NUVEEN INSURED TAX FREE BOND FUND INC
N-30D, 1996-11-01
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<PAGE>




                                                                   [NUVEEN LOGO]


                                     

                                             
Nuveen Tax-Free
Mutual Funds                                    [PHOTOGRAPH APPEARS HERE]
                                             
Dependable tax-free
income for generations


CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA INSURED

MASSACHUSETTS

MASSACHUSETTS INSURED

NEW YORK

NEW YORK INSURED

OHIO

                                 




SEMIANNUAL REPORT/AUGUST 31, 1996
<PAGE>
 
  CONTENTS

  3  Dear shareholder

  5  Answering your questions
 
  8  Fund performance
  
 12  Portfolio of investments
 
 59  Statement of net assets

 61  Statement of operations

 63  Statement of changes in net assets

 67  Notes to financial statements

 78  Financial highlights
<PAGE>

Dear
shareholder

[PHOTO OF TIMOTHY R. SCHWERTFEGER APPEARS HERE]

" Municipal bonds continue to play an important role in meeting the investment
goals of conservative investors."

As I begin my duties as the new chairman and chief executive officer of John
Nuveen & Co. Incorporated and chairman of the board of the Nuveen mutual funds,
I am pleased to have this opportunity to report to you on the performance of
your funds. My experience at Nuveen over the past 19 years has shaped my
commitment to maintaining Nuveen's tradition of value investing and prudent
management. Our goal is to help our shareholders meet their need for tax-free
investment income with a full range of investment choices. We continue to focus
on providing attractive levels of income, diversification, and professional
research-oriented management, in the belief that this focus will contribute to
many more years of investment success for our fund shareholders. The performance
of the mutual funds covered in this report demonstrates the ability of quality
investments to provide attractive tax-free income. As of August 31, 1996,
current yields on net asset values for R shares for these funds ranged from
4.51% to 5.11%. To match these yields, an investor in the 36% federal income tax
bracket would have had to earn at least 7.05% on taxable alternatives. When
state taxes are taken into account, the power of tax-free investing is even more
apparent, increasing the required taxable-equivalent yield to a range of 7.98%
to 8.71%. Taxable yields at this 

                                       3
<PAGE>

level on investments of comparable quality can be difficult to achieve in
today's markets.
  Market appreciation of bonds in the portfolios further improved
investors' overall experience for the 12 months ending August 31, 1996. Total
returns on R shares, representing changes in net asset value and reinvestment of
all dividends and capital gains, if any, ranged from 5.23% to 6.65%, equivalent
to taxable investments with total returns of 9.38% to 10.73%.
  I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the news of some
recent developments that will give Nuveen more flexibility to meet expanded
investor needs for capital preservation, current income, and future growth. For
nearly 100 years, we have offered products and services designed for the prudent
investor, services that have grown over the years as a natural extension of our
expertise in municipal bonds. We are now embarking on new endeavors, as we grow
to serve the broader needs of today's conservative investor. 
  In November, Nuveen will introduce the Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund,
designed to provide a high-quality equity complement to our current municipal
bond funds. The fund will be offered in affiliation with Institutional Capital
Corporation (ICAP), an institutional equity management firm located in Chicago
who shares Nuveen's values and investment management style. Tailor-made to
address the needs of many Nuveen investors, the fund can play a critical role in
achieving a balanced strategy for investors who expect their investments to
provide a core element of their financial security.
  In addition, Nuveen plans to acquire Flagship Resources, Inc., a fixed-income
mutual fund specialist based in Dayton, Ohio. Flagship is a firm that shares our
views on the importance of research and emphasizes a conservative, value-
oriented approach to portfolio management. The tax-exempt mutual fund activities
of Flagship and Nuveen expect to be merged in January 1997, enabling us to offer
more than 40 municipal funds, the broadest selection available in the U.S.
Intermediate and limited term national funds as well as product offerings in 24
states, will provide more tax-free options to match investors' individual needs.
  We are excited about these recent developments, and we are pleased to be
bringing Nuveen investors expanded options for achieving wealth preservation,
dependable income, and long-term asset growth. We thank you for your continued
confidence in Nuveen.

Sincerely,

Timothy R. Schwertfeger
Chairman of the Board
October 15, 1996

4
<PAGE>
 
Answering your questions


Tom Spalding, head of Nuveen's portfolio management team, discusses the
investment environment and recent factors affecting the municipal market

How did the municipal market perform over the past year?
           
Unlike the prior two years, 1996's bond market has not been easy to categorize.
While 1994 represented the worst period in recent bond market history and 1995
the best in a decade, this year has seen a stream of mixed reports on the state
of the economy that have alternately caused investors to view the markets with
enthusiasm, then uncertainty. Despite this climate, the municipal bond market
has rewarded investors with solid returns, dependable income, and opportunities
to purchase bonds with strong credit quality. Over the past year, municipal
bonds have continued to outperform Treasuries, an indication of the strength and
resilience of this market segment. 

What has been Nuveen's investment approach over the past year?

Nuveen continues to pursue its value investing strategy, a disciplined approach
to security selection and portfolio construction designed to deliver above
market performance by identifying individual bonds with current yields, prices,
credit quality, and future prospects that are exceptionally attractive relative
to

                                       5
<PAGE>

[PHOTO OF TOM SPALDING]

Tom Spalding, head of Nuveen's portfolio management team, answers investors'
questions on developments in the municipal market. 

other bonds in the market. This approach was rewarded over the past year, as
many of our portfolio holdings were upgraded by the national rating agencies,
indicating that our Research Department's judgments about credit quality were on
target.

  As opportunity allowed, we purchased bonds at discounts from their par value.
These bonds, which have coupon rates slightly below market levels, are less
likely to be called from our portfolios, assuring more stable yields for our
investors.

What is your outlook for the municipal market?

A look at the current economy shows a combination of factors that historically
bodes well for the bond market. Inflation continues at the same modest pace that
it has demonstrated over the past five years. The Federal Reserve's decision to
stand pat on short-term rates since January indicates that it believes inflation
is under control. The economy continues to enjoy modest expansion, supported by
generally level producer prices, low wage pressures, and a stable money supply.
Fading worries about tax reform-and the potential effect of a flat tax proposal-
have resulted in increased demand for tax-free products. New issuance of bonds
remains adequate but modest, further supporting a favorable environment for
investors.

                                       6
<PAGE>
What are some of the factors affecting dividend changes?

All Nuveen funds are structured to provide an attractive stream of tax-free
income. For many investors, stability of income is another important objective.
To help investors satisfy this objective, we set dividends on Nuveen funds
conservatively, seeking a level that we expect will be sustainable for several
months. Still, dividends ultimately depend on the overall earnings of each fund,
which can be reduced by bond calls, fluctuations in interest rates, and other
portfolio changes.

  When the Federal Reserve Board cut rates between July 1995 and January 1996,
long-term municipal bond yields reacted by declining almost 130 basis points
from their levels at the beginning of 1995. Current long-term rates are well
below those at the start of the decade. As older, higher-yielding bonds are
called from some portfolios, they must be replaced with the bonds available in
the market today, reducing fund earnings. To minimize the effect of bond calls
in the future, Nuveen has taken advantage of opportunities to invest in non-
callable bonds as well as bonds priced at a discount from their par value.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN CALIFORNIA
TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

CALIFORNIA





Shareholders have enjoyed relatively stable dividends. From time to time,
adjustments in the monthly dividend are made to reflect the current earnings of
the portfolio.





12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

 9/95 - .0480
10/95 - .0475 
11/95 - .0475
12/95 - .0465
 1/96 - .0465
 2/96 - .0465
 3/96 - .0465
 4/96 - .0465
 5/96 - .0465
 6/96 - .0475
 7/96 - .0475
 8/96 - .0475 

- --------------------------------------------------------
FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96                                
- --------------------------------------------------------
Current SEC yield on R Shares*                     8.03%
Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**             8.67%
12-mo. total return on R Shares*                   6.65%
Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares       10.73%
Combined tax rate                                  42.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------

The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performances and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

See footnote on page 11.


NUVEEN CALIFORNIA INSURED
TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

CALIFORNIA INSURED




In keeping with the Fund's goal of providing attractive, dependable tax-free
income, shareholders enjoyed 12 months of steady dividends.



12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

 9/95 - .0460   3/96 - .0460 
10/95 - .0460   4/96 - .0460 
11/95 - .0460   5/96 - .0460
12/95 - .0460   6/96 - .0460 
 1/96 - .0460   7/96 - .0460 
 2/96 - .0460   8/96 - .0460  

- --------------------------------------------------------
FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96
- --------------------------------------------------------
Current SEC yield on R Shares*                     4.96%
Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**             8.55%
Annual total return on R Shares*                   6.45%
Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares       10.40%
Combined tax rate                                  42.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------

The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performances and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

See footnote on page 11.

                                       8
<PAGE>


NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS
TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

MASSACHUSETTS



The Fund adjusted its monthly tax-free dividend twice during the period as
older, higher coupon bonds were called away and replaced with today's lower
yielding bonds.



12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

 9/95 - .0455   3/96 - .0440 
10/95 - .0455   4/96 - .0440 
11/95 - .0455   5/96 - .0440
12/95 - .0450   6/96 - .0440 
 1/96 - .0450   7/96 - .0440 
 2/96 - .0450   8/96 - .0440  

- ------------------------------------------------------
 FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96
- ------------------------------------------------------
Current SEC yield on R Shares*                  4.92%
Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**          8.71%
Annual total return on R Shares*                5.69%
Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares    10.04%
Combined tax rate                               43.5%
- ------------------------------------------------------

The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performances and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

See footnote on page 11.







NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED
TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

MASSACHUSETTS INSURED



In keeping with the Fund's goal of providing attractive, dependable tax-free
income, shareholders enjoyed 12 months of steady dividends.


12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

 9/95 - .0450   3/96 - .0450 
10/95 - .0450   4/96 - .0450 
11/95 - .0450   5/96 - .0450
12/95 - .0450   6/96 - .0450 
 1/96 - .0450   7/96 - .0450 
 2/96 - .0450   8/96 - .0450  

- -------------------------------------------------------
FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96
- -------------------------------------------------------
Current SEC yield on R Shares*                    4.51%
Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**            7.98%
Annual total return on R Shares*                  5.23%
Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares       9.38% 
Combined tax rate                                 43.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------

The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performances and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

See footnote on page 11.

                                       9
<PAGE>

NUVEEN NEW YORK
TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

New York

In keeping with the Fund's goal of providing attractive, dependable tax-free
income, shareholders enjoyed 12 months of steady dividends.

12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

[PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

 9/95 - .0485   3/96 - .0485
10/95 - .0485   4/96 - .0485
11/95 - .0485   5/96 - .0485
12/95 - .0485   6/96 - .0485
 1/96 - .0485   7/96 - .0485
 2/96 - .0485   8/96 - .0485

- ------------------------------------------------------------
 FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96
- ------------------------------------------------------------
 Current SEC yield on R Shares*                      5.11%

 Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**              8.59%
 
 Annual total return on R Shares*                    5.98%
 
 Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares         9.90%
 
 Combined tax rate                                   40.5% 
- ------------------------------------------------------------
The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performances and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

See footnote on page 11.

NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED
TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

NEW YORK INSURED

Shareholders enjoyed relatively stable dividends and a capital gains 
distribution in November. From time to time, adjustments in the monthly dividend
are made to reflect the current earnings of the portfolio.

12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

[PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

 9/95 - .0460                        3/96 - .0460 
10/95 - .0460                        4/96 - .0460 
11/95 - .0750 (with Capital Gains)   5/96 - .0460
12/95 - .0460                        6/96 - .0450 
 1/96 - .0460                        7/96 - .0450 
 2/96 - .0460                        8/96 - .0450  

- ------------------------------------------------------------
 FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96
- ------------------------------------------------------------
 Current SEC yield on R Shares*                      4.78%

 Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**              8.03%
  
 Annual total return on R Shares*                    5.45%

 Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares         9.16%

 Combined tax rate                                   40.5%
- ------------------------------------------------------------

The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performances and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

See footnote on page 11.

                                      10
<PAGE>

NUVEEN OHIO
TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

Ohio

In keeping with the Fund's goal of providing attractive, dependable tax-free
income, shareholders enjoyed 12 months of steady dividends.

12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

[PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

 9/95 - .0470   3/96 - .0470 
10/95 - .0470   4/96 - .0470 
11/95 - .0470   5/96 - .0470
12/95 - .0470   6/96 - .0470 
 1/96 - .0470   7/96 - .0470 
 2/96 - .0470   8/96 - .0470  

- ------------------------------------------------------------
 FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------
 Current SEC yield on R Shares*                      4.90%
 
 Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**              8.31%
 
 Annual total return on R Shares*                    5.32%

 Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares         9.20%

 Combined tax rate                                   41.0% 
- ------------------------------------------------------------
The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performances and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

See footnote on page 11.

* All shares issued prior to September 6, 1994, have been designated as Class R
shares, which are currently available only for dividend reinvestment and certain
other restricted situations. Please see Financial Highlights beginning on page
78 for additional data on Class A and Class C shares.

** An investor subject to the indicated income tax rate would have to receive
this return from a fully taxable investment to equal the stated yield and total
return on an after-tax basis.

                                      11
<PAGE>
 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C> 
$  3,200,000   California Statewide Cmntys Develop Auth Revenue Ctfs of
                Participation Series 1996 Methodist Hospital of Southern Calif, 
                5.500%, 7/01/10                                                     AAA       7/06 at 102    $  3,106,272
   3,150,000   California Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds
                (University of Southern California Project) Series 1989 A, 
                7.200%, 10/01/15                                                     Aa      10/97 at 102       3,296,790
   4,500,000   California Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds
                (University of San Francisco), Series 1996, 6.000%, 10/01/26        Aaa      10/06 at 102       4,544,010 
               California Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds   
                (Loyola Marymount University) Series 1996:
   1,380,000    5.875%, 10/01/16                                                    Aaa      10/06 at 102       1,379,917
   2,405,000    5.900%, 10/01/21 (DD)                                               Aaa      10/06 at 102       2,397,039
               California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Insured Health   
                Facility Revenue Bonds (Small Facilities Pooled Loan Program), 
                1994 Series B:
   3,000,000    7.400%, 4/01/14                                                       A       4/05 at 102       3,373,860
   3,635,000    7.500%, 4/01/22                                                       A       4/05 at 102       4,112,385
   3,750,000   California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Insured
                Revenue Bond (Sutter/CHS), 5.875%, 8/15/16                          Aaa       8/06 at 102       3,715,125
   1,700,000   California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Hospital
                Revenue Refunding Bonds (Sutter Health) Series 1989A, 
                7.000%, 1/01/09                                                      A1       1/99 at 102       1,811,027
   2,000,000   California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Health Facility
                Revenue Bonds (Health Dimensions, Incorporated) 1990 
                Series A, 7.500%, 5/01/15 (Pre-refunded to 5/01/00)                  Ba       5/00 at 102       2,235,740 
   2,000,000   California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Health Facility
                Revenue Bonds (Sisters of Providence), Series 1990, 
                7.500%, 10/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 10/01/00)                         AA-      10/00 at 102       2,250,520
   3,380,000   California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Kaiser
                Permanente, Revenue Bonds, 1990 Series A, 7.000%, 12/01/10           AA      12/00 at 102       3,681,699 
   4,750,000   California Housing Finance Agency Home Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds, 1995 Series F, 5.950%, 8/01/14                               Aaa       8/05 at 102       4,749,715
   1,060,000   California State Public Works Board, High Technology Facilities
                Lease, The Regents of the University of California, San Diego 
                Facility, 7.375%, 4/01/06                                            A1      No Opt. Call       1,127,490
   2,905,000   California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
                Senior Lien Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (Monte Vista 
                Terrace), Series 1996A, 6.375%, 9/01/20                             AAA       9/06 at 100       2,931,929
   2,000,000   California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
                Certificates of Participation, Huntington Memorial Hospital, 
                5.750%, 7/01/16                                                     AAA       7/06 at 102       1,963,860
   2,500,000   Certificates of Participation, California Statewide Communities
                Development Authority (Solheim Lutheran Home), 
                6.500%, 11/01/17                                                      A      11/04 at 102       2,571,825
   3,000,000   Certificates of Participation, California Statewide Communities
                Development Authority, St. Joseph Health System Obligated 
                Group, 6.500%, 7/01/15                                               Aa       7/04 at 102       3,131,430
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      
                                      12
<PAGE>
 

                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                 <C>       <C>             <C>    
$  8,470,000   State Public Works Board of the State of California Lease
                Revenue Bonds (The Trustees of The California State 
                University), 1992 Series A (Various California State University 
                Projects), 6.700%, 10/01/17                                           A      10/02 at 102    $  8,964,309
   5,000,000   State Public Works Board of the State of California Lease
                Revenue Bonds (The Trustees of The California State 
                University), 1993 Series A (Various California State 
                University Projects), 5.500%, 12/01/18                                A      12/03 at 102       4,616,850
   5,000,000   State Public Works Board of the State of California Lease
                Revenue Bonds (Department of Corrections) 1996 Series A 
                (California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State 
                Prison at Corcoran (Corcoran II)), 5.250%, 1/01/21                  Aaa       1/06 at 100       4,628,050 
   5,900,000   State of California, Department of Water Resources, Central
                Valley Project, Water System Revenue Bonds, Series M, 
                5.000%, 12/01/15                                                     Aa      12/03 at 101       5,252,829
   1,500,000   Insured Certificates of Participation (Channing House), Series
                1991A, ABAG Finance Authority For Nonprofit Corporations, 
                7.125%, 1/01/21                                                       A       1/01 at 102       1,606,545
   2,035,000   Certificates of Participation (1991 Capital Improvement Project),
                Bella Vista Water District (California), 7.375%, 10/01/17           Baa      10/01 at 102       2,150,730 
   7,000,000   Brea Redevelopment Agency (Orange County, California), 1993
                Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds (Redevelopment Project AB), 
                5.500%, 8/01/17                                                     Aaa       8/03 at 102       6,629,490
   1,000,000   Carson Redevelopment Agency (California), Redevelopment
                Project Area No. 2, Refunding Tax Allocation Bonds, Series
                1993, 6.000%, 10/01/13                                              Baa      10/03 at 102         973,400        
   2,000,000   Carson Redevelopment Agency (California), Redevelopment
                Project Area No. 1, Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 1993, 
                6.000%, 10/01/16                                                   Baa1      10/03 at 102       1,942,000
   1,755,000   Central Joint Powers Health Financing Authority, Certificates of
                Participation, Series 1993 (Community Hospitals of Central 
                California), 5.000%, 2/01/23                                          A       2/03 at 100       1,446,576
   2,000,000   Certificates of Participation, Insured Health Facility Revenue,
                (Sierra Sunrise Lodge) Series 1991A, 6.750%, 2/01/21                  A       2/01 at 102       2,079,360 
   5,000,000   Contra Costa Water District (Contra Costa County, California),
                Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series F, 5.000%, 10/01/20           Aaa  10/02 at 101 1/2       4,416,250 
   6,500,000   County of Contra Costa, Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1993A (FHA Insured Mortgage Loan -- Cedar Pointe 
                Apartments Project), 6.150%, 9/01/25                                AAA       9/03 at 103       6,543,420
   2,000,000   Hospital Revenue Certificates of Participation (Desert Hospital
                Corporation Project), Series 1990, 8.100%, 7/01/20 
                (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                                           AAA       7/00 at 102       2,285,760
   3,200,000   Certificates of Participation, Desert Sands Unified School
                District (Capital Projects Program), Series 1995, 
                5.750%, 3/01/20                                                     Aaa       3/05 at 102       3,141,376
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      13
<PAGE>
 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE VALUE FUND -- CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <C> 
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>   
$  1,950,000   East Bay Municipal Utility District (Alameda and Contra Costa
                Counties, California), Water System Subordinated Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1990, 7.500%, 6/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 6/01/00)       Aaa       6/00 at 102    $  2,185,268 
   4,000,000   East Bay Municipal Utility District (Alameda and Contra Costa
                Counties, California), Water System Subordinated Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1991, 6.375%, 6/01/21 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/01)      Aaa      12/01 at 102       4,401,480 
   2,500,000   Fontana Public Financing Authority (San Bernardino County,
                California), Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds (North Fontana
                Redevelopment Project), 1990 Series A, 7.250%, 9/01/20              BB+       9/00 at 102       2,441,750
   2,475,000   City of Loma Linda California, Hospital Revenue Bonds (Loma
                Linda University Medical Center Project), Series 1993-A,
                6.000%, 12/01/06                                                    BBB      12/03 at 102       2,435,549
   5,000,000   The Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of
                Los Angeles, California, Multifamily Housing Revenue
                Refunding Bonds, 1995 Series A (Angelus Plaza Project),
                7.400%, 6/15/10                                                     AAA       6/05 at 105       5,491,500
   3,505,000   Harbor Department of the City of Los Angeles (California),
                Revenue Bonds, Issue of 1988, 7.600%, 10/01/18                      AAA      No Opt. Call       4,240,454
     255,000   The City of Los Angeles 1987 Home Mortgage Revenue Bonds
                (GNMA Mortgaged-Backed Securities Program),
                8.100%, 5/01/17                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         268,280
   4,595,000   Los Angeles County Public Works Finance Authority, Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1994A (Los Angeles County Regional Park and
                Open Space District), 6.125%, 10/01/10                               Aa      10/04 at 102       4,735,837
   3,740,000   Los Angeles County Public Works Financing Authority, Lease
                Revenue Refunding Bonds (County of Los Angeles 1996
                Master Refunding Project), Series A, 5.250%, 9/01/14                Aaa       9/06 at 102       3,494,207
   3,735,000   Los Angeles County Public Works Financing Authority, Lease
                Revenue Refunding Bonds (County of Los Angeles 1996
                Master Refunding Project), Series B, 5.250%, 9/01/13 (DD)           Aaa       9/06 at 102       3,516,727
     190,000   County of Los Angeles Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds
                (GNMA Mortgage Backed Securities Program), 1987 Issue A,
                8.000%, 3/01/17                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         198,826
   2,000,000   Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (California),
                Sales Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1989-A,
                7.400%, 7/01/15                                                     AA-       7/99 at 102       2,170,300
               Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (California),           
                Proposition C Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Second Senior Bonds, 
                Series 1992-A
   2,300,000    6.250%, 7/01/13                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       2,406,168
   4,445,000    6.000%, 7/01/23                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       4,476,293
   1,260,000   Marysville Community Development Agency, Marysville Plaza
                Project, 1992 Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds (Bank
                Qualified), 7.250%, 3/01/21                                         Baa       3/02 at 102       1,341,018
     740,000   Community Development Agency of The City of Menlo Park,
                Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (FHA-Insured Mortgage
                Loan -- The Gateway Project), Series 1987A, 8.250%, 12/01/28         Aa       6/97 at 103         776,534
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>
        
