualification of the Shares for sale (including the qualification of the Fund as
a dealer, where necessary or advisable) in such states as the Underwriter may
reasonably request (it being understood that the Fund shall not be required,
without its consent, to comply with any requirement which, in its opinion, is
unduly burdensome).
<PAGE>
 
l0. The Fund will furnish to the Underwriter, from time to time, such
information with respect to the Fund and the Shares as the Underwriter may
reasonably request for use in connection with the sale of Shares.  The
Underwriter agrees that it will not use or distribute, nor will it authorize
dealers or others to use, distribute or disseminate, in connection with the sale
of such Shares, any statements other than those contained in the Fund's current
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, except such supplemental
literature or advertising as shall be lawful under Federal and State securities
laws and regulations, and that it will furnish the Fund with copies of all such
material.

ll. The Underwriter shall order Shares from the Fund only to the extent that it
shall have received purchase orders therefor.  The Underwriter will not make,
nor authorize any dealers or others, to make:  (a) any short sale of Shares; or
(b) any sale of Shares to any officer or trustee of the Fund, nor to any officer
or trustee of the Underwriter, or of any corporation or association furnishing
investment advisory, managerial, or supervisory services to the Fund, nor to any
such corporation or association, unless such sales are made in accordance with
the then current Prospectus relating to the sale of such Shares.

l2. In selling Shares for the account of the Fund, the Underwriter will in all
respects conform to the requirements of all Federal and State laws and the Rules
of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
relating to such sales, and will indemnify and save harmless the Fund from any
damage or expense on account of any wrongful act by the Underwriter or any
employee, representative, or agent of the Underwriter.  The Underwriter will
observe and be bound by all the provisions of the Declaration of Trust of the
Fund (and of any fundamental policies adopted by the Fund pursuant to the
Investment Company Act of l940, notice of which shall have been given by the
Fund to the Underwriter) which at the time in any way require, limit, restrict,
prohibit or otherwise regulate any action on the part of the Underwriter.

l3. The Underwriter will require each dealer to conform to the provisions hereof
and of the Registration Statement (and related Prospectus) at the time in effect
under the Securities Act with respect to the public offering price of the
Shares, and neither the Underwriter nor any such dealer shall withhold the
placing of purchase orders so as to make a profit thereby.

l4. The Fund will pay, or cause to be paid, expenses (including the fees and
disbursements of its own counsel) of any registration of Shares under the
Securities Act, expenses of qualifying or continuing the qualification of the
Shares for sale and, in connection therewith, of qualifying or continuing the
qualification of the Fund as a dealer or broker under the laws of such states as
may be designated by the Underwriter under the conditions herein specified, and
expenses incident to the issuance of the Shares such as the cost of Share
certificates, issue taxes, and fees of the transfer and shareholder service
agent.  The Underwriter will pay, or cause to be paid, all expenses (other than
expenses which any dealer may bear pursuant to any agreement with the
Underwriter) incident to the sale and distribution of the Shares issued or sold
hereunder, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all:
(a) expenses of printing and distributing any Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information and of preparing, printing and distributing or
disseminating any other literature, advertising and selling aids in connection
with such offering of the Shares 
<PAGE>
 
for sale (except that such expenses need not include expenses incurred by the
Fund in connection with the preparation, printing and distribution of any report
or other communication to holders of Shares in their capacity as such), and (b)
expenses of advertising in connection with such offering. No transfer taxes, if
any, which may be payable in connection with the issue or delivery of Shares
sold as herein contemplated, or of the certificates for such Shares, shall be
borne by the Fund, and the Underwriter will indemnify and hold harmless the Fund
against liability for all such transfer taxes.

l5. This agreement shall continue in effect until August l, l997, unless and
until terminated by either party as hereinafter provided, and will continue from
year to year thereafter, but only so long as such continuance is specifically
approved, at least annually, in the manner required by the Investment Company
Act of l940.  Either party hereto may terminate this agreement on any date by
giving the other party at least six months' prior written notice of such
termination, specifying the date fixed therefor.  Without prejudice to any other
remedies of the Fund in any such event, the Fund may terminate this agreement at
any time immediately upon any failure of fulfillment of any of the obligations
of the Underwriter hereunder.

Without prejudice to any other remedies of the Fund in any such event, the Fund
may terminate this Agreement at any time immediately upon any failure of
fulfillment of any of the obligations of the Underwriter hereunder.

l6. This agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.

l7. Any notice under this agreement shall be in writing, addressed, and
delivered or mailed, postage pre-paid, to the other party at such address as
such other party may designate for the receipt of such notice.

18. The Declaration of Trust of the Fund on file with the Secretary of State of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was executed on behalf of the Fund by the
initial trustees of the Fund and not individually, and any obligation of the
Fund shall be binding only upon the assets of the Fund (or applicable series
thereof) and shall not be binding upon any trustee, officer or shareholder of
the Fund.  Neither the authorization of any action by the trustees or
shareholders of the Fund nor the execution of this agreement on behalf of the
Fund shall impose any liability upon any Trustee, officer or shareholder of the
Fund.
<PAGE>
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund and the Underwriter have each caused this agreement
to be executed on its behalf as of the day and year first above written.

                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST


                         By
                              Vice President

Attest:



Assistant Secretary


                        JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED


                         By
                              Vice President

Attest:



Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
 
                        EXHIBIT A TO NUVEEN MUTUAL FUNDS
                DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT

                Policies and Procedures With Respect to Sales of
                           Multiple Classes of Funds

The Nuveen non-money market open-end mutual funds (the "Funds") have the
following classes of shares generally available to the public: Class A Shares,
which are normally subject to an up-front sales charge and a service fee; Class
B Shares, which are subject to an asset-based sales charge, a service fee, and a
declining contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"); and Class C Shares, which
are subject to an asset-based sales charge, a service fee, and a 12-month CDSC,
it is important for an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares which
best suits his or her particular circumstances. To assist investors in these
decisions, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, underwriter for the Nuveen Mutual
Funds, has instituted the following policies with respect to orders for Fund
shares. These policies apply to each Authorized Dealer which distributes Fund
shares.

     1. Purchase orders for a single purchaser equal to or exceeding $1,000,000
        should be placed only for Class A shares, unless such purchase for
        Class B or Class C Shares has been reviewed and approved by the
        Authorized Dealer's appropriate supervisor.

     2. Any purchase order for less than $1,000,000 may be for Class A, Class B
        or Class C Shares in light of the relevant facts and circumstances,
        including:

             a. the specific purchase order dollar amount;

             b. the length of time the investor expects to hold his or her
                Shares;

             c. whether the investor expects to reinvest dividends;  and

             d. any other relevant circumstances such as the availability of
                purchases under a letter of intent, a combined discount or a
                cumulative discount, as described in the Prospectus for the
                Fund, and any anticipated changes in the funds net asset value
                per share.

There are instances when one method of purchasing Shares may be more appropriate
than the other. For example, investors who would qualify for a significant
discount from the maximum sales load on Class A Shares might determine that
payment of such a reduced up-front sales charge is preferable to the payment of
a higher ongoing distribution fee on Class B or Class C Shares. On the other
hand, investors who prefer not to pay an up-front sales charge may wish to defer
the sales charge by purchasing Class B or Class C Shares. Those who plan to
redeem their shares within five years might consider Class C Shares,
particularly if they do not expect to reinvest dividends in additional shares.
Note that, if an investor anticipate redeeming Class B Shares within a short
period of time such as one year, that investor may bear higher distribution
expenses than if Class A Shares had been purchased. In addition, investors who
intend to hold their shares for a significantly long

<PAGE>
 
time may not wish to bear the higher ongoing asset-based sales charges of Class
B or Class C Shares, irrespective of the fact that the CDSC that would apply to
a redemption of Class B Shares is reduced over time and is ultimately
eliminated, and that the CDSC that would apply to a redemption of Class C Shares
is relatively short in duration and small in amount.

Appropriate supervisory personnel within your organization must ensure that all
employees receiving investor inquiries about the purchase of shares of the Funds
advise the investor of the available pricing structures offered by the Funds and
the impact of choosing one method over another, including breakpoints and the
availability of letters of intent, combined purchases and cumulative discounts.
In some instances it may be appropriate for a supervisory person to discuss a
purchase with the investor.

These policies are effective immediately with respect to any order for the
purchase of shares of the Funds.

July 18, 1996
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT MUTUAL FUNDS
DEALER DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT


As principal underwriter of shares of the various Nuveen non-money market open-
end mutual funds, and of the shares of any future such funds (collectively, the
"Funds"), we invite you to join a selling group for the distribution of shares
of common stock of the Funds (the "Shares").  As exclusive agent of the Funds,
we offer to sell you Shares on the following terms:

1.   In all sales of Shares to the public you shall act as dealer for your own
     account, and in no transaction shall you have any authority to act as agent
     for any Fund, for us or for any other member of the Selling Group.

2.   Orders received from you shall be accepted by us only at the public
     offering price applicable to each order, as established by the then current
     Prospectus of the appropriate Fund, subject to the discounts provided in
     such Prospectus.  Upon receipt from you of any order to purchase Shares we
     shall confirm to you in writing or by wire to be followed by a confirmation
     in writing.  Additional instructions may be forwarded to you from time to
     time.  All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by us in our sole
     discretion.

3.   You may offer and sell Shares to your customers only at the public offering
     price determined in the manner described in the current Prospectus of the
     appropriate Fund.  Shares will be offered at a public offering price based
     upon the net asset value of such Shares plus, with respect to certain
     class(es) of Shares, a sales charge from which you shall receive a discount
     equal to a percentage of the applicable offering price as provided in the
     Prospectus.  You may receive a distribution fee and/or a service fee with
     respect to certain class(es) of Shares for which such fees are applicable,
     as provided in the applicable Prospectus, which distribution fee and/or
     service fee shall be payable for such periods and at such intervals as are
     from time to time specified by us. Your placement of an order for Shares
     after the date of any notice of such amendment shall conclusively evidence
     your agreement to be bound thereby.

     Reduced sales charges may also be available as a result of a cumulative
     discount or pursuant to a letter of intent.  Further information as to such
     reduced sales charges, if any, is set forth in the appropriate Fund
     Prospectus.  You agree to advise us promptly as to the amounts of any sales
     made by you to the public qualifying for reduced sales charges.

4.   By accepting this Agreement, you agree:

     (a) That you will purchase Shares only from us;

     (b) That you will purchase Shares from us only to cover purchase orders
     already received from your customers, or for your own bona fide investment;
     and

     (c) That you will not withhold placing with us orders received from your
     customers so as to profit yourself as a result of such withholding.

<PAGE>
 
     (d) That, with respect to the sale of Shares of Funds that offer multiple
     classes of Shares, you will comply with the terms of the Policies and
     Procedures with Respect to Sales of Multiple Classes of Shares, attached
     hereto as Exhibit A.

5.   We will not accept from you any conditional orders for Shares.

6.   Payment for Shares ordered from us shall be in New York clearing house
     funds and must be received by the Funds' agent, Shareholder Services, Inc.,
     P. O. Box 5330, Denver, Colorado  80217-5330, within three business days
     after our acceptance of your order.  If such payment is not received, we
     reserve the right, without notice, forthwith to cancel the sale or, at our
     option, to cause the Fund to redeem the Shares ordered, in which case we
     may hold you responsible for any loss, including loss of profit, suffered
     by us as result of your failure to make such payment.   If any Shares
     confirmed to you under the terms of this agreement are repurchased by the
     issuing Fund or by us as agent for the Fund, or are tendered for
     repurchase, within seven business days after the date of our confirmation
     of the original purchase order, you shall promptly refund to us the full
     discount, commission, or other concession, if any, allowed or paid to you
     on such Shares.

7.   Shares sold hereunder shall be available in book-entry form on the books of
     Shareholder Services, Inc. unless other instructions have been given.

8.   No person is authorized to make any representations concerning Shares or
     any Fund except those contained in the applicable current Prospectus and
     printed information subsequently issued by the appropriate Fund or by us as
     information supplemental to such Prospectus.  You agree that you will not
     offer or sell any Shares except under circumstances that will result in
     compliance with the applicable Federal and state securities laws and that
     in connection with sales and offers to sell Shares you will furnish to each
     person to whom any such sale or offer is made a copy of the then current
     Prospectus for the appropriate Fund (as the amended or supplemented) and
     will not furnish to any persons any information relating to Shares which is
     inconsistent in any respect with the information contained in the then
     current Prospectus or cause any advertisement to be published in any
     newspaper or posted in any public place without our consent and the consent
     of the appropriate Fund.  You shall be responsible for any required filing
     of such advertising.

9.   All sales will be made subject to our receipt of Shares from the
     appropriate Fund. We reserve the right, in our discretion, without notice,
     to modify, suspend or withdraw entirely the offering of any Shares, and
     upon notice to change the price, sales charge, or dealer discount or to
     modify, cancel or change the terms of this agreement.

10.  Your acceptance of this agreement constitutes a representation that you are
     a registered securities dealer and a member in good standing of the
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and agree to comply with
     all applicable state and Federal laws, rules and regulations applicable to
     transactions hereunder and to the Rules of Fair Practice of the National
     Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., including specifically Section 26,
     Article III thereof. You likewise agree that you will not offer to sell
     Shares in any state or other jurisdiction in which they may not lawfully be
     offered for sale.

11.  You shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities,
     personnel and literature distribution as is necessary or appropriate for
     providing information and services to your customers. Such services and
     assistance may include, but not be
<PAGE>
 
     limited to, establishment and maintenance of shareholder accounts and
     records, processing purchase and redemption transactions, answering routine
     inquiries regarding the Funds, and such other services as may be agreed
     upon from time to time and as may be permitted by applicable statute, rule,
     or regulation. You shall perform these services in good faith and with
     reasonable care. You shall immediately inform the Funds or us of all
     written complaints received by you from Fund shareholders relating to the
     maintenance of their accounts and shall promptly answer all such
     complaints.

12.  All communications to us should be sent to 333 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago,
     Illinois  60606.  Any notice to you shall be duly given if mailed or
     telegraphed to you at the address specified by you below.

13.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State
     of Illinois.  This Agreement is subject to the Prospectuses of the Funds
     from time to time in effect, and, in the event of a conflict, the terms of
     the Prospectuses shall control.  References herein to the "Prospectus" of a
     Fund shall mean the prospectus and statement of additional information of
     such Fund as from time to time in effect.  Any changes, modifications or
     additions reflected in any such Prospectus shall be effective on the date
     of such Prospectus (or supplement thereto) unless specified otherwise.
     This Agreement shall supersede any prior dealer distribution agreement with
     respect to the Funds.

JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED

By:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We have read the foregoing agreement and accept and agree to the terms and
conditions therein.

Firm Name

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
By:  Authorized Signature

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Printed name of person signing

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
City                     State                     Zip

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date
<PAGE>

 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Tax Identification No.



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above agreement should be executed in duplicate and both copies returned to
us for signature.  We will return a fully executed copy to you for your files.
                                              6/6/95
<PAGE>
 
                       EXHIBIT A TO NUVEEN MUTUAL FUNDS
               DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT

               Policies and Procedures With Respect to Sales of
                           Multiple Classes of Funds

The Nuveen non-money market open-end mutual funds (the "Funds") have the
following classes of shares generally available to the public: Class A Shares,
which are normally subject to an up-front sales charge and a service fee; Class
B Shares, which are subject to an asset-based sales charge, a service fee, and a
declining contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"); and Class C Shares, which
are subject to an asset-based sales charge, a service fee, and a 12-month CDSC ,
it is important for an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares which
best suits his or her particular circumstances. To assist investors in these
decisions, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, underwriter for the Nuveen Mutual
Funds, has instituted the following policies with respect to orders for Fund
shares. These policies apply to each Authorized Dealer which distributes Fund
shares.

     1. Purchase orders for a single purchaser equal to or exceeding  $1,000,000
        should be placed only for Class A shares, unless such purchase for Class
        B or Class C Shares has been reviewed and approved by the Authorized
        Dealer's appropriate supervisor.

     2. Any purchase order for less than $1,000,000 may be for Class A, Class B
        or Class C Shares in light of the relevant facts and circumstances,
        including:
             a. the specific purchase order dollar amount;
             b. the length of time the investor expects to hold his or her
                Shares;
             c. whether the investor expects to reinvest dividends;  and
             d. any other relevant circumstances such as the availability of
                purchases under a letter of intent, a combined discount or a
                cumulative discount, as described in the Prospectus for the
                Fund, and any anticipated changes in the funds net asset value
                per share.

There are instances when one method of purchasing Shares may be more appropriate
than the other. For example, investors who would qualify for a significant
discount from the maximum sales load on Class A Shares might determine that
payment of such a reduced up-front sales charge is preferable to the payment of
a higher ongoing distribution fee on Class B or Class C Shares. On the other
hand, investors who prefer not to pay an up-front sales charge may wish to defer
the sales charge by purchasing Class B or Class C Shares. Those who plan to
redeem their shares within five years might consider Class C Shares,
particularly if they do not expect to reinvest dividends in additional shares.
Note that, if an investor anticipate redeeming Class B Shares within a short
period of time such as one year, that investor may bear higher distribution
expenses than if Class A Shares had been purchased. In addition, investors who
intend to hold their shares for a significantly long time may not wish to bear
the higher ongoing asset-based sales charges of Class B or Class C
<PAGE>

Shares, irrespective of the fact that the CDSC that would apply to a redemption
of Class B Shares is reduced over time and is ultimately eliminated, and that
the CDSC that would apply to a redemption of Class C Shares is relatively short
in duration and small in amount.

Appropriate supervisory personnel within your organization must ensure that all
employees receiving investor inquiries about the purchase of shares of the Funds
advise the investor of the available pricing structures offered by the Funds and
the impact of choosing one method over another, including breakpoints and the
availability of letters of intent, combined purchases and cumulative discounts.
In some instances it may be appropriate for a supervisory person to discuss a
purchase with the investor.
 
These policies are effective immediately with respect to any order for the
purchase of shares of the Funds.
<PAGE>
<TABLE> 
Nuveen Tax-Free Mutual Funds
                                                                           CUSIP                 QUOTRON
                                                                           Number                Symbol
<S>                                                                       <C>                    <C> 
Money Market Funds
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc.                                  670634104             NUVXX
Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves, Inc.                                             670639103             NRFXX
Nuveen CA Tax-Free Money Market Fund -
  Service Portfolio                                                        670620303             NCTXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                   67062D402             NCTXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                  67062D501             NCTXX
Nuveen MA Tax-Free Money Market Fund -
  Service Portfolio                                                        670637107             NMAXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                   670637206             NMAXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                  670637305             NMAXX
Nuveen NY Tax-Free Money Market Fund -
  Service Portfolio                                                        670637404             NTFXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                   670637503             NTFXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                  670637602             NTFXX
Nuveen Tax-Free Mutual Funds with Multiclass Shares
                                                             R SHARE                  A SHARE                    C SHARE

                                                        CUSIP     QUOTRON     CUSIP        QUOTRON     CUSIP      QUOTRON
                                                        NUMBER     SYMBOL     NUMBER        SYMBOL     NUMBER     SYMBOL
Long Term Value Funds
Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.                       670623107    NUVBX     670623206     NMBAX      670623305     #
Nuveen AZ Tax-Free Value Fund                          67062Y109    NMARX*    67062Y174       #        67062Y182     #
Nuveen CA Tax-Free Value Fund                          67062D105    NCSPX     67062D600     NCAAX*     67062D709     #
Nuveen FL Tax-Free Value Fund                          67062Y117    NMFLX     67062Y703     NFLAX*     67062Y802     #
Nuveen MD Tax-Free Value Fund                          67062Y125    NMMDX     67062Y190     NMDAX*     67062Y208     #
Nuveen MA Tax-Free Value Fund                          670636109    NBMAX     670636406     NMAAX*     670636505     #
Nuveen MI Tax-Free Value Fund                          67062Y133    NMMIX     67062Y885       #        67062Y877     #
Nuveen NJ Tax-Free Value Fund                          67062Y141    NMNJX     67062Y307     NNJAX*     67062Y406     #
Nuveen NY Tax-Free Value Fund                          670636208    NTNYX     670636604     NNYAX*     670636703     #
Nuveen OH Tax-Free Value Fund                          670636307    NXOHX     670636802     NOHAX*     670636885     #
Nuveen PA Tax-Free Value Fund                          67062Y158    NBPAX     67062Y869       #        67062Y851     #
Nuveen VA Tax-Free Value Fund                          67062Y166    NMVAX     67062Y505       #        67062Y604     #
 
Long Insured Value Funds
Nuveen Insured  Municipal Bond Fund                    67062G108    NITNX     67062G405      NMBIX     67062G504     #
Nuveen CA Insured Tax-Free Value Fund                  67062D204    NCIBX     67062D808        #       67062D881     #
Nuveen NY Insured Tax-Free Value Fund                  67062G306    NINYX     67062G801      NNYIX*    67062G884     #
Nuveen MA Insured Tax-Free Value Fund                  67062G207    NIMAX     67062G603        #       67062G702     #
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
Nuveen/ICAP Equity and Balanced Mutual Funds  with Multiclass Shares
 
                                                             A Share                         B Share              C Share  R Share
                                                       Cusip                                 
                                                      Quotron     Quotron  CUSIP         Quotron    Cusip    Quotron    Cusip
                                                      Number
                                                      Symbol      Symbol   Number        Symbol     Number   Symbol     Number
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>      <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
Nuveen Growth
   and Income Stock Fund                               67064Y107    #      67064Y206     # 67064Y305    #    67064Y404      #

Nuveen Balanced Stock
   and Bond Fund                                       67064Y1883   #      67064Y875     # 67064Y867    #    67064Y859      #

Nuveen Balanced Municipal
   and Stock Fund                                      67064Y503    #      67064Y602     # 67064Y701    #6   67064Y800      #
</TABLE>

# Will receive a supplemental listing when the number of class shareholder
accounts is 300 or when the class asset base reaches $1 million. 

Note:  A Quotron Symbol requires 1,000 shareholder accounts or $25 million in
assets

* Denotes supplemental listing only
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT MUTUAL FUNDS
DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT      (Bank Version)

As principal underwriter of shares of common stock  (the "Shares") of the
various Nuveen non-money market open-end mutual funds and any future such funds
(collectively, the "Funds"), we offer to make available Shares for purchase by
your customers on the following terms:

1.   In all sales of Shares to the public you shall act as agent for your
     customers, and in no transaction shall you have any authority to act as
     agent for any Fund or for us. The customers in question are for all
     purposes your customers and not customers of John Nuveen & Co.
     Incorporated.  We shall execute transactions for each of your customers
     only upon your authorization, it being understood in all cases that (a) you
     are acting as agent for the customer; (b) the transactions are without
     recourse against you by the customer; (c) as between you and the customer,
     the customer will have full beneficial ownership of the securities; (d)
     each transaction is initiated solely upon the order of the customer; and
     (e) each transaction is for the account of the customer and not for your
     account.

2.   Orders received from you shall be accepted by us only at the public
     offering price applicable to each order, as established by the then current
     Prospectus of the appropriate Fund, subject to the discounts provided in
     such Prospectus. Upon receipt from you of any order to purchase Shares we
     shall confirm to you in writing or by wire to be followed by a confirmation
     in writing, and we shall concurrently send to your customer a letter
     confirming such order, together with a copy of the appropriate Fund's
     current Prospectus. Additional instructions may be forwarded to you from
     time to time. All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by us in
     our sole discretion .

3.   Members of the general public, including your customers, may purchase
     Shares only at the public offering price determined in the manner described
     in the current Prospectus of the appropriate Fund. Shares will be offered
     at a public offering price based upon the net asset value of such Shares
     plus, with respect to certain class(es) of Shares, a sales charge which,
     together with the amount of that sales charge to be retained by banks
     acting as agent for their customers, is set forth in the Prospectus. You
     may receive a distribution fee and/or a service fee with respect to certain
     class(es) of Shares for which such fees are applicable, as provided in the
     applicable Prospectus, which distribution fee and/or service fee shall be
     payable for such periods and at such intervals as are from time to time
     specified by us. Your placement of an order for Shares after the date of
     any notice of such amendment shall conclusively evidence your agreement to
     be bound thereby. Reduced sales charges may also be available as a result
     of a cumulative discount or pursuant to a letter of intent. Further
     information as to such reduced sales charges, if any, is set forth in the
     appropriate Fund Prospectus. You agree to advise us promptly as to the
     amounts of any sales made by or though you to the public qualifying for
     reduced sales charges.

4.   By accepting this Agreement, you agree:

     (a) That you will purchase Shares only from us, and only to cover purchase
     orders already received from your customers;
<PAGE>
 
     (b) That you will not withhold placing with us orders received from your
     customers so as to profit yourself as a result of such withholding;  and

     (c) That, with respect to the sale of Shares of Funds that offer multiple
     classes of Shares, you will comply with the terms of the Policies and
     Procedures with Respect to Sales of Multiple Classes of Shares, attached
     hereto as Exhibit A.

5.   We will not accept from you any conditional orders for Shares.

6.   Payment for Shares ordered from us shall be in New York clearing house
     funds and must be received by the Funds' agent, Shareholder Services, Inc.,
     P. O. Box 5330, Denver, Colorado  80217-5330, within three business days
     after our acceptance of your order.  If such payment is not received, we
     reserve the right, without notice, forthwith to cancel the sale or, at our
     option, to cause the Fund to redeem the Shares ordered, in which case we
     may hold you responsible for any loss, including loss of profit, suffered
     by us as result of your or your customer's failure to make such payment.
     If any Shares confirmed to you or your customer under the terms of this
     agreement are repurchased by the issuing Fund or by us as agent for the
     Fund, or are tendered for repurchase, within seven business days after the
     date of our confirmation of the original purchase order, you shall promptly
     refund to us the full discount, commission, or other concession, if any,
     allowed or paid to you on such Shares.

7.   Shares sold hereunder shall be available in book-entry form on the books of
     Shareholder Services, Inc. unless other instructions have been given.

8.   No person is authorized to make any representations concerning Shares or
     any Fund except those contained in the applicable current Prospectus and
     printed information issued by the appropriate Fund or by us as information
     supplemental to such Prospectus.  You agree that you will not offer or sell
     any Shares except under circumstances that will result in compliance with
     the applicable Federal and state securities laws and that in connection
     with sales and offers to sell Shares you will furnish to each person to
     whom any such sale or offer is made a copy of the then current Prospectus
     for the appropriate Fund (as amended or supplemented) and will not furnish
     to any persons any information relating to Shares which is inconsistent in
     any respect with the information contained in the then current Prospectus
     or cause any advertisement to be published in any newspaper or posted in
     any public place without our consent and the consent of the appropriate
     Fund.  You shall be responsible for any required filing of such
     advertising.

9.   All sales will be made subject to our receipt of Shares from the
     appropriate Fund.  We reserve the right, in our discretion, without notice,
     to modify, suspend or withdraw entirely the offering of any Shares, and
     upon notice to change the price, sales charge, or dealer discount or to
     modify, cancel or change the terms of this agreement.

10.  Your acceptance of this agreement constitutes a representation that you are
     a bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Securities Exchange Act of
     1934, as amended, and are duly authorized to engage in the transactions to
     be performed hereunder.  You hereby agree to comply with all applicable
     state and Federal laws, rules and regulations applicable to transactions
     hereunder.   You likewise agree that you will not make Shares available in
     any state or other jurisdiction in which they may not lawfully be offered
     for sale.

11.  You shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities,
     personnel and literature distribution as is necessary or appropriate for
     providing information and 
<PAGE>
 
     services to your customers. Such services and assistance may include, but
     not be limited to, establishment and maintenance of shareholder accounts
     and records, processing purchase and redemption transactions, answering
     routine inquiries regarding the Funds, and such other services as may be
     agreed upon from time to time and as may be permitted by applicable
     statute, rule, or regulation. You shall perform these services in good
     faith and with reasonable care. You shall immediately inform the Funds or
     us of all written complaints received by you from Fund shareholders
     relating to the maintenance of their accounts and shall promptly answer all
     such complaints.

12.  All communications to us should be sent to 333 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago,
     Illinois  60606.  Any notice to you shall be duly given if mailed or
     telegraphed to you at the address specified by you below.

13.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State
     of Illinois.  This Agreement is subject to the Prospectuses of the Funds
     from time to time in effect, and, in the event of a conflict, the terms of
     the Prospectuses shall control.  References herein to the "Prospectus" of a
     Fund shall mean the prospectus and statement of additional information of
     such Fund as from time to time in effect.  Any changes, modifications or
     additions reflected in any such Prospectus shall be effective on the date
     of such Prospectus (or supplement thereto) unless specified otherwise.
     This Agreement shall supersede any prior dealer distribution agreement with
     respect to the Funds.

JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED

By:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We have read the foregoing agreement and accept and agree to the terms and
conditions therein.

Firm Name


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By:  Authorized Signature


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Printed name of person signing


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City                     State                     Zip


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Tax Identification No.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above agreement should be executed in duplicate and both copies returned to
us for signature.  We will return a fully executed copy to you for your files.
<PAGE>
 
                        EXHIBIT A TO NUVEEN MUTUAL FUNDS
                DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT

                Policies and Procedures With Respect to Sales of
                           Multiple Classes of Funds

The Nuveen non-money market open-end mutual funds (the "Funds") have the
following classes of shares generally available to the public: Class A Shares,
which are normally subject to an up-front sales charge and a service fee;  Class
B Shares, which are subject to an asset-based sales charge, a service fee, and a
declining contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC");  and Class C Shares, which
are subject to an asset-based sales charge, a service fee, and a 12-month CDSC ,
it is important for an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares which
best suits his or her particular circumstances.  To assist investors in these
decisions, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, underwriter for the Nuveen Mutual
Funds, has instituted the following policies with respect to orders for Fund
shares.  These policies apply to each Authorized Dealer which distributes Fund
shares.

     1. Purchase orders for a single purchaser equal to or exceeding  $1,000,000
        should be placed only for Class A shares, unless such purchase for Class
        B or Class C Shares has been reviewed and approved by the Authorized
        Dealer's appropriate supervisor.

     2. Any purchase order for less than $1,000,000 may be for Class A, Class B
        or Class C Shares in light of the relevant facts and circumstances,
        including:
            a.  the specific purchase order dollar amount;
            b.  the length of time the investor expects to hold his or her
                Shares;
            c.  whether the investor expects to reinvest dividends;  and
            d.  any other relevant circumstances such as the availability of
                purchases under a letter of intent, a combined discount or a
                cumulative discount, as described in the Prospectus for the
                Fund, and any anticipated changes in the funds net asset value
                per share.

There are instances when one method of purchasing Shares may be more appropriate
than the other.  For example, investors who would qualify for a significant
discount from the maximum sales load on Class A Shares might determine that
payment of such a reduced up-front sales charge is preferable to the payment of
a higher ongoing distribution fee on Class B or Class C Shares.  On the other
hand, investors who prefer not to pay an up-front sales charge may wish to defer
the sales charge by purchasing Class B or Class C Shares.  Those who plan to
redeem their shares within five years might consider Class C Shares,
particularly if they do not expect to reinvest dividends in additional shares.
Note that, if an investor anticipate redeeming Class B Shares within a short
period of time such as one year, that investor may bear higher distribution
expenses than if Class A Shares had been purchased.  In addition, investors who
intend to hold their shares for a significantly long time may not wish to bear
the higher ongoing asset-based sales charges of Class B or Class C 
<PAGE>
 
Shares, irrespective of the fact that the CDSC that would apply to a redemption
of Class B Shares is reduced over time and is ultimately eliminated, and that
the CDSC that would apply to a redemption of Class C Shares is relatively short
in duration and small in amount.

Appropriate supervisory personnel within your organization must ensure that all
employees receiving investor inquiries about the purchase of shares of the Funds
advise the investor of the available pricing structures offered by the Funds and
the impact of choosing one method over another, including breakpoints and the
availability of letters of intent, combined purchases and cumulative discounts.
In some instances it may be appropriate for a supervisory person to discuss a
purchase with the investor.
 
These policies are effective immediately with respect to any order for the
purchase of shares of the Funds.

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS
 
                                                                           CUSIP               QUOTRON
                                                                           NUMBER              SYMBOL
<S>                                                                        <C>                 <C> 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc.                                  670634104           NUVXX
Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves, Inc.                                             670639103           NRFXX
Nuveen CA Tax-Free Money Market Fund -
  Service Portfolio                                                        670620303           NCTXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                   67062D402           NCTXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                  67062D501           NCTXX
Nuveen MA Tax-Free Money Market Fund -
  Service Portfolio                                                        670637107           NMAXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                   670637206           NMAXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                  670637305           NMAXX
Nuveen NY Tax-Free Money Market Fund -
  Service Portfolio                                                        670637404           NTFXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                   670637503           NTFXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                  670637602           NTFXX
Nuveen Tax-Free Mutual Funds with Multiclass Shares
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                          
                                                          R SHARE                    A SHARE                           C SHARE

                                                   CUSIP         QUOTRON       CUSIP        QUOTRON      CUSIP          QUOTRON
                                                   NUMBER        SYMBOL        NUMBER       SYMBOL       NUMBER         SYMBOL
<S>                                               <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>  
LONG TERM VALUE FUNDS
Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.                  670623107       NUVBX       670623206       NMBAX       670623305         #
Nuveen AZ Tax-Free Value Fund                     67062Y109       NMARX*      67062Y174         #         67062Y182         #
Nuveen CA Tax-Free Value Fund                     67062D105       NCSPX       67062D600       NCAAX*      67062D709         #
Nuveen FL Tax-Free Value Fund                     67062Y117       NMFLX       67062Y703       NFLAX*      67062Y802         #
Nuveen MD Tax-Free Value Fund                     67062Y125       NMMDX       67062Y190       NMDAX*      67062Y208         # 
Nuveen MA Tax-Free Value Fund                     670636109       NBMAX       670636406       NMAAX*      670636505         #
Nuveen MI Tax-Free Value Fund                     67062Y133       NMMIX       67062Y885         #         67062Y877         #
Nuveen NJ Tax-Free Value Fund                     67062Y141       NMNJX       67062Y307       NNJAX*      67062Y406         #
Nuveen NY Tax-Free Value Fund                     670636208       NTNYX       670636604       NNYAX*      670636703         #
Nuveen OH Tax-Free Value Fund                     670636307       NXOHX       670636802       NOHAX*      670636885         #
Nuveen PA Tax-Free Value Fund                     67062Y158       NBPAX       67062Y869         #         67062Y851         #
Nuveen VA Tax-Free Value Fund                     67062Y166       NMVAX       67062Y505         #         67062Y604         #
 
LONG INSURED VALUE FUNDS                              
Nuveen Insured  Municipal Bond Fund               67062G108       NITNX       67062G405       NMBIX       67062G504         #
Nuveen CA Insured Tax-Free Value Fund             67062D204       NCIBX       67062D808         #         67062D881         #
Nuveen NY Insured Tax-Free Value Fund             67062G306       NINYX       67062G801       NNYIX*      67062G884         #
Nuveen MA Insured Tax-Free Value Fund             67062G207       NIMAX       67062G603         #         67062G702         #
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>  

Nuveen/ICAP Equity and Balanced Mutual Funds with  Multiclass Shares
 
                                         A SHARE                        B SHARE             C SHARE               R SHARE

                                     CUSIP         Quotron     CUSIP          Quotron       CUSIP       Quotron      CUSIP
                                     Quotron
                                     Number        Symbol      Number         Symbol        Number      Symbol       Number
                                     Symbol
<S>                                 <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>    
Nuveen Growth
   and Income Stock Fund             67064Y107        #       67064Y206     # 67064Y305       #        67064Y404       #
Nuveen Balanced Stock
   and Bond Fund                     67064Y1883       #       67064Y875     # 67064Y867       #        67064Y859       #
Nuveen Balanced Municipal
   and Stock Fund                    67064Y503        #       67064Y602     # 67064Y701       #6       67064Y800       #
</TABLE>

# Will receive a supplemental listing when the number of class shareholder
accounts is 300 or when the class asset base reaches $1 million.

Note: A Quotron Symbol requires 1,000 shareholder accounts or $25 million in
assets

* Denotes supplemental listing only
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT MUTUAL FUNDS    (Version for Bank-Affiliated Broker-Dealers)
DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT


As principal underwriter of shares of common stock (the "Shares") of the
various Nuveen non-money market open-end mutual funds and any future such funds
(collectively, the "Funds"), we offer to make available Shares for purchase by
your customers on the following terms:

1.   In all sales of Shares to the public you shall act as agent for your
     customers, and in no transaction shall you have any authority to act as
     agent for any Fund or for us. The customers in question are for all
     purposes your customers and not customers of John Nuveen & Co.
     Incorporated.  We shall execute transactions for each of your customers
     only upon your authorization, it being understood in all cases that (a) you
     are acting as agent for the customer; (b) the transactions are without
     recourse against you by the customer; (c) as between you and the customer,
     the customer will have full beneficial ownership of the securities; (d)
     each transaction is initiated solely upon the order of the customer; and
     (e) each transaction is for the account of the customer and not for your
     account.

2.   Orders received from you shall be accepted by us only at the public
     offering price applicable to each order, as established by the then current
     Prospectus of the appropriate Fund, subject to the discounts provided in
     such Prospectus.  Upon receipt from you of any order to purchase Shares we
     shall confirm to you in writing or by wire to be followed by a confirmation
     in writing, and we shall concurrently send to your customer a letter
     confirming such order, together with a copy of the appropriate Fund's
     current Prospectus.   Additional instructions may be forwarded to you from
     time to time.  All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by us in
     our sole discretion.

3.   Members of the general public, including your customers, may purchase
     Shares only at the public offering price determined in the manner described
     in the current Prospectus of the appropriate Fund.  Shares will be offered
     at a public offering price based upon the net asset value of such Shares
     plus, with respect to certain class(es) of Shares, a sales charge which,
     together with the amount of that sales charge to be retained by banks or
     bank-affiliated broker-dealers acting as agent for their customers, is set
     forth in the Prospectus.  You may receive a distribution fee and/or a
     service fee with respect to certain class(es) of Shares for which such fees
     are applicable, as provided in the applicable Prospectus, which
     distribution fee and/or service fee shall be payable for such periods and
     at such intervals as are from time to time specified by us. Your placement
     of an order for Shares after the date of any notice of such amendment shall
     conclusively evidence your agreement to be bound thereby.   Reduced sales
     charges may also be available as a result of a cumulative discount or
     pursuant to a letter of intent.  Further information as to such reduced
     sales charges, if any, is set forth in the appropriate Fund Prospectus.
     You agree to advise us promptly as to the amounts of any sales made by or
     though you to the public qualifying for reduced sales charges.

4.   By accepting this Agreement, you agree:
<PAGE>
 
     (a)  That you will purchase Shares only from us, and only to cover purchase
     orders already received from your customers;
     
     (b)  That you will not withhold placing with us orders received from your
     customers so as to profit yourself as a result of such withholding; and
     
     (c)  That, with respect to the sale of Shares of Funds that offer multiple
     classes of Shares, you will comply with the terms of the Policies and
     Procedures with Respect to Sales of Multiple Classes of Shares, attached
     hereto as Exhibit A.

5.   We will not accept from you any conditional orders for Shares.

6.   Payment for Shares ordered from us shall be in New York clearing house
     funds and must be received by the Funds' agent, Shareholder Services, Inc.,
     P. O. Box 5330, Denver, Colorado  80217-5330, within three business days
     after our acceptance of your order.  If such payment is not received, we
     reserve the right, without notice, forthwith to cancel the sale or, at our
     option, to cause the Fund to redeem the Shares ordered, in which case we
     may hold you responsible for any loss, including loss of profit, suffered
     by us as result of your or your customer's failure to make such payment.
     If any Shares confirmed to you or your customer under the terms of this
     agreement are repurchased by the issuing Fund or by us as agent for the
     Fund, or are tendered for repurchase, within seven business days after the
     date of our confirmation of the original purchase order, you shall promptly
     refund to us the full discount, commission, or other concession, if any,
     allowed or paid to you on such Shares.

7.   Shares sold hereunder shall be available in book-entry form on the books of
     Shareholder Services, Inc. unless other instructions have been given.

8.   No person is authorized to make any representations concerning Shares or
     any Fund except those contained in the applicable current Prospectus and
     printed information issued by the appropriate Fund or by us as information
     supplemental to such Prospectus.  You agree that you will not offer or sell
     any Shares except under circumstances that will result in compliance with
     the applicable Federal and state securities laws and that in connection
     with sales and offers to sell Shares you will furnish to each person to
     whom any such sale or offer is made a copy of the then current Prospectus
     for the appropriate Fund (as amended or supplemented) and will not furnish
     to any persons any information relating to Shares which is inconsistent in
     any respect with the information contained in the then current Prospectus
     or cause any advertisement to be published in any newspaper or posted in
     any public place without our consent and the consent of the appropriate
     Fund.  You shall be responsible for any required filing of such
     advertising.

9.   All sales will be made subject to our receipt of Shares from the
     appropriate Fund.  We reserve the right, in our discretion, without notice,
     to modify, suspend or withdraw entirely the offering of any Shares, and
     upon notice to change the price, sales charge, or dealer discount or to
     modify, cancel or change the terms of this agreement.

10.  Your acceptance of this agreement constitutes a representation that you are
     a registered securities broker-dealer and a member in good standing of the
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and agree to comply with
     all state and Federal laws, rules and regulations applicable to
     transactions hereunder and with the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD,
     including specifically Section 26 of Article III thereof.   You likewise
     agree that you will not offer to sell Shares in any state or other
     jurisdiction in which they may not lawfully be offered for sale.  We agree
     to advise 
<PAGE>
 
     you currently of the identity of those states and jurisdictions in which
     the Shares may lawfully be offered for sale.

11.  You shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities,
     personnel and literature distribution as is necessary or appropriate for
     providing information and services to your customers.  Such services and
     assistance may include, but not be limited to, establishment and
     maintenance of shareholder accounts and records, processing purchase and
     redemption transactions, answering routine inquiries regarding the Funds,
     and such other services as may be agreed upon from time to time and as may
     be permitted by applicable statute, rule, or regulation.  You shall perform
     these services in good faith and with reasonable care.  You shall
     immediately inform the Funds or us of all written complaints received by
     you from Fund shareholders relating to the maintenance of their accounts
     and shall promptly answer all such complaints.

12.  All communications to us should be sent to 333 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago,
     Illinois  60606.  Any notice to you shall be duly given if mailed or
     telegraphed to you at the address specified by you below.

13.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State
     of Illinois.  This Agreement is subject to the Prospectuses of the Funds
     from time to time in effect, and, in the event of a conflict, the terms of
     the Prospectuses shall control.  References herein to the "Prospectus" of a
     Fund shall mean the prospectus and statement of additional information of
     such Fund as from time to time in effect.  Any changes, modifications or
     additions reflected in any such Prospectus shall be effective on the date
     of such Prospectus (or supplement thereto) unless specified otherwise.
     This Agreement shall supersede any prior distribution agreement with
     respect to the Funds.

JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED

By:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We have read the foregoing agreement and accept and agree to the terms and
conditions therein.