                                      14
<PAGE>
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C> 
$  5,000,000   Modesto Irrigation District Financing Authority, Refunding
                 Revenue Bonds, Series A, 6.000%, 10/01/15                          Aaa      10/06 at 102    $  5,083,000
     860,000   City of Monterey, Hospital Revenue Bonds, (Monterey Peninsula
                 Hospital Project) Series 1984 A, 7.375% 7/01/14                     A+       1/97 at 102         885,671
   1,500,000   Community Facilities District No. 1 of the North City West
                 School Facilities Financing Authority, Special Tax Bonds, Series
                 1989A, 7.850%, 9/01/19 (Pre-refunded to 9/01/99)                   N/R       9/99 at 102       1,675,680
   2,930,000   Northern California Power Agency, Hydroelectric Project
                 Number One Revenue Bonds, Refunding Series E,
                 7.150%, 7/01/24                                                      A       7/98 at 102       3,072,574
   2,080,000   City of Ontario, (San Bernardino County, California), Limited
                 Obligation Improvement Bonds, Assessment District No. 100C,
                 (California Commerce Center -- Phase III), 8.000%, 9/02/11         N/R       3/97 at 103       2,155,192
   1,430,000   Redding Joint Powers Financing Authority Lease Revenue Bonds,
                 (Capital Improvement Projects) Series 1993, 6.250%, 6/01/23          A       6/03 at 102       1,394,479
   7,290,000   City of Riverside, California, Multifamily Housing Revenue
                 Bonds, (Fannie Mae Pass-through Certificate Program/
                 Birchwood Park Apartment Project), Series 1992A,
                 6.500%, 1/01/18                                                    AAA       7/02 at 100       7,444,912
     205,000   Sacramento Municipal Utility District (California), Subordinated
                 Electric Revenue Bonds, 1985 Refunding Series,
                 8.000%, 11/15/10                                                  Baa1      10/96 at 100         205,494
   3,500,000   Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Electric Revenue Bonds,
                 1988 Series W, 7.875%, 8/15/16 (Pre-refunded to 8/15/98)           Aaa       8/98 at 102       3,811,395
   2,315,000   Limited Obligation Refunding Bonds, City of Salinas,
                 Consolidated Refunding District 94-3, Series No. A-181
                 Monterey County, California, 7.400%, 9/02/09                       N/R       9/06 at 103       2,402,600
   2,080,000   City of Salinas, Housing Facility Refunding Revenue Bonds,
                 Series 1994A (GNMA Collateralized -- Villa Serra Project),
                 6.500%, 7/20/17                                                    AAA       7/04 at 102       2,142,483
   8,680,000   San Bernardino County, California, Certificates of Participation,
                 Series 1995 (Medical Center Financing Project),
                 5.500%, 8/01/15 (DD)                                               Aaa       8/05 at 102       8,339,484
   2,000,000   San Francisco City and County School District Facilities
                 Improvement Series D, 6.000%, 6/15/14                              Aaa       6/04 at 102       2,045,100
   5,000,000   City and County of San Francisco, Redevelopment Financing
                 Authority, 1993 Series C Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds,
                 (San Francisco Redevelopment Projects), 5.125%, 8/01/18              A       8/03 at 103       4,428,450
   3,070,000   Certificates of Participation, (1993 Seismic Retrofit Financing
                 Project), City of San Leandro, California, San Leandro Public
                 Financing Authority, 5.900%, 6/01/13                                 A       6/03 at 102       3,010,503
   1,000,000   Certificates of Participation Series 1991, San Mateo County
                 Board of Education, (Administration Building Project),
                 7.100%, 5/01/21                                                     A+       5/99 at 102       1,051,960
   1,750,000   Certificates of Participation, Insured Revenue, City of 
                 Santa Barbara, (FACT Retirement Services), 5.850%,  8/01/15          A       8/06 at 102       1,686,930
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE VALUE FUND -- CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                 <C>        <C>            <C> 
$  3,000,000   Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz, Multifamily
                 Housing Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1990A, 
                 (Fannie Mae Collateralized), 7.750%, 7/01/23                       AAA       7/00 at 102    $  3,188,460
   2,000,000   Certificates of Participation, (1990 Financing Project), Sonoma
                 County Office of Education, 7.375%, 7/01/20
                 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                                           A+       7/00 at 102       2,229,940
  12,750,000   Southern California Public Power Authority (a public entity
                 organized under the laws of the State of California) (Palo Verde
                 Project), Power Project Revenue Bonds, 1993 Refunding
                 Series A, 5.000%, 7/01/15 (DD)                                      Aa       7/03 at 102      11,381,288
     740,000   Southern California Public Power Authority, Transmission
                 Project Revenue Bonds, 1986 Refunding Series B (Southern
                 Transmission Project), 5.500%,  7/01/23                             Aa       9/96 at 100         732,363
   1,100,000   Certificates of Participation, (1992 Financing Project) Series B,
                 County of Tulare, Tulare County Public Facilities Corporation,
                 6.875%, 11/15/12                                                  Baa1      11/02 at 102       1,148,356
   4,200,000   Certificates of Participation, (Capital Improvement Program),
                 1996 Series A, County of Tulare, California, 6.000%, 2/15/16       Aaa       2/06 at 102       4,208,484
               The Regents of the University of California, 1993 Refunding
                 Certificates of Participation (UCLA Central Chiller/
                 Cogeneration Facility):
   1,750,000     5.500%, 11/01/17                                                    Aa      11/03 at 102       1,652,735
   3,500,000     5.600%, 11/01/20                                                    Aa      11/03 at 102       3,269,454
   4,335,000     6.000%, 11/01/21                                                    Aa      11/03 at 102       4,254,586
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$235,430,000   Total Investments -- (cost $228,572,506) -- 103.7%                                             236,539,342
=============------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS IN SHORT-TERM
               MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- 1.0%
$    700,000   California Health Facilities Authority, Variable Rate Revenue
                 Bonds, (St. Joseph Health System), Series 1991B, Variable Rate
                 Demand Bonds, 3.650%, 7/01/09+                                  VMIG-1                           700,000
   1,500,000   State of California, 1996-97 Revenue Anticipation
                 Notes, Index Notes Series C-5, 3.650%, 6/30/97                  VMIG-1                         1,500,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$  2,200,000   Total Temporary Investments -- 1.0%                                                              2,200,000
=============------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Other Assets Less Liabilities -- (4.7%)                                                        (10,702,293)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                            $228,037,049
=========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                             NUMBER OF             MARKET   PORTFOLIO
                            STANDARD & POOR'S                    MOODY'S     SECURITIES             VALUE     PERCENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                         <C>                     <C>                      <C>             <C>            <C> 
SUMMARY OF                                AAA                        Aaa             32      $119,374,734          50%
RATINGS*                        AA+, AA, AA--          Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3             13        46,586,365          20
PORTFOLIO OF                               A+                         A1              5         7,106,088           3
INVESTMENTS                            A, A--                  A, A2, A3             13        42,364,646          18
(EXCLUDING                   BBB+, BBB, BBB--      Baa1, Baa, Baa2, Baa3              7        10,196,547           4
TEMPORARY                       BB+, BB, BB--          Ba1, Ba, Ba2, Ba3              2         4,677,490           2
INVESTMENTS):                       Non-rated                  Non-rated              3         6,233,472           3
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                                                                75      $236,539,342         100%
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
                                      
* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
N/R -- Investment is not rated.
** Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at
later dates.
(DD) Portion of Security purchased on a delayed basis (note 1).
+ The security has a maturity of more than one year, but has variable rate and
demand features which qualify it as a short-term security. The rate disclosed is
that currently in effect. This rate changes periodically based on market
conditions or a specified market index.


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      17


<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN CALIFORNIA INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                <C>        <C>              <C> 
$  1,000,000   California Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds
                 (Pepperdine University), Series 1990, 7.200%, 11/01/15
                 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/00)                                         Aaa      11/00 at 102     $ 1,119,550
   4,500,000   California Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds
                 (University of San Francisco), Series 1996, 6.000%, 10/01/26       Aaa      10/06 at 102       4,544,010
   6,000,000   California Health Facilities Authority, Kaiser Permanente
                 Medical Care Program, Semiannual Tender Revenue Bonds,
                 1983 Tender Bonds, 5.450%,  10/01/13                                AA       10/01 at 101      5,622,540
   6,340,000   California Housing Finance Agency, Housing Revenue Bonds
                 (Insured), 1991 Series B, 6.850%, 8/01/23                          Aaa        2/02 at 102      6,635,317
   5,000,000   California Housing Finance Agency, Home Mortgage Revenue
                 Bonds, 1995 Series F, 5.950%, 8/01/14                              Aaa        8/05 at 102      4,999,700
     240,000   California Public Capital Improvements Financing Authority
                 (A Joint Powers Agency) Revenue Bonds (Pooled Projects),
                 Series 1988B, 8.100%, 3/01/18                                      Aaa        3/98 at 102        252,602
   8,500,000   California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
                 Sutter Health Obligated Group, Certificates of Participation,
                 6.125%, 8/15/22                                                    Aaa        8/02 at 102      8,558,140
   4,000,000   California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
                 Certificates of Participation, (Sutter Health Obligated Group),
                 Series 1993, 5.500%, 8/15/13                                       Aaa        8/03 at 102      3,871,440
   6,000,000   California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
                 Certificates of Participation, Huntington Memorial Hospital,
                 5.500%, 7/01/10                                                    AAA        7/06 at 102      5,824,260
   5,000,000   State Public Works Board of the State of California Lease
                 Revenue Bonds (Department of Corrections), 1990 Series A
                 (State Prison-Madera County), 7.000%, 9/01/09
                 (Pre-refunded to 9/01/00)                                          Aaa        9/00 at 102      5,543,700
   5,000,000   State Public Works Board of the State of California Lease
                 Revenue Bonds (Department of Corrections), 1996 Series A
                 (California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State
                 Prison at Corcoran (Corcoran II)), 5.250%,  1/01/21                Aaa        1/06 at 100      4,628,050
   5,000,000   State of California Various Purpose General Obligation Bonds,
                 5.500%, 4/01/19                                                    Aaa        4/03 at 102      4,737,000
   1,225,000   Redevelopment Agency of the City of Barstow, Central
                 Redevelopment Project Tax Allocation Bonds, 1994 Series A,
                 7.000%, 9/01/14                                                    Aaa       No Opt. Call      1,411,102
   7,005,000   Big Bear Lake Financing Authority (San Bernardino County,
                 California) 1995 Tax Allocation Refunding Revenue Bonds,
                 6.300%, 8/01/25                                                    Aaa        8/05 at 102      7,303,763
   7,000,000   City of Big Bear Lake, California, 1992 Water Revenue
                 Refunding Bonds, 6.375%, 4/01/22 (Pre-refunded to 4/01/02)         Aaa        4/02 at 102      7,703,290
   3,525,000   Brea Public Financing Authority (Orange County, California),
                 1991 Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds, Series A (Redevelopment
                 Project AB), 7.000%,  8/01/15 (Pre-refunded to  8/01/01)           Aaa        8/01 at 102      3,955,685
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 PRINCIPAL                                                                        RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
 AMOUNT        DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C> 
$  3,000,000   Calaveras County Water District (California), Certificates of
                Participation (1991 Ebbetts Pass Water System Improvements
                Project), 6.900%, 5/01/16 (Pre-refunded to 5/01/01)                 Aaa       5/01 at 102    $  3,339,930
   7,000,000   Chino Unified School District, Certificates of Participation
                (1995 Master Lease Program), 6.125%, 9/01/26                        Aaa       9/05 at 102       7,140,350
     850,000   Redevelopment Agency of the City of Concord, Central Concord
                Redevelopment Project, Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 1988-2,
                7.875%, 7/01/07                                                     Aaa       7/98 at 102         915,212
     500,000   Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District (Sonoma County,
                California), General Obligation Bonds, Election 1990, Series B,
                9.000%, 8/01/06                                                     Aaa       8/99 at 102         566,055
   2,000,000   East Bay Municipal Utility District (Alameda and Contra Costa
                Counties,California), Water System Subordinated Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1990, 7.500%, 6/01/18
                (Pre-refunded to 6/01/00)                                           Aaa       6/00 at 102       2,241,300
   2,000,000   Eastern Municipal Water District (Riverside County, California),
                Water and Sewer Revenue, Certificates of Participation,
                Series 1991, 6.500%, 7/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/01)              Aaa       7/01 at 102       2,200,080
   3,865,000   Fallbrook Sanitary District, (San Diego County, California),
                1991 Certificates of Participation (Wastewater Facilities
                Refunding Project), 6.600%, 2/01/13                                 Aaa       2/01 at 100       4,108,070
   2,500,000   Fontana Public Financing Authority (San Bernardino County,
                California), Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds (North Fontana
                Redevelopment Project), 1990 Series A, 7.000%, 9/01/10              Aaa       9/00 at 102       2,730,400
   3,000,000   Gilroy Unified School District, Santa Clara County, California,
                Certificates of Participation, Series of 1994, 6.250%, 9/01/12      Aaa       9/04 at 102       3,153,660
   3,500,000   City of Glendale, California, Insured Health Facilities Revenue
                Bonds (Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center), 1995
                Series A, 5.600%, 11/15/25                                          AAA      11/05 at 102       3,328,605
   1,000,000   LaQuinta Redevelopment Agency, LaQuinta Redevelopment
                Project Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, Series 1994 (Project
                Area No. 1), 7.300%, 9/01/12                                        Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,182,360
   5,000,000   The Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of
                Los Angeles, California, Multifamily Housing Revenue
                Refunding Bonds, 1995 Series A (Angelus Plaza Project),
                7.400%, 6/15/10                                                     AAA       6/05 at 105       5,491,500
   2,000,000   The City of Los Angeles (California), Los Angeles Convention
                and Exhibition Center, Certificates of Participation,
                1990 Series, 7.000%, 8/15/21 (Pre-refunded to 8/15/00)              Aaa       8/00 at 102       2,215,620
               Department of Water and Power of the City of Los Angeles,
                California, Electric Plant Refunding Revenue Bonds,
                Second Issue of 1993:
   5,000,000    5.400%, 11/15/31                                                     Aa      11/03 at 102       4,504,850
   6,000,000    5.400%, 11/15/31                                                    Aaa      11/03 at 102       5,486,520
     260,000   The City of Los Angeles 1987 Home Mortgage Revenue Bonds
                (GNMA Mortgage-Backed Securities Program),
                8.100%, 5/01/17                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         273,541
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      19
<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN CALIFORNIA INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND-CONTINUED

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 PRINCIPAL                                                                        RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
 AMOUNT        DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C> 
$  2,500,000   Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
                (California), Proposition A, Sales Tax Revenue Refunding
                Bonds, Series 1993-A, 5.000%, 7/01/21                               Aaa       7/03 at 100    $  2,198,100
   5,000,000   Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (California),
                Proposition C Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Second Senior Bonds,
                Series 1992-A, 6.250%, 7/01/13                                      Aaa       7/02 at 102       5,230,800
               Modesto Irrigation District Financing Authority, Domestic
                Water Project Revenue Bonds, Series 1992A:
   9,500,000    6.125%, 9/01/19                                                     Aaa       9/02 at 102       9,649,910
   5,750,000    5.500%, 9/01/22                                                     Aaa       9/02 at 100       5,384,588
   2,500,000   Mt. Diablo Hospital District, Insured Hospital Revenue Bonds,
                1990 Series A, 8.000%, 12/01/11 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/00)          Aaa      12/00 at 102       2,868,500
   2,000,000   Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Community Facilities
                District No. 1, Special Tax Bonds, Series 1990, (Contra Costa
                County, California), 7.050%, 8/01/20                                Aaa       8/00 at 102       2,181,260
   2,555,000   City of Napa Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1992A
                (FHA Insured Mortgage Loan -- Creekside Park Apartments
                Project), 6.625%, 7/01/24                                           Aaa       7/02 at 102       2,638,906
   2,000,000   City of Napa Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1994A
                (FHA Insured Mortgage Loan -- Creekside Park II Apartments
                Project), 6.625%, 7/01/25                                           Aaa       7/04 at 101       2,070,700
   7,040,000   Norwalk Community Facilities Financing Authority
                (Los Angeles County, California) Tax Allocation Refunding
                Revenue Bonds, 1995 Series A, 6.050%, 9/01/25                       Aaa       9/05 at 102       6,997,126
   2,500,000   City of Oakland, California, Special Refunding Revenue Bonds
                (Pension Financing), 1988 Series A, 7.600%, 8/01/21                 Aaa       8/98 at 102       2,687,000
   4,885,000   Ontario Redevelopment Financing Authority (San Bernardino
                County, California), 1992 Revenue Bonds (Project No. 1,
                Center City and Cimarron Redevelopment Projects),
                6.250%, 8/01/15                                                     Aaa       2/02 at 102       5,064,866
   1,250,000   Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Project Area No. 1, as
                Amended (Added Territory Only) Subordinated Tax Allocation
                Bonds Issue of 1989, 7.400%, 5/01/09                                Aaa       5/97 at 101       1,287,300
   2,000,000   Redevelopment Agency of the City of Pittsburgh, California,
                Los Medanos Community Development Project, Tax Allocation
                Bonds, Series 1991, 7.150%, 8/01/21                                 Aaa       8/01 at 103       2,273,460
   1,500,000   Port of Oakland, California, Revenue Bonds, 1989 Series B,
                7.250%, 11/01/16                                                    Aaa       5/97 at 102       1,558,185
               County of Riverside, California (1994 Desert Justice Facility
                Project), Certificates of Participation:
   3,600,000    6.000%, 12/01/17                                                    Aaa      12/04 at 101       3,605,940
   2,500,000    6.250%, 12/01/21                                                    Aaa      12/04 at 101       2,574,900
   3,000,000   Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Electric Revenue Bonds,
                1991 Series Y, 6.500%, 9/01/21 (Pre-refunded to 9/01/01)            Aaa       9/01 at 102       3,307,740
   2,500,000   San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, Sales Tax
                Revenue Bonds (Limited Tax Bonds), 1992 Series A,
                6.000%, 3/01/10                                                     Aaa       3/02 at 102       2,576,775
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 PRINCIPAL                                                                        RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
 AMOUNT        DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C> 
$  2,000,000   San Diego Regional Building Authority Lease Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1990A (San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection
                District Project), 7.250%, 1/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)        Aaa       1/00 at 102    $  2,208,440
               Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San Francisco
                Lease Revenue Bonds, Series 1994 (George R. Moscone
                Convention Center):
   2,250,000    6.800%, 7/01/19                                                     Aaa       7/04 at 102       2,461,118
   1,000,000    6.750%, 7/01/24                                                     Aaa       7/04 at 102       1,092,690
   2,250,000   Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Jose, Merged Area
                Redevelopment Project, Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 1993,
                4.750%, 8/01/24                                                     Aaa       2/04 at 102       1,888,425
   3,000,000   City of Shasta Lake 1996--2 Certificates of Participation,
                6.000%, 4/01/16                                                     Aaa       4/05 at 102       3,005,640
   2,000,000   Southern California Rapid Transit District, Certificates of
                Participation (Workers' Compensation Funding Program),
                7.500%, 7/01/05                                                     Aaa   1/01 at 102 1/2       2,248,380
   3,040,000   Sulphur Springs Union School District (County of Los Angeles,
                California), General Obligation Bonds, Election 1991, Series A,
                0.000%, 9/01/15                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         983,075
     105,000   Thousand Oaks Redevelopment Agency (Ventura County,
                California), Single Family Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Issue of 1986, 7.900%, 1/01/16                                      Aaa       1/97 at 102         107,797
   6,250,000   Tri-City Hospital District, Insured Refunding Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1996A, 5.625%, 2/15/17                                       Aaa       2/06 at 102       6,043,563
   2,500,000   The Regents of the University of California Refunding Revenue
                Bonds (1989 Multiple Purpose Projects), Series C,
                5.000%, 9/01/23                                                     Aaa       9/03 at 102       2,187,324
   5,000,000   City of Vallejo Refunding Revenue Bonds, 1996 Series A
                (Water Improvement Project), 5.875%, 5/01/26                        Aaa       5/06 at 102       4,957,900
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
$214,785,000   Total Investments -- (cost $207,453,584) -- 98.2%                                              216,928,610
=============------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
               TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS IN SHORT-TERM
               MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- 0.3%
$    600,000   California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Refunding
=============   Revenue Bonds, (St. Joseph Health System), Series 1985B,
                Variable Rate Demand Bonds, 3.650%, 7/01/13+                     VMIG-1                           600,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               Other Assets Less Liabilities -- 1.5%                                                            3,238,029
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                            $220,766,639
========================================================================================================================= 
</TABLE>

                                      21
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN CALIFORNIA INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND-CONTINUED

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                              NUMBER OF           MARKET           MARKET
                         STANDARD & POOR'S                   MOODY'S         SECURITIES            VALUE          PERCENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                        <C>                     <C>                      <C>              <C>                   <C> 
SUMMARY OF                             AAA                       Aaa                 59     $206,801,220              95%
RATINGS*                     AA+, AA, AA--         Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3                  2       10,127,390               5
PORTFOLIO OF
INVESTMENTS
(EXCLUDING
TEMPORARY
INVESTMENTS):
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
TOTAL                                                                                  61   $216,928,610             100%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

All of the bonds in the portfolio, excluding temporary investments in short-
term municipal securities, are either covered by Original Issue Insurance,
Secondary Market Insurance or Portfolio Insurance, or are backed by an escrow or
trust containing sufficient U.S. Government or U.S. Government agency
securities, any of which ensure the timely payment of principal and interest.
* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
** Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices at later dates.
+ The security has a maturity of more than one year, but has variable rate and
demand features which qualify it as a short-term security. The rate disclosed is
that currently in effect. This rate changes periodically based on market
conditions or a specified market index.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      22
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                           NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                          AUGUST 31, 1996


NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                  <C> 
               Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,   
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, Youville Hospital Issue (FHA
                Insured Project), Series B:
$  2,500,000    6.000%, 2/15/25                                                      Aa       2/04 at 102   $   2,497,550
   2,000,000    6.000%, 2/15/34                                                      Aa       2/04 at 102       1,971,460
     250,000   Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, General
                Transportation System Bonds, 1988 Series A, 7.750%,
                3/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 3/01/98)                                   Aaa       3/98 at 102         267,763
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, General
                Transportation Bonds, 1991 Series A, 7.000%, 3/01/11
                (Pre-refunded to 3/01/01)                                           Aaa       3/01 at 102       1,112,090
               Massachusetts Educational Loan Authority, Education Loan
                Revenue Bonds, Issue C, Series 1985A:
     160,000    7.875%, 6/01/03                                                     AAA       6/97 at 102         167,606
   1,185,000    7.875%, 6/01/03                                                     AAA       6/00 at 100       1,243,646
   1,320,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Emerson Hospital Issue, Series C, 8.000%,
                7/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                                   AAA       7/00 at 102       1,491,996
     250,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Mount Auburn Hospital Issue, Series A,
                7.875%, 7/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/98)                           Aaa       7/98 at 102         270,568
     350,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Salem Hospital Issue, Series A, 7.250%,
                7/01/09 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/97)                                   Aaa       7/97 at 100         359,562
     500,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1989 (Cardinal Cushing General
                Hospital), 8.875%, 7/01/18                                          N/R   7/99 at 102 1/2         533,315
   1,180,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Suffolk University Issue, Series A, 8.125%,
                7/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                                   Baa   7/00 at 101 1/2       1,327,299
     500,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Newton-Wellesley Hospital Issue, Series C,
                8.000%, 7/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/98)                           Aaa       7/98 at 102         542,135
     500,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Saint Elizabeth's Hospital Of Boston Issue
                (FHA-Insured Project), Series B, 7.750%, 8/01/27
                (Pre-refunded to 8/01/97)                                           Aaa       8/97 at 102         526,745
     750,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Baystate Medical Center Issue, Series C,
                7.500%, 7/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/99)                            A+       7/99 at 102         818,970
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Boston College Issue, Series J,
                6.625%, 7/01/21                                                     Aaa       7/01 at 102       1,071,980
     500,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
                Issue, Series E, 6.625%, 9/01/17                                     A+       9/02 at 102         528,570
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      23
<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT          DESCRIPTION                                                       INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                  <C>      <C>               <C> 
$    495,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Brockton Hospital Issue, Series B,
                8.000%, 7/01/07                                                       A       7/97 at 102      $  515,523
     250,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, University Hospital Issue, Series C,
                7.250%, 7/01/10                                                     Aaa       7/00 at 102         273,390
     750,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, New England Medical Center Hospitals Issue,
                Series F, 6.625%, 7/01/25                                           Aaa       7/02 at 102         800,355
   2,750,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, New England Deaconess Hospital Issue,
                Series D, 6.875%, 4/01/22                                             A       4/02 at 102       2,878,563
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Suffolk University Issue, Series B,
                6.350%, 7/01/22                                                     AAA       7/02 at 102       1,029,390
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, MetroWest Health, Inc. Issue, Series C,
                6.500%, 11/15/18 (Pre-refunded to 11/15/02)                         Aaa      11/02 at 102       1,107,710
     885,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Cable Housing and Health Services Issue,
                Series A, 5.625%, 7/01/13                                           Aaa       7/03 at 102         868,415
               Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,   
                Revenue Bonds, Lahey Clinic Medical Center Issue, Series B:
   1,000,000    5.625%, 7/01/15                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 102         967,230
   2,000,000    5.375%, 7/01/23                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 102       1,840,360
     700,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational, Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds (Daughters of Charity National Health
                System--The Carney Hospital), Series D, 6.100%, 7/01/14              Aa       7/04 at 102         701,211
   3,700,000   Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Housing Project
                Revenue Bonds, 6.375%, 4/01/21                                       A1       4/03 at 102       3,717,908
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Residential
                Development Bonds, 6.250%, 11/15/14                                 Aaa      11/02 at 102       1,014,610
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Residential
                Development Bonds, 1992 Series D, 6.875%, 11/15/21                  Aaa       5/02 at 102       1,042,610
     500,000   Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Housing
                Revenue Bonds, Series 18, 7.350%, 12/01/16                           Aa       6/01 at 102         528,165
   1,250,000   Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Housing
                Revenue Bonds, Series B, 7.700%, 6/01/17                             Aa       6/98 at 102       1,318,300
   1,440,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Pollution Control
                Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series (Eastern Edison Company
                Project), 5.875%, 8/01/08                                           BBB       8/03 at 102       1,380,658
     975,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance, Library Revenue Bonds
                (Malden Public Library Project), Series 1994, 7.250%,  1/01/15      Aaa       1/05 at 102       1,117,496
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Resource Recovery
                Revenue Bonds (SEMASS Project), Series 1991A,
                9.000%, 7/01/15                                                     N/R       7/01 at 103       1,110,060
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                       INGS*       PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                               <C>        <C>                <C> 
$    250,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                College of the Holy Cross-1992 Issue, 6.450%, 1/01/12
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/02)                                            A1       1/02 at 102      $  273,610
     455,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue
                (Sturdy Memorial Hospital), 7.900%, 6/01/09                        BBB+       6/99 at 102         487,000
     500,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds
                (Springfield College Project--1989 Issue), 7.800%, 10/01/09           A      10/99 at 103         561,815
   1,335,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                Merrimack College Issue, Series 1992, 7.125%, 7/01/12              BBB-       7/02 at 102       1,427,128
   1,250,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                Phillips Academy Issue, Series 1993, 5.375%, 9/01/23                Aa1       9/08 at 102       1,159,525
     500,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds
                (Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research--1993 Issue),
                5.125%, 7/01/26                                                      Aa       7/03 at 102         446,830
   2,290,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue and
                Refunding Bonds, 1995 Series A (Lesley College Project),
                6.300%, 7/01/25                                                     AAA       7/05 at 102       2,363,280
   1,750,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                Harvard Community Health Plan, Inc., Issue 1988 Series B
                (Refunding Bonds), 8.125%, 10/01/17                                   A      10/98 at 102       1,884,348
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds
                (College of the Holy Cross--1996 Issue), 5.500%, 3/01/20            Aaa       3/06 at 102         948,880
     500,000   Massachusetts Port Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1978, 7.125%, 7/01/12                                         Aa   1/94 at 101 1/2         503,555
     635,000   Massachusetts Port Authority, Revenue Bonds, Series 1982,
                13.000%, 7/01/13                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,065,625
     165,000   Massachusetts ST, General Obligation Bonds, Consolidated Loan
                of 1990 Series A, 7.250%, 3/01/09 (Pre-refunded to
                3/01/00)                                                            Aaa       3/00 at 102         182,280
   1,000,000   Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Turnpike Revenue Bonds,
                1993 Series A, 5.125%, 1/01/23                                      Aaa       1/03 at 102         895,130
     715,000   The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, General Obligation
                Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series A, 5.500%, 2/01/11                       A       2/03 at 102         700,686
     250,000   The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Certificates of
                Participation, Series 1988, 7.800%, 1/15/14                          A-      12/06 at 100         288,260
                City of Attleboro, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds:
     450,000    6.250%, 1/15/10                                                    Baa1       1/03 at 102         462,047
     450,000    6.250%, 1/15/11                                                    Baa1       1/03 at 102         460,553
               Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds:
     880,000    5.750%, 9/15/13                                                      Aa       9/04 at 102         879,498
     490,000    5.750%, 9/15/14                                                      Aa       9/04 at 102         486,996
     250,000   City of Boston, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                1989 Series A, 7.700%, 2/01/09 (Pre-refunded to 2/01/99)              A       2/99 at 102         273,620
   1,000,000   City of Boston, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds, 1991
                Series A, 6.750%, 7/01/11                                           Aaa       7/01 at 102       1,105,720
   1,500,000   City of Boston, Massachusetts, Revenue Bonds, Boston City
                Hospital (FHA Insured Mortgage), Series A, 7.625%, 2/15/21
                (Pre-refunded to 8/15/00)                                           Aaa       8/00 at 102       1,687,815
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      25
<PAGE>


PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL         MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**          VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                              <C>          <C>                <C> 
               Boston Water and Sewer Commission (A Public Instrumentality
                of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts), General Revenue
                Bonds, 1986 Series A (Senior Series):
   $  180,000   7.875%, 11/01/13 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/96)                           A      11/96 at 102      $  184,775
      320,000   7.875%, 11/01/13                                                      A      11/96 at 102         328,365
      500,000  Boston Water and Sewer Commission, General Revenue Bonds,
                1991 Series A (Senior Series), 7.000%, 11/01/18
                (Pre-refunded to 11/01/01)                                          Aaa      11/01 at 102         561,160
      985,000  Boston-Mount Pleasant Housing Development Corporation,
                Multifamily Housing Refunding Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1992 A, 6.750%,  8/01/23                                     AAA       8/02 at 102       1,017,190
    1,000,000  Dartmouth Housing Development Corporation Multifamily
                Housing Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1989 (Crossroads
                Apartments), FNMA  Collateral, 7.375%, 7/01/24                      AAA       1/98 at 103       1,032,480
                Town of Deerfield, Massachusetts, General Obligation School
                Bonds of 1992, School Project Loan, Act of 1948,
                Bank-Qualified Unlimited Tax:
      420,000   6.200%, 6/15/09                                                      A1       6/02 at 102         445,129
      415,000   6.250%, 6/15/10                                                      A1       6/02 at 102         439,356
      525,000  City of Haverhill, Massachusetts, General Obligation, Municipal
                Purpose Loan of 1991 Bonds,  7.500%, 10/15/11                       Baa      10/01 at 102         576,403
      250,000  City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                8.150%, 6/15/06                                                     Aaa       6/02 at 103         298,075
      590,000  City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                1991 Series A, 8.000%, 6/01/01                                      Baa      No Opt. Call         632,303
      500,000  City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, General Obligation School
                Project Loan, Act of 1948, 7.650%, 8/01/09                          Baa       8/01 at 102         552,155
      750,000  City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, General Obligation Refunding
                Bonds, 7.000%, 11/01/08                                             Baa      11/02 at 102         808,403
               City of Lowell, Massachusetts, General Obligation
                Qualified Bonds:
      545,000   8.300%, 2/15/05                                                    Baa1      No Opt. Call         645,269
      445,000   8.400%, 1/15/09 (Pre-refunded to 1/15/01)                           Aaa       1/01 at 102         518,332
    1,000,000  City of Lynn, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                7.850%, 1/15/11 (Pre-refunded to 1/15/02)                           Aaa       1/02 at 104       1,176,380
      500,000  Town of Monson, Massachusetts, General Obligation School
                Project Loan, Act of 1948 Bonds, 7.700%, 10/15/10 
                (Pre-refunded to 10/15/00)                                          Aaa      10/00 at 102         566,795
      500,000  Town of Palmer, Massachusetts, General Obligation School
                Project Loan, Act of 1948, 1990 Series B, 7.700%, 10/01/10
                (Pre-refunded to 10/01/00)                                          Aaa      10/00 at 102         566,320
      500,000  Town of Palmer, Massachusetts, General Obligation Refunding
                Bonds, 5.500%, 10/01/10                                             Aaa      10/03 at 102         499,245
    1,130,000  City of Peabody, Massachusetts, General Obligation Electric
                Bonds, 6.950%, 8/01/09                                              Aaa       8/00 at 100       1,220,321
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      26
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                           NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                          AUGUST 31, 1996
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                        RAT-      OPT. CALL            MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                       INGS*     PROVISIONS**         VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                <C>     <C>                  <C> 
$    250,000   Town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, Unlimited Tax, General
                Obligation Bonds, 7.100%, 11/01/07 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/98)       Aaa  11/98 at 102 1/2      $  270,438
   1,250,000   Somerville Housing Authority (Massachusetts), Mortgage
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1990 (GNMA Collateralized-
                Clarendon Hill Towers Project), 7.950%, 11/20/30                    AAA       5/00 at 102       1,327,738
     425,000    South Essex Sewerage District, Massachusetts, General
                 Obligation Bonds, 9.000%, 12/01/00                                   A      No Opt. Call         493,765
   1,000,000    City of Springfield, Massachusetts, General Obligation School
                 Project Loan, Act of 1948 Bonds, Series B, 7.100%, 9/01/11         Baa       9/02 at 102       1,073,770
               City of Taunton, Massachusetts, General
                 Obligation (Electric Loan Act of 1969) Bonds:
   1,465,000   8.000%, 2/01/02                                                        A      No Opt. Call       1,666,847
   1,005,000   8.000%, 2/01/03                                                        A      No Opt. Call       1,159,226
     250,000   University of Lowell Building Authority (Massachusetts),
               Facilities Bonds, Fourth Series A (General Obligation Bonds),
                7.400%, 11/01/07                                                      A      11/97 at 102         264,222
     500,000   University of Massachusetts Building Authority, Project
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1988-A (General Obligation Bonds),
                7.500%, 5/01/14                                                       A       5/98 at 102         535,604
   1,000,000   City of Worcester, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds, 
                8/01/04                                                            BBB+       8/02 at 102       1,039,500
   1,000,000   Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, Revenue Bonds,   
                Series 1988A, 7.875%, 7/01/17 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/98)             AAA       7/98 at 102       1,085,060
   2,250,000   Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Bonds,
                Series P, 7.000%, 7/01/21 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/01)                 Aaa       7/01 at 102       2,519,257
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 74,705,000   Total Investments -- (cost $74,866,438) -- 97.7%                                                78,991,293
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS IN SHORT-TERM
               MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- 0.9%
$    500,000   The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Dedicated Income Tax
                Bonds, Fiscal Recovery Loan, Act of 1990, Series B, Variable
                Rate Demand Bonds, 3.650%, 12/01/97+                             VMIG-1                           500,000
     200,000   Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority
                (Capital Asset Program), Variable Rate Demand Bonds,
                3.850%, 1/01/35+                                                 VMIG-1                           200,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$    700,000   Total Temporary Investments -- 0.9%                                                                700,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Other Assets Less Liabilities -- 1.4%                                                            1,177,502
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                          $   80,868,795
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                      27
 
<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  NUMBER OF        MARKET              MARKET
                              STANDARD & POOR'S                   MOODY'S        SECURITIES         VALUE             PERCENT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                          <C>                 <C>                           <C>           <C>                     <C>
SUMMARY OF                                  AAA                       Aaa                 41  $38,023,178                  48%
RATINGS*                           AA+, AA, AA-         Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3                 10   10,493,090                  13
PORTFOLIO OF                                 A+                        A1                  6    6,223,543                   8
INVESTMENTS                               A, A-                 A, A2, A3                 14   11,735,619                  15
(EXCLUDING                      BBB+, BBB, BBB-     Baa1, Baa, Baa2, Baa3                 13   10,872,488                  14
TEMPORARY                             Non-rated                 Non-rated                  2    1,643,375                   2
INVESTMENTS):
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                                                                     86  $78,991,293                 100%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
N/R - Investment is not rated.
** Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices at later dates.
+ The security has a maturity of more than one year, but has variable rate and
demand features which qualify it as a short-term security. The rate disclosed is
that currently in effect. This rate changes periodically based on market
conditions or a specified market index.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                <C>        <C>              <C>
$   250,000    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Auth, General Transportation
                System Revenue, 1990 Series A, 7.250%, 3/01/03                      Aaa       3/00 at 102     $   276,373
    250,000    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Auth, General Transportation
                System 1989 Series A, 7.100%, 3/01/13 (Pre-refunded to 3/01/99)     Aaa       3/99 at 102         270,968
  1,000,000    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, General
                Transportation System Bonds, 1992 Series A, 5.750%, 3/01/22         Aaa       3/02 at 100         970,730
    250,000    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Certificates of
                Participation, 1990 Series A, 7.650%, 8/01/15
                (Pre-refunded to 8/01/00)                                           Aaa       8/00 at 102         281,665
    450,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, St. Luke's Hospital of New Bedford Issue,
                Series B, 7.750%, 7/01/13 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/97)                 Aaa       7/97 at 102         472,842
    200,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, South Shore Hospital Issue, Series B, 8.125%,
                7/01/17 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/97)                                   Aaa       7/97 at 102         210,762
    250,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, South Shore Hospital Issue, Series C, 7.500%,
                7/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                                   Aaa       7/00 at 102         279,455
  1,000,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, South Shore Hospital Issue, Series D,
                6.500%, 7/01/22                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       1,059,290
    300,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Mount Auburn Hospital Issue, Series A,
                7.875%, 7/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/98)                           Aaa       7/98 at 102         324,681
    750,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Lahey Clinic Medical Center Issue, Series A,
                7.600%, 7/01/08 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/98)                           Aaa       7/98 at 102         808,238
               Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Lahey Clinic Medical Center Issue, Series B:
  1,700,000     5.625%, 7/01/15                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 102       1,644,291
  2,500,000     5.375%, 7/01/23                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 102       2,300,450
    800,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Berkshire Health Systems Issue, Series A,
                7.600%, 10/01/14 (Pre-refunded to 10/01/98)                         Aaa      10/98 at 102         867,320
    750,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority
                Revenue Bonds, Salem Hospital Issue, Series A,
                7.250%, 7/01/09 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/97)                           Aaa       7/97 at 100         770,490
    250,000    Massachusetts Health & Ed. Facs Authority, Revenue Bonds,
                Capital Asset Program, 7.200%, 7/01/09                              Aaa       7/99 at 102         269,908
    500,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, University Hospital Issue, Series C,
                7.250%, 7/01/19                                                     Aaa       7/00 at 102         545,495
    250,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Newton-Wellesley Hospital Issue, Series C,
                8.000%, 7/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/98)                           Aaa       7/98 at 102         271,068
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      29
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                <C>        <C>              <C>
$   250,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority
                Revenue Bonds, Northeastern University Issue, Series B,
                7.600%, 10/01/10                                                    Aaa      10/98 at 102     $   269,993
  1,600,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Northeastern University Issue, Series E,
                6.550%, 10/01/22                                                    Aaa      10/02 at 102       1,725,632
    500,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Baystate Medical Center Issue, Series C,
                7.500%, 7/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/99)                            A+       7/99 at 102         545,980
    500,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Stonehill College Issue, Series D,
                7.700%, 7/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                           Aaa       7/00 at 102         563,145
  1,000,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Boston College Issue, Series J,
                6.625%, 7/01/21                                                     Aaa       7/01 at 102       1,071,980
    500,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Berklee College of Music Issue, Series C,
                6.875%, 10/01/21                                                    Aaa      10/01 at 102         545,035
  1,000,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Brigham and Woman's Hospital Issue,
                Series D, 6.750%, 7/01/24                                            A1       7/01 at 102       1,039,460
    250,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Beverly Hospital Issue, Series D,
                7.300%, 7/01/19 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/99)                           Aaa       7/99 at 102         273,495
  1,500,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, New England Medical Center Hospitals Issue,
                Series F, 6.625%, 7/01/25                                           Aaa       7/02 at 102       1,600,710
  1,450,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Boston University Issue, Series M,
                6.000%, 10/01/22                                                    Aaa      10/02 at 100       1,458,338
  2,000,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Bentley College Issue, Series I,
                6.125%, 7/01/17                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       2,037,120
    350,000    Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Housing Revenue Bonds,
                1989 Series A, 7.600%, 12/01/16                                     Aaa      12/99 at 103         368,116
    500,000    Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Housing
                Revenue Bonds, Series 18, 7.350%, 12/01/16                           Aa       6/01 at 102         528,165
    250,000    Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Housing
                Revenue Bonds, Series 8, 7.700%, 6/01/17                             Aa       6/98 at 102         263,660
  1,590,000    Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Library Revenue Bonds,
                (Malden Public Library Project), Series 1994, 7.250%, 1/01/15       Aaa       1/05 at 102       1,822,379
    500,000    Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                Brandeis University Issue, 1989 Series C, 6.800%, 10/01/19          Aaa      10/99 at 102         535,710
    200,000    Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                Harvard Community Health Plan, Inc., Issue 1988 Series B
                (Refunding Bonds), 7.750%, 10/01/08                                 Aaa      10/98 at 102         216,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      30
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                           RAT-        OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                          INGS*    PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                  <C>      <C>              <C>
$   250,000    Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                Milton Academy Issue, Series A, 7.250%, 9/01/19
                (Pre-refunded to 9/01/99)                                           Aaa       9/99 at 102     $   274,485
    375,000    Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                Museum of Science Issue, Series 1989, 7.300%, 11/01/09
                (Pre-refunded to 11/01/99)                                          Aaa      11/99 at 102         413,475
  1,000,000    Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Refunding
                Bonds, Mount Holyoke College Issue, Series 1992A,
                6.300%, 7/01/13                                                     Aaa       7/01 at 102       1,045,270
    420,000    Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency Revenue Bonds,
                Babson College Issue, Series 1995A, 5.800%, 10/01/10                Aaa      10/05 at 102         427,228
  1,000,000    Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds,
                (College of the Holy Cross - 1996 Issue), 5.500%, 3/01/20           Aaa       3/06 at 102         948,880
  2,000,000    Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company, Power
                Supply System Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series A,
                5.000%, 7/01/10                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 102       1,869,820
  1,000,000    Massachusetts Port Authority, Revenue Bonds, Series 1982,
                13.000%, 7/01/13                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,678,150
    250,000    Massachusetts ST, General Obligation Bonds, Consolidated Loan
                of 1990 Series A, 7.250%, 3/01/09 (Pre-refunded to 3/01/00)         Aaa       3/00 at 102         276,182
               Massachusetts ST, General Obligation Bonds, Consolidated Loan
                Series 1992-A:
    500,000     6.500%, 6/01/08                                                     Aaa       6/02 at 101         540,940
  1,200,000     6.000%, 6/01/13                                                     Aaa       6/02 at 100       1,218,792
  1,000,000    Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Turnpike Revenue Bonds,
                1993 Series A, 5.125%, 1/01/23                                      Aaa       1/03 at 102         895,130
  1,000,000    City of Boston, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                1991 Series A, 6.750%, 7/01/11                                      Aaa       7/01 at 102       1,105,720
    500,000    City of Boston, Massachusetts, Revenue Bonds, Boston City
                Hospital (FHA Insured Mortgage), Series A, 7.625%, 2/15/21
                (Pre-refunded to 8/15/00)                                           Aaa       8/00 at 102         562,605
    500,000    Boston Water and Sewer Commission, General Revenue Bonds,
                1991 Series A, (Senior Series), 7.000%, 11/01/18
                (Pre-refunded to 11/01/01)                                          Aaa      11/01 at 102         561,160
    500,000    Boston Water and Sewer Commission, (A Public Instrumentality
                of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts), General Revenue
                Bonds, 1988 Series A, (Subordinated Series),
                7.250%, 11/01/06                                                    Aaa      11/98 at 100         528,445
    500,000    City of Fall River, Massachusetts General Obligation Bonds,
                7.200%, 6/01/10                                                     Aaa       6/01 at 102         554,890
    250,000    Town of Groveland, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                6.900%, 6/15/07                                                     Aaa       6/01 at 102         275,348
  1,000,000    City of Haverhill, Massachusetts, General Obligation, Hospital
                Refunding Bonds, Series A, 6.700%, 9/01/10                          Aaa       9/01 at 102       1,080,570
    250,000    City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                8.150%, 6/15/06                                                     Aaa       6/02 at 103         298,075
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      31
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                <C>        <C>              <C>
$   450,000    City of Leominster, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                7.500%, 4/01/09                                                     Aaa       4/00 at 102     $   500,913
  2,625,000    City of Lowell, Massachusetts, General Obligation State
                Qualified Bonds, 5.600%, 11/01/12                                   Aaa      11/03 at 102       2,578,249
  1,025,000    City of Lynn, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                6.750%, 1/15/02                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,116,861
    250,000    Lynn, Massachusetts, Water and Sewer Commission, General
                Revenue Bonds, 1990 Series A, 7.250%, 12/01/10
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/00)                                          Aaa      12/00 at 102         279,888
  1,000,000    Town of Mansfield, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                6.700%, 1/15/11                                                     Aaa       1/02 at 102       1,085,390
    250,000    Town of Methuen, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                7.400%, 5/15/04                                                     Aaa       5/00 at 102         276,145
    500,000    Town of Monson, Massachusetts, General Obligation School
                Project Loan, Act of 1948 Bonds, 7.700%, 10/15/10
                (Pre-refunded to 10/15/00)                                          Aaa      10/00 at 102         566,795
  1,500,000    Town of Monson, Massachusetts, General Obligation, Bank-
                Qualified Unlimited Tax, School Refunding Bonds,
                5.500%, 10/15/10                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,503,555
    300,000    Town of North Andover, Massachusetts, General Obligation
                Bonds, 7.400%, 9/15/10                                              Aaa       9/00 at 103         335,946
               North Middlesex Regional School District, School Bonds
                of 1990:
    270,000     7.200%, 6/15/08                                                     Aaa       6/00 at 103         299,109
    245,000     7.200%, 6/15/09                                                     Aaa       6/00 at 103         271,413
    250,000    City of Northampton, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                Bank-Qualified, 5.300%, 3/01/10                                     Aaa       3/03 at 102         246,050
    190,000    Town of Northfield, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                Municipal Purpose Loan of 1992, Bank-Qualified,
                6.350%, 10/15/09                                                    Aaa      10/01 at 102         201,875
    270,000    Town of Palmer, Massachusetts, General Obligation School
                Bonds of 1990, Series A, School Project Loan of 1948,
                7.300%, 3/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 3/01/00)                           Aaa       3/00 at 102         298,712
    250,000    Town of Palmer, Massachusetts, General Obligation, School
                Project Loan, Act of 1948, 1990 Series B, 7.700%, 10/01/10
                (Pre-refunding to 10/01/00)                                         Aaa      10/00 at 102         283,160
  1,000,000    Town of Palmer, Massachusetts, General Obligation Refunding
                Bonds, 5.500%, 10/01/10                                             Aaa      10/03 at 102         998,490
    440,000    Quaboag Regional School District, General Obligation School
                Bonds of 1991, Ult - Bank Qualified, 6.250%, 6/15/08                Aaa       6/02 at 102         469,682
               City of Salem, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds:
    500,000     6.800%, 8/15/09                                                     Aaa       8/01 at 102         550,035
    900,000     6.000%, 7/15/10                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102         932,157
    250,000    Town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, Unlimited Tax, General
                Obligation Bonds, 7.100%, 11/01/07
                (Pre-refunded to 11/01/98)                                          Aaa   11/98 at 1021/2         270,438
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      32
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>  
$   515,000    Southern Berkshire Regional School Dist, General Obligation
                School Bonds, Unlimited Tax, 7.500%, 4/15/07
                (Pre-refunded to 4/15/02)                                           Aaa       4/02 at 102     $   592,199
  1,145,000    Southern Berkshire Regional School District, Massachusetts,
                General Obligation School Bonds, 7.000%, 4/15/11                    Aaa       4/02 at 102       1,281,953
    250,000    City of Springfield, Massachusetts, Municipal Purpose Loan of
                1988, (General Obligation Bonds.), 7.000%, 11/01/07                 Aaa      11/98 at 103         269,815
    220,000    Taunton, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                6.800%, 9/01/09                                                     Aaa       9/01 at 103         241,514
    455,000    Town of Wareham, Massachusetts, General Obligation School
                Bonds, 7.050%, 1/15/07                                              Aaa       1/01 at 103         503,066
    250,000    City of Westfield, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                7.100%, 12/15/08 (Pre-refunded to 12/15/00)                         Aaa      12/00 at 102         278,648
    215,000    Town of Whately, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                6.350%, 1/15/09                                                     Aaa       1/02 at 102         226,548
  1,210,000    Town of Winchendon, Massachusetts, Unlimited Tax, General
                Obligation Bonds, 6.050%, 3/15/10                                   Aaa       3/03 at 102       1,260,273
    160,000    City of Worcester, Massachusetts, General Obligation Bonds,
                6.900%, 5/15/07                                                     Aaa       5/02 at 102         179,496
  1,000,000    Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement Bonds of
                1995 (General Obligation Bonds), 5.750%, 7/01/24                    Aaa    7/05 at 1011/2         977,520
  2,290,000    Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational, Medical and
                Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority, Hospital
                Revenue Bonds, 1995 Series A, (Hospital Auxilio Mutuo
                Obligated Group Project), 6.250%, 7/01/16                           Aaa       1/05 at 102       2,398,981
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$59,060,000    Total Investments -- (cost $58,941,628) -- 96.8%                                                62,318,985
===========--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS IN SHORT-TERM
               MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- 1.7%
$ 1,100,000    The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Dedicated Income Tax
===========     Bonds, Fiscal Recovery Loan, Act of 1990, Series B, Variable
                Rate Demand Bonds, 3.650%, 12/01/97+                             VMIG-1                         1,100,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Other Assets Less Liabilities -- 1.5%                                                              951,666
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                             $64,370,651
=========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                      33
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                          NUMBER OF           MARKET   PORTFOLIO
               STANDARD & POOR'S               MOODY'S   SECURITIES            VALUE     PERCENT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                   <C>                  <C>            <C>            <C> 
SUMMARY OF                   AAA                   Aaa            80     $59,941,720          96%
RATINGS*             AA+, AA, AA-    Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3             2         791,825           1
PORTFOLIO OF                   A+                   A1             2       1,585,440           3
INVESTMENTS 
(EXCLUDING 
TEMPORARY 
INVESTMENTS):
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                                             84     $62,318,985          100%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>


All of the bonds in the portfolio, excluding temporary investments in short-term
municipal securities, are either covered by Original Issue Insurance,
Secondary Market Insurance or Portfolio Insurance, or are backed by an escrow or
trust containing sufficient U.S. Government or U.S. Government agency
securities, any of which ensure the timely payment of principal and interest.
* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
** Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices at later dates.
+ The security has a maturity of more than one year, but has variable rate and
demand features which qualify it as a short-term security. The rate
disclosed is that currently in effect. This rate changes periodically based on
market conditions or a specified market index.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

                                                                              

NUVEEN NEW YORK TAX-FREE VALUE FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-           OPT. CALL         MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*       PROVISIONS**          VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>         <C>            <C>
$    500,000   Certificates of Participation, The State of New York,
                Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health of the State of
                New York, 8.300%, 9/01/12                                          Baa1       9/97 at 102    $    527,000
     500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Hospital
                Revenue Bonds, Long Island Jewish Medical Center
                (FHA-Insured Mortgage), Series 1988, 7.750%, 8/15/27                AAA       2/98 at 102         528,940
     500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                Refunding Bonds, 1988B Issue, 8.200%, 7/01/13                      Baa1       7/98 at 102         540,035
     750,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, GNMA
                Collateralized Revenue Bonds (Park Ridge Housing, Inc.
                Project), Series 1989, 7.850%, 2/01/29                              AAA       2/99 at 102         808,995
   1,985,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, United Health
                Services, Inc., FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1989, 7.350%, 8/01/29                                        AAA       2/00 at 102       2,130,580
   1,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                System Consolidated Revenue Bonds, Series 1990A,
                7.625%, 7/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                           Aaa       7/00 at 102       1,125,560
   2,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State University
                Educational Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 1990A,
                7.400%, 5/15/01                                                    Baa1       5/00 at 102       2,156,380
     750,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                System Consolidated, Second General Resolution Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1990C, 7.500%, 7/01/10                               Baa1        2/99 at 99         861,165
   2,250,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Judicial
                Facilities Lease Revenue Bonds (Suffolk County Issue),
                Series 1991A, 9.500%, 4/15/14                                      Baa1  10/96 at 115 7/8       2,624,828
   2,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State University
                Educational Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 1993A,
                5.500%, 5/15/08                                                    Baa1      No Opt. Call       1,929,580
   1,500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                System Consolidated Second General Resolution Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1993A, 5.750%, 7/01/07                               Baa1      No Opt. Call       1,492,110
   1,375,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, University of
                Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1994, 5.500%, 7/01/21                                         A1       7/04 at 102       1,280,826
   2,225,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Court Facilities
                Lease Revenue Bonds  (The City of New York Issue),
                Series 1993A, 5.700%, 5/15/22                                      Baa1   5/03 at 101 1/2       2,049,247
   1,125,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State University
                Education Facilities, Revenue Bonds, Series 1993B,
                5.250%, 5/15/09                                                    Baa1      No Opt. Call       1,052,505
   2,225,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                Refunding Bonds, 1993C Issue, 5.750%, 7/01/12                      Baa1      No Opt. Call       2,145,323
   2,195,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Revenue Bonds,
                Upstate Community Colleges, Series 1995A, 6.500%, 7/01/07          Baa1      No Opt. Call       2,307,186
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                      35
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN NEW YORK TAX-FREE VALUE FUND CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
$  3,500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Nursing Homes
                Revenue Bonds, (Letter of Credit Secured), 1995 Issue A,
                5.750%, 7/01/17                                                     Aa3       7/05 at 102    $  3,378,235
   2,500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, W.K. Nursing
                Home Corporation, FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1996, 5.950%, 2/01/16                                        AAA       8/06 at 102       2,495,575
   2,615,000   Empire State Development Corporation, New York State Urban
                Development Corporation, Project Revenue Bonds (Pine
                Barrens), 1996 Series, 5.375%, 4/01/17                             Baa1       4/05 at 102       2,339,353
   3,000,000   New York Local Government Assistance Corporation,
                Series 1993B, Refunding Bonds, 5.000%, 4/01/23                        A       4/04 at 100       2,601,900
   2,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Mental
                Health Services Facilities Improvement Revenue Bonds, 1992
                Series A, 5.500%, 8/15/21                                           Aaa       2/02 at 100       1,860,400
   1,545,000   New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, State Park
                Infrastructure Special Obligation Bonds, Series 1993A,
                5.750%, 3/15/13                                                    Baa1       3/03 at 101       1,475,954
   2,250,000   New York State Finance Agency, Housing Project Mortgage 
                Revenue Bonds, 1996 Series A Refunding, 6.125%, 11/01/20            Aaa       5/06 at 102       2,261,880
     200,000   New York State Housing Finance Agency, State University
                Construction Refunding Bonds, 1986 Series A,
                8.000%, 5/01/11                                                     Aaa     No Opt. Calls         245,970
   1,650,000   New York State Housing Finance Agency, Insured Multi-Family
                Mortgage Housing Revenue Bonds, 1992 Series A,
                6.950%, 8/15/12                                                      Aa       8/02 at 102       1,747,977
               New York State Housing Finance Agency, Health Facilities 
                Revenue Bonds (New York City), 1990 Series A Refunding:
   1,660,000    8.000%, 11/01/08 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/00                          Aaa      11/00 at 102       1,902,974
     340,000    8.000%, 11/01/08                                                   BBB+      11/00 at 102         378,760
   2,990,000   New York State Housing Finance Agency, Service Contract
                Obligation Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series C Refunding,
                5.875%, 9/15/14                                                    Baa1       9/03 at 102       2,837,091
   4,250,000   New York State Housing Finance Agency, Service Contract
                Obligation Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series A, 5.500%, 9/15/22           Baa1       9/03 at 102       3,795,123
   1,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 1987
                Series A, 8.000%, 2/15/27 (Pre-refunded to 8/15/97)                 Aaa       8/97 at 102       1,049,330
     995,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Albany
                Medical Center Hospital Project Revenue Bonds, 1987 Series A,
                8.000%, 2/15/28                                                     AAA       8/98 at 102       1,069,516
     995,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 1989
                Series B, 7.350%, 2/15/29                                            Aa       8/99 at 102       1,065,456
   1,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                1988 Series C, 7.700%, 2/15/22 (Pre-refunded to 8/15/98)            AAA       8/98 at 102       1,083,160
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      36
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
$  1,250,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                1987 Series A, 8.300%, 2/15/22 (Pre-refunded to 2/15/98)            AAA       2/98 at 102    $  1,346,088
   2,250,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 1987 Series A Refunding,
                8.000%, 2/15/25 (Pre-refunded to 8/15/97)                           Aaa       8/97 at 102       2,378,408
   2,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                1992 Series B, 6.200%, 8/15/22                                      AAA       8/02 at 102       2,030,640
   1,495,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                1992 Series D, 6.450%, 2/15/09                                      AAA       2/03 at 102       1,589,469
   1,460,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Mental
                Health Services Facilities Improvement Revenue Bonds, 1991
                Series A, 7.500%, 2/15/21 (Pre-refunded to 2/15/01)                 Aaa       2/01 at 102       1,653,289
   2,500,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                1994 Series A, 6.200%, 2/15/21                                      AAA       2/04 at 102       2,523,925
   1,500,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Mental
                Health Services Facilities Improvement Revenue Bonds,
                1994 Series E, 6.500%, 8/15/24                                     Baa1       8/04 at 102       1,539,165
   1,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Health
                Center Projects Revenue Bonds (Secured Mortgage Program),
                1995 Series A, 6.375%, 11/15/19                                      Aa      11/05 at 102       1,029,750
   1,250,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Agency, New York
                Downtown Hospital Secured Hospital Revenue Bonds,
                1995 Series A, 6.700%, 2/15/12                                      Baa       2/05 at 102       1,273,738
   2,470,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                1994 Series C, 6.400%, 8/15/14                                      AAA       8/04 at 102       2,551,584
               New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency,
                New York Hospital FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                1994 Series A:
   1,000,000    6.750%, 8/15/14                                                     Aaa       2/05 at 102       1,090,210
   1,000,000    6.800%, 8/15/24                                                     Aaa       2/05 at 102       1,093,540
               New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency,
                Brookdale Hospital Medical Center Secured Hospital Revenue
                Bonds, 1995 Series A:
   1,000,000    6.400%, 2/15/01                                                     Baa      No Opt. Call       1,026,400
   2,700,000    6.800%, 8/15/12                                                     Baa       2/05 at 102       2,771,604
   4,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency,
                Montefiore Medical Center FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds, 1995 Series A, 5.750%, 2/15/25                               Aaa       2/05 at 102       3,888,080
   1,000,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation, Section 236
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1992A, 6.750%, 1/01/26                        Aaa       1/02 at 102       1,079,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                      37
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN NEW YORK TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                           RAT-         OPT. CALL         MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                          INGS*     PROVISIONS**          VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                 <C>        <C>            <C>                
$  1,100,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation, Project
                Revenue Bonds (Syracuse University Center for Science and
                Technology), Series 1987, 7.875%, 1/01/17
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/98)                                          Baa1       1/98 at 102    $  1,174,063
   1,000,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation, Correctional
                Capital Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 1, 7.500%, 1/01/20
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                                           Aaa       1/00 at 102       1,110,580
   2,000,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation, Project
                Revenue Bonds (Clarkson Center for Advanced Materials
                Processing Loan), Series 1990, 7.800%, 1/01/20
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/01)                                          Baa1       1/01 at 102       2,275,800
   2,900,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation, State Facilities
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1991, 7.500%, 4/01/20
                (Pre-refunded to 4/01/01)                                           Aaa       4/01 at 102       3,295,473
   1,000,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation, Project
                Revenue Bonds (Cornell Center for Theory and Simulation in
                Science and Engineering Grant), Series 1993, 6.00%, 1/01/14         Baa       1/03 at 102         966,990
               New York State Urban Development Corporation, Correctional
                Capital Facilities Revenue Bonds, 1993 Refunding Series:
   2,490,000    5.750%, 1/01/13                                                    Baa1       1/03 at 102       2,363,458
   5,090,000    5.500%, 1/01/15                                                    Baa1       1/03 at 102       4,642,691
     380,000   New York State Mortgage Agency, Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                Ninth Series E, 8.100%, 10/01/17                                     Aa       4/98 at 102         396,184
   3,000,000   State of New York, General Obligation Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1995C, 5.625%, 10/01/20                                        A      10/05 at 101       2,888,850
   2,100,000   Town of Babylon Industrial Development Agency, (New York),
                Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds, Series 1985 (Ogden Martin
                Systems of Babylon, Inc. Project), 8.500%, 1/01/19                 Baa1       7/98 at 103       2,318,337
   1,000,000   City of Batavia Housing Authority, Tax-Exempt Mortgage
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1994A (Washington Towers--
                FHA-Insured Mortgage), 6.500%, 1/01/23                              Aaa       7/01 at 102       1,017,520
   1,000,000   Town of Brookhaven, Industrial Development Agency, 1993
                Civic Facility Revenue Bonds (Dowling College/The National
                Aviation and Transportation Center Civic Facility),
                6.750%, 3/01/23                                                     BBB       3/03 at 102       1,026,300
   2,000,000   Certificates of Participation, The State of New York, The City
                University of New York (John Jay College of Criminal Justice
                Project Refunding), 6.000%, 8/15/06                                Baa1      No Opt. Call       2,020,840
   2,470,000   Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds (the Bard College Project), Series 1992,
                7.000%, 11/01/17                                                      A      11/03 at 102       2,610,765
   1,000,000   County of Franklin Industrial Development Agency, Lease
                Revenue Bonds (County Correctional Facility Project),
                Series 1992, 6.750%, 11/01/12                                       BBB      11/02 at 102       1,044,160
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
 
                                                                               NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                              AUGUST 31, 1996


- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                 <C>       <C>             <C>
$    750,000   Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency, Civic
                Facility Revenue Bonds, (United Cerebral Palsy Association
                of Nassau County, Inc. Civic Facility Project--1989 Series),
                7.500%, 10/01/09                                                    Aa2      10/99 at 102    $    790,343
   2,500,000   Housing New York Corporation, Senior Revenue Refunding
                Bonds, Series 1993, 5.00%, 11/01/13                                  AA      11/03 at 102       2,258,975
   1,000,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Commuter Facilities
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1992B, 6.250%, 7/01/17                        Aaa       7/02 at 102       1,033,320
   1,000,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York), Commuter
                Facilities 1987 Service Contract Bonds, Series 3, 7.500%,
                7/01/16 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                                   Aaa       7/00 at 102       1,121,200
   4,000,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York), Transit
                Facilities Service Contract Bonds, Series P, 5.750%, 7/01/15       Baa1   7/03 at 101 1/2       3,765,240
   1,025,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Facilities
                Revenue Bonds, Series J, 6.500%, 7/01/18                            Aaa       7/02 at 102       1,094,926
   2,000,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1992
                Series B, 7.500%, 2/01/06                                          Baa1   2/02 at 101 1/2       2,204,040
      45,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1992
                Series C, Fixed Rate Bonds, Subseries C1, 6.625%, 8/01/13           Aaa   8/02 at 101 1/2          48,642
               The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1996
                Series G:
   2,000,000    5.750%, 2/01/17                                                    Baa1   2/06 at 101 1/2       1,841,140
   2,500,000    5.750%, 2/01/20                                                    Baa1   2/06 at 101 1/2       2,277,274
   1,000,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1996
                Series F, 5.750%, 2/01/19                                          Baa1   2/06 at 101 1/2         912,600
   2,000,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1997
                Series C, 5.875%, 2/01/16                                          Baa1   8/06 at 101 1/2       1,874,600
   2,000,000   New York City Housing Development Corporation,
                Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds (FHA Insured
                Mortgage Loan), 1993 Series A, 6.550%, 10/01/15                     AAA       4/03 at 102       2,071,480
   1,000,000   New York City Housing Development Corporation, Multi-Unit
                Mortgage Refunding Bonds (FHA Insured Mortgage Loans),
                1991 Series A, 7.350%, 6/01/19                                      AAA       6/01 at 102       1,061,970
   1,000,000   New York City Housing Development Corporation, Multi-Family
                Housing Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series A, 5.850%, 5/01/26                Aa       5/03 at 102         972,480
   1,500,000   New York City, Municipal Water Finance Authority (New York),
                Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1991 Series C,
                7.750%, 6/15/20 (Pre-refunded to 6/15/01)                           Aaa   6/01 at 101 1/2       1,714,530
   2,000,000   New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1993 Series A, 5.500%, 6/15/20            A       6/02 at 100       1,834,940
   4,000,000   New York City, New York, Municipal Water Finance Authority,
                Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1996 Series A,
                6.000%, 6/15/25                                                       A       6/05 at 101       3,980,560
   4,000,000   New York City Housing Development Corporation, Multi-Family
                Housing Revenue Bonds, 1996 Series A, 5.625%, 5/01/12 (WI)           Aa       5/06 at 102       3,940,360
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                                      39
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN NEW YORK TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
$  4,845,000   New York City Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds, (1992 The Lighthouse, Inc. Project),
                6.500%, 7/01/22                                                      AA       7/02 at 102    $  5,037,104
               New York City Industrial Development Agency Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds, (College of New Rochelle Project), Series 1995:
   1,000,000    6.200%, 9/01/10                                                     Baa       9/05 at 102         988,950
   1,000,000    6.300%, 9/01/15                                                     Baa       9/05 at 102         973,570
   2,345,000   Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, Inc., Hospital Revenue
                Improvement and Refunding Bonds, Series 1993A,
                7.600%, 9/01/15                                                     N/R       9/03 at 102       2,215,603
   1,000,000   Orangetown Housing Authority (Rockland County, New York),
                Housing Facilities Revenue Bonds, (Orangetown Senior
                Housing Center--1990 Series), 7.600%, 4/01/30
                (Pre-refunded to 10/01/00)                                            A      10/00 at 102       1,127,350
               South Orangetown Central School District, Rockland County,
                New York, Serial General Obligation Bonds, Series 1990:
     390,000    6.875%, 10/01/08                                                      A      No Opt. Call         440,739
     390,000    6.875%, 10/01/09                                                      A      No Opt. Call         439,347
   3,015,000   Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds, (Dowling College Civic Facility), Series 1994,
                6.625%, 6/01/24                                                     BBB       6/04 at 102       3,063,270
   1,000,000   Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, (Dowling College Civic Facility),
                Series 1996, 6.700%, 12/01/20                                       BBB      12/06 at 102         998,080
   2,000,000   34th Street Partnership, Inc., 34th Street Business Improvement
                District, Capital Improvement Bonds, Series 1993,
                5.500%, 1/01/23                                                      A1       1/03 at 102       1,825,260
   2,000,000   Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (New York), Special
                Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 1991B, 7.100%, 1/01/10            A1       1/01 at 102       2,165,060
   2,000,000   Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, Special Obligation
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1991B, 7.100%, 1/01/10                      Aaa       1/01 at 102       2,196,900
   2,100,000   UFA Development Corporation, Utica, New York, FHA-Insured
                Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 (Loretto-Utica Project),
                5.950%, 7/01/35                                                      Aa       7/04 at 102       2,025,996
   2,000,000   New York City Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds (1992 Jewish Board of Family and Children
                Services, Inc., Project), 6.750%, 12/15/12                        BBB--      12/02 at 102       2,037,160
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$172,180,000   Total Investments -- (cost $167,654,909) -- 100.9%                                             173,498,824
============-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      40
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
               TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS IN SHORT-TERM
               MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- 0.4%
$  700,000     The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1994
==========      Series A, Adjustable Rate Bonds, Subseries A-4, Variable Rate
                Demand Bonds, 3.600%, 8/01/21+                                   VMIG-1                           700,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               Other Assets Less Liabilities -- (1.3)%                                                         (2,276,863)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                            $171,921,961
=========================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                               NUMBER OF          MARKET           MARKET
               STANDARD & POOR'S                          MOODY'S              SECURITIES          VALUE          PERCENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                        <C>                  <C>                <C>             <C>  
SUMMARY OF                   AAA                              Aaa                      34   $ 53,553,654               31%
RATINGS*           AA+, AA, AA--                Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3                      11     22,642,860               13
PORTFOLIO OF                  A+                               A1                       3      5,271,146                3
INVESTMENTS               A, A--                        A, A2, A3                       8     15,924,451                9
(EXCLUDING      BBB+, BBB, BBB--            Baa1, Baa, Baa2, Baa3                      40     73,891,110               43
TEMPORARY              Non-Rated                        Non-Rated                       1      2,215,603                1
INVESTMENTS):
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
TOTAL                                                                                  97   $173,498,824              100%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
N/R - Investment is not rated.
** Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices and later dates.
(WI) Security purchased on a when issued basis (note 1).
+ The security has a maturity of more than one year, but has variable rate and
demand features which qualify it as a short-term security. The rate disclosed is
that currently in effect. This rate changes periodically based on market
conditions or a specified market index.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      41
<PAGE>
 


PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C> 
$  1,415,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, College and
                University Revenue (Pooled Capital Program), Series 1985, 
                7.800%, 12/01/05                                                    Aaa      12/98 at 102    $  1,527,747
   1,490,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, United Health
                Services, Inc., FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1989, 7.350%, 8/01/29                                        AAA       2/00 at 102       1,599,277
   1,490,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Iona College,
                Insured Revenue Bonds, Series 1988, 7.625%, 7/01/09                 Aaa       7/98 at 102       1,599,187
   1,200,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State University
                Educational Facilities, Revenue Bonds, Series 1989B,
                7.250%, 5/15/15 (Pre-refunded to 5/15/00)                           Aaa       5/00 at 102       1,331,568
   1,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, United Cerebral
                Palsy Association of Westchester County, Inc., Insured Revenue 
                Bonds, Series 1992, 6.200%, 7/01/12                                 Aaa       7/02 at 102       1,035,940
   1,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Manhattanville
                College, Insured Revenue Bonds, Series 1990,
                7.500%, 7/01/22 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                           Aaa       7/00 at 102       1,121,200
   2,500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                System Consolidated Second General Resolution Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1990C, 7.000%, 7/01/14                                Aaa       7/00 at 102       2,715,100
   1,800,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                System Consolidated Second General Resolution Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1993A, 5.750%, 7/01/18                                Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,798,722
   6,295,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                System Consolidated Second General Resolution Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1990F, 7.500%, 7/01/20
                (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                                           Aaa       7/00 at 102       7,057,954
   2,500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Cooper Union,
                Insured Revenue Bonds, Series 1990, 7.200%, 7/01/20                 Aaa       7/01 at 102       2,777,975
   2,500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State University
                Educational Facilities, Revenue Bonds, Series 1993A,
                5.250%, 5/15/15                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       2,383,800
   1,200,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State University
                Educational Facilities, Revenue Bonds, Series 1990C,
                7.000%, 5/15/18 (Pre-refunded to 5/15/00)                           Aaa       5/00 at 102       1,321,440
   2,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State University
                Educational Facilities, Revenue Bonds, Series 1990A,
                6.500%, 5/15/19 (Pre-refunded to 5/15/00)                           Aaa       5/00 at 100       2,136,100
   5,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, New York
                University Insured Revenue Bonds, Series 1991,
                6.250%, 7/01/09                                                     Aaa       7/01 at 102       5,223,850
   1,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Fordham
                University, Insured Revenue Bonds, Series 1990,
                7.200%, 7/01/15 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                           Aaa       7/00 at 102       1,110,750
   4,640,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Mount Sinai
                School of Medicine, Insured Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 
                5.000%, 7/01/21                                                     Aaa       7/04 at 102       4,118,139
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                      42
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                            NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                           AUGUST 31, 1996
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>  
$  1,175,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, University of
                Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital Revenue Bonds, 
                Series 1994, 5.500%, 7/01/21                                        Aaa       7/04 at 102    $  1,104,571
   1,500,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Sarah Lawrence
                College, Revenue Bonds, Series 1995, 6.000%, 7/01/24                Aaa       7/05 at 102       1,513,530          
   6,460,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, St. Vincent's
                Hospital and Medical Center of New York, FHA-Insured 
                Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 1995, 5.800%, 8/01/25                Aaa       8/05 at 102       6,287,583          
   3,730,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Maimonides
                Medical Center, FHA-Insured Mortgage Hospital Revenue 
                Bonds, Series 1996A, 5.750%, 8/01/24                                Aaa       2/06 at 102       3,626,343
               New York Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Mental Health           
                Services Facilities Improvement Revenue Bonds, 1992 Series A: 
       5,000    6.375%, 8/15/17 (Pre-refunded to 2/15/02)                           Aaa       2/02 at 102           5,466
   6,145,000    6.375%, 8/15/17                                                     Aaa      12/02 at 102       6,437,625
   3,500,000   New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,
                Gas Facilities Revenue Bonds, 1996 Series (The Brooklyn 
                Union Gas Company Project), 5.500%, 1/01/21                         Aaa       1/06 at 102       3,335,220
   2,500,000   New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,
                Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Central Hudson Gas & 
                Electric Corporation Project), 1984 Series B, 7.375%, 10/01/14      Aaa      10/99 at 103       2,752,975 
   1,450,000   New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, State
                Water Pollution Control, Revolving Fund Revenue Bonds, 
                Series 1990C, (Pooled Loan Issue), 7.200%, 3/15/11                  Aaa       6/00 at 102       1,585,836 
               New York State Finance Agency, Housing Project Mortgage           
                Revenue Bonds, 1996 Series A Refunding:
     750,000    5.875%, 11/01/10                                                    Aaa       5/06 at 102         758,453
   5,000,000    6.125%, 11/01/20                                                    Aaa       5/06 at 102       5,026,400
   2,195,000   New York State Housing Finance Agency, Multi-Family Housing
                Revenue Bonds, (AMBAC Insured Program), 1989 Series A, 
                7.450%, 11/01/28                                                    Aaa      11/99 at 102       2,312,652
     995,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Albany
                Medical Center Hospital Project Revenue Bonds, 1987 Series A, 
                8.000%, 2/15/28                                                     AAA       8/98 at 102       1,069,516
     895,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency,
                St. Francis Hospital Project Revenue Bonds, 1988 Series A, 
                7.625%, 11/01/21                                                    Aaa      11/98 at 102         966,716
   4,765,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Secured
                Hospital Revenue Bonds, 1987 Series A, 7.100%, 2/15/27              Aaa       2/97 at 102       4,908,331 
   1,995,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 
                1989 Series B, 7.350%, 2/15/29                                       Aa       8/99 at 102       2,136,266
   1,500,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital
                and Nursing Home, FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 
                1987 Series A, 8.300%, 2/15/22 (Pre-refunded to 2/15/98)            AAA       2/98 at 102       1,615,305
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                      43                                     
<PAGE>
 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND -- CONTINUED

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>         <C>            <C> 
                                                                                        
$  1,500,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital          
                and Nursing Home FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,                    
                1989 Series A, 7.250%, 2/15/24                                       Aa       2/99 at 102    $  1,597,755
   1,300,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency,                   
                St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center FHA-Insured Mortgage               
                Revenue Bonds, 1989 Series B, 7.450%, 2/15/29                           
                (Pre-refunded to 2/15/00)                                           Aaa       2/00 at 102       1,444,521
   3,200,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, North             
                Shore University Hospital, Mortgage Project Revenue Bonds,              
                1990 Series A, 7.200%, 11/01/20                                     Aaa      11/00 at 102       3,504,288
   2,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Hospital          
                and Nursing Home, FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,                   
                1989 Series A, 7.250%, 2/15/24                                      Aaa       2/99 at 102       2,132,260
   1,670,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency,                   
                Our Lady of Victory Hospital Project Revenue Bonds,                     
                1991 Series A, 6.625%, 11/01/16                                     Aaa      11/01 at 102       1,782,892
               New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Sisters           
                of Charity Hospital of Buffalo Project Revenue Bonds,                   
                1991 Series A:                                                          
     500,000    6.600%, 11/01/10                                                    Aaa      11/01 at 102         537,935
   1,550,000    6.625%, 11/01/18                                                    Aaa      11/01 at 102       1,654,780
   1,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Aurelia           
                Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital Project Revenue Bonds,                     
                1992 Series A, 6.500%, 11/01/19                                     Aaa      11/01 at 102       1,055,160
   2,815,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Mental            
                Health Services Facilities Improvement Revenue Bonds,                   
                1992 Series B, 6.250%, 8/15/18                                      Aaa       2/02 at 102       2,898,437
   3,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, South             
                Nassau Communities Hospital Project Revenue Bonds,                      
                1992 Series A, 6.125%, 11/01/11                                     Aaa      11/02 at 102       3,102,840
   1,500,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Mental            
                Health Services Facilities Improvement Revenue Bonds,                   
                1994 Series A, 5.250%, 8/15/23                                      Aaa       2/04 at 102       1,368,225
   2,500,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, St. Mary's        
                Hospital (Rochester) Mortgage Project Revenue Bonds,                    
                1994 Series A Refunding, 6.200%, 11/01/14                           Aaa      11/03 at 102       2,585,375
   7,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, New               
                York Hospital FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue Bonds,                       
                1994 Series A, 6.800%, 8/15/24                                      Aaa       2/05 at 102       7,654,780
   5,890,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency,                   
                Montefiore Medical Center FHA-Insured Mortgage Revenue                  
                Bonds, 1995 Series A, 5.750%, 2/15/15                               Aaa       2/05 at 102       5,788,044
   4,000,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Mental            
                Health Services Facilities Improvement Revenue Bonds,                   
                1993 Series F Refunding, 5.250%, 2/15/19                            Aaa       2/04 at 102       3,680,920
   7,300,000   New York State Thruway Authority, General Revenue Bonds,                 
                Series A, 5.750%, 1/01/19                                           Aaa       1/02 at 102       7,142,247
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                                      44
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