Firm Name


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By:  Authorized Signature


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Printed name of person signing


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City                     State                     Zip

<PAGE>
 

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Tax Identification No.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The above agreement should be executed in duplicate and both copies returned to
us for signature.  We will return a fully executed copy to you for your files.
                                      6/6/95
<PAGE>
 

                       EXHIBIT A TO NUVEEN MUTUAL FUNDS
               DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT

               Policies and Procedures With Respect to Sales of
                           Multiple Classes of Funds

The Nuveen non-money market open-end mutual funds (the "Funds") have the
following classes of shares generally available to the public: Class A Shares,
which are normally subject to an up-front sales charge and a service fee; Class
B Shares, which are subject to an asset-based sales charge, a service fee, and a
declining contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"); and Class C Shares, which
are subject to an asset-based sales charge, a service fee, and a 12-month CDSC ,
it is important for an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares which
best suits his or her particular circumstances. To assist investors in these
decisions, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, underwriter for the Nuveen Mutual
Funds, has instituted the following policies with respect to orders for Fund
shares. These policies apply to each Authorized Dealer which distributes Fund
shares.

     1. Purchase orders for a single purchaser equal to or exceeding $1,000,000
        should be placed only for Class A shares, unless such purchase for Class
        B or Class C Shares has been reviewed and approved by the Authorized
        Dealer's appropriate supervisor.

     2. Any purchase order for less than $1,000,000 may be for Class A, Class B
        or Class C Shares in light of the relevant facts and circumstances,
        including:

             a. the specific purchase order dollar amount;

             b. the length of time the investor expects to hold his or her
                Shares;

             c. whether the investor expects to reinvest dividends;  and

             d. any other relevant circumstances such as the availability of
                purchases under a letter of intent, a combined discount or a
                cumulative discount, as described in the Prospectus for the
                Fund, and any anticipated changes in the funds net asset value
                per share.

There are instances when one method of purchasing Shares may be more appropriate
than the other. For example, investors who would qualify for a significant
discount from the maximum sales load on Class A Shares might determine that
payment of such a reduced up-front sales charge is preferable to the payment of
a higher ongoing distribution fee on Class B or Class C Shares. On the other
hand, investors who prefer not to pay an up-front sales charge may wish to defer
the sales charge by purchasing Class B or Class C Shares. Those who plan to
redeem their shares within five years might consider Class C Shares,
particularly if they do not expect to reinvest dividends in additional shares.
Note that, if an investor anticipate redeeming Class B Shares within a short
period of time such as one year, that investor may bear higher distribution
expenses than if Class A Shares had been purchased. In addition, investors who
intend to hold their shares for a significantly long time may not wish to bear
the higher ongoing asset-based sales charges of Class B or Class C
<PAGE>
 

Shares, irrespective of the fact that the CDSC that would apply to a redemption
of Class B Shares is reduced over time and is ultimately eliminated, and that
the CDSC that would apply to a redemption of Class C Shares is relatively short
in duration and small in amount.

Appropriate supervisory personnel within your organization must ensure that all
employees receiving investor inquiries about the purchase of shares of the Funds
advise the investor of the available pricing structures offered by the Funds and
the impact of choosing one method over another, including breakpoints and the
availability of letters of intent, combined purchases and cumulative discounts.
In some instances it may be appropriate for a supervisory person to discuss a
purchase with the investor.
 
These policies are effective immediately with respect to any order for the
purchase of shares of the Funds.
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
Nuveen Tax-Free Mutual Funds

                                                                               CUSIP            QUOTRON
                                                                               Number            Symbol
<S>                                                                           <C>               <C>
Money Market Funds
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc.                                     670634104           NUVXX
Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves, Inc.                                                670639103           NRFXX
Nuveen CA Tax-Free Money Market Fund --
  Service Portfolio                                                           670620303           NCTXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                      67062D402           NCTXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                     67062D501           NCTXX
Nuveen MA Tax-Free Money Market Fund --
  Service Portfolio                                                           670637107           NMAXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                      670637206           NMAXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                     670637305           NMAXX
Nuveen NY Tax-Free Money Market Fund --
  Service Portfolio                                                           670637404           NTFXX
  Distribution Portfolio                                                      670637503           NTFXX
  Institutional Portfolio                                                     670637602           NTFXX

Nuveen Tax-Free Mutual Funds with Multiclass Shares
</TABLE>


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                 R SHARE               A SHARE                 C SHARE

                                           CUSIP       Quotron     CUSIP     Quotron       CUSIP      Quotron
                                           NUMBER      Symbol      NUMBER     Symbol       NUMBER     Symbol
<S>                                       <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C> 
Long Term Value Funds
Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.          670623107     NUVBX     670623206    NMBAX      670623305      #
Nuveen AZ Tax-Free Value Fund             67062Y109     NMARX*    67062Y174      #        67062Y182      #
Nuveen CA Tax-Free Value Fund             67062D105     NCSPX     67062D600    NCAAX*     67062D709      #
Nuveen FL Tax-Free Value Fund             67062Y117     NMFLX     67062Y703    NFLAX*     67062Y802      #
Nuveen MD Tax-Free Value Fund             67062Y125     NMMDX     67062Y190    NMDAX*     67062Y208      #
Nuveen MA Tax-Free Value Fund             670636109     NBMAX     670636406    NMAAX*     670636505      #
Nuveen MI Tax-Free Value Fund             67062Y133     NMMIX     67062Y885      #        67062Y877      #
Nuveen NJ Tax-Free Value Fund             67062Y141     NMNJX     67062Y307    NNJAX*     67062Y406      #
Nuveen NY Tax-Free Value Fund             670636208     NTNYX     670636604    NNYAX*     670636703      #
Nuveen OH Tax-Free Value Fund             670636307     NXOHX     670636802    NOHAX*     670636885      #
Nuveen PA Tax-Free Value Fund             67062Y158     NBPAX     67062Y869      #        67062Y851      #
Nuveen VA Tax-Free Value Fund             67062Y166     NMVAX     67062Y505      #        67062Y604      #

Long Insured Value Funds
Nuveen Insured  Municipal Bond Fund       67062G108     NITNX     67062G405    NMBIX      67062G504      #
Nuveen CA Insured Tax-Free Value Fund     67062D204     NCIBX     67062D808      #        67062D881      #
Nuveen NY Insured Tax-Free Value Fund     67062G306     NINYX     67062G801    NNYIX*     67062G884      #
Nuveen MA Insured Tax-Free Value Fund     67062G207     NIMAX     67062G603      #        67062G702      #
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
 
Nuveen/ICAP Equity and Balanced Mutual Funds with Multiclass Shares

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
                                            A Share              B Share               C Share                  R Share
                                     Cusip  
                                    Quotron  
                                     Number      Quotron     Cusip      Quotron     Cusip     Quotron       Cusip     Quotron     
                                     Symbol       Symbol     Number      Symbol     Number     Symbol       Number     Symbol
<S>                                 <C>           <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>  
Nuveen Growth
   and Income Stock Fund            67064Y107       #       67064Y206      #       67064Y305      #        67064Y404      #

Nuveen Balanced Stock
   and Bond Fund                    67064Y1883      #       67064Y875      #       67064Y867      #        67064Y859      #

Nuveen Balanced Municipal
   and Stock Fund                   67064Y503       #       67064Y602      #       67064Y701      #6       67064Y800      #
</TABLE>

# Will receive a supplemental listing when the number of class shareholder
  accounts is 300 or when the class asset base reaches $1 million.

Note:  A Quotron Symbol requires 1,000 shareholder accounts or $25 million in
       assets

* Denotes supplemental listing only

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT (b)8
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Page
                                                                  ----
<S>                                                               <C> 
 1.        Appointment                                               1
 2.        Delivery of Documents                                     1
 3.        Definitions                                               3
 4.        Delivery and Registration of the Property                 4
 5.        Voting Rights                                             5
 6.        Receipt and Disbursement of Money                         5
 6A.       Advances By Custodian                                     7
 7.        Receipt and Delivery of Securities                        8
 8.        Use of Securities Depository or the Book Entry System     9
 9.        Segregated Account                                       11
10.        Instructions Consistent With The Declaration, etc.       12
11.        Transaction Not Requiring Instructions,                  15
           Collection of Income and Other Payments                  15
           Miscellaneous Transactions                               16
12.        Transactions Requiring Instructions                      17
13.        Purchase of Securities                                   19
14.        Sale of Securities                                       20
15.        Not In Use                                               20
16.        Records                                                  20
17.        Cooperation with Accountants                             21
18.        Reports to Fund Independent Public Accountants           21
19.        Confidentiality                                          21
20.        Equipment Failures                                       22
21.        Right to Receive Advice                                  22
22.        Compliance with Governmental Rules and Regulations       23
23.        Compensation                                             23
24.        Indemnification                                          24
25.        Responsibility of Chase Manhattan Bank                   25
26.        Collection of Income                                     26
27.        Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes                  26
28.        Effective Period; Terminations and Amendment             27
29.        Successor Custodian                                      28
30.        Notices                                                  29
31.        Further Actions                                          29
32.        Amendments                                               30
33.        Additional Funds                                         30
34.        Miscellaneous                                            30
35.        Declaration of Trust                                     30
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                               CUSTODY AGREEMENT
                               -----------------

     THIS AGREEMENT is made this 15th day of July, 1996 by and between NUVEEN
INVESTMENT TRUST (the "Fund"), and CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., a New York State
chartered bank.
                              W I T N E S S E T H
     WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with
each such series representing interest in a separate portfolio of securities and
other assets; and

     WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in three series, Nuveen
Growth and Income Stock Fund, Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund and Nuveen
Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund (such series together with all other series
subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Contract in
accordance with paragraph 33, being herein referred to as the "Fund(s)"):

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

     1.  APPOINTMENT.  The Fund hereby appoints Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. to
act as custodian of its portfolio securities, cash and other property on the
terms set forth in this Agreement.  Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. accepts such
appointment and agrees to furnish the services herein set forth in return for
the compensation as provided in Section 23 of this Agreement.

     2.  DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS.  The Fund has furnished Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. with copies properly certified or authenticated of each of the following:

     (a) Resolutions of the Fund's Board of Trustees authorizing the appointment
of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. as Custodian of the portfolio securities, cash and
other property of the Fund and approving this Agreement;

     (b) Incumbency and signature certificates identifying and containing the
signatures of the Fund's officers and/or the persons authorized to sign Proper
Instructions, as hereinafter defined, on behalf of the Fund;
<PAGE>
 
     (c) The Fund's Declaration of Trust filed with the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and all amendments thereto (such Declaration of Trust as currently
in effect and from time to time, be amended, are herein called the
"Declaration");

     (d) The Fund's By-Laws and all amendments thereto (such By-Laws, as
currently in effect and as they shall from time to time be amended, are herein
called the "By-Laws"),

     (e) Resolutions of the Fund's Board of Trustees appointing the investment
advisor of the Fund and resolutions of the Fund's Board of Trustees and the
Fund's Shareholders approving the proposed Investment Advisory Agreement between
the Fund and the advisor (the "Advisory Agreement");

     (f)  The Advisory Agreement

     (g) The Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the 1940 Act and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("the 1933 Act") as filed with the SEC;
and
     (h) The Fund's most recent prospectus and statement of additional
information including all amendments and supplements thereto (the "Prospectus").

     Upon request the Fund will furnish Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. with copies
of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing, if any.  The Fund will
also furnish Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. upon request with a copy of the opinion
of counsel for the Fund with respect to the validity of the Shares and the
status of such Shares under the 1933 Act filed with the SEC, and any other
applicable federal law or regulation.

     3. DEFINITIONS.
        ----------- 

     (a) "Authorized Person".  As used in this Agreement, the term "Authorized
Person" means the Fund's President, Treasurer and any other person, whether or
not any such person is an officer or employee of the Fund, duly authorized by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund to give Proper Instructions on behalf of the
Fund as set forth in resolutions of the Fund's Board of Trustees.

     (b) "Book-Entry System".  As used in this Agreement, the term "Book-Entry
System" means a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of Treasury,
its successor or successors and its nominee or nominees.

     (c) "Proper Instructions".  Proper Instructions as used herein means a
writing signed or initialed by two or more persons as the Board of Trustees
shall have from time to time 
<PAGE>
 
authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the specific transaction or type
of transaction involved, including a specific statement of the purpose for which
such action is requested. Oral instructions will be considered Proper
Instructions if Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. reasonably believes them to have been
given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect to the
transaction involved. The Fund shall cause all such oral instructions to be
confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary as to the authorization by the Board of Trustees of the Fund
accompanied by a detailed description of procedures approved by the Board of
Trustees, Proper Instructions may include communications effected directly
between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the Board of
Trustees and Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. are satisfied that such procedures
afford adequate safeguards for the Fund's assets. For purposes of this Section,
Proper Instructions shall include instructions received by Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. pursuant to any three-party agreement which requires a segregated asset
account in accordance with Section 9.
     
     (d) "Property".  The term "Property", as used in this Agreement, means:

          (i)    any and all securities and other property of the Fund which the
          Fund may from time to time deposit, or cause to be deposited, with
          Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or which Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. may
          from time to time hold for the Fund;

          (ii)   all income in respect of any such securities or other property;

          (iii)  all proceeds of the sales of any of such securities or other
          property; and

          (iv)   all proceeds of the sale of securities issued by the Fund,
          which are received by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. from time to time
          from or on behalf of the Fund.

     (e) "Securities Depository".  As used in this Agreement, the term
"Securities Depository" shall mean The Depository Trust Company, a clearing
agency registered with the SEC or its successor or successors and its nominee or
nominees; and shall also mean any other registered clearing agency, its
successor or successors specifically identified in a certified copy of a
resolution of the Company's Board of Trustees approving deposits by Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. therein.
<PAGE>
 
     4. DELIVERY AND REGISTRATION OF THE PROPERTY. The Fund will deliver or
cause to be delivered to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. all securities and all
moneys owned by it, including payments of interest, principal and capital
distributions and cash received for the issuance of its Shares, at any time
during the period of this Agreement, except for securities and monies to be
delivered to any subcustodian appointed pursuant to Section 7 hereof. Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. will not be responsible for such securities and such monies
until actually received by it. All securities delivered to Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. or to any such subcustodian (other than in bearer form) shall be registered
in the name of the Fund or in the name of a nominee of the Fund or in the name
of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or any nominee of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (with
or without indication of fiduciary status) or in the name of any subcustodian or
any nominee of such subcustodian appointed pursuant to Paragraph 7 hereof or
shall be properly endorsed and in form for transfer satisfactory to Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A.