 
                                                                           NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                          AUGUST 31, 1996


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>              

$  2,000,000   New York State Thruway Authority, Local Highway and Bridge
                Service Contract Bonds, Series 1994, 5.750%, 4/01/13                Aaa       4/04 at 102    $  2,000,620
               New York State Urban Development Corporation, Section 236
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1992A:
   3,850,000    6.700%, 1/01/12                                                     Aaa       1/02 at 102       4,150,916
   9,650,000    6.750%, 1/01/26                                                     Aaa       1/02 at 102      10,412,350
   2,000,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation, Correctional
                Capital Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 1, 7.500%, 1/01/20
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                                           Aaa       1/00 at 102       2,221,160
               New York State Urban Development Corporation, Correctional
                Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series G:
   1,500,000    7.250%, 1/01/14 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                           Aaa       1/00 at 102       1,654,365
     575,000    7.000%, 1/01/17 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                           Aaa       1/00 at 102         629,763
   1,000,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation, Correctional
                Facilities Revenue Bonds, 1993A, Refunding Series,
                5.250%, 1/01/14                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         952,360
   4,000,000   New York State Urban Development Corporation Revenue
                Bonds, (Sports Facility Assistance Program), 1996 Series A,
                5.500%, 4/01/19                                                     Aaa       4/06 at 102       3,818,320
   2,000,000   Power Authority of the State of New York, General Purpose
                Bonds, Series Z, 6.500%, 1/01/19                                    Aaa       1/02 at 102       2,130,260
     225,000   State of New York Mortgage Agency, Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                Eighth Series D, 8.375%, 10/01/17                                    Aa       1/98 at 102         234,565
     390,000   State of New York Mortgage Agency, Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                Ninth Series E, 8.100%, 10/01/17                                     Aa       4/98 at 102         406,610
   3,500,000   State of New York Mortgage Agency, Homeowner Mortgage
                Revenue Bonds, Series 29-C-1, 5.650%, 4/01/15                       Aaa      10/03 at 102       3,386,495
     280,000   Albany, New York, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water
                and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 1988A,
                7.500%, 12/01/17                                                    Aaa      12/98 at 102         303,190
   6,000,000   Battery Park City Authority, Senior Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1993A, 5.250%, 11/01/17                                      Aaa      11/03 at 102       5,541,720
   1,250,000   County of Broome, New York, Certificates of Participation,
                (Public Safety Facility), Series 1994, 5.250%, 4/01/22              Aaa       4/04 at 102       1,148,725
   2,250,000   Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, Toll Bridge
                System Revenue Bonds, Series 1995, 5.750%, 1/01/25                  Aaa       1/05 at 101       2,205,113
   1,000,000   City of Buffalo, New York, Refunding Serial Bonds, 1991,
                6.150%, 2/01/04                                                     Aaa       1/01 at 101       1,055,730
   8,385,000   Buffalo Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water System
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1992, 5.750%, 7/01/19                         Aaa       7/03 at 102       8,201,872
   2,000,000   Buffalo Sewer Authority, Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series G,
                5.000%, 7/01/12                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 100       1,840,400
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      45
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND-CONTINUED

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>              
               Camden Central School District, Oneida County, New York,
                School District (Serial) Bonds, 1991:
$    500,000    7.100%, 6/15/07                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call    $    583,200
     600,000    7.100%, 6/15/08                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         700,182
     600,000    7.100%, 6/15/09                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         700,074
     275,000    7.100%, 6/15/10                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         321,258
   1,000,000   Erie County Water Authority, (New York), Water Works System
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1990B, 6.750%, 12/01/14                       Aaa          12/01/09       1,073,140
     470,000   City of Glen Cove, Nassau County, New York, General
                Obligation Serial Bonds, 1995 Series A, 5.625%, 6/15/11             Aaa      No Opt. Call         472,773
     500,000   Greece Central School District, Monroe County, New York,
                General Obligation Bonds, School District (Serial) Bonds,
                1992, 6.000%, 6/15/09                                               Aaa      No Opt. Call         531,450
               Town of Halfmoon, Saratoga County, New York, Public
                Improvement (Serial) Bonds, 1991:
     385,000    6.500%, 6/01/09                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         427,962
     395,000    6.500%, 6/01/10                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         438,584
     395,000    6.500%, 6/01/11                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         438,545
   1,350,000   Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency, Civic
                Facility Revenue Bonds, (Hofstra University Project--
                Series 1996), 5.800%, 7/01/15                                       Aaa       7/06 at 102       1,338,431
   4,000,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Commuter Facilities
                Subordinated Revenue Bonds, Series 1995-1, (Grand Central
                Terminal Redevelopment Project), 5.700%, 7/01/24                    Aaa       7/05 at 101       3,882,920
   4,500,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Commuter Facilities
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1996A, 6.100%, 7/01/26                        Aaa       7/06 at 102       4,550,625
   1,000,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Facilities Service
                Contract Bonds, Series L, 7.500%, 7/01/17                           Aaa       7/98 at 102       1,071,660
  10,340,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Facilities Revenue
                Bonds, Series J, 6.500%, 7/01/18                                    Aaa       7/02 at 102      11,045,395
               Middle Country Central School District at Centereach in the
                Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk Co., N.Y., School District (Serial)
                Bonds, 1991 (ULT):
     475,000    6.900%, 12/15/07                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call         550,098
     475,000    6.900%, 12/15/08                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call         549,727
               Public Improvement Serial Bonds 1992, County of Monroe,
                New York, General Obligation Bonds:
     375,000    6.500%, 6/01/15                                                     Aaa       6/01 at 102         396,818
     375,000    6.500%, 6/01/16                                                     Aaa       6/01 at 102         396,818
     350,000    6.500%, 6/01/17                                                     Aaa       6/01 at 102         370,363
   3,725,000   Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie, Solid Waste Management
                Authority, Solid Waste System Revenue Bonds, Series 1990,
                7.250%, 1/01/14  (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                          Aaa       1/00 at 103       4,140,487
               Mount Sinai Union Free School District, Suffolk County,
                New York, School District (Serial) Bonds, 1989:
   1,000,000    7.250%, 2/15/15 (Pre-refunded to 2/15/00)                           Aaa       2/00 at 102       1,105,510
   1,000,000    7.250%, 2/15/17 (Pre-refunded to 2/15/00)                           Aaa       2/00 at 102       1,105,510
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                      46
<PAGE>
 

                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>              <C> 
               Mount Sinai Union Free School District, County of Suffolk,           
                New York, School District Refunding (Serial) Bonds, 1992: 
$    500,000    6.200%, 2/15/15                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call     $   530,955
   1,035,000    6.200%, 2/15/16                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,101,012
   1,500,000   County of Nassau, New York, General Obligation Serial Bonds,
                Serial General Improvement Bonds, Series O, 5.700%, 8/01/13         Aaa       8/04 at 103       1,506,885 
   4,840,000   Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds, (Hofstra University Project--Series 1991), 
                6.750%, 8/01/11                                                     Aaa       8/01 at 102       5,306,624
   1,020,000   City of New Rochelle, Westchester County, New York, General
                Obligations, Public Improvement Bonds, 1994 Series B, 
                6.200%, 8/15/22                                                     Aaa       8/04 at 102       1,048,560
               The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1992           
                Series C, Fixed Rate Bonds, Subseries C-1:
   3,000,000    6.250%, 8/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 8/01/02)                           Aaa   8/02 at 101 1/2       3,272,700
   1,000,000    6.250%, 8/01/10                                                     Aaa   8/02 at 101 1/2       1,045,940
      75,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1992
                Series C, 6.625%, 8/01/12                                           Aaa   8/02 at 101 1/2          81,072
   2,600,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1993
                Series C, 6.000%, 8/01/12                                           Aaa   8/02 at 101 1/2       2,661,490
   2,520,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1993
                Series E, 5.750%, 5/15/12                                           Aaa   5/03 at 101 1/2       2,527,459
               The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1990,           
                Series B:
   1,300,000    7.000%, 10/01/15                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,378,572
   2,000,000    7.000%, 10/01/16                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call       2,301,940
   1,025,000    7.000%, 10/01/17                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,086,951
     310,000    7.000%, 10/01/18                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call         328,736
     500,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1988
                Series A, 8.250%, 11/01/02 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/97)               Aaa  11/97 at 101 1/2         531,455 
   1,000,000   New York City Educational Construction Fund, Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1994, Senior Subordinated Revenue Bonds, 
                5.625%, 4/01/13                                                     Aaa   4/04 at 101 1/2         988,800
               New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Health           
                System Bonds, 1993 Series A:
   2,500,000    5.625%, 2/15/13                                                     Aaa       2/03 at 102       2,453,925
  11,980,000    5.750%, 2/15/22                                                     Aaa       2/03 at 102      11,598,796
   5,000,000   Pass-Through Certificates of New York City HDC Multifamily
                Housing, Limited Obligation Bonds, Series 1991A,
                6.500%, 2/20/19                                                     Aaa       7/97 at 105       5,772,600
   1,000,000   New York City Housing Development Corporation, MultiFamily
                Housing Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series B, 5.850%, 5/01/26               Aaa       5/03 at 102         981,950 
   1,000,000   New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1991 Series A, 
                7.250%, 6/15/15 (Pre-refunded to 6/15/00)                           Aaa   6/00 at 101 1/2       1,105,060
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      47

<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET    
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>     <C>                <C>    
               New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1992 Series A:
$  2,000,000    6.750%, 6/15/16                                                     Aaa       6/01 at 101    $  2,159,980
   1,250,000    6.750%, 6/15/16                                                     Aaa       6/01 at 101       1,348,888
               New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1993 Series A:
   6,765,000    5.750%, 6/15/18                                                     Aaa   6/02 at 101 1/2       6,661,157
   4,650,000    5.500%, 6/15/20                                                     Aaa       6/02 at 100       4,365,374
   7,000,000   New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1996 Series B,
                5.750%, 6/15/26                                                     Aaa       6/06 at 101       6,857,620
   1,000,000   New York City Transit Authority, Transit Facilities Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1990 (Livingston Plaza Project),
                7.500%, 1/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                           Aaa       1/00 at 102       1,108,600
   7,225,000   New York City Transit Authority, Transit Facilities Refunding
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 (Livingston Plaza Project),
                7.500%, 1/01/20                                                     Aaa       1/03 at 100       6,561,167
   2,200,000   The Trust for Cultural Resources of The City of New York,
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1991A, (The American
                Museum of Natural History), 6.900%, 4/01/21
                (Pre-refunded to 4/01/01)                                           Aaa       4/01 at 102       2,440,174
   1,000,000   New York City Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds, (USTA National Tennis Center Incorporated
                Project), 6.375%, 11/15/14                                          Aaa      11/04 at 102       1,057,540
   1,000,000   New York City Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds, (New School for Social Research Project),
                Series 1995A, 5.750%, 9/01/15                                       Aaa       9/05 at 102         989,180
   1,590,000   City of Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, Public
                Improvement (Serial)Bonds, 1994, 6.900%, 3/01/21                    Aaa       3/04 at 102       1,749,095
   5,725,000   Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, Toll Bridge System Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1992, 6.125%, 10/01/19
                (Pre-refunded to 10/01/02)                                          Aaa      10/02 at 102       6,249,639
               Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, Public
                Improvement (Serial)Bonds, 1991, Series B, Unlimited Tax:
     425,000    6.800%, 6/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 6/01/00)                           Aaa       6/00 at 102         465,486
     425,000    6.800%, 6/01/11 (Pre-refunded to 6/01/00)                           Aaa       6/00 at 102         465,486
               Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, General
                Obligation Refunding Serial Bonds, Refunding Serial Bonds--
                1992, Series B:
   1,500,000    6.375%, 4/01/09                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,644,480
   1,505,000    6.400%, 4/01/14                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,641,157
               Nyack Union Free School District, Rockland County, New York,
                School District Serial Bonds 1992:
     625,000    6.500%, 4/01/12                                                     Aaa       4/02 at 102         669,369
     625,000    6.500%, 4/01/13                                                     Aaa       4/02 at 102         670,306
     625,000    6.500%, 4/01/14                                                     Aaa       4/02 at 102         668,738
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>

                                       48
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                           NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                          AUGUST 31, 1996


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET    
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>     <C>              <C>    
 
               Rensselaer County, New York, General Obligation Serial Bonds,
                Series 1991:
$    960,000    6.700%, 2/15/13                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call  $    1,086,461
     960,000    6.700%, 2/15/14                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,085,290
     960,000    6.700%, 2/15/15                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,083,485
     700,000   County of Rockland, New York, Solid Waste Management
                Authority, General Obligation Bonds, Series 1996B,
                5.550%, 12/15/16                                                    Aaa      12/06 at 102         677,999
               Rondout Valley Central School District at Accord, Ulster
                County, New York, General Obligation, School District (Serial)
                Bonds, 1991:
     550,000    6.800%, 6/15/06                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         628,843
     550,000    6.850%, 6/15/07                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         631,785
     550,000    6.850%, 6/15/08                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         631,554
     550,000    6.850%, 6/15/09                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         630,900
     550,000    6.850%, 6/15/10                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call         631,147
               County of Suffolk, New York, General Obligation Refunding
                (Serial) Bonds, Public Improvement Refunding Bonds,
                1993 Series B:
   1,000,000    6.900%, 4/01/01                                                     Aaa       4/00 at 102       1,096,640
     600,000    6.150%, 5/01/10                                                     Aaa       5/03 at 102         626,561
               County of Suffolk, New York, General Obligation Refunding
                (Serial) Bonds, Public Improvement Refunding Bonds,
                1993 Series F:
   1,895,000    5.250%, 7/15/09                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       1,866,157
   1,890,000    5.300%, 7/15/10                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       1,855,130
   1,860,000    5.400%, 7/15/11                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       1,831,318
               County of Suffolk, New York, General Obligation Refunding
                (Serial) Bonds, Public Improvement Refunding Bonds,
                1993 Series G:
   1,630,000    5.400%, 4/01/11                                                     Aaa       4/02 at 102       1,605,207
     625,000    5.400%, 4/01/15                                                     Aaa       4/02 at 102         602,050
   1,000,000   Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, (Suffolk County,
                New York), Suffolk County Southwest Sewer System
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 4.750%, 2/01/09                         Aaa       2/04 at 101         921,660
   1,800,000   Suffolk County Water Authority, New York, Water System
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 Refunding, 5.100%, 6/01/11               Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,722,815
   3,700,000   Suffolk County Water Authority, New York, Water System   
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 5.000%, 6/01/17                         Aaa       6/03 at 102       3,310,241
   2,750,000   Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, General Purpose  
                Revenue Bonds, Series X, 6.500%, 1/01/19                            Aaa   1/02 at 101 1/2       2,916,127
   2,000,000   Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, General Purpose  
                Revenue Bonds, Series T, 7.000%, 1/01/20                
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/01)                                           Aaa       1/01 at 102       2,221,520
   1,175,000   Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, General Purpose  
                Revenue Bonds, Series S, 7.000%, 1/01/21                
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/01)                                           Aaa   1/01 at 101 1/2       1,300,313
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    
</TABLE>

                                      49
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                  <C> 
$  8,650,000   Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, Special Obligation           
                 Refunding Bonds, Series 1991B, 6.875%, 1/01/15                     Aaa       1/01 at 102      $9,401,771
   1,750,000   City of Yonkers, New York, General Obligation School Bonds--
                 1990-C, 7.375%, 12/01/09 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/00)                Aaa      12/00 at 102       1,971,200
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$345,750,000   Total Investments -- (cost $339,090,235) -- 99.3%                                              356,439,152
============-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Other Assets Less Liabilities -- 0.7%                                                            2,535,090
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                            $358,974,242
=========================================================================================================================
 



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           NUMBER OF              MARKET        PORTFOLIO
                         STANDARD & POOR'S                    MOODY'S     SECURITIES               VALUE          PERCENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                      <C>                                  <C>         <C>                     <C>           <C>  
SUMMARY OF                             AAA                        Aaa            151        $352,063,956               99%
RATINGS*                      AA+, AA, AA-          Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3              4           4,375,196                1
PORTFOLIO OF
INVESTMENTS:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
TOTAL                                                                            155        $356,439,152              100%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>


All of the bonds in the portfolio are either covered by Original Issue
Insurance, Secondary Market Insurance or Portfolio Insurance, or are backed by
an escrow or trust containing sufficient U.S. Government or U.S. Government
agency securities, any of which ensure the timely payment of principal and
interest.

* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
** Optional call provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices at later dates.



See accompanying notes to financial statements.



                                      50
<PAGE>
 

                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996



NUVEEN OHIO TAX-FREE VALUE FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                       RAT-              OPT. CALL        MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                      INGS*          PROVISIONS**         VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                              <C>            <C>           <C>
$  2,000,000   Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, State of Ohio,
                Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1990 Series A
                (Ohio Edison Company Project), 7.450%, 3/01/16                    Aaa           3/00 at 102  $  2,191,680
   1,000,000   Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, State of Ohio, Air
                Quality Development Revenue Refunding Bonds (Ohio Power
                Company Project), Series B, 7.400%, 8/01/09                      Baa1           8/99 at 102     1,048,860
   2,000,000   Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, State of Ohio,
                Collateralized Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1992 (The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company
                Project), 8.000%, 12/01/13                                        Aaa           6/02 at 103     2,344,440
   1,250,000   Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, Multifamily Housing
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1989A, 7.600%, 11/01/23           AAA          11/97 at 105     1,330,388
     755,000   Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds (GNMA Mortgage-Backed Securities Program), 1990
                Series A, 7.400%, 9/01/15                                         AAA           3/00 at 102       795,815
     655,000   Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds (GNMA Mortgage-Backed Securities Program), 1990
                Series D, 7.500%, 9/01/13                                         AAA           9/00 at 102       690,481
     335,000   Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds (GNMA Mortgage-Backed Securities Program), 1991
                Series D, 7.050%, 9/01/16                                         Aaa           9/01 at 102       352,336
   1,750,000   Ohio Water Development Authority, State of Ohio,
                Collateralized Water Development Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                1992 Series A (The Dayton Power and Light Company Project),
                6.400%, 8/15/27                                                   AA-           8/02 at 102     1,813,525
   1,000,000   Ohio Water Development Authority, State of Ohio, Water
                Development Revenue Bonds, 1995 Fresh Water Series,
                5.900%, 12/01/21                                                  Aaa           6/05 at 102       996,640
   1,000,000   State of Ohio (Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission),
                Higher Educational Facility Revenue Bonds (Ohio Wesleyan
                University Project), 7.650%, 11/15/07                             Aaa          11/97 at 102     1,061,540
   1,750,000   State of Ohio (Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission),
                Higher Educational Facility Revenue Bonds (University of
                Dayton 1994 Project), 5.800%, 12/01/19                            Aaa          12/04 at 102     1,720,233
   1,750,000   State of Ohio, Air Quality Development Revenue Bonds
                (Columbus Southern Power Company Project), Series 1985 A,
                6.375%, 12/01/20                                                  Aaa          12/02 at 102     1,840,230
   1,475,000   State of Ohio, Full Faith and Credit, General Obligation
                Infrastructure Improvement Bonds, Series 1996, 
                6.650%, 8/01/05                                                   Aa1          No Opt. Call     1,652,738
   1,000,000   State of Ohio, Full Faith and Credit, General Obligation
                Infrastructure Improvement Bonds, Series 1994,
                6.000%, 8/01/10                                                   Aa1          No Opt. Call     1,050,620
     250,000   State of Ohio, Higher Educational Facility, Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds (Ohio Dominican College Project), 8.500%, 12/01/07
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/97)                                        N/R          12/97 at 102       267,825
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      51
<PAGE>
 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN OHIO TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                 <C>       <C>               <C>   
$    400,000   State of Ohio, Higher Educational Facility, Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds (John Carroll University Project), 9.250%, 10/01/07 
                (Pre-refunded to 10/01/97)                                            A      10/97 at 102      $  429,736
      60,000   State of Ohio, Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 1987A (FHA
                Insured Mortgage Loan-I.O.O.F. Home of Ohio, Inc. Nursing 
                Home and Board and Care Project), 8.150%, 8/01/02                   AAA       8/97 at 103          63,328 
   1,000,000   State of Ohio, Ohio Building Authority, State Correctional
                Facilities Refunding Bonds, 1986 Series B, 7.125%, 9/01/09          AA-       9/96 at 102       1,022,090 
   1,000,000   State of Ohio, Ohio Higher Educational Facilities Commission
                (Ohio Northern University Project), 7.300%, 5/15/10 
                (Pre-refunded to 5/15/00)                                           Aaa       5/00 at 100       1,091,170
     750,000   State of Ohio, Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, 1989 Series B 
                (Ohio Edison Company Project), 7.625%, 7/01/23                     Baa3       7/99 at 102         790,470 
   5,000,000   State of Ohio, Turnpike Revenue Bonds, 1996 Series A, Issued
                by the Ohio Turnpike Commission, 5.500%, 2/15/26                    Aaa       2/06 at 102       4,758,800 
               Adams County/Ohio Valley School District, Counties of Adams           
                and Highland, Ohio, School Improvement Unlimited Tax 
                General Obligation Bonds, Series 1995:
   2,000,000    7.000%, 12/01/15                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call       2,312,860
   3,865,000    5.250%, 12/01/21                                                    Aaa      12/05 at 102       3,606,432
   3,955,000   City of Akron, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds, Various Purpose
                Improvement Bonds, Series 1994 (Limited Tax), 
                6.750%, 12/01/14                                                    Aaa      12/04 at 102       4,381,072
   1,500,000   City of Akron, Ohio, Waterworks System Mortgage Revenue
                Improvement Bonds, Series 1991, 6.550%, 3/01/12 
                (Pre-refunded to 3/01/01)                                           Aaa       3/01 at 102       1,636,860
   2,850,000   Anthony Wayne Local School District, Lucas, Wood and Fulton
                Counties, Ohio, School Facilities Construction and 
                Improvement Bonds, 5.750%, 12/01/24                                 Aaa      12/05 at 101       2,785,505
   1,000,000   Archbold Area Local School District, General Obligation Bonds
                (Unlimited Tax), Series 1996, 6.000%, 12/01/21                      Aaa      11/06 at 102       1,012,450
   1,000,000   Aurora City School District, Ohio, General Obligation
                (Unlimited Tax) School Improvement Bonds, Series 1995, 
                5.800%, 12/01/16                                                    Aaa      12/05 at 102         998,120
   1,000,000   Board of Education, Beavercreek Local School District, County
                of Greene, Ohio, School Improvement Bonds, Series 1996 
                (Unlimited Tax General Obligation), 6.600%, 12/01/15                Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,109,880 
   1,415,000   City of Bedford, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Refunding Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1990 (The Community Hospital of Bedford, Inc.), 
                8.500%, 5/15/09 (Pre-refunded to 5/15/00)                           N/R       5/00 at 102       1,599,870
               City of Bellefontaine, Sewer System First Mortgage Revenue           
                Refunding and Improvement Bonds (Bank Qualified): 
   1,000,000    6.800%, 12/01/07                                                   Baa1      12/02 at 101       1,057,500
   1,000,000    6.900%, 12/01/11                                                   Baa1      12/02 at 101       1,057,890
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                           NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                          AUGUST 31, 1996