     5. VOTING RIGHTS.  With respect to all securities, however registered, it
is understood that the voting and other rights and powers shall be exercised by
the Fund.  Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s only duty shall be to mail for delivery
on the next business day to the Fund any documents received, including proxy
statements and offering circulars, with any proxies for securities registered in
a nominee name executed by such nominee.  Where warrants, options, tenders or
other securities have fixed expiration dates, the Fund understands that in order
for Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. to act, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. must receive
the Fund's instructions at its offices in New York, addressed as Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. may from time to time request, by no later than noon (NY City time)
at least one business day prior to the last scheduled date to act with respect
thereto (or such earlier date or time as Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. may
reasonably notify the Fund).  Absent Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s timely receipt
of such instructions, such instruments will expire without liability to Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A.

     6. RECEIPT AND DISBURSEMENT OF MONEY.

     (a) Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall open and maintain a custody account
for the Fund, subject only to draft or order by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall hold in such account,
subject to the provisions hereof, all 
<PAGE>
 
cash received by it from or for the Fund other than cash maintained by the Fund
in a bank account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the
1940 Act. Funds held by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. for the Fund may be deposited
by it to its credit at Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in the Banking Department of
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or in such other banks or trust companies as it may
in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that every
such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the
1940 Act, and that each such bank or trust company shall be approved by vote of
a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited
by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in its capacity as Custodian and shall be
withdrawable by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. only in that capacity.

     (b) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions (which may be continuing
instructions as deemed appropriate by the parties)  Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
shall make payments of cash to, or for the account of, the Fund from such cash
only (i) for the purchase of securities, options, futures contracts or options
on futures contracts for the Fund as provided in Section 13 hereof; (ii) in the
case of a purchase of securities effected through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 8
hereof; (iii) in the case of repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund
and Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a
member of The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), either
(a) against delivery of the securities either in certificate form or through an
entry crediting Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s account at the Federal Reserve Bank
with such securities or (b) against delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase
by the Fund of securities owned by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. along with written
evidence of the agreement by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. to repurchase such
securities from the Fund; (iv) for transfer to a time deposit account of the
Fund in any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected
prior to receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank
pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund; (v) for the payment of dividends
or other distributions on shares declared pursuant to the governing documents of
the Fund, or for the payment of interest, taxes, administration, distribution or
advisory fees or expenses which are to be borne by the Fund under the terms of
this Agreement, any Advisory Agreement, or any administration 
<PAGE>
 
agreement; (vi) for payments in connection with the conversion, exchange or
surrender of securities owned or subscribed to by the Fund and held by or to be
delivered to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.; (vii) to a subcustodian pursuant to
Section 7 hereof; (viii) for such common expenses incurred by the Fund in the
ordinary course of its business, including but not limited to printing and
mailing expenses, legal fees, accountants fees, exchange fees; or (ix) for any
other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in addition to Proper
Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees or of
the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an officer of the Fund and
certified by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of
such payment, setting forth the purpose for which such payment is to be made,
declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or persons
to whom such payment is to be made.

     (c) Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. is hereby authorized to endorse and collect
all checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money received as
custodian for the Fund.

     6A. ADVANCES BY CUSTODIAN.  The Custodian may from time to time agree to
advance cash to the Fund, without interest, for the fund's other proper
corporate purposes.  If the Custodian advances cash for any purpose, the Fund
shall and hereby does grant to the Custodian a security interest in Fund
securities equal in value to the amount of the cash advance but in no event
shall the value of securities in which a security interest has been granted
exceed 20% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time of the pledge;
should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be
entitled to utilize available cash and to reasonably dispose of any securities
in which it has a security interest to the extent necessary to obtain
reimbursement.

     7. RECEIPT AND DELIVERY OF SECURITIES.

     (a) Except as provided by Section 8 hereof, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
shall hold and physically segregate all securities and noncash Property received
by it for the Fund.  All such securities and non-cash Property are to be held or
disposed of by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. for the Fund pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement.  In the absence of Proper Instructions accompanied by a
certified resolution authorizing the specific transaction by the Fund's Board,
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall have no power or authority to withdraw,
deliver, assign, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such securities
and 
<PAGE>
 
investments, except in accordance with the express terms provided for in this
Agreement. In no case may any director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund
withdraw any securities. In connection with its duties under this Section 7,
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. may, at its own expense, enter into subcustodian
agreements with other banks or trust companies for the receipt of certain
securities and cash to be held by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. for the account of
the Fund pursuant to this Agreement; provided that each such bank or trust
company has an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits, as shown by its
last published report, of not less than twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) and
that such bank or trust company agrees with Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. to comply
with all relevant provisions of the 1940 Act and applicable rules and
regulations thereunder. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. will be liable for acts or
omissions of any subcustodian. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall employ sub-
custodians upon receipt of Proper Instructions, but only in accordance with an
applicable vote by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.

     (b) Promptly after the close of business on each day Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. shall furnish the Fund with confirmations and a summary of all transfers to
or from the account of the Fund during said day.  Where securities are
transferred to the account of the Fund established at a Securities Depository or
Book Entry System pursuant to Section 8 hereof, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall
also by book-entry or otherwise identify as belonging to such Fund the quantity
of securities in a fungible bulk of securities registered in the name of Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. (or its nominee) or shown in Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s
account on the books of a Securities Depository or Book-Entry System.  At least
monthly and from time to time, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall furnish the Fund
with a detailed statement of the Property held for the Fund under this
Agreement.

     8. USE OF SECURITIES DEPOSITORY OR BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM.  The Fund shall
deliver to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. a certified resolution of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund approving, authorizing and instructing Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. on a continuous and ongoing basis until instructed to the contrary by
Proper Instructions actually received by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (i) to
deposit in a Securities Depository or Book-Entry System all securities of the
Fund eligible for deposit therein and (ii) to utilize a Securities Depository or
Book-Entry System to the extent possible in connection with the performance 
<PAGE>

of its duties hereunder, including without limitation settlements of purchases
and sales of securities by the Fund, and deliveries and returns of securities
collateral in connection with borrowings. Without limiting the generality of
such use, it is agreed that the following provisions shall apply thereto:

     (a) Securities and any cash of the Fund deposited in a Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System will at all times (1) be represented in an
account of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in the Securities Depository or Book Entry
System (the "Account") and (2) be segregated from any assets and cash controlled
by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in other than a fiduciary or custodian capacity
but may be commingled with other assets held in such capacities.  Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. will effect payment for securities and receive and deliver
securities in accordance with accepted industry practices as set forth in (b)
below, unless the Fund has given Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. Proper Instructions
to the contrary.  The records of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. with respect to
securities of the Fund maintained in a Securities Depository or Book Entry
System shall identify by book entry those securities belonging to the Fund.

     (b) Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall pay for securities purchased for the
account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities Depository or
Book Entry System that such securities have been transferred to the Account, and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. to
reflect such payment and transfer for the account of the Fund.  Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall transfer securities sold
for the account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities
Depository or Book Entry System that payment for such securities has been
transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. to reflect such transfer and payment for the account
of the Fund.  Copies of all advices from the Securities Depository or Book Entry
System of transfers of securities for the account of the Fund shall identify the
Fund, be maintained for the Fund by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and be provided
to the Fund at its request.  Upon request, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall
furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the
Fund in the form of a written advice or notice and shall furnish to the 
<PAGE>

 
Fund copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's transactions in a
Securities Depository or Book Entry System for the account of the Fund.

     (c) Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall provide the Fund with any report
obtained by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. on the Securities Depository or Book
Entry System's accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities Depository or Book Entry
System;

     (d) All Books and records maintained by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. which
relate to the Fund participation in a Securities Depository or Book-Entry System
will at all times during Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s regular business hours be
open to the inspection of the Fund's duly authorized employees or agents, and
the Fund will be furnished with all information in respect of the services
rendered to it as it may require.

     (e) Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the
Fund resulting from any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. or any of its agents or of any of its or their employees in
connection with its or their use of the Securities Depository or Book Entry
Systems or from failure of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or any such agent to
enforce effectively such rights as it may have against such Securities
Depository or Book Entry System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. with
respect to any claim against the Securities Depository or Book Entry System or
any other person which Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. may have as a consequence of
any such loss or damage if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made
whole for any such loss or damage.

     9. SEGREGATED ACCOUNT.  Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall upon receipt of
Proper Instructions establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for
and on behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred
cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. pursuant to Section 8 hereof, (i) in accordance with the
provisions of any agreement among the Fund, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and a
broker dealer registered under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and a
member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant registered under the
Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options
<PAGE>
 
Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or of
any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund, (ii) for purposes of
segregating cash or government securities in connection with options purchased,
sold or written by the Fund or commodity futures contracts or options thereon
purchased or sold by the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund
with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any
subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes, but only, in the case of
clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified
copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees or of the Executive Committee
signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated account and
declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.

     10. INSTRUCTIONS CONSISTENT WITH THE DECLARATION, ETC.

     (a) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
shall act only upon Proper Instructions. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. may assume
that any Proper Instructions received hereunder are not in any way inconsistent
with any provision of the Declaration or By-Laws or any vote or resolution of
the Fund's Board of Trustees or any committee thereof. Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. shall be entitled to rely upon any Proper Instructions actually received by
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. pursuant to this Agreement. The Fund agrees that
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall incur no liability in acting in good faith upon
Proper Instructions given to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., except to the extent
such liability was incurred as a result of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s
negligence or willful misconduct. In accord with instructions from the Fund, as
required by accepted industry practice or as Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. may
elect in effecting the execution of Fund instructions, advances of cash or other
Property made by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., arising from the purchase, sale,
redemption, transfer or other disposition of Property of the Fund, or in
connection with the disbursement of funds to any party, or in payment of fees,
expenses, claims or liabilities owed to Chase Manhattan Bank,
<PAGE>
 
N.A. by the Fund, or to any other party which has secured judgment in a court of
law against the Fund which creates an overdraft in the accounts or over-delivery
of Property, shall be deemed a loan by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. to the Fund,
payable on demand, bearing interest at such rate customarily charged by Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. for similar loans.

     (b) The Fund agrees that test arrangements, authentication methods or other
security devices to be used with respect to instructions which the Fund may give
by telephone, telex, TWX, facsimile transmission, bank wire or other
teleprocess, or through an electronic instruction system, shall be processed in
accordance with terms and conditions for the use of such arrangements, methods
or devices as Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. may put into effect and modify from
time to time. The Fund shall safeguard any test keys, identification codes or
other security devices which Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. makes available to the
Fund and agrees that the Fund shall be responsible for any loss, liability or
damage incurred by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or by the Fund as a result of
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s acting in accordance with instructions from any
unauthorized person using the proper security device except to the extent such
loss, liability or damage was incurred as a result of Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A.'s negligence or willful misconduct. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. may
electronically record, but shall not be obligated to so record, any instructions
given by telephone and any other telephone discussions with respect to the Fund.
In the event that the Fund uses Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s Asset Management
system or any successor electronic communications or information system, the
Fund agrees that Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. is not responsible for the
consequences of the failure of that system to perform for any reason, beyond the
reasonable control of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., or the failure of any
communications carrier, utility, or communications network. In the event that
system is inoperable, the Fund agrees that it will accept the communication of
transaction instructions by telephone, facsimile transmission on equipment
compatible to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s facsimile receiving equipment or by
letter, at no additional charge to the Fund.

     (c) Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall transmit promptly to the Fund all
written information (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and
maturities of securities and
<PAGE>
 
expirations of rights in connection therewith and notices of exercise of call
and put options written by the Fund and the maturity of futures contracts
purchased or sold by the Fund) received by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. from
issuers of the securities being held for the Fund. With respect to tender or
exchange offers, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall transmit promptly by facsimile
to the Fund all written information received by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. from
issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party
(or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Fund desires to take
action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other similar
transaction, the Fund shall notify Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. at least three
business days prior to the date on which Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. is to take
such action or upon the date such notification is first received by the Fund, if
later. If any Property registered in the name of a nominee of Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. is called for partial redemption by the issuer of such property,
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. is authorized to allot the called portion to the
respective beneficial holders of the Property in such manner deemed to be fair
and equitable by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in its sole discretion.

     11. TRANSACTIONS NOT REQUIRING INSTRUCTIONS.  Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. is
authorized to take the following action without Proper Instructions:

     (a) Collection of Income and Other Payments.  Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
shall:

               (i) collect and receive on a timely basis for the account of the
          Fund, all income and other payments and distributions, including
          (without limitation) stock dividends, rights, warrants and similar
          items, included or to be included in the Property of the Fund, and
          promptly advise the Fund of such receipt and shall credit such income,
          as collected, to the Fund. From time to time, Chase Manhattan Bank,
          N.A. may elect, but shall not be obligated, to credit the account with
          interest, dividends or principal payments on payable or contractual
          settlement date, in anticipation of receiving same from a payor,
          central depository, broker or other agent employed by the Fund or
          Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. Any such crediting and posting shall be at
          the Fund's sole risk, and Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall be
          authorized to reverse any such advance posting in the event it does
          not receive good funds from any such payor, central
<PAGE>
 
          depository, broker or agent of the Customer. Chase Manhattan Bank,
          N.A. agrees to promptly notify the Fund of the reversal of any such
          advance posting.

               (ii) endorse and deposit for collection in the name of the Fund,
          checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money on the same
          day as received;

               (iii) receive and hold for the account of the Fund all securities
          received by the Fund as a result of a stock dividend, share split-up
          or reorganization, merger, recapitalization, readjustment or other
          rearrangement or distribution of rights or similar securities issued
          with respect to any portfolio securities of the Fund held by Chase
          Manhattan Bank, N.A. hereunder;

               (iv) present for payment and collect the amount payable upon all
          securities which may mature or be called, redeemed or retired, or
          otherwise become payable on the date such securities become payable;

               (v) take any action which may be necessary and proper in
          connection with the collection and receipt of such income and other
          payments and the endorsement for collection of checks, drafts and
          other negotiable instruments;

               (vi) to effect an exchange of the securities where the par value
          is changed, and to surrender securities at maturity or upon an earlier
          call for redemption, or when securities otherwise become payable,
          against payment therefore in accordance with accepted industry
          practice. If any Property registered in the name of a nominee of Chase
          Manhattan Bank, N.A. is called for partial redemption by the issuer of
          such property, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. is authorized to allot the
          called portion to the respective beneficial holders of the Property in
          such manner deemed to be fair and equitable by Chase Manhattan Bank,
          N.A. in its sole discretion.

     (b) Miscellaneous Transactions. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. is authorized to
deliver or cause to be delivered Property against payment or other consideration
or written receipt therefor for examination by a dealer selling for the account
of the Fund in accordance with street delivery custom.