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET    
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>    
$  2,500,000   Buckeye Valley Local School District, Ohio, General Obligation
                (Unlimited Tax) Bonds, School Improvement Bonds, 
                Series 1995A, 6.850%, 12/01/15                                      Aaa      No Opt. Call    $  2,847,450
   1,250,000   County of Butler, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Revenue Refunding
                and Improvement Bonds, Series 1991 (Fort Hamilton-Hughes
                Memorial Hospital Center), 7.500%, 1/10/10                          Baa       1/02 at 102       1,323,100
   1,000,000   County of Butler, Ohio, Sewer System Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1996, 5.250%, 12/01/21                                       Aaa      12/06 at 101         930,590
   1,000,000   Canal Winchester Local School District, Franklin and Fairfield
                Counties, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds (Unlimited Tax),
                For School Facilities Construction and Improvement,
                7.100%, 12/01/13 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/01)                         Aaa      12/01 at 102       1,124,390
   1,000,000   Clermont County, Ohio, Road Improvement Bonds, Series 1990,
                7.125%, 9/01/11 (Pre-refunded to 9/01/00)                           Aaa       9/00 at 102       1,106,670
   2,000,000   County of Clermont, Ohio, Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series
                1990, Clermont County Sewer District, 7.375%, 12/01/20
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/00)                                          Aaa      12/00 at 102       2,242,040
   1,000,000   County of Clermont, Ohio, Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series
                1991, Clermont County Sewer District, 7.100%, 12/01/21
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/01)                                          Aaa      12/01 at 102       1,124,390
   1,000,000   County of Clermont, Ohio, Waterworks System Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1991, Clermont County Sewer District,
                6.625%, 12/01/13 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/01)                         Aaa      12/01 at 102       1,103,030
   2,000,000   Board of Education of the Cleveland City School District, Ohio,
                General Obligation Unlimited Tax Bonds, Library
                Improvement Bonds, Series 1992A, 5.875%, 12/01/11                   Aaa      12/02 at 102       2,019,300
   1,500,000   City of Cleveland, Ohio, Public Power System First Mortgage
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 7.000%, 11/15/24                       Aaa      11/04 at 102       1,684,650
     990,000   City of Cleveland, Ohio, Waterworks Improvement First
                Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series F, 1992B,
                6.500%, 1/01/11                                                     Aaa       1/02 at 102       1,044,430
   1,750,000   City of Cleveland, Ohio, Waterworks Improvement First
                Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series F, 1992A, 6.500%, 1/01/21
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/02)                                           Aaa       1/02 at 102       1,921,273
   1,000,000   City of Cleveland, Waterworks Revenue Refunding and
                Improvement Bonds, First Mortgage, Series 1996-H,
                5.750%, 1/01/21                                                     Aaa       1/06 at 102         977,500
      10,000   City of Cleveland, Ohio, First Mortgage Revenue Refunding
                Bonds, Series F, 1992-B, 6.500%, 1/01/11
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/02)                                           Aaa       1/02 at 102          10,979
   1,000,000   Coldwater Exempted Village School District, Mercer County,
                Ohio, General Obligation Bonds, 7.00%, 12/01/13
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/99)                                          Aaa      12/99 at 102       1,092,970
   1,500,000   City of Columbus, Ohio, General Obligation Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1992B, 6.500%, 1/01/10                                       Aaa       1/02 at 102       1,607,085
   2,050,000   City of Columbus, Ohio, Various Purpose Unlimited Tax Bonds,
                Series 1993-1, 5.250%, 9/15/18                                      Aaa       9/03 at 102       1,946,065
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>

                                      53
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN OHIO TAX-FREE VALUE FUND CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET    
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>    
$  1,500,000   County of Cuyahoga, Ohio, General Obligation (Unlimited Tax)
                Various Purpose Improvement and Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1991, 7.000%, 10/01/13
                (Pre-refunded to 10/01/01)                                          N/R      10/01 at 102    $  1,675,545
   1,000,000   County of Cuyahoga, Ohio, General Obligation Various Purpose
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1993B (Limited Tax Obligation),
                5.250%, 10/01/13                                                     Aa      No Opt. Call         963,370
   1,000,000   County of Cuyahoga, Ohio, General Obligation (Limited Tax)
                Various Purpose Improvement Bonds, Series 1995,
                5.250%, 11/15/15                                                     Aa      11/05 at 102         956,210
   1,250,000   Conversion and Remarketing of the County of Cuyahoga, Ohio,
                Hospital Improvement Revenue Bonds (Deaconess Hospital of
                Cleveland Project), Series 1995B, 7.450%, 10/01/18
                (Pre-refunded to 10/01/00)                                           A1      10/00 at 103       1,410,650
   2,750,000   County of Cuyahoga, Ohio, Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series
                1990 (Meridia Health System), 7.250%, 8/15/19                        A1       8/00 at 102       2,953,720
   2,000,000   City of Dayton, Ohio, Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series
                1995 (James M. Cox Dayton International Airport),
                5.250%, 12/01/15                                                    Aaa      12/05 at 101       1,898,800
     750,000   City of Defiance, Ohio, Waterworks System Improvement Bonds,
                Series 1994, 6.200%, 12/01/20                                       Aaa      12/04 at 102         783,173
   1,110,000   City of Fairborn, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds, Utility
                Improvement Bonds, Series 1991, 7.000%, 10/01/11                    Aaa      10/02 at 102       1,243,189
   2,790,000   County of Franklin, Ohio, Refunding Bonds, Series 1993
                (Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds), 5.375%, 12/01/20            Aaa      12/08 at 102       2,647,850
   1,500,000   County of Franklin, Ohio, Health Care Facilities Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1993 (Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services),
                6.500%, 7/01/23                                                     N/R       7/03 at 102       1,391,370
      500,000  County of Franklin, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Improvement
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1990A (Riverside United Methodist
                Hospital Project), 7.250%, 5/15/20                                  Aaa       5/00 at 102         543,705
   1,350,000   County of Franklin, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds, 1991 Series A (Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services),
                8.750%, 7/01/21                                                     N/R       7/01 at 103       1,429,812
     695,000   County of Franklin, Ohio, Revenue Bonds, Series 1991 (OCLC
                Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated Project),
                7.000%, 8/01/16                                                     N/R       8/00 at 102         711,152
   1,575,000   County of Franklin, Ohio, Hospital Refunding and Improvement
                Revenue Bonds, 1996 Series A (The Children's Hospital
                Project), 5.750%, 11/01/15                                           Aa      11/06 at 101       1,543,516
   2,000,000   County of Franklin, Ohio, Hospital Revenue Bonds, Holy Cross
                Health Systems Corporation, Series 1996, 5.875%, 6/01/21             Aa       6/06 at 102       1,946,420
   1,000,000   County of Franklin, Ohio, Revenue Bonds, Series 1991 (OCLC
                Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated Project),
                7.200%, 7/15/06                                                     N/R       7/01 at 100       1,064,070
     250,000   City of Fremont, Ohio, Sewerage System Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1987, 8.100%, 12/01/07
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/97)                                          A-       12/97 at 102         266,618
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>

                                      54
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                            NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                           AUGUST 31, 1996
 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET    
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>    
 
$  1,000,000   Board of Education, Gahanna-Jefferson City School District,
                Franklin County, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds, Series
                1990 A, 7.125%, 12/01/14 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/00)                  A1      12/00 at 102    $  1,109,420
   1,000,000   City of Garfield Heights, Ohio, General Obligation (Limited
                Tax) Various Purpose Improvement Bonds, 5.600%, 11/01/16            Aaa      11/06 at 102         974,570
   3,000,000   City of Garfield Heights, Ohio, Hospital Improvement and
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1992B (Marymount
                Hospital Project), 6.650%, 11/15/11                                   A      11/02 at 102       3,111,810
   1,000,000   County of Geauga, Ohio, General Obligation (Limited Tax)
                Sewer District Improvement Bonds (Bainbridge Water Project),
                5.625%, 12/01/15                                                     Aa      12/05 at 102         976,370
               Grandview Heights City School District, Franklin County, Ohio,
                School Facilities Construction and Improvement Bonds
                (General Obligation-Unlimited Tax):
   2,000,000    6.100%, 12/01/19                                                     AA      12/05 at 101       2,034,080
   1,520,000    5.550%, 12/01/19                                                     AA      No Opt. Call       1,483,991
     250,000   City of Grandview Heights, Franklin County, Ohio, Library
                Building Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Board of Trustees of the
                Grandview Heights Public Library-Lessee), 8.250%, 12/01/07
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/97)                                          N/R      12/97 at 102         267,260
   1,600,000   County of Greene, Ohio, Water System Revenue Bonds, Series
                1996, 6.125%, 12/01/21                                              Aaa      12/07 at 102       1,642,240
   1,000,000   City of Greenville, Ohio (Dark County), Wastewater System First
                Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 1992 (Governmental
                Enterprise Revenue Bonds), 6.350%, 12/01/17                         Aaa      10/02 at 102       1,056,690
   1,495,000   County of Hamilton, Ohio, Judson Care Center Nursing Home
                and Board and Care Project (FHA Insured Mortgage),
                7.800%, 8/01/19                                                      A+   8/00 at 101 1/4       1,586,614
     400,000   City of Hubbard, Ohio, Municipal Center Bond, Anticipation
                Notes, Series 1987, 8.800%, 11/15/17                                N/R       5/98 at 102         430,080
   1,700,000   Indian Lake Local School District Logan and Auglaize Counties,
                Ohio, School Facilities Construction and Improvement Bonds,
                (General Obligation-Unlimited Tax), 5.375%, 12/01/23                Aaa      12/06 at 101       1,611,498
   1,000,000   Indian Valley Local School District, Ohio, General Obligation
                (Unlimited Tax) School Improvement Bonds, Series 1995,
                5.750%, 12/01/19                                                    Aaa      12/05 at 102         979,190
   1,000,000   Kent State University (A State University of Ohio), General
                Receipts Bonds, Series 1992, 6.500%, 5/01/22                        Aaa       5/02 at 102       1,071,610
   2,630,000   Kings Local School District, General Obligation (Unlimited Tax)
                School Improvement Bonds, Series 1995, 5.500%, 12/01/21             Aaa      12/05 at 100       2,534,242
     500,000   Kirtland Local School District, Ohio, School Improvement
                Bonds, Series 1989 General Obligation Unlimited Tax Bonds,
                7.500%, 12/01/09                                                     A1      12/99 at 102         544,535
   1,500,000   City of Lakewood, Ohio, Various Purpose General Obligation 
                Bonds, Series 1992 (Limited Tax Obligation),
                6.500%, 12/01/12                                                     Aa      12/02 at 102       1,630,020
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    
</TABLE>

                                      55
<PAGE>
 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)


NUVEEN OHIO TAX-FREE VALUE FUNDCONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                       RAT-            OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                      INGS*        PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                              <C>          <C>             <C> 
$  1,000,000   Lakota Local School District, County of Butler, Ohio, School
                Improvement Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds,
                Series 1994, 6.125%, 12/01/17                                       Aaa      12/05 at 100    $  1,029,040
   1,500,000   City of Lorain, Ohio, Hospital Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series
                1992 (Lakeland Community Hospital, Inc.), 6.500%, 11/15/12           A1      11/02 at 102       1,530,840
     500,000   City of Lorain, Ohio, Sewer System Mortgage Revenue
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1988, 8.750%, 4/01/11                     BBB-        4/98 at 102         542,710
   1,000,000   County of Lucas, Ohio, General Obligation (Limited Tax)
                Various Purpose Improvement Bonds, Series 1992,
                6.650%, 12/01/12                                                      A      12/02 at 102       1,028,930
   1,000,000   County of Lucas, Ohio, General Obligation (Limited Tax)
                Various Purpose Improvement Bonds, Series 1995-1,
                5.400%, 12/01/15                                                    Aaa      12/05 at 102         971,370
   1,000,000   County of Mahoning, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds, Various
                Purpose Improvement Bonds, Series 1989, Limited Tax,
                7.200%, 12/01/09                                                    Aaa      12/99 at 102       1,091,850
   2,000,000   County of Mahoning, Ohio, Hospital Improvement and
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1986 (St. Elizabeth Hospital
                Medical Center Project), 7.375%, 12/01/09                            A1       6/98 at 100       2,043,000
   2,355,000   County of Mahoning, Ohio, Hospital Improvement Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1991 (YHA, Inc. Project), Series 1991A,
                7.000%, 10/15/14                                                    Aaa      10/00 at 102       2,537,089
   1,000,000   County of Marion, Ohio, Health Care Facilities Refunding and
                Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 (United Church
                Homes, Inc. Project), 6.375%, 11/15/10                            BBB-       11/03 at 102         976,010
   1,150,000   County of Marion, Ohio, Health Care Facilities Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1990 (United Church Home, Inc.), 8.875%, 12/01/12
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/99)                                          N/R      12/99 at 103       1,320,821
     750,000   County of Marion, Ohio, Health Care Facilities Refunding and
                Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 (United Church
                Homes, Inc. Project), 6.300%, 11/15/15                            BBB-      11/03 at 102         711,023
   1,000,000   The Board of Education of the Marysville Exempted Village
                School District, Union County, Ohio, School Improvement
                Bonds, General Obligation (Unlimited Taxes),
                7.200%, 12/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/00)                         Aaa      12/00 at 102       1,114,340
   1,250,000   City of Marysville, Ohio, Water System Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1991, 7.050%, 12/01/21                                Aaa      12/01 at 101       1,392,838
   1,000,000   Board of Education of the Mentor Exempted Village School
                District, Ohio, Improvement Bonds, Series 1989 (General
                Obligation Bonds), 7.400%, 12/01/11
                (Pre-refunded to 12/01/02)                                          Aaa      12/02 at 100       1,104,950
   1,500,000   County of Montgomery, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Revenue
                Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 1996 (Kettering
                Medical Center), 5.625%, 4/01/16                                    Aaa       4/06 at 102       1,466,850
   1,000,000   County of Montgomery, Ohio, Water Revenue Bonds, Greater
                Moraine-Beavercreek Sewer District Series 1992,
                6.250% 11/15/17                                                     Aaa      11/02 at 102       1,043,210
 
</TABLE>
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>
$  3,000,000   City of Mount Vernon, Ohio, Hospital Refunding Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1986A (Knox  Community Hospital),
                7.875%, 6/01/12                                                     N/R      12/96 at 103    $  3,092,430
   2,245,000   City of Napoleon, Ohio, Health Care Facilities Mortgage
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1994 (The Lutheran
                Orphans' and Old Folks' Home Society at Napoleon, Ohio,
                Inc.-FHA Insured Project), 6.875%, 8/01/23                           Aa       9/04 at 102       2,386,817
   1,000,000   City of North Olmsted, Ohio, General Obligation (Limited Tax)
                Various Purpose Bonds, Series 1992, 6.250%, 12/15/12                Aaa      12/02 at 102       1,051,680
   1,000,000   City of Parma, Ohio, Various Purpose General Obligation Bonds,
                Series 1990 (Limited Tax Obligation), 7.600%, 12/01/11                A      12/00 at 102       1,127,540
   1,750,000   Pickerington Local School District, Fairfield and Franklin
                Counties, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds (Pickerington
                Public Library Project) (Unlimited Tax), 6.750%, 12/01/16             A      12/01 at 102       1,843,380
   1,000,000   Revere Local School District, Ohio, School Improvement Bonds,
                Series 1993 (General Obligation Unlimited Tax Bonds),
                6.000%, 12/01/16                                                    Aaa      12/03 at 102       1,012,990
   1,500,000   Reynoldsburg City School District, Franklin, Fairfield and
                Licking Counties, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds (Unlimited
                Tax) For School Building Construction and Improvement,
                6.550%, 12/01/17                                                    Aaa      12/02 at 102       1,621,410
   1,200,000   Ridgemont Local School District, Ohio, General Obligation
                (Unlimited Tax) School Improvement Bonds, Series 1992,
                7.250%, 12/01/14                                                    N/R      12/02 at 102       1,305,156
     735,000   City of Salem, Ohio, Sewer System Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1987, 7.500%, 11/01/11 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/96)            N/R      11/96 at 102         753,963
   1,000,000   The Board of Education of the Springfield City School District,
                Clark County, Ohio, School Improvement Bonds, General
                Obligation (Unlimited Tax), 6.600%, 12/01/12                        Aaa      12/01 at 102       1,087,720
   2,340,000   City of Stow, Ohio, Safety Center Construction Bonds (General
                Obligation Limited Tax), 6.200%, 12/01/20                            A1      12/05 at 102       2,386,261
   3,080,000   Sylvania City School District, Ohio, General Obligation
                (Unlimited Tax) School Improvement Bonds, Series 1995,
                5.750%, 12/01/22                                                    Aaa      12/05 at 101       3,012,363
   1,070,000   County of Trumbull, Ohio, Correctional Facilities Bonds, Series
                1995 (General Obligation Limited Tax), 7.000%, 12/01/04             Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,214,311
   1,000,000   County of Trumbull, Ohio, Hospital Refunding and
                Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1991 (Trumbell Memorial
                Hospital Project), Series 1991B, 6.900%, 11/15/12                   Aaa      11/01 at 102       1,103,730
     750,000   County of Tuscarawas, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1993A (Union Hospital Project), 6.500%, 10/01/21             Baa      10/03 at 102         710,385
   1,000,000   University of Cincinnati, Ohio General Receipts Bonds, Series I,
                7.300%, 6/01/09 (Pre-refunded to 6/01/99)                           AA-       6/99 at 100       1,073,650
   1,000,000   University of Cincinnati, General Receipts Bonds, Series O,
                6.300%, 6/01/12                                                     AA-      12/02 at 102       1,047,330
   1,000,000   University of Cincinnati, General Receipts Bonds, Series V,
                5.500%, 6/01/15                                                     AA-       6/05 at 101         974,240
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      57
<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited) 

NUVEEN OHIO TAX-FREE VALUE FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>  
$  1,500,000   The University of Toledo (A State University of Ohio) General
                Receipts Bonds, Series 1994, 5.350%, 6/01/25                        Aaa       6/04 at 102    $  1,406,954
   1,950,000   County of Warren, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Improvement and
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1991 (Otterbein Home
                Project), 7.200%, 7/01/11                                           Aa1       7/01 at 102       2,093,480
     250,000   City of Warren, Ohio, General Obligation Limited Tax, Various
                Purpose Improvement Bonds, 8.625%, 11/15/13
                (Pre-refunded to 11/15/98)                                         BBB+      11/98 at 102         277,270
   1,500,000   City of Warren, Ohio, General Obligation (Limited Tax)
                Sewerage System Improvement Bonds, Series 1990,
                7.750%, 11/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/00)                        BBB+      11/00 at 102       1,708,544
   1,750,000   City of Washington, Ohio, Water System Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1993, 5.375%, 12/01/19                                Aaa      12/03 at 101       1,633,344
     750,000   West Geauga Local School District, Ohio, School Improvement
                Bonds, Series 1994 (General Obligation Unlimited Tax),
                5.950%, 11/01/12                                                    Aaa      11/04 at 102         767,677
     500,000   Wooster City School District, Wayne County, Ohio, General
                Obligation Bonds (Unlimited Tax) For School Building
                Construction and Improvement, 6.500%, 12/01/17                      Aaa      12/02 at 102         538,599
   3,000,000   Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Bonds,
                Series X, 5.500%, 7/01/25                                            A-       7/05 at 100       2,797,140
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
$170,805,000   Total Investments - (cost $169,211,038) -- 98.6%                                               177,383,921
============-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Other Assets Less  Liabilities -- 1.4%                                                           2,505,087
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                            $179,889,008
========================================================================================================================= 
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                      NUMBER OF            MARKET          MARKET
               STANDARD & POOR'S                    MOODY'S          SECURITIES             VALUE         PERCENT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>            <C>                    <C>                            <C>             <C>                  <C>  
SUMMARY OF                   AAA                        Aaa                  69      $103,052,144            58%
RATINGS*            AA+, AA, AA-          Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3                  17        24,648,467            14
PORTFOLIO OF                  A+                         A1                   8        13,565,040             8
INVESTMENTS:               A, A-                  A, A2, A3                   7        10,605,154             6
                 BBB+, BBB, BBB-      Baa1, Baa, Baa2, Baa3                  11        10,203,762             6
                       Non-rated                  Non-rated                  13        15,309,354             8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
TOTAL                                                                       125      $177,383,921           100%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
N/R -- Investment is not rated.
** Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices at later dates.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      58
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS                                                       NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
(Unaudited)                                                                                                  AUGUST 31, 1996

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        CA           CA INS           MA           MA INS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C> 
 ASSETS
 Investments in municipal securities, at market value (note 1)     $236,539,342   $216,928,610   $ 78,991,293   $ 62,318,985
 Temporary investments in short-term municipal securities,
    at amortized cost (note 1)                                        2,200,000        600,000        700,000      1,100,000
 Cash                                                                   214,914        272,613        295,680        169,227
 Receivables:
    Interest                                                          3,781,216      3,539,873      1,171,926      1,005,662
    Shares sold                                                         333,691        249,667         45,367         29,670
    Investments sold                                                     46,200             --             --             --
 Other assets                                                             6,826          4,621          3,844          1,133
                                                                   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
     Total assets                                                   243,122,189    221,595,384     81,208,110     64,624,677
                                                                   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
 LIABILITIES
 Payables:
    Investments purchased                                            14,264,059             --             --             --
    Shares reacquired                                                        --         87,215             --             --
 Accrued expenses:
    Management fees (note 6)                                            106,156        102,940         38,088         30,405
    Other                                                                92,252         82,165         48,463         25,346
 Dividends payable                                                      622,673        556,425        252,764        198,275
                                                                   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
     Total liabilities                                               15,085,140        828,745        339,315        254,026
                                                                   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
 Net assets (note 7)                                               $228,037,049   $220,766,639   $ 80,868,795   $ 64,370,651
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Class A Shares (note 1)
 Net assets                                                        $ 16,952,703   $ 22,728,330   $  5,575,913   $  6,368,939
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Shares outstanding                                                   1,637,398      2,164,059        570,888        621,514
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Net asset value and redemption price per share                    $      10.35   $      10.50   $       9.77   $      10.25
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Offering price per share (net asset value per share plus
    maximum sales charge of 4.50% of offering price)               $      10.84   $      10.99   $      10.23   $      10.73
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Class C Shares (note 1)
 Net assets                                                        $    722,815   $    936,247   $    786,508   $    846,620
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Shares outstanding                                                      69,816         89,887         80,957         82,846
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share          $      10.35   $      10.42   $       9.72   $      10.22
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Class R Shares (note 1)
 Net assets                                                        $210,361,531   $197,102,062   $ 74,506,374   $ 57,155,092
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Shares outstanding                                                  20,274,353     18,808,742      7,650,711      5,576,842
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
 Net asset value and redemption price per share                    $      10.38   $      10.48   $       9.74   $      10.25
                                                                   ============   ============   ============   ============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statement.


                                      59
<PAGE>
 
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       NA            NY INS            OH
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>             <C> 
 ASSETS
 Investments in municipal securities, at market value (note 1)    $173,498,824    $356,439,152    $177,383,921
 Temporary investments in short-term municipal securities,
   at amortized cost (note 1)                                          700,000              --              --
 Cash                                                                   36,638              --          42,012
 Receivables:
   Interest                                                          2,310,278       4,188,767       2,854,224
   Shares sold                                                          16,470          85,391         189,025
   Investments sold                                                     60,000              --         150,000
 Other assets                                                            2,605          15,268           2,989
                                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total assets                                                  176,624,815     360,728,578     180,622,171
                                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------ 
 LIABILITIES
 Payables:
   Investments purchased                                             3,993,255              --              --
   Shares reacquired                                                        --          52,000           1,668
 Accrued expenses:
   Management fees (note 6)                                             80,313         165,674          84,464
   Other                                                                79,518         454,205          98,451
 Dividends payable                                                     549,768       1,082,456         548,580
                                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total liabilities                                               4,702,854       1,754,335         733,163
                                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------
 Net assets (note 7)                                              $171,921,961    $358,974,242    $179,889,008
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
 Class A Shares (note 1)
 Net assets                                                       $ 18,941,870    $ 30,575,497    $ 16,654,039
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
 Shares outstanding                                                  1,826,771       2,960,137       1,611,111
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
 Net asset value and redemption price per share                   $      10.37    $      10.33    $      10.34
                                                                  ============    ============    ============ 
 Offering price per share (net asset value per share plus
   maximum sales charge of 4.50% of offering price)               $      10.86    $      10.82    $      10.83
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
 Class C Shares (note 1)
 Net assets                                                       $    711,060    $  2,240,716    $  2,447,945
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
 Shares outstanding                                                     68,396         216,952         237,837
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
 Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share         $      10.40    $      10.33    $      10.29

 Class R Shares (note 1)
 Net assets                                                       $152,269,031    $326,158,029    $160,787,024
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
 Shares outstanding                                                 14,646,005      31,587,612      15,573,722
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
 Net asset value and redemption price per share                   $      10.40    $      10.33    $      10.32
                                                                  ============    ============    ============
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      60
<PAGE>
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS           NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
Six months ended August 31, 1996                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
(Unaudited)


                                 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               CA            CA INS        MA            MA INS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
 Tax-exempt interest income (note 1)                           $ 6,959,313   $ 6,570,683   $ 2,512,746   $ 1,948,144
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 Expenses:
  Management fees (note 6)                                         617,847       598,926       222,848       177,953
  12b-1 service fees - Class A (note 1)                             18,000        23,962         6,250         7,217
  12b-1 distribution and service fees - Class C (note 1)             3,606         4,733         3,522         4,024
  Shareholders' servicing agent fees and expenses                   76,263        71,077        34,558        29,425
  Custodian's fees and expenses                                     39,385        31,681        20,754        20,204
  Directors' fees and expenses (note 6)                              2,553         2,265         1,295         1,866
  Professional fees                                                 10,268         7,459         7,961         5,922
  Shareholders' reports - printing and mailing expenses             43,454        34,282        15,038         8,676
  Federal and state registration fees                                1,206         1,763         2,322         2,390
  Portfolio insurance expense                                            -        12,074             -         2,458
  Other expenses                                                     7,461         6,742         3,305         2,733
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
   Total expenses before expense reimbursement                     820,043       794,964       317,853       262,868
  Expense reimbursement from investment adviser (note 6)                 -             -        (4,365)            -
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
   Net expenses                                                    820,043       794,964       313,488       262,868
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
    Net investment income                                        6,139,270     5,775,719     2,199,258     1,685,276
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------