     12. TRANSACTIONS REQUIRING INSTRUCTIONS. In addition to the actions
requiring Proper Instructions set forth herein, upon receipt of Proper
Instructions and not otherwise,
<PAGE>
 
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., directly or through the use of a Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System, shall:

     (a) Execute and deliver to such persons as may be designated in such Proper
Instructions, proxies, consents, authorizations, and any other instruments
whereby the authority of the Fund as owner of any securities may be exercised;

     (b) Deliver any securities held for the Fund against receipt of other
securities or cash issued or paid in connection with the liquidation,
reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of any
issuer of securities or corporation, or the exercise of any conversion
privilege;

     (c) Deliver any securities held for the Fund to any protective committee,
reorganization committee or other person in connection with the reorganization,
refinancing, merger, consolidation, recapitalization or sale of assets of any
issuer of securities or corporation, against receipt of such certificates of
deposit, interim receipts or other instruments or documents, and cash, if any,
as may be issued to it to evidence such delivery;

     (d) Make such transfers or exchanges of the assets of the Fund and take
such other steps as shall be stated in said instructions to be for the purpose
of effectuating any duly authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger,
consolidation or recapitalization of the Fund;

     (e) Release securities belonging to the Fund to any bank or trust company
for the purpose of pledge or hypothecation to secure any loan incurred by the
Fund; provided, however, that securities shall be released only upon payment to
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. of the monies borrowed, or upon receipt of adequate
collateral as agreed upon by the Fund and Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. which may
be in the form of cash or obligations issued by the U.S. government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, except that in cases where additional collateral
is required to secure a borrowing already made, subject to proper prior
authorization, further securities may be released for that purpose; and pay such
loan upon re-delivery to it of the securities pledged or hypothecated therefore
and upon surrender of the note or notes evidencing the loan; and
<PAGE>
 
     (f) Deliver securities in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and a broker-dealer registered under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of The
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), relating to
compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any
registered national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Funds;

     (g) Deliver securities in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and a Futures Commission Merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the
rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any Contract Market, or
any similar organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in
connection with transactions by the Fund; and

     (h) Deliver securities against payment or other consideration or written
receipt therefore for transfer of securities into the name of the Fund or Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. or a nominee of either, or for exchange or securities for a
different number of bonds, certificates, or other evidence, representing the
same aggregate face amount or number of units bearing the same interest rate,
maturity date and call provisions, if any; provided that, in any such case, the
new securities are to be delivered to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.;

     (i) Exchange securities in temporary form for securities in definitive
form;

     (j) Surrender, in connection with their exercise, warrants, rights or
similar securities, provided that in each case, the new securities and cash, if
any, are to be delivered to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.;

     (k) Deliver securities upon receipt of payment in connection with any
repurchase agreement related to such securities entered into by the Fund;

     (l) Deliver securities pursuant to any other proper corporate purpose, but
only upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees or of the Executive Committee signed by an
officer of the Funds and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
specifying the securities to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which
such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
<PAGE>
 
proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of
such securities shall be made.

     13. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES. Promptly after each purchase of securities,
options, futures contracts or options on futures contracts by the investment
advisor, the Fund shall deliver to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (as Custodian)
Proper Instructions specifying with respect to each such purchase: (a) the name
of the issuer and the title of the securities, (b) the number of shares of the
principal amount purchased and accrued interest, if any, (c) the dates of
purchase and settlement, (d) the purchase price per unit, (e) the total amount
payable upon such purchase, (f) the name of the person from whom or the broker
through whom the purchase was made and (g) the Fund name. Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. shall upon receipt of securities purchased by or for the Fund registered in
the name of the Fund or in the name of a nominee of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
or of the Fund or in proper form for transfer or upon receipt of evidence of
title to options, futures contracts or options on futures contracts purchased by
the Fund, pay out of the moneys held for the account of the Fund the total
amount payable to the person from whom or the broker through whom the purchase
was made, provided that the same conforms to the total amount payable as set
forth in such Proper Instructions. Except as specifically stated otherwise in
this Agreement, in any and every case where payment for purchase of securities
for the account of the Fund is made by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in advance of
receipt of the securities purchased in the absence of specific written
instructions from the Fund to so pay in advance, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to the same extent as
if the securities had been received by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.

     14. SALE OF SECURITIES. Promptly after each sale of securities by the Fund
at the instruction of the investment advisor, the Fund shall deliver to Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. (as Custodian) Proper Instructions, specifying with respect
to each such sale: (a) the name of the issuer and the title of the security, (b)
the number of shares or principal amount sold, and accrued interest, if any, (c)
the date of sale, (d) the sale price per unit, (e) the total amount payable to
the Fund upon such sale, (f) the name of the broker through whom or the person
to whom the sale was made and (g) the Fund name. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
shall deliver the securities upon receipt of the total amount payable to the
Fund upon such
<PAGE>
 
sale, provided that the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth
in such Proper Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. may accept payment in such form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may
deliver securities and arrange for payment in accordance with the customs
prevailing among dealers in securities.

     15. NOT IN USE.

     16. RECORDS. The books and records pertaining to the Fund which are in the
possession of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall be the property of the Fund. Such
books and records shall be prepared and maintained as required by the 1940 Act,
as amended, and other applicable securities laws and rules and regulations. The
Fund, or the Fund's authorized representative, shall have access to such books
and records at all times during Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s normal business
hours, and such books and records shall be surrendered to the Fund promptly upon
request. Upon reasonable request of the Fund, copies of any such books and
records shall be provided by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. to the Fund or the
Fund's authorized representative at the Fund's expense.

     17. COOPERATION WITH ACCOUNTANTS. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall
cooperate with the Fund's independent certified public accountants and shall
take all reasonable action in the performance of its obligations under this
Agreement to assure that the necessary information is made available to such
accountants for the expression of their unqualified opinion, including but not
limited to the opinion included in the Fund's Form N-1A, Form N-SAR and other
reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any other
requirement of such Commission.

     18. REPORTS TO FUND BY INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS. Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may reasonably
require, with reports by independent public accountants on the accounting
system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including securities
deposited and/or maintained in a Securities Depository or Book Entry System,
relating to the services provided by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. under this
Contract; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail,
as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that
any material
<PAGE>
 
inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are no such
inadequacies, the reports shall so state.

     19. CONFIDENTIALITY. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. agrees on behalf of itself
and its employees to treat confidentially and as the proprietary information of
the Fund all records and other information relative to the Fund and its prior,
present or potential Shareholders and relative to the advisors and its prior,
present or potential customers, and not to use such records and information for
any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder,
except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings
for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly
constituted authorities, or when so requested by the Fund. Nothing contained
herein, however, shall prohibit Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. from advertising or
soliciting the public generally with respect to other products or services,
regardless of whether such advertisement or solicitation may include prior,
present or potential Shareholders of the Fund.

     20. EQUIPMENT FAILURES. In the event of equipment failures beyond Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s control, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall, at no
additional expense to the Fund, take reasonable steps to minimize service
interruptions but shall not have liability with respect thereto. Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. shall enter into and shall maintain in effect with appropriate
parties one or more agreements making reasonable provisions for back up
emergency use of electronic data processing equipment to the extent appropriate
equipment is available.

     21. RIGHT TO RECEIVE ADVICE.

     (a) Advice of Fund. If Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall be in doubt as to
any action to be taken or omitted by it, it may request, and shall receive, from
the Fund clarification or advice.

     (b) Advice of Counsel. If Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall be in doubt as
to any question of law involved in any action to be taken or omitted by Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A., it may request advice at its own cost from counsel of its
own choosing (who may be
<PAGE>
 
counsel for the Fund or Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., at the option of Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A.).

     (c) Conflicting Advice. In case of conflict between directions or advice
received by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) of this
paragraph and advice received by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. pursuant to
subparagraph (b) of this paragraph, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall be entitled
to rely on and follow the advice received pursuant to the latter provision
alone.

     (d) Protection of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
shall be protected in any action or inaction which it takes or omits to take in
reliance on any directions or advice received pursuant to subparagraphs (a) or
(b) of this section which Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., after receipt of any such
directions or advice, in good faith believes to be consistent with such
directions or advice. However, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as
imposing upon Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. any obligation (i) to seek such
directions or advice, or (ii) to act in accordance with such directions or
advice when received, unless, under the terms of another provision of this
Agreement, the same is a condition to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s properly
taking or omitting to take such action. Nothing in this subsection shall excuse
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. when an action or omission on the part of Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. constitutes willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or
reckless disregard by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. of its duties under this
Agreement.

     22. COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENTAL RULES AND REGULATIONS. The Fund assumes
full responsibility for insuring that the contents of each Prospectus of the
Fund complies with all applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act,
and any laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities having
jurisdiction.

     23. COMPENSATION. As compensation for the services rendered by Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. during the term of this Agreement, the Fund will pay to
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., in addition to reimbursement of its out-of-pocket
expenses, monthly fees as outlined in Exhibit A.

     24. INDEMNIFICATION. The Fund, as sole owner of the Property, agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and its nominees from all
taxes,
<PAGE>
 
charges, expenses, assessments, claims, and liabilities (including, without
limitation, liabilities arising under the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the 1940 Act, and any state and foreign securities and blue sky laws,
all as or to be amended from time to time) and expenses, including (without
limitation) attorney's fees and disbursements (hereafter "liabilities and
expenses"), arising directly or indirectly from any action or thing which Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. takes or does or omits to take or do (i) at the request or
on the direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Fund, or (ii) upon
Proper Instructions, provided, that neither Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. nor any
of its nominees or sub-custodians shall be indemnified against any liability to
the Fund or to its Shareholders (or any expenses incident to such liability)
arising out of (x) Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s or such nominee's or sub-
custodian's own willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard
of its duties under this Agreement or any agreement between Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. and any nominee or subcustodian or (y) Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s
own negligent failure to perform its duties under this Agreement. Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. similarly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund
from all liabilities and expenses arising directly or indirectly from Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s or such nominee's or sub-custodian's willful misfeasance,
bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard in performing its duties under this
agreement. In the event of any advance of cash for any purpose made by Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. resulting from orders or Proper Instructions of the Fund,
or in the event that Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or its nominee or subcustodian
shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or
liabilities in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except such as
may arise from its or its nominee's or sub-custodian's own negligent action,
negligent failure to act, willful misconduct, or reckless disregard, the Fund
shall promptly reimburse Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. for such advance of cash or
such taxes, charges, expenses, assessments claims or liabilities.

     25. RESPONSIBILITY OF CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A. In the performance of its
duties hereunder, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall be obligated to exercise care
and diligence and to act in good faith to insure the accuracy and completeness
of all services performed under this Agreement. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall
be responsible for its own negligent failure or that of any subcustodian it
shall appoint to perform its duties under
<PAGE>
 
this Agreement but to the extent that duties, obligations and responsibilities
are not expressly set forth in this Agreement, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall
not be liable for any act or omission which does not constitute willful
misfeasance, bad faith, or negligence on the part of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
or such subcustodian or reckless disregard of such duties, obligations and
responsibilities. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or of any
other provision of this Agreement, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in connection with
its duties under this Agreement shall, so long as and to the extent it is in the
exercise of reasonable care, not be under any duty or obligation to inquire into
and shall not be liable for or in respect of (a) the validity or invalidity or
authority or lack thereof of any advice, direction, notice or other instrument
which conforms to the applicable requirements of this Agreement, if any, and
which Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. believes to be genuine, (b) the validity of the
issue of any securities purchased or sold by the Fund, the legality of the
purchase or sale thereof or the propriety of the amount paid or received
therefor, (c) the legality of the issue or sale of any Shares, or the
sufficiency of the amount to be received therefore, (d) the legality of the
redemption of any Shares, or the propriety of the amount to be paid therefor,
(e) the legality of the declaration or payment of any dividend or distribution
on Shares, of (f) delays or errors or loss of data occurring by reason of
circumstances beyond Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.'s control, including acts of
civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire,
mechanical breakdown (except as provided in Section 20), flood or catastrophe,
acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure of the mail, transportation,
communication or power supply.

     26. COLLECTION OF INCOME. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall collect on a
timely basis all income and other payments with respect to registered securities
held hereunder to which the Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to
custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all
income and other payments with respect to bearer securities if, on the date of
payment by the issuer, such securities are held by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or
its agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to the Fund's
custodian account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other
income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall
collect interest when
<PAGE>
 
due on securities held hereunder. Income due the Fund on securities loaned
pursuant to the provisions of Section 9 shall be the responsibility of the Fund.
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. will have no duty or responsibility in connection
therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may
be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the
Custodian of the income to which the Fund is properly entitled.

     27. OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATES FOR TAX PURPOSES. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
shall execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal
and state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments
with respect to securities of the Fund held by it and in connection with
transfers of securities.

     28. EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT.

     This Agreement shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue
in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be
amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however that Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall not act under Section 8 hereof in
the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary that the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the
initial use of a particular Securities Depository or Book Entry System and the
receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that
the Board of Trustees has reviewed the use by the Fund of such Securities
Depository and/or Book Entry System, as required in each case by Rule 17f-4
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; provided further, however,
that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Agreement in contravention of
any applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Declaration
of Trust, and further provided, that the Fund may at any time by action of its
Board of Trustees (i) substitute another bank or trust company for Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. by giving notice as described above to Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A., or (ii) immediately terminate this Agreement in the event of the
appointment of a conservator or receiver for Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. by the
Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the
direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
<PAGE>
 
     Upon termination of the Agreement, the Fund shall pay to Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination
and shall likewise reimburse Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. for its costs, expenses
and disbursements.

     29. SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN.

     If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of the
Fund, Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall, upon termination, deliver to such
successor custodian at the office of the custodian, duly endorsed and in the
form for transfer, all securities then held by it hereunder and shall transfer
to an account of the successor custodian all of the Fund's securities held in a
Securities Depository or Book Entry System.

     If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. shall, in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and
transfer such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such
vote.

     In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Trustees shall have been delivered to
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. on or before the date when such termination shall be
come effective, then Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. shall have the right to deliver
to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the 1940 Act, doing
business in New York, New York, of its own selection, having an aggregate
capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last published report,
of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other properties held by
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and all instruments held by Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Agreement and
to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the Fund's
securities held in any Securities Depository or Book Entry System. Thereafter,
such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this
Contract.

     In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. after the date of termination hereof
owing to failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred
to or of the Board of Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such
period as Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. retains
<PAGE>
 
possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the provisions of
this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. shall remain in full force and effect.