 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
 FROM INVESTMENTS
 Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions, net
  of taxes, if applicable (notes 1 and 4)                         (826,085)     (671,021)      (94,972)            -
 Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
  of investments                                                (4,146,759)   (4,844,258)   (1,379,754)   (1,573,160)
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
   Net gain (loss) from investments                             (4,972,844)   (5,515,279)   (1,474,726)   (1,573,160)
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations         $ 1,166,426   $   260,440   $   724,532   $   112,116
                                                               ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                       61
<PAGE>
 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six months ended August 31, 1996
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                 NY          NY INS          OH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>           <C>
 INVESTMENT INCOME
 Tax-exempt interest income (note 1)                        $ 5,322,665   $10,718,430   $ 5,507,819
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------
 Expenses:
  Management fees (note 6)                                      465,528       971,392       492,498
  12b-1 service fees - Class A (note 1)                          21,875        34,690        18,607
  12b-1 distribution and service fees - Class C (note 1)          3,248         8,245        11,898
  Shareholders' servicing agent fees and expenses                67,740       141,583        76,701
  Custodian's fees and expenses                                  26,662        37,866        27,125
  Directors' fees and expenses (note 6)                           1,139         4,579         2,362
  Professional fees                                               9,599        16,324         7,782
  Shareholders' reports - printing and mailing expenses          28,141        42,988        36,741
  Federal and state registration fees                             1,187         4,037         2,373
  Portfolio insurance expenses                                       --         5,627            --
  Other expenses                                                  4,759        11,481         6,372
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------
   Total expenses before expense reimbursement                  629,878     1,278,812       682,459
  Expense reimbursement from investment adviser (note 6)             --            --            --
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------
   Net expenses                                                 629,878     1,278,812       682,459
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------
    Net investment income                                     4,692,787     9,439,618     4,825,360
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------

 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS
 Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions,
  net of taxes, if applicable (notes 1 and 4)                  (721,907)   (1,574,234)       20,631
 Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
  of investments                                             (3,219,365)   (8,205,201)   (4,467,205)
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------
    Net gain (loss) from investments                         (3,941,272)   (9,779,435)   (4,446,574)
                                                            -----------   -----------   -----------
 Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations      $   751,515   $  (339,817)  $   378,786
                                                            ===========   ===========   ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      62
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS                                        NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
(Unaudited)                                                                                              AUGUST 31, 1996  


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         CA                            CA INS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Six months      Year ended      Six months     Year ended
                                                             ended 8/31/96     2/29/96      ended 8/31/96      2/29/96
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>  
 OPERATIONS
 Net investment income                                       $  6,139,270    $ 12,198,392    $  5,775,719   $ 11,206,229
 Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions,                                      
  net of taxes, if applicable (notes 1 and 4)                    (826,085)      1,855,177        (671,021)       764,418
 Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
  of investments                                               (4,146,759)      8,120,195      (4,844,258)     9,456,488
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations         1,166,426      22,173,764         260,440     21,427,135
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
 DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS (note 1)
 From undistributed net investment income:
  Class A                                                        (364,074)       (388,705)       (471,545)      (496,274)
  Class C                                                         (15,454)        (18,278)        (20,197)       (28,991)
  Class R                                                      (5,720,552)    (11,713,501)     (5,233,063)   (10,613,497)
 From accumulated net realized gains from investment
  transactions:
  Class A                                                              --              --              --             --
  Class C                                                              --              --              --             --
  Class R                                                              --              --              --             --
 In excess of net realized gains from investment
  transactions:
  Class A                                                              --              --              --             --
  Class C                                                              --              --              --             --
  Class R                                                              --              --              --             --
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
   Decrease in net assets from distributions
    to shareholders                                            (6,100,080)    (12,120,484)     (5,724,805)   (11,138,762)
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
 FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (note 2)
 Net proceeds from sale of shares:
  Class A                                                       4,812,782       9,631,213       7,698,910     12,814,061
  Class C                                                          97,358         518,671         166,268        927,664
  Class R                                                       6,039,676      22,522,458       5,219,652     12,331,198
 Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to
  reinvestment of distributions:
  Class A                                                         190,739         173,826         229,709        248,069
  Class C                                                          11,681          13,296          13,135         16,740
  Class R                                                       3,470,107       7,264,916       3,097,777      6,444,797
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
                                                               14,622,343      40,124,380      16,425,451     32,782,529
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
 Cost of shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                        (491,156)       (567,970)     (2,065,732)    (1,021,240)
  Class C                                                         (55,241)        (64,962)       (257,252)      (167,154)
  Class R                                                     (10,888,532)    (31,186,974)    (11,803,950)   (21,853,091)
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
                                                              (11,434,929)    (31,819,906)    (14,126,934)   (23,041,485)
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from Fund
   share transactions                                           3,187,414       8,304,474       2,298,517      9,741,044
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets                        (1,746,240)     18,357,754      (3,165,848)    20,029,417
 Net assets at the beginning of period                        229,783,289     211,425,535     223,932,487    203,903,070
                                                             ------------    ------------    ------------   ------------
 Net assets at the end of period                             $228,037,049    $229,783,289    $220,766,639   $223,932,487
                                                             ============    ============    ============   ============
 Balance of undistributed net investment income at end
  of period                                                  $    182,145    $    142,955    $    185,061   $    134,147
                                                             ============    ============    ============   ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      63
<PAGE>
 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  MA                           MA INS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Six months      Year ended     Six months        Year ended
                                                                    ended 8/31/96       2/29/96    ended 8/31/96        2/29/96
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>            <C>              <C> 
 OPERATIONS
 Net investment income                                              $ 2,199,258     $ 4,246,614    $ 1,685,276      $ 3,277,512
 Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions,
  net of taxes, if applicable (notes 1 and 4)                           (94,972)       (217,900)            --           12,456
 Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
  of investments                                                     (1,379,754)      3,250,694     (1,573,160)       2,682,527
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
   Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations                724,532       7,279,408        112,116        5,972,495
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
 DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS (note 1)
 From undistributed net investment income:
  Class A                                                              (126,835)       (139,213)      (142,833)        (174,644)
  Class C                                                               (15,386)        (11,360)       (16,992)         (22,692)
  Class R                                                            (2,025,587)     (4,149,329)    (1,520,597)      (3,106,193)
 From accumulated net realized gains from investment
  transactions:
  Class A                                                                    --              --             --              --
  Class C                                                                    --              --             --              --
  Class R                                                                    --              --             --              --
 In excess of net realized gains from investment
  transactions:
  Class A                                                                    --              --             --              --
  Class C                                                                    --              --             --              --
  Class R                                                                    --              --             --              --
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
   Decrease in net assets from distributions
    to shareholders                                                  (2,167,808)     (4,299,902)    (1,680,422)      (3,303,529)
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
 FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (note 2)
 Net proceeds from sale of shares:
  Class A                                                             1,556,557       3,487,963      1,663,869        3,509,564
  Class C                                                               179,535         510,754        174,512          359,914
  Class R                                                             3,182,737       7,760,983      1,206,411        3,473,819
 Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to
  reinvestment of distributions:
  Class A                                                                76,235          75,540         82,370          104,279
  Class C                                                                11,954           7,603         15,948           20,520
  Class R                                                             1,436,227       2,962,447      1,086,452        2,184,979
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
                                                                      6,443,245      14,805,290      4,229,562        9,653,075
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
 Cost of shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                              (270,658)       (436,265)      (547,185)        (415,735)
  Class C                                                               (31,579)        (33,924)       (33,759)         (32,222)
  Class R                                                            (5,530,093)     (8,395,795)    (3,809,369)      (5,205,452)
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
                                                                     (5,832,330)     (8,865,984)    (4,390,313)      (5,653,409)
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from Fund
   share transactions                                                   610,915       5,939,306       (160,751)       3,999,666
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
   Net increase (decrease) in net assets                               (832,361)      8,918,812     (1,729,057)       6,668,632
 Net assets at the beginning of period                               81,701,156      72,782,344     66,099,708       59,431,076
                                                                    -----------     -----------    -----------      -----------
 Net assets at the end of period                                    $80,868,795     $81,701,156    $64,370,651      $66,099,708
                                                                    ===========     ===========    ===========      ===========
 Balance of undistributed net investment income at end of period    $    34,434     $     2,984    $     6,359      $     1,505
                                                                    ===========     ===========    ===========      ===========
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      64
<PAGE>
 

                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                  NY                             NY INS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                      Six months      Year ended       Six months       Year ended
                                                                    ended 8/31/96       2/29/96      ended 8/31/96        2/29/96
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>              <C>              <C>
 OPERATIONS
 Net investment income                                              $  4,692,787    $  8,950,610     $  9,439,618     $ 18,895,145
 Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions,
  net of taxes, if applicable (notes 1 and 4)                           (721,907)      1,772,126      (1,574,234)          973,136
 Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
  of investments                                                      (3,219,365)      5,658,638      (8,205,201)       15,965,392
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations                  751,515      16,381,374        (339,817)       35,833,673
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
 DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS (note 1)
 From undistributed net investment income:
  Class A                                                               (456,680)       (551,771)       (687,359)         (834,291)
  Class C                                                                (14,532)        (18,002)        (36,184)          (36,998)
  Class R                                                             (4,219,235)     (8,358,840)     (8,713,530)      (18,227,897)
 From accumulated net realized gains from investment
  transactions:
  Class A                                                                      -               -               -           (51,671)
  Class C                                                                      -               -               -            (2,889)
  Class R                                                                      -               -               -          (861,604)
 In excess of net realized gains from investment
  transactions:
  Class A                                                                      -               -               -            (4,745)
  Class C                                                                      -               -               -              (265)
  Class R                                                                      -               -               -           (79,130)
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
   Decrease in net assets from distributions
    to shareholders                                                   (4,690,447)     (8,928,613)     (9,437,073)      (20,099,490)
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
 FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (note 2)
 Net proceeds from sale of shares:
  Class A                                                              4,427,064      13,070,637       8,494,901        18,519,780
  Class C                                                                179,090         556,433         908,424         1,180,461
  Class R                                                              5,941,538      12,367,225       6,408,212        13,478,031
 Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to
  reinvestment of distributions:
  Class A                                                                282,829         358,186         479,970           621,995
  Class C                                                                  9,422          12,262          27,564            23,992
  Class R                                                              3,035,446       6,297,279       6,181,745        14,466,972
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
                                                                      13,875,389      32,662,022      22,500,816        48,291,231
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
 Cost of shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                             (1,135,431)     (1,336,675)     (2,494,898)       (2,316,785)
  Class C                                                               (109,321)        (23,961)        (29,363)         (153,831)
  Class R                                                             (7,922,987)    (20,329,583)    (20,689,673)      (44,754,684)
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
                                                                      (9,167,739)    (21,690,219)    (23,213,934)      (47,225,300)
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from Fund
   share transactions                                                  4,707,650      10,971,803        (713,118)        1,065,931
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
   Net increase (decrease) in net assets                                 768,718      18,424,564     (10,490,008)       16,800,114
 Net assets at the beginning of period                               171,153,243     152,728,679     369,464,250       352,664,136
                                                                    ------------    ------------     -----------      ------------
 Net assets at the end of period                                    $171,921,961    $171,153,243    $358,974,242     $ 369,464,250
                                                                    ============    ============    ============     =============
 Balance of undistributed net investment income at end of period    $    129,158    $    126,818    $     61,993     $      59,448
                                                                    ============    ============    ============     =============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      65
<PAGE>
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            OH
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Six months       Year ended
                                                              ended 8/31/96       2/29/96
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                                         <C>               <C>
 OPERATIONS
 Net investment income                                       $  4,825,360      $  9,415,389
 Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions,
  net of taxes, if applicable (notes 1 and 4)                      20,631           730,235
 Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
  of investments                                               (4,467,205)        6,013,907
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
   Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations          378,786        16,159,531
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
 DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS (note 1)
 From undistributed net investment income:
  Class A                                                        (381,797)         (435,348)
  Class C                                                         (51,835)          (62,605)
  Class R                                                      (4,412,572)       (8,957,352)
 From accumulated net realized gains from investment
  transactions:
  Class A                                                              --                --
  Class C                                                              --                --
  Class R                                                              --                --
 In excess of net realized gains from investment
  transactions:
  Class A                                                              --                --
  Class C                                                              --                --
  Class R                                                              --                --

   Decrease in net assets from distributions                 ------------      ------------   
    to shareholders                                            (4,846,204)       (9,455,305)
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
 FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (note 2)
 Net proceeds from sale of shares:
  Class A                                                       4,778,935         8,850,862
  Class C                                                         600,657         1,260,641
  Class R                                                       3,222,271        10,592,955
 Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to
  reinvestment of distributions:
  Class A                                                         236,805           253,231
  Class C                                                          41,893            49,706
  Class R                                                       3,041,970         6,293,847
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
                                                               11,922,531        27,301,242
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
 Cost of shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                        (939,666)         (809,723)
  Class C                                                        (303,938)          (95,567)
  Class R                                                      (8,482,415)      (18,392,616)
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
                                                               (9,726,019)      (19,297,906)
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from Fund
   share transactions                                           2,196,512         8,003,336
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
   Net increase (decrease) in net assets                       (2,270,906)       14,707,562
 Net assets at the beginning of period                        182,159,914       167,452,352
                                                             ------------      ------------ 
 Net assets at the end of period                             $179,889,008      $182,159,914
                                                             ============      ============
 Balance of undistributed net investment income at end
  of period                                                  $     47,872      $     68,716
                                                             ============      ============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      66
<PAGE>

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
(Unaudited)                                                      AUGUST 31, 1996


1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

At August 31, 1996, the state Funds (the "Funds") covered in this report are
Nuveen California Tax-Free Fund, Inc. (comprising the Nuveen California and
California Insured Tax-Free Value Funds), Nuveen Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc.
(comprising the Nuveen Massachusetts, New York and Ohio Tax-Free Value Funds)
and Nuveen Insured Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc. (comprising the Nuveen Massachusetts
and New York Insured Tax-Free Value Funds).

Additional state Funds covering other states may be established in the future.
Each Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of municipal obligations
issued by state and local government authorities within its respective single
state.

The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as open-end,
diversified management investment companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Funds in the preparation of their financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.

Securities Valuation

Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available are
valued at the mean between the quoted bid and asked prices or the yield
equivalent. Portfolio securities for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value by consistent application of methods
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Temporary investments in
securities that have variable rate and demand features qualifying them as short-
term securities are traded and valued at amortized cost.

Securities Transactions

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and
losses from such transactions are determined on the specific identification
method. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis
may be settled a month or more after the transaction date. Any securities so
purchased are subject to market fluctuations during this period. The Funds have
instructed the custodian to segregate assets in a separate account with a
current value at least equal to the amount of its purchase commitments. At
August 31, 1996, there were purchase commitments in California Special and New
York Special of $14,264,059 and $3,993,255, respectively. There were no such
purchase commitments in any of the other Funds.

                                      67
<PAGE>

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Interest Income

Interest income is determined on the basis of interest accrued, adjusted for
amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on long-term debt securities
when required for federal income tax purposes.

Dividends and Distributions to shareholders

Tax-exempt net investment income is declared as a dividend monthly and payment
is made or reinvestment is credited to shareholder accounts after month-end. Net
realized capital gains and/or market discount from investment transactions are
distributed to shareholders not less frequently than annually. Furthermore,
capital gains are distributed only to the extent they exceed available capital
loss carryovers.

Income Taxes

Distributions to shareholders of tax-exempt net investment income, net realized
capital gains and/or market discount are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The
amount and timing of such distributions are determined in accordance with
federal income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted
accounting principles. Accordingly, temporary over-distributions as a result of
these differences may occur and will be classified as either distributions in
excess of net investment income, distributions in excess of net realized gains
and/or distributions in excess of ordinary taxable income from investment
transactions, where applicable.

Insurance

Each Fund is a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes and intends to
comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to
regulated investment companies by distributing to shareholders all of its tax-
exempt net investment income, in addition to any significant amounts of net
realized capital gains and/or market discount from investment transactions. The
Funds currently consider significant net realized capital gains and/or market
discount as amounts in excess of $.001 per share. Furthermore, each Fund intends
to satisfy conditions which will enable interest from municipal securities,
which is exempt from regular federal and designated state income taxes, to
retain such tax-exempt status when distributed to the shareholders of the
respective Funds.

The California Insured, Massachusetts Insured and New York Insured Tax-Free
Value Funds invest in municipal securities which are covered by insurance or
backed by an escrow or trust account containing sufficient U.S. Government or
U.S. Government agency securities, both of which ensure the timely payment of
principal and interest. Each insured municipal security is covered by Original
Issue Insurance, Secondary Market Insurance or Portfolio Insurance. Such
insurance does not guarantee the market value of the municipal securities or the
value of the Funds' shares. Original Issue Insurance and Secondary Market
Insurance remain in effect as long as the municipal securities covered thereby
remain outstanding and the insurer remains in

                                      68

<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


business, regardless of whether the Funds ultimately dispose of such municipal
securities. Consequently, the market value of the municipal securities covered
by Original Issue Insurance or Secondary Market Insurance may reflect value
attributable to the insurance. Portfolio Insurance is effective only while the
municipal securities are held by the Funds. Accordingly, neither the prices used
in determining the market value of the underlying municipal securities nor the
net asset value of the Funds' shares include value, if any, attributable to the
Portfolio Insurance. Each policy of the Portfolio Insurance does, however, give
the Funds the right to obtain permanent insurance with respect to the municipal
security covered by the Portfolio Insurance policy at the time of its sale.

Flexible sales Charge Program

Effective September 6, 1994, each Fund commenced offering Class "A" Shares and
Class "C" Shares. Class "A" Shares incur a front-end sales charge and an annual
12b-1 service fee. Class "C" Shares are sold without a sales charge but incur
annual 12b-1 distribution and service fees. An investor purchasing Class "C"
Shares agrees to pay a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC'') of 1% if Class
"C" Shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

Prior to the offering of Class "A" and Class "C" Shares, the shares outstanding
were renamed Class "R" and are not subject to any 12b-1 distribution or service
fees. Effective with the offering of the new classes, Class "R" Shares are
generally available only for reinvestment of dividends by current "R"
shareholders and for already established Nuveen Unit Investment Trust
reinvestment accounts.

Expense Allocation

Expenses of the Funds that are not directly attributable to a specific class of
shares are prorated among the classes based on the relative net assets of each
class. Expenses directly attributable to a class of shares are recorded to the
specific class.

Derivative Financial Instruments

In October 1994, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 119 Disclosure about Derivative
Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments which prescribes
disclosure requirements for transactions in certain derivative financial
instruments including futures, forward, swap, and option contracts, and other
financial instruments with similar characteristics. Although the Funds are
authorized to invest in such financial instruments, and may do so in the future,
they did not make any such investments during the six months ended August 31,
1996, other than occasional purchase of high quality synthetic money market
securities which were held temporarily pending the reinvestment in long-term
portfolio securities, if applicable.

                                      69

<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


                    2. FUND SHARES
                    Transactions in Fund shares were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                 CA                         CA INS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Six months      Year ended    Six months     Year ended
                                                     ended 8/31/96      2/29/96    ended 8/31/96     2/29/96
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                                 <C>              <C>          <C>             <C>
 Shares sold:
  Class A                                                464,799         927,895      733,978      1,211,972
  Class C                                                  9,390          50,026       15,777         89,705
  Class R                                                580,220       2,165,620      497,294      1,177,751
 Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment
  of distributions:
  Class A                                                 18,361          16,682       21,816         23,441
  Class C                                                  1,126           1,279        1,259          1,594
  Class R                                                333,274         700,563      294,697        614,344
                                                     -----------     -----------  -----------    ----------- 
                                                       1,407,170       3,862,065    1,564,821      3,118,807
                                                     -----------     -----------  -----------    ----------- 
 Shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                (47,325)        (54,537)    (194,933)       (95,872)
  Class C                                                 (5,378)         (6,378)     (24,615)       (15,721)
  Class R                                             (1,050,886)     (2,990,150)  (1,130,785)    (2,088,697)
                                                     -----------     -----------  -----------    ----------- 
                                                      (1,103,589)     (3,051,065)  (1,350,333)    (2,200,290)
                                                     -----------     -----------  -----------    ----------- 
 Net increase (decrease)                                 303,581         811,000      214,488        918,517
                                                     ===========     ===========  ===========    ===========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 MA                         MA INS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Six months      Year ended    Six months     Year ended
                                                     ended 8/31/96      2/29/96    ended 8/31/96     2/29/96
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Shares sold:
  Class A                                                159,489         356,285      163,097        339,891
  Class C                                                 18,480          51,779       17,150         34,914
  Class R                                                327,975         795,556      118,143        337,797
 Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment
  of distributions:
  Class A                                                  7,781           7,663        8,008         10,031
  Class C                                                  1,227             775        1,555          1,987
  Class R                                                146,996         303,251      105,572        211,766
                                                     -----------     -----------  -----------    ----------- 
                                                         661,948       1,515,309      413,525        936,386
                                                     -----------     -----------  -----------    ----------- 
 Shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                (27,819)        (44,057)     (53,729)       (40,197)
  Class C                                                 (3,275)         (3,523)      (3,314)        (3,095)
  Class R                                               (567,665)       (857,146)    (371,006)      (503,288)
                                                     -----------     -----------  -----------    ----------- 
                                                        (598,759)       (904,726)    (428,049)      (546,580)
                                                     -----------     -----------  -----------    ----------- 
 Net increase (decrease)                                  63,189         610,583      (14,524)       389,806
                                                     ===========     ===========  ===========    ===========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      70

<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                    NY                            NY INS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                       Six months       Year ended      Six months      Year ended
                                                      ended 8/31/96      2/29/96       ended 8/31/96      2/29/96
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>            <C>              <C>
 Shares sold:
  Class A                                                   426,261       1,261,309          823,705     1,778,309
  Class C                                                    17,304          53,367           88,040       113,081
  Class R                                                   570,480       1,182,028          619,746     1,291,786
 Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of
  distributions:
  Class A                                                    27,155          34,236           46,305        59,314
  Class C                                                       902           1,167            2,661         2,279
  Class R                                                   290,584         603,620          596,091     1,387,801
                                                          ---------       ---------        ---------     --------- 
                                                          1,332,686       3,135,727        2,176,548     4,632,570
                                                          ---------       ---------        ---------     --------- 
 Shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                  (109,684)       (127,601)        (242,315)     (220,550)
  Class C                                                   (10,537)         (2,280)          (2,838)      (14,453)
  Class R                                                  (764,056)     (1,956,584)      (2,002,524)   (4,307,682)
                                                          ---------       ---------        ---------     --------- 
                                                           (884,277)     (2,086,465)      (2,247,677)   (4,542,685)
                                                          ---------       ---------        ---------     --------- 
 Net increase (decrease)                                    448,409       1,049,262          (71,129)       89,885
                                                          =========       =========        =========     =========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                OH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Six months    Year ended
                                                   ended 8/31/96     2/29/96
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                <C>             <C>
 Shares sold:
  Class A                                                461,575      846,644
  Class C                                                 58,238      120,707
  Class R                                                312,443    1,015,491
 Shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment
  of distributions:
  Class A                                                 22,774       24,156
  Class C                                                  4,045        4,767
  Class R                                                292,801      604,197
                                                       ---------    ---------
                                                       1,151,876    2,615,962
                                                       ---------    ---------
 Shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                (91,022)     (76,763)
  Class C                                                (29,520)      (9,130)
  Class R                                               (820,324)  (1,765,109)
                                                       ---------    ---------
                                                        (940,866)  (1,851,002)
                                                       ---------    ---------
 Net increase (decrease)                                 211,010      764,960
                                                       =========    =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


3. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
On September 9, 1996, the Funds declared dividend distributions from their
tax-exempt net investment income which were paid on October 1, 1996, to
shareholders of record on September 9, 1996, as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------
                          CA    CA INS    MA    MA INS
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 Dividend per share:
  Class A               $.0450  $.0440  $.0420  $.0430
  Class C                .0385   .0370   .0360   .0365
  Class R                .0475   .0460   .0440   .0450
                        ======  ======  ======  ======
- --------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------
                          NY    NY INS    OH
- ------------------------------------------------
 Dividend per share:
  Class A               $.0460  $.0430  $.0450
  Class C                .0395   .0365   .0380
  Class R                .0485   .0450   .0470
                        ======  ======  ======
</TABLE>

4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales (including maturities) of investments in municipal
securities and temporary municipal investments for the six months ended August
31, 1996, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            CA         CA INS          MA       MA INS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
 PURCHASES
 Investments in municipal securities    $85,419,750  $59,283,685    $5,036,225   $ 955,210
 Temporary municipal investments         35,400,000   26,725,000     3,400,000   2,600,000

 SALES
 Investments in municipal securities     70,156,907   55,088,191     2,706,776     765,000
 Temporary municipal investments         33,600,000   34,025,000     5,300,000   3,000,000
                                        ===========   ==========     =========   =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            NY         NY INS          OH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PURCHASES
 Investments in municipal securities    $42,461,671  $56,269,623   $21,086,235
 Temporary municipal investments          7,200,000   24,800,000     9,700,000

 SALES
 Investments in municipal securities     30,401,456   49,566,336    19,049,220
 Temporary municipal investments         10,300,000   31,800,000    10,500,000
                                        ===========  ===========   ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      72
<PAGE>
 

                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


              At August 31, 1996, the identified cost of investments owned for
              federal income tax purposes was the same as the cost for financial
              reporting purposes for each Fund.