     30. NOTICES. All notices and other communications (collectively referred to
as "Notice" or "Notices") in this section hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be first sent by telegram, cable, telex, or facsimile sending device and
thereafter by overnight mail for delivery on the next business day. Notices
shall be addressed (a) if to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., at Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A.'s address, 770 Broadway, New York, New York, 10003, facsimile number
(212) 388-4239; (b) if to the Fund, at the address of the Fund Attention:
Controller, facsimile number (312) 917-8049; or (c) if to neither of the
foregoing, at such other address as shall have been notified to the sender of
any such Notice or other communication. Notices sent by overnight mail shall be
deemed to have been given the next business day. Notices sent by messenger shall
be deemed to have been given on the day delivered, and notices sent by
confirming telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending device shall be deemed to
have been given immediately. All postage, cable, telegram, telex and facsimile
sending device charges arising from the sending of a Notice hereunder shall be
paid by the sender.

     31. FURTHER ACTIONS. Each party agrees to perform such further acts and
execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes
hereof.

     32. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement or any part hereof may be changed or waived
only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement
of such change or waiver is sought.

     33. ADDITIONAL FUNDS. In the event that the Fund establishes one or more
series of Shares in addition to Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund, Nuveen
Balanced Stock and Bond Fund and Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund with
respect to which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian
under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the
Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares
shall become a Fund hereunder.

     34. MISCELLANEOUS. This Agreement embodies the entire Agreement and
understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements
and
<PAGE>
 
understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. The captions in this
Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or
delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or
effect. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract made in New York and
governed by New York law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or
made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of
this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and shall insure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors.

     35. The Fund's Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Agreement is executed on behalf of the Fund
by the Fund's officers as officers and not individually and the obligations
imposed upon the Fund by this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Fund's
Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the
assets and property of the Fund.
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above
written.


                              CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A.
 



Attest:   ___________________________    By:  ___________________________
          THOMAS V. DIBELLA                   PETER C. ARRIGHETTI
          VICE PRESIDENT                      SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT



                              NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
 



Attest:   __________________________     By:  ___________________________
          GIFFORD R. ZIMMERMAN                O. WALTER RENFFTLEN
          ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL           VICE PRESIDENT & CONTROLLER

<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

                              CUSTODY SERVICE FEE
                              -------------------


ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE FEE
- ----------------------------------

       .01375%        (1 3/8 Basis Points) on first $10 billion
       .00875%        (7/8 Basis Point) on second $10 billion
       .0075%         (3/4 Basis Point) on third $10 billion
       .00625%        (5/8 Basis Point) on remainder

TRANSACTION FEES
- ----------------

       $15.00         Per Book Entry Transaction
       $25.00         Per Physical Transaction
       $35.00         Per Future Contract or Option Wire
       $8.00          Per outgoing Wire Transfer for ETFs
       $5.00          Per incoming and outgoing Wire Transfer for Open End and
                          Money Market Funds

NOTES:

1.   Schedule should be applied to total assets for all Exchange Traded Funds,
     Open End Load Funds, and Money Market Funds.

2.   Add $5.00 per book entry transaction and physical transaction if Custody
     inputs trades.

                                   BALANCES
                                   --------

1.   During each month, daily net overdrafts are offset by daily net cash
     balances dollar for dollar with no penalty or charge for daily net
     overdrafts.

2.   At the end of each month, the net overdraft for the month incurs an
     overdraft charge computed as follows:
     The negative average monthly balance plus 10% reserves multiplied by the
     average monthly Fed Funds rate divided by 365 days and then multiplied by
     the number of days in the month.
     
3.   Net credit balance at month end carries forward and is eligible for offset
     with overdrafts in the next month. The carry forward net credit balance
     incurs a 10% reduction. Carry forward balances expire at the end of each
     portfolio's fiscal year end for "fully invested funds"; for new funds not
     fully invested, the credit balance
<PAGE>
 
     carries forward until the fund become fully invested. Each series of the
     Fund will use its best efforts to keep its cumulative balances at each
     calendar quarter end below $50 million.

4.   Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. or Nuveen Advisory Corp.  will be
     responsible for promptly advising Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. of the date a
     new fund becomes fully invested.

5.   Effective January 1, 1996, FDIC charges will be no longer applied to the
     portfolios.

6.   Overdrafts are permissible only as a means of compensating for positive
     balances.

7.   Due to FDIC capitalization requirements, overdrafts are not permissible on
     June 30th and December 31st.

8.   The allowable overdraft policy will not apply to the Growth and Income
     Stock Fund and the Balanced Stock and Bond Fund series of Nuveen Investment
     Trust.  Instead, those series will receive an earnings credit which will be
     applied to the bill and used to reduce the monthly custody fees.  This
     monthly assessment will be determined as follows:
 
          The positive average monthly balance less 10% reserves multiplied by
          the monthly average 90-Day Treasury Bill rate divided by 365 days and
          then multiplied by the number of days in the month.
 
     If the average monthly balance is negative a charge will be applied to the
     custody bill as follows:
 
          The negative average monthly balance plus 10% reserves multiplied by
          the average monthly Fed Funds rate divided by 365 days and then
          multiplied by the number of days in the month.


<PAGE>
                                                          EXHIBIT (b)10(a)



                              CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                            111 WEST MONROE STREET
                           CHICAGO, ILLINOIS  60603

                                 July 30, 1996



Nuveen Investment Trust
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606-1286

     Re:                             Nuveen Investment Trust
                                     _______________________

Gentlemen:

     We have served as counsel for the Nuveen Investment Trust (the "Fund"),
which proposes to offer and sell shares of various classes of its three series,
Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund, Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund and
Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund (collectively, the "Shares") in the
manner and on the terms set forth in its Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     In connection therewith, we have examined such pertinent records and
documents and matters of law, including the opinions of Bingham, Dana & Gould
LLP upon which we have relied as they relate to the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us to express the
opinions hereinafter set forth.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

          The Shares of the Fund which are currently being registered by the
     Registration Statement referred to above may be legally and validly issued
     from time to time in accordance with the Fund's Declaration of Trust dated
     May 6, 1996, the Fund's By-Laws, the Fund's Certificate for the
     Establishment and Designation of Series, dated June 20, 1996, and subject
     to
<PAGE>

Nuveen Investment Trust
July 30, 1996

Page 2


     compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Investment
     Company Act of 1940, as amended, and applicable state laws regulating the
     sale of securities and the receipt by the Fund of a purchase price of not
     less than the net asset value per share and such Shares, when so sold, will
     be legally issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, except
     that, as set forth in the Registration Statement, shareholders of the Fund
     may under certain circumstances be held personally liable for its
     obligations.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-03715) relating to the Shares referred to
above, to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm and said
Registration Statement.


                                       Respectfully submitted,

                                       CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

<PAGE>



                                                                EXHIBIT (b)10(b)


                           Bingham, Dana & Gould LLP
                              150 Federal Street
                       Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1726

                                 July 30, 1996

Nuveen Investment Trust
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286


     Re:  Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act
          of 1933


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special Massachusetts counsel to Nuveen Investment Trust
(the "Fund") on behalf of its three series Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund,
Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund, and Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock
Fund, in connection with the Fund's Pre-Effective Amendment Number 2 to be filed
on or about July 30, 1996 (the "Amendment") to its Registration Statement on
Form N-lA as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 1996
(as proposed to be amended, the "Registration Statement") with respect to
certain of its Class A Common Shares, par value $.Ol per share (the "Class A
Shares"), Class B Common Shares, par value $.Ol per share (the "Class B
Shares"), Class C Common Shares, par value $.Ol per share (the "Class C Shares")
and Class R Common Shares, par value $.Ol per share (the "Class R Shares", such
Class A Common Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class R Shares
referred to collectively herein as the "Shares"). You have requested that we
deliver this opinion to you in connection with the Fund's filing of such
Amendment.

     In connection with the furnishing of this opinion, we have examined the
following documents:

     (a)  a certificate dated as of a recent date of the Secretary of the
          Commonwealth of Massachusetts as to the existence of the Fund;

     (b)  a copy, certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of
          Massachusetts, of the Fund's Declaration of Trust dated May 6, 1996;

     (c)  a copy of the Fund's Certificate for the Establishment and Designation
          of Classes designating the Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C
          Shares and Class R Shares, as executed by the Trustees of the Fund and
<PAGE>
 

          filed with Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the
          "Designation of Classes");

     (d)  a copy of the Fund's Certificate for the Establishment and Designation
          of Series designating Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund, Nuveen
          Balanced Stock and Bond Fund, and Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock
          Fund, as executed by the Trustees of the Fund and filed with the
          Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "Designation of
          Series");

     (e)  a Certificate executed by an appropriate officer of the Fund,
          certifying as to, and attaching copies of, the Fund's Declaration of
          Trust, Designation of Classes, Designation of Series, By-Laws, and
          certain resolutions adopted by the Trustees of the Fund;

     (f)  a printer's proof dated as of July 27, 1996 of the Amendment.

     In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
conformity to the originals of all of the documents reviewed by us as copies,
the authenticity and completeness of all original documents reviewed by us in
original or copy form and the legal competence of each individual executing any
document. We have assumed that the Amendment, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, will be in substantially the form of the printer's proof
referred to in paragraph (f) above.

     This opinion is based entirely on our review of the documents listed above
and such investigation of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate. We
have made no other review or investigation of any kind whatsoever, and we have
assumed, without independent inquiry, the accuracy of the information set forth
in such documents.

     This opinion is limited solely to the internal substantive laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts as applied by courts located in such Commonwealth,
except that we express no opinion as to any Massachusetts securities law.

     We understand that all of the foregoing assumptions and limitations are
acceptable to you.

     Based upon and subject to the foregoing, please be advised that it is our
opinion that:

     1.  The Fund is duly organized and existing under the Fund's Declaration of
Trust and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a voluntary
association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to
as a "Massachusetts business trust."
<PAGE>
 

     2.  The Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the Fund's
Declaration of Trust, Designation of Classes, Designation of Series and By-Laws
and for the consideration described in the Registration Statement, will be
legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable, except that, as set forth in the
Registration Statement, shareholders of the Fund may under certain circumstances
be held personally liable for its obligations.

     We hereby consent to the reference to our name in the Registration
Statement under the heading "Legal Opinions" and to the filing of this opinion
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

                                       Very truly yours,


                                       BINGHAM, DANA & GOULD LLP

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT (b)11

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated July 29, 1996, and to all references to our firm included in or made a
part of this registration statement on Form N-1A of Nuveen Investment Trust,
comprising the Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund, Nuveen Balanced Stock and 
Bond Fund and Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund.


/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP




Chicago, Illinois
July 29, 1996

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT (B) 13

                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST

                            Subscription Agreement
                            ______________________

      This Agreement made this 29th day of July, 1996 by and between Nuveen 
Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Fund"), and Nuveen 
Institutional Advisory Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Subscriber");

                                  WITNESSETH:

      WHEREAS, the Fund has been formed for the purposes of carrying on 
business as an open-end diversified management investment company; and

      WHEREAS, the Subscriber has been selected by the Fund's Board of Trustees 
to serve as investment adviser to the Fund; and

      WHEREAS, the Subscriber wishes to subscribe for and purchase, and the Fund
wishes to sell to the Subscriber, 5,004 common shares (417 shares of each of the
four classes of shares designated in the Fund's Establishment and Designation of
Classes, a total of 1,668 shares of each of the three series of shares
designated in the Fund's Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares of
Beneficial Interest), for a purchase price of $20.00 per share;

      NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

      1.  The Subscriber subscribes for and agrees to purchase from the Fund 
5,004 common shares, (417 shares of each of the four classes of shares 
designated in the Fund's Establishment and Designation of Classes, a total of 
1,668 shares of each of the three series designated in the Fund's Establishment 
and Designation of Series of Shares), for a purchase price of $20.00 per share. 
Subscriber agrees to make payment for these shares at such time as demand for 
payment may be made by an officer of the Fund.

      WHEREAS, the Subscriber wishes to subscribe for and purchase, and the Fund
wishes to sell to the Subscriber, 5001 common shares, 1,667 shares of each of
the three series of shares designated in the Fund's Establishment and
Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interest, for a purchase price of
$20.00 per share;

      NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

      1.  The Subscriber subscribes for and agrees to purchase from the Fund 
5,001 common shares, 1,667 shares of each of the three series designated in the 
Fund's
<PAGE>
 
Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares, for a purchase price of 
$20.00 per share.  Subscriber agrees to make payment for these shares at such 
time as demand for payment may be made by an officer of the Fund.

      2.  The Fund agrees to issue and sell said shares to Subscriber promptly 
upon its receipt of the purchase price.

      3.  To induce the Fund to accept its subscription and issue the shares 
subscribed for, the Subscriber represents that it is informed as follows:

      (a) That the shares being subscribed for have not been and will not be 
      registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act");

      (b) That the shares will be sold by the Fund in reliance on an exemption 
      from the registration requirements of the Securities Act;

      (c) That the Fund's reliance upon an exemption from the registration
      requirements of the Securities Act is predicated in part on the
      representations and agreements contained in this Subscription Agreement;

      (d) That when issued, the shares will be "restricted securities" as
      defined in paragraph (a)(3) of Rule 144 of the General Rules and
      Regulations under the Securities Act ("Rule 144") and cannot be sold or
      transferred by Subscriber unless they are subsequently registered under
      the Securities Act or unless an exemption from such registration is
      available;

      (e) That there do not appear to be any exemptions from the registration
      provisions of the Securities Act available to the Subscriber for resale of
      the shares. In the future, certain exemptions may possibly become
      available, including an exemption for limited sales including an exemption
      for limited sales in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144.

The Subscriber understands that a primary purpose of the information 
acknowledged in subparagraphs (a) through (e) above is to put it on notice as to
restrictions on the transferability of the shares.

      4.  To further induce the Fund to accept its subscription and issue the 
shares subscribed for, the Subscriber:

      (a) Represents and warrants that the shares subscribed for are being and
      will be acquired for investment for its own account and not on behalf of
      any other person or persons and not with a view to, or for sale in
      connection with, any public distribution thereof; and
<PAGE>
 
     (b)  Agrees that any certificates representing the shares subscribed for
     may bear a legend substantially in the following form:

          The shares represented by this certificate have been acquired for
          investment and have not been registered under the Securities Act of
          1933 or any other federal or state securities law. These shares may
          not be offered for sale, sold or otherwise transferred unless
          registered under said securities laws or unless some exemption from
          registration is available.

     5.   This Subscription Agreement and all of its provisions shall be binding
upon the legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns of the parties 
hereto.

     6.   The Fund's Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  This Agreement is executed on behalf of the Fund
by the Fund's officers as officers and not individually and the obligations 
imposed upon the Fund by this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Fund's 
Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the 
assets and property of the Fund.

<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Subscription Agreement has been executed by the 
parties hereto as of the day and date first above written.



                  
                                       NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
 


                                       By:
                                          --------------------------


NUVEEN INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORY CORP.




By:
   ----------------------------------

<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT (b)15
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST

                        Plan of Distribution and Service
                             Pursuant to Rule 12b-1
                                                                          , 1996
                                                                    ------
     WHEREAS, Nuveen Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the
"Fund"), engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act");

     WHEREAS, the Fund employs John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the
"Distributor") as distributor of the shares of the Fund (the "Shares") pursuant
to a Distribution Agreement dated as of        , 1996;
                                       --------
     WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue Shares in four different classes
("Classes"): Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R.

     WHEREAS, the Fund desires to adopt a Plan of Distribution and Service
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act ("Rule 12b-1"), and the Board of Trustees
of the Fund has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that adoption
of this Plan of Distribution and Service will benefit the Fund and its
shareholders;

     WHEREAS, the Fund has adopted a Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
(the "Rule 18f-3 Plan") to enable the various Classes of Shares to be granted
different rights and privileges and to bear different expenses, and has an
effective registration statement on file with the SEC containing a Prospectus
describing such Classes of Shares;

     WHEREAS, as described in the Rule 18f-3 Plan, the purchase of Class A
Shares is generally subject to an up-front sales charge, as set forth in the
Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and the purchase of
Class B and Class C Shares will not be subject to an up-front sales charge, but
in lieu thereof the Class B Shares will be subject to an asset-based
distribution fee (and a declining contingent deferred sales charge) and Class C
Shares will be subject to an asset-based distribution fee (and a one-year
contingent deferred sales charge), as described in the Prospectus for the
Shares; and

     WHEREAS, Shares representing an investment in Class B will automatically
convert to Class A Shares 8 years after the investment, as described in the
Prospectus for the Shares;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund hereby adopts, and the Distributor hereby agrees
to the terms of, this Plan of Distribution and Service (the "Plan") in
accordance with Rule 12b-1, on the following terms and conditions:

  1.      (a)   The Fund is authorized to compensate the Distributor for
            services performed and expenses incurred by the Distributor in
            connection with
<PAGE>
 
            the distribution of Shares of Class A, Class B and Class C of the
            Fund and the servicing of accounts holding such Shares.

          (b)   The amount of such compensation paid during any one year shall
            consist

          (i)   with respect to Class A Shares of a Service Fee not to exceed
                .25% of average daily net assets of the Class A Shares of the
                Fund;

          (ii)  with respect to Class B Shares of a Service Fee not to exceed
                .25% of average daily net assets of the Class B Shares of the
                Fund, plus a Distribution Fee not to exceed .75% of average
                daily net assets of the Class B Shares of the Fund; and

          (iii) with respect to Class C Shares of a Service Fee not to exceed
                .25% of average daily net assets of the Class C Shares of the
                Fund, plus a Distribution Fee not to exceed .75% of average
                daily net assets of the Class C Shares of the Fund.

          Such compensation shall be calculated and accrued daily and paid
          monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Trustees may
          determine.

          (c)   With respect to Class A Shares, the Distributor shall pay any
            Service Fees it receives under the Plan for which a particular
            underwriter, dealer, broker, bank or selling entity having a Dealer
            Agreement in effect ("Authorized Dealer", which may include the
            Distributor) is the dealer of record to such Authorized Dealers to
            compensate such organizations for providing services to shareholders
            relating to their investment. The Distributor may retain any Service
            Fees not so paid.

          (d)   With respect to the Class B Shares, the Distributor:
         
          (i)   shall retain the Distribution Fee to compensate it for costs
                associated with the distribution of the Class B Shares,
                including the payment of broker commissions to Authorized
                Dealers (which may include the Distributor) who were the dealer
                of record with respect to the purchase of those shares; and
                
          (ii)  shall pay any Service Fees it receives under the Plan for which
                a particular Authorized Dealer is the dealer of record (which
                may include the Distributor) to such Authorized Dealers to
                compensate such organizations for providing services to
                shareholders relating to their investment; provided, however,
                that the Distributor shall be entitled to retain, for the first
                year after purchase of the Class B Shares, the Service Fee to
                the extent that it may have pre-paid the Service Fee for that
                period to the Authorized Dealer of record.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          The Distributor may retain any Distribution or Service Fees not so
          paid.
           
          (e)   With respect to the Class C Shares, the Distributor:
          
          (i)   shall pay the Distribution Fee it receives under the Plan with
                respect to Class C Shares for which a particular Authorized
                Dealer is the dealer of record (which may include the
                Distributor) to such Authorized Dealers to compensate such
                organizations in connection with such share sales; provided,
                however, that the Distributor shall be entitled to retain, for
                the first year after purchase of the Class C Shares, the
                Distribution Fee to the extent that it may have pre-paid the
                Distribution Fee for that period to the Authorized Dealer of
                record; and
                
          (ii)  shall pay any Service Fees it receives under the Plan for which
                a particular Authorized Dealer is the dealer of record (which
                may include the Distributor) to such Authorized Dealers to
                compensate such organizations for providing services to
                shareholders relating to their investment; provided, however,
                that the Distributor shall be entitled to retain, for the first
                year after purchase of the Class B Shares, the Service Fee to
                the extent that it may have pre-paid the Service Fee for that
                period to the Authorized Dealer of record.

          The Distributor may retain any Distribution or Service Fees not so
          paid.

          (f)   Services for which such Authorized Dealers may receive Service
Fee payments include any or all of the following: maintaining account records
for shareholders who beneficially own Shares; answering inquiries relating to
the shareholders' accounts, the policies of the Fund and the performance of
their investment; providing assistance and handling transmission of funds in
connection with purchase, redemption and exchange orders for Shares; providing
assistance in connection with changing account setups and enrolling in various
optional fund services; producing and disseminating shareholder communications
or servicing materials; the ordinary or capital expenses, such as equipment,
rent, fixtures, salaries, bonuses, reporting and recordkeeping and third party
consultancy or similar expenses, relating to any activity for which payment is
authorized by the Board; and the financing of any other activity for which
payment is authorized by the Board.

          (g)   Payments of Distribution or Service Fees to any organization as
of any quarter-end will not exceed the appropriate amount based on the annual
percentages set forth in subparagraphs (c), (d) and (e) above, based on average
net assets of accounts for which such organization appeared on the records of
the Fund and/or its transfer agent as the organization of record during the
preceding quarter.

        2.      This Plan shall not take effect until the Plan, together with
any related agreement(s), has been approved by votes of a majority of both (a)
the Board of Trustees of the Fund, and (b) those Trustees of the Fund who are
not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the Act) and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
of the Plan or any agreements related to it (the "Rule 12b-1 Trustees") cast in
person at a meeting (or meetings) called for the purpose of voting on the Plan
and such related Agreement(s).

        3.      This Plan shall remain in effect until August 1, 1997, and shall
continue in effect thereafter so long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually in the manner provided for approval of this Plan in
paragraph 2.

        4.      The Distributor shall provide to the Board of Trustees of the
Fund and the Board shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of
distribution- and service-related activities, Distribution Fees, Service Fees,
and the purposes for which such activities were performed and expenses incurred.

        5.      This Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of
the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by vote of a majority (as defined in the Act) of the
outstanding voting Shares of the Fund.

        6.      This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount
of compensation payable by the Fund with respect to Class A, Class B or Class C
Shares under paragraph 1 hereof unless such amendment is approved by a vote of
at least a majority (as defined in the Act) of the outstanding voting Shares of
that Class of Shares. No material amendment to the Plan shall be made unless
approved in the manner provided in paragraph 2 hereof.

        7.      While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of
the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund
shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not such interested
persons.

        8.      The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related
agreements and all reports made pursuant to paragraph 4 hereof, for a period of
not less than six years from the date of the Plan, any such agreement or any
such report, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible
place.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund and Distributor have executed this Plan of
Distribution and Servicing as of the day and year first above written.


                                     NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST



                                     By:
                                        ------------------------------------
                                                Its Vice President


                                     JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED



                                     By:
                                        ------------------------------------
                                                Its Vice President

                                      -5-

<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT (b)99(a)
 

                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
                               _________________

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               _________________

Know all men by these presents, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above
referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints Anthony T. Dean, James
J. Wesolowski, Larry W. Martin and Gifford R. Zimmerman, and each of them (with
full power to each of them to act along) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign, execute and affix his seal thereto and file one or more
Registration Statements on Form N-1A, under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any
amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other
documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state,
relating to the reorganization, without limitation, granting unto said
attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises
in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might
or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. 

In witness whereof, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization
has hereunto set his hand this 17th day of July, 1996.

                                         
                                       /s/ Robert H. Lyon 
                                       --------------------
                                       Robert H. Lyon


State of Illinois   )
                    )ss
County of Cook      )

On this 17th day of July, 1996, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public
in and for said County and State, the person named above who is known to me to
be the person whose name and signature is affixed to the foregoing Power of
Attorney and who acknowledged the same to be his voluntary act and deed for the
intent and purposes therein set forth.


                                       /s/ Karen L. Healy
                                       --------------------
                                       Karen L. Healy

My Commission Expires:  12/30/99
<PAGE>
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
                               _________________

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               _________________

Know all men by these presents, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above
referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints Anthony T. Dean, James
J. Wesolowski, Larry W. Martin and Gifford R. Zimmerman, and each of them (with
full power to each of them to act along) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign, execute and affix his seal thereto and file one or more
Registration Statements on Form N-1A, under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any
amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other
documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state,
relating to the reorganization, without limitation, granting unto said
attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises
in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might
or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

In witness whereof, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization
has hereunto set his hand this 17th day of July, 1996.


                                       /s/ Thomas E. Leafstrand
                                       --------------------------
                                       Thomas E. Leafstrand


State of Illinois   )
                    )ss
County of Cook      )

On this 17th day of July, 1996, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public
in and for said County and State, the person named above who is known to me to
be the person whose name and signature is affixed to the foregoing Power of
Attorney and who acknowledged the same to be his voluntary act and deed for the
intent and purposes therein set forth.


                                       /s/ Karen L. Healy
                                       --------------------
                                       Karen L. Healy



My Commission Expires:  12/30/99
<PAGE>
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
                               _________________

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               _________________

Know all men by these presents, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above
referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints Anthony T. Dean, James
J. Wesolowski, Larry W. Martin and Gifford R. Zimmerman, and each of them (with
full power to each of them to act along) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign, execute and affix his seal thereto and file one or more
Registration Statements on Form N-1A, under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any
amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other
documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state,
relating to the reorganization, without limitation, granting unto said
attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises
in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might
or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

In witness whereof, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization
has hereunto set his hand this 17th day of July, 1996.



                                       /s/ James E. Bacon
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       James E. Bacon


State of Illinois   )
                    )ss
County of Cook      )

On this 17th day of July, 1996, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public
in and for said County and State, the person named above who is known to me to
be the person whose name and signature is affixed to the foregoing Power of
Attorney and who acknowledged the same to be his voluntary act and deed for the
intent and purposes therein set forth.



                                       /s/ Karen L. Healy 
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       Karen L. Healy


My Commission Expires:  12/30/99
<PAGE>
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
                               _________________

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               _________________

Know all men by these presents, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above
referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints Anthony T. Dean, James
J. Wesolowski, Larry W. Martin and Gifford R. Zimmerman, and each of them (with
full power to each of them to act along) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign, execute and affix his seal thereto and file one or more
Registration Statements on Form N-1A, under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any
amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other
documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state,
relating to the reorganization, without limitation, granting unto said
attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises
in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might
or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

In witness whereof, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization
has hereunto set his hand this 17th day of July, 1996.


                                       /s/ Shelia W. Wellington 
                                       --------------------------
                                       Shelia W. Wellington


State of Illinois   )
                    )ss
County of Cook      )

On this 17th day of July, 1996, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public
in and for said County and State, the person named above who is known to me to
be the person whose name and signature is affixed to the foregoing Power of
Attorney and who acknowledged the same to be his voluntary act and deed for the
intent and purposes therein set forth.


                                       /s/ Karen L. Healy
                                       ------------------------
                                       Karen L. Healy


My Commission Expires:  12/30/99
<PAGE>
 
                            NUVEEN INVESTMENT TRUST
                               _________________

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               _________________

Know all men by these presents, that the undersigned, a trustee of the above
referenced organization, hereby constitutes and appoints Anthony T. Dean, James
J. Wesolowski, Larry W. Martin and Gifford R. Zimmerman, and each of them (with
full power to each of them to act along) his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, for him on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign, execute and affix his seal thereto and file one or more
Registration Statements on Form N-1A, under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including any
amendment or amendments thereto, with all exhibits, and any and all other
documents required to be filed with any regulatory authority, federal or state,
relating to the reorganization, without limitation, granting unto said
attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises
in order to effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might
or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

In witness whereof, the undersigned trustee of the above-referenced organization
has hereunto set his hand this 17th day of July, 1996.


                                       /s/ William L. Kissick 
                                       ------------------------
                                       William L. Kissick


State of Illinois   )
                    )ss
County of Cook      )

On this 17th day of July, 1996, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public
in and for said County and State, the person named above who is known to me to
be the person whose name and signature is affixed to the foregoing Power of
Attorney and who acknowledged the same to be his voluntary act and deed for the
intent and purposes therein set forth.


                                       /s/ Karen L. Healy    
                                       ---------------------
                                       Karen L. Healy

My Commission Expires:  12/30/99

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   011
   <NAME>     CLASS A GROWTH AND INCOME
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   012
   <NAME>     CLASS B GROWTH AND INCOME
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        



</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   013
   <NAME>     CLASS C GROWTH AND INCOME
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        



</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   014
   <NAME>     CLASS R GROWTH AND INCOME
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        



</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   021
   <NAME>     CLASS A BALANCED STOCK AND BOND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        



</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   022
   <NAME>     CLASS B BALANCED STOCK AND BOND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        



</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   023
   <NAME>     CLASS C BALANCED STOCK AND BOND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


 


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   024
   <NAME>     CLASS R BALANCED STOCK AND BOND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


 




</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   031
   <NAME>     CLASS A BALANCED MUNICIPAL AND STOCK
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


 



</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   032
   <NAME>     CLASS B BALANCED MUNICIPAL AND STOCK
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


 





</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   033
   <NAME>     CLASS C BALANCED MUNICIPAL AND STOCK
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


 






</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>   
   <NUMBER>   034
   <NAME>     CLASS R BALANCED MUNICIPAL AND STOCK
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 213,360
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,360
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      180,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            180,000
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        33,360
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              417
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    33,360
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                       0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                              0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                0
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                            417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          33,360
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            33,360
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              20.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


 







</TABLE>


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