              At August 31, 1996, the Funds' last fiscal year end, the following
              Funds had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal
              income tax purposes to be applied against future capital gains, if
              any. If not applied, the carryovers will expire as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
                        CA          CA INS      MA       MA INS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
 Expiration year:
  1997               $       -     $      -   $      -  $ 59,693
  1999                       -            -          -    18,885
  2003                 765,306      341,931    275,030   172,689
  2004                       -            -    507,247    27,409
                     ---------     --------   --------  --------
   Total               765,306     $341,931   $782,277  $278,676
                     =========     ========   ========  ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------
                        OH
- ---------------------------------------
 Expiration year:
  1997               $       -
  1999                       -
  2003                       -
  2004                 237,140
                     ---------
   Total             $ 237,140
                     =========
- ---------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      73
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


5. UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION)
Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments
at August 31, 1996, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     CA            CA INS            MA            MA INS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
 Gross unrealized:
   Appreciation                 $  8,810,811    $  9,982,504    $  4,334,755    $  3,594,172
   Depreciation                     (843,975)       (507,478)       (209,900)       (216,815)
                                ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
 Net unrealized appreciation    $  7,966,836    $  9,475,026    $  4,124,855    $  3,377,357
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     NY            NY INS            OH
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Gross unrealized:
   Appreciation                 $  6,807,214    $ 18,582,374    $  8,663,051
   Depreciation                     (963,299)     (1,233,457)       (490,168)
                                ------------    ------------    ------------ 
 Net unrealized appreciation    $  5,843,915    $ 17,348,917    $  8,172,883
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

6. MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Under the Funds' investment management agreements with Nuveen Advisory Corp.
(the "Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of The John Nuveen Company, each Fund
pays to the Adviser an annual management fee, payable monthly, at the rates set
forth below which are based upon the average daily net asset value of each Fund:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------
 Average daily net asset value         Management fee
- ------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                   <C>
 For the first $125,000,000                .55 of 1%
 For the next $125,000,000               .5375 of 1
 For the next $250,000,000                .525 of 1
 For the next $500,000,000               .5125 of 1
 For the next $1,000,000,000                .5 of 1
 For net assets over $2,000,000,000       .475 of 1
- ------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The management fee is reduced by, or the Adviser assumes certain expenses of
each Fund, in an amount necessary to prevent the total expenses of each Fund
(including the management fee, but excluding interest, taxes, fees incurred in
acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities, 12b-1 Service and Distribution
fees, and to the extent permitted, extraordinary expenses) in any fiscal year
from exceeding .75 of 1% of the average daily net asset value of the California,
Massachusetts, New York and

                                      74

<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


Ohio Tax-Free Value Funds, .80 of 1% of the average daily net asset value of the
California Insured and New York Insured Tax-Free Value Funds, and .90 of 1% of
the average daily net asset value of the Massachusetts Insured Tax-Free Value
Fund.

The management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and
administrative services, and general office facilities. The Funds pay no
compensation directly to its directors who are affiliated with the Adviser or to
its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Funds
from the Adviser.

7. COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS
At August 31, 1996, each Fund had common stock authorized at $.01 par value per
share.  The composition of net assets as well as the number of authorized shares
were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                              CA           CA INS           MA            MA INS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
 Capital paid-in                                         $221,479,459   $212,119,504   $ 77,593,003    $ 61,265,611
 Balance of undistributed net investment income               182,145        185,061         34,434           6,359
 Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from investment
  transactions                                             (1,591,391)    (1,012,952)      (883,497)       (278,676)
 Distributions in excess of net realized gains from
  investment transactions                                          --             --             --              --
 Net unrealized appreciation of investments                 7,966,836      9,475,026      4,124,855       3,377,357
                                                         ------------   ------------   ------------    ------------
  Net assets                                             $228,037,049   $220,766,639   $ 80,868,795    $ 64,370,651
                                                         ============   ============   ============    ============
 Authorized shares:
  Class A                                                  40,000,000     40,000,000    200,000,000     200,000,000
  Class C                                                  45,000,000     45,000,000    260,000,000     240,000,000
  Class R                                                  40,000,000     40,000,000     40,000,000      60,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE> 


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               NY          NY INS          OH
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>    
 Capital paid-in                                         $166,021,360   $343,220,975   $171,884,762
 Balance of undistributed net investment income               129,158         61,993         47,872
 Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from investment
  transactions                                                (72,472)    (1,573,503)      (216,509)
 Distributions in excess of net realized gains from
  investment transactions                                          --        (84,140)            --
 Net unrealized appreciation of investments                 5,843,915     17,348,917      8,172,883
                                                         ------------   ------------   ------------
  Net assets                                             $171,921,961   $358,974,242   $179,889,008
                                                         ============   ============   ============
 Authorized shares:
  Class A                                                 200,000,000    200,000,000    200,000,000
  Class C                                                 220,000,000    200,000,000    220,000,000
  Class R                                                  80,000,000    100,000,000     80,000,000
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                      75


<PAGE>
 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


8. INVESTMENT COMPOSITION

Each Fund invests in municipal securities which include general obligation,
escrowed and revenue bonds. At August 31, 1996, the revenue sources by municipal
purpose for these investments, expressed as a percent of total investments, were
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                    CA   CA INS     MA   MA INS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                 <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>
 Revenue Bonds:
  Housing Facilities                                14%    10%      19%     2%
  Lease Rental Facilities                           14     16       --      --
  Health Care Facilities                            16     15       15      17
  Educational Facilities                            15      3       14      16
  Water/Sewer Facilities                             5      9        1       1
  Transportation                                     1      1        2       1
  Electric Utilities                                 8      6       --       3
  Pollution Control                                 --     --        2      --
  Other                                             16     19        1       1
 General Obligation Bonds                            1      4       22      39
 Escrowed Bonds                                     10     17       24      20
                                                   ---    ---      ---     ---
                                                   100%   100%     100%    100%
                                                   ===    ===      ===     ===
</TABLE> 




<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   NY    NY INS     OH
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>    <C>     <C>  
 Revenue Bonds:
  Housing Facilities                                23%    18%       4%
  Lease Rental Facilities                           19      4        1
  Health Care Facilities                             4      8       17
  Educational Facilities                            13     10        4
  Water/Sewer Facilities                             3     11        8
  Transportation                                     1     11        4
  Electric Utilities                                --      1        2
  Pollution Control                                  3      2        6
  Other                                              8      3        1
 General Obligation Bonds                           13     17       38
 Escrowed Bonds                                     13     15       15
                                                   ---    ---      ---
                                                   100%   100%     100%
                                                   ===    ===      ===
</TABLE>

                                      76
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


Certain long-term and intermediate-term investments owned by the Funds are
covered by insurance issued by several private insurers or are backed by an
escrow or trust containing U.S. Government or U.S. Government agency securities,
either of which ensure the timely payment of principal and interest in the event
of default (42% for California, 100% for California Insured, 43% for
Massachusetts, 100% for Massachusetts Insured, 22% for New York, 100% for New
York Insured and 60% for Ohio). Such insurance or escrow, however, does not
guarantee the market value of the municipal securities or the value of the
Funds' shares.

Certain temporary investments in short-term municipal securities have credit
enhancements (letters of credit, guarantees or insurance) issued by third party
domestic or foreign banks or other institutions (99% for California, 100% for
California Insured, 100% for Massachusetts, 100% for Massachusetts Insured, 100%
for New York, N/A for New York Insured and N/A for Ohio).

For additional information regarding each investment security, refer to the
Portfolio of Investments of each Fund.

9. OTHER MATTERS
The John Nuveen Company, parent of John Nuveen &Co. Incorporated and Nuveen
Advisory Corp., respectively the distributor and investment adviser of your
Fund, has entered into an agreement pursuant to which Nuveen will acquire
Flagship Resources Inc. and consolidate their respective mutual fund businesses.
This agreement is subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Flagship
funds. As part of the consolidation of Flagship into Nuveen, the Board of
Directors of the Nuveen Tax-Free Bond Fund has determined that it is in the best
interests of the Nuveen New York and Ohio Tax-Free Value Funds to be reorganized
and combined with Flagship's existing New York and Ohio funds after the Flagship
funds have become a part of the Nuveen Fund family. These combinations are
subject to the approval of the shareholders of both the affected Nuveen and
Flagship Funds at shareholder meetings scheduled for December, 1996.

                                      77
<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS
FOLLOWS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Operating performance            Less distributions
                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Net
                                                     realized and   Dividends from
                         Net asset          Net   unrealized gain       tax-exempt   Distributions      Net asset   Total return
                   value beginning   investment       (loss) from   net investment            from   value end of   on net asset
                         of period       income     investments**           income   capital gains         period         value+ 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CA
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>               <C>          <C>               <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>  
 CLASS A        
 Six months ended    
  8/31/96                 $ 10.580       $ .275           $ (.238)         $ (.267)        $   --        $ 10.350            .38% 
 Year ended                                                                                                              
  2/29/96                   10.100         .549++            .473            (.542)            --          10.580          10.36
 9/6/94 to                                                                                                               
  2/28/95                   10.210         .270++           (.031)           (.275)          (.074)        10.100           2.52
 CLASS C                                                                                                                 
 Six months ended                                                                                                        
  8/31/96                   10.580         .237             (.239)           (.228)            --          10.350            --
 Year ended                                                                                                              
  2/29/96                   10.100         .470++            .474            (.464)            --          10.580           9.53
 9/16/94 to                                                                                                              
  2/28/95                   10.040         .218++            .139            (.223)          (.074)        10.100           3.71
 CLASS R                                                                                                                 
 Six months ended                                                                                                        
  8/31/96                   10.600         .283             (.221)           (.282)            --          10.380            .62
 Year ended                                                                                                              
  2/29/96                   10.130         .575              .467            (.572)            --          10.600          10.54
 Year ended 2/28,                                                                                                        
  1995                      10.740         .582             (.531)           (.587)          (.074)        10.130            .78
  1994                      10.850         .598             (.054)           (.596)          (.058)        10.740           5.08
  1993                      10.140         .633              .707            (.626)          (.004)        10.850          13.66
 8 months ended                                                                                                          
  2/29/92                    9.920         .429              .218            (.427)            --          10.140           6.61
 Year ended 6/30,                                                                                                        
  1991                       9.790         .639              .133            (.642)            --           9.920           8.16
  1990                       9.850         .641             (.058)           (.643)            --           9.790           6.14
  1989                       9.240         .649++            .610            (.649)            --           9.850          14.12
  1988                       9.280         .647++           (.040)           (.647)            --           9.240           6.87
  1987+++                    9.600         .652++           (.320)           (.652)            --           9.280           3.28
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See notes on page 90.

                                       78

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                    NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                                   AUGUST 31, 1996


- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Ratios/Supplemental data
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Ratio of            Ratio of              Ratio of              Ratio of             
                                          expenses to      net investment              expenses        net investment             
                       Net assets             average   income to average        to average net     income to average   Portfolio  
                    end of period   net assets before   net assets before          assets after      net assets after    turnover  
                   (in thousands)       reimbursement       reimbursement       reimbursement++       reimbursement++        rate  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>              <C>                 <C>                 <C>                   <C>                   <C>  
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                $ 16,953                .95%*              5.17%*                 .95%*                5.17%*        31%
 Year ended                    
  2/29/96                  12,709               1.00                5.23                   .96                  5.27          36
 9/6/94 to                                                                                                                      
  2/28/95                   3,146               1.41*               5.40*                 1.00*                 5.81*         32
 CLASS C                                                                                                                        
 Six months ended                                                                                                               
  8/31/96                     723               1.70*               4.43*                 1.70*                 4.43*         31
 Year ended                                                                                                                      
  2/29/96                     684               1.84                4.39                  1.71                  4.52          36 
 9/16/94 to                                                                                                                      
  2/28/95                     200               2.41*               4.37*                 1.75*                 5.03*         32 
 CLASS R                                                                                                                         
 Six months ended                                                                                                                
  8/31/96                 210,362                .70*               5.43*                  .70*                 5.43*         31
 Year ended                                                                                                                      
  2/29/96                 216,390                .71                5.53                   .71                  5.53          36   
 Year ended 2/28,                                                                                                                
  1995                    208,080                .71                5.83                   .71                  5.83          32
  1994                    218,430                .73                5.47                   .73                  5.47          19 
  1993                    183,215                .71                6.05                   .71                  6.05           5  
 8 months ended                                                                                                                  
  2/29/92                 133,377                .67*               6.30*                  .67*                 6.30*         --   
 Year ended 6/30,                                                                                                                
  1991                    107,508                .69                6.48                   .69                  6.48          15 
  1990                     78,704                .69                6.51                   .69                  6.51           8  
  1989                     52,048                .77                6.77                   .75                  6.79          22   
  1988                     29,640                .88                6.91                   .70                  7.09          48 
  1987+++                  19,094               1.19                5.61                   .18                  6.62          17 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                      79

<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS
FOLLOWS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>      

                                                          
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Operating performance                Less distributions
                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Net
                                                              realized and   Dividends from   
                            Net Asset           Net        unrealized gain       tax-exempt    Distribution       Net asset
                      value beginning    investment            (loss) from   net investment            from    value end of   
                            of period        income          investments**           income   capital gains          period
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CA INS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>              <C> 
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                    $10.760        $  .271           $(.267)            $(.264)         $  --              $10.500 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                     10.250           .530++           .505              (.525)            --               10.760 
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95                     10.220           .255++           .068              (.265)         (.028)              10.250 
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                     10.670           .223            (.251)             (.222)            --               10.420 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                     10.150           .448++           .516              (.444)            --               10.670 
 9/12/94 to
  2/28/95                     10.060           .210++           .123              (.215)         (.028)              10.150 
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                     10.740           .278            (.262)             (.276)            --               10.480 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                     10.230           .556             .507              (.553)            --               10.740 
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995                        10.670           .559            (.412)             (.559)         (.028)              10.230 
  1994                        10.850           .560            (.101)             (.556)         (.083)              10.670 
  1993                        10.010           .584             .871              (.579)         (.036)              10.850 
 8 months ended
  2/29/92                      9.650           .401             .360              (.401)            --               10.010 
 Year ended 6/30,
  1991                         9.480           .600             .176              (.606)            --                9.650 
  1990                         9.630           .608            (.151)             (.607)            --                9.480 
  1989                         9.020           .607             .610              (.607)            --                9.630 
  1988                         8.980           .600++           .040              (.600)            --                9.020 
  1987+++                      9.600           .630++          (.620)             (.630)            --                8.980 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                      80
<PAGE>

                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Ratios/Supplemental data
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Ratio of            Ratio of         Ratio of            Ratio of    Port-
                                                       expenses to      net investment         expenses      net investment    folio
                  Total return      Net assets             average   income to average   to average net   income to average    turn-
                  on net asset   end of period   net assets before   net assets before     assets after    net assets after    over 
                         value   (in thousands)      reimbursement       reimbursement  reimbursement++     reimbursement++    rate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CA INS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>            <C>             <C>                 <C>                <C>               <C>                  <C> 
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                 .07%         $ 22,728              .95%*              5.02%*            .95%*              5.02%*      26%
 Year ended                                                                                                                     
  2/29/96               10.32            17,250              .98                4.99              .97                5.00        38
 9/6/94 to                                                                                                                      
  2/28/95                3.33             4,753             1.24*               5.26*            1.05*               5.45*       25
 CLASS C                                                                                                                        
 Six months ended                                                                                                               
  8/31/96                (.24)              936             1.70*               4.28*            1.70*               4.28*       26
 Year ended                                                                                                                     
  2/29/96                9.67             1,040             1.74                4.23             1.71                4.26        38
 9/12/94 to                                                                                                                     
  2/28/95                3.45               222             2.44*               4.05*            1.80*               4.69*       25
 CLASS R                                                                                                                        
 Six months ended                                                                                                               
  8/31/96                 .18           197,102              .70*               5.28*             .70*               5.28*       26
 Year ended                                                                                                                     
  2/29/96               10.63           205,642              .70                5.29              .70                5.29        38
 Year ended 2/28,                                                                                                               
  1995                   1.68           198,928              .70                5.60              .70                5.60        25
  1994                   4.27           208,115              .71                5.12              .71                5.12        14
  1993                  15.05           168,852              .75                5.72              .75                5.72         9
 8 months ended                                                                                                                 
  2/29/92                7.99           100,933              .64*               5.97*             .64*               5.97*        7
 Year ended 6/30,                                                                                                               
  1991                   8.43            74,551              .68                6.26              .68                6.26        29
  1990                   4.93            50,625              .70                6.36              .70                6.36        13
  1989                  13.97            35,032              .82                6.52              .82                6.52        23
  1988                   7.44            22,394              .99                6.60              .82                6.77        31
  1987+++                (.13)           16,192             1.06                5.59              .17                6.48         4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       81
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS 
FOLLOWS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Operating performance                 Less distributions
                                            ------------------------------     --------------------------------
                                                                       Net
                                                              realized and     Dividends from
                               Net asset           Net     unrealized gain         tax-exempt      Distribution         Net asset
                         value beginning    investment         (loss) from     net investment              from      value end of
                               of period        income       investments**             income     capital gains            period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MA
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                <C>            <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C>
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                         $9.940       $.263++             $ (.181)           $(.252)             $  --            $9.770
 Year ended
  2/29/96                          9.560        .513++                .388             (.521)                --             9.940
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95                          9.540        .254++                .025             (.259)                --             9.560
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                          9.890        .223++               (.177)            (.216)                --             9.720
 Year ended
  2/29/96                          9.510        .437++                .392             (.449)                --             9.890
 10/5/94 to
  2/28/95                          9.280        .188++                .254             (.212)                --             9.510
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                          9.910        .267++               (.173)            (.264)                --             9.740
 Year ended
  2/29/96                          9.540        .537++                .378             (.545)                --             9.910
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995                             9.940        .541++               (.403)            (.538)                --             9.540
  1994                             9.910        .543++                .038             (.541)             (.010)            9.940
  1993                             9.210        .563++                .704             (.563)             (.004)            9.910
 3 months ended
  2/29/92                          9.130         .146                 .077             (.143)                               9.210
 Year ended 11/30,                                                                                           --
  1991                             8.760        .577++                .375             (.582)                --             9.130
  1990                             8.900        .587++               (.144)            (.583)                --             8.760
  1989                             8.600        .587++                .300             (.587)                --             8.900
  1988                             8.250        .581++                .350             (.581)                --             8.600
 12/10/86 to
  11/30/87                         9.600        .577++              (1.350)            (.577)                --             8.250
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See notes on page 90.

                                      82
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                      NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                                                                     AUGUST 31, 1996

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Ratios/Supplemental data
                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Ratio of           Retio of         Ratio of           Ratio of     
                                                       expenses to     net investment         expenses     net investment
                   Total return      Net asset             average  income to average   to average net  income to average  Portfolio
                   on net asset  end of period   net assets before  net assets before     assets after   net assets after   turnover
                         value+  (in thousands)      reimbursement      reimbursement  reimbursement++    reimbursement++       rate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>           <C>             <C>                <C>                <C>              <C>                <C> 
 CLASS A                   .85%         $ 5,576             1.01%*             5.20%*           1.00%*             5.21%*         3%
 Six months ended                                                                                                              
  8/31/96                 9.62            4,290             1.17               5.04             1.00               5.21           6
 Year ended                                                                                                                    
  2/29/96                 3.05            1,067             1.87*              4.88*            1.00*              5.75*         17
 9/6/94 to                                                                                                                     
  2/28/95                  .49              787             1.76*              4.45*            1.75*              4.46*          3
 CLASS C                                                                                                                       
 Six months ended         8.87              638             2.24               3.96             1.75               4.45           6
  8/31/96                                                                                                                      
 Year ended               4.86              147             3.40*              3.46*            1.75*              5.11*         17
  2/29/96                                                                                                                      
 10/5/94 to                                                                                                                    
  2/28/95                  .98           74,506              .76*              5.45*             .75*              5.46*          3
 CLASS R                                                                                                                       
 Six months ended                                                                                                              
  8/31/96                 9.80           76,773              .82               5.42              .75               5.49           6
 Year ended                                                                                                                    
  2/29/96                 1.64           71,568              .77               5.75              .75               5.77          17
 Year ended 2/28,         5.96           71,942              .81               5.32              .75               5.38           3
  1995                   14.21           53,231              .87               5.79              .75               5.91           5
  1994                                                                                                                         
  1993                    2.44           34,470              .71*              6.31*             .71*              6.31*          5
 3 months ended                                                                                                                
  2/29/92                11.19           31,150              .77               6.37              .75               6.39          19
 Year ended 11/30,        5.21           20,829              .85               6.58              .75               6.68          23
  1991                   10.62           15,513             1.09               6.30              .75               6.64          31
  1990                   11.56            9,485             1.24               6.25              .75               6.74          55
  1989                                                                                                                         
  1988                   (8.19)           5,681             1.54*              5.30*             .37*              6.47*         34
 12/10/86 to
  11/30/87               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      83
<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS 
FOLLOWS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Operating performance                 Less distributions
                                             ---------------------------          --------------------------------
                                                                     Net             
                                                            realized and          Dividends from
                        Net asset                Net     unrealized gain              tax-exempt      Distribution         Net asset
                  value beginning         investment         (loss) from          net investment              from      value end of
                        of period             income       investments**                  income     capital gains            period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAINS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>                     <C>            <C>                      <C>                <C>                <C> 
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                 $10.490            $  .261              $(.243)                 $(.258)    $    --                 $10.250
 Year ended
  2/29/96                  10.060               .512++              .433                   (.515)         --                  10.490
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95                  10.030               .249++              .039                   (.258)         --                  10.060
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                  10.470               .223               (.254)                  (.219)         --                  10.220
 Year ended
  2/29/96                  10.040               .434                .435                   (.439)         --                  10.470
 9/14/94 to
  2/28/95                   9.910               .202++              .137                   (.209)         --                  10.040
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                  10.500               .270               (.250)                  (.270)         --                  10.250
 Year ended
  2/29/96                  10.060               .538                .445                   (.543)         --                  10.500
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995                     10.450               .545               (.386)                  (.549)         --                  10.060
  1994                     10.440               .537                  --                   (.527)         --                  10.450
  1993                      9.650               .551                .784                   (.545)         --                  10.440
 Year ended
  2/29/92                   9.360               .570                .301                   (.581)         --                   9.650
 Year ended 2/28,
  1991                      9.140               .568                .219                   (.567)         --                   9.360
  1990                      8.960               .571++              .178                   (.569)         --                   9.140
  1989                      9.030               .576++             (.070)                  (.576)         --                   8.960
 Year ended
  2/29/88                   9.540               .582++             (.510)                  (.582)         --                   9.030
 12/10/86 to
  2/28/87                   9.600               .131++             (.060)                  (.131)         --                   9.540
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See notes on page 90.

                                      84
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Ratios/Supplemental data 
                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Ratio of           Ratio of         Ratio of          Ratio of 
                                                       expenses to     net investment         expenses    net investment
                   Total return     Net assets             average  income to average   to average net  income to average  Portfolio
                   on net asset  end of period   net assets before  net assets before     assets after   net assets after   turnover
                         value+  (in thousands)      reimbursement      reimbursement  reimbursement++    reimbursement++       rate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>           <C>             <C>                <C>                <C>              <C>                <C> 
 CLASS A                   .20%         $ 6,369             1.03%*             4.99%*           1.03%*             4.99%*         1%
 Six months ended                                                                                                            
  8/31/96                 9.59            5,291             1.09               4.92             1.07               4.94           1
 Year ended                                                                                                                  
  2/29/96                 2.99            1,956             1.36*              5.13*            1.15*              5.34*         10
 9/6/94 to                                                                                                                   
  2/28/95                 (.28)             847             1.78*              4.25*            1.78*              4.25*          1
 CLASS C                                                                                                                     
 Six months ended         8.80              706             1.81               4.20             1.81               4.20           1
  8/31/96                                                                                                                    
 Year ended               3.52              338             2.07*              4.41*            1.90*              4.58*         10
  2/29/96                                                                                                                    
 9/14/94 to                .22           57,155              .78*              5.24*             .78*              5.24*          1
  2/28/95                                                                                                                    
 CLASS R                  9.99           60,102              .81               5.21              .81               5.21           1
 Six months ended                                                                                                            
  8/31/96                 1.77           57,137              .79               5.54              .79               5.54          10
 Year ended                                                                                                                  
  2/29/96                 5.22           58,255              .84               5.09              .84               5.09           3
 Year ended 2/28,                                                                                                            
  1995                   14.28           47,098              .86               5.47              .86               5.47           2
  1994                                                                                                                       
  1993                    9.57           28,189              .72               5.93              .72               5.93           5
 Year ended                                                                                                                  
  2/29/92                 8.95           15,625              .85               6.19              .85               6.19           6
 Year ended 2/28,                                                                                                            
  1991                    8.52            8,649             1.20               5.94              .97               6.17          15
  1990                                                                                                                       
  1989                    5.84            5,404             1.87               5.54              .97               6.44          41
 Year ended                                                                                                                  
  2/29/88                 1.14            4,895             1.75               5.37              .59               6.53          42
 12/10/86 to                                                                                                                 
  2/28/87                  .75            2,312             5.18*               .64*              --               5.82+         --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      85
<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS
FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Operating performance                Less distributions
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------------     
                                                                    Net                      
                                                           realized and       Dividends from 
                           Net asset              Net   unrealized gain           tax-exempt    Distributions       Net asset
                     value beginning       investment        (loss)from       net investment             from    value end of 
                           of period           income     investments**               income    capital gains          period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>                   <C>          <C>                   <C>               <C>              <C>   
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                  $10.610           $  .282         $(.246)             $(.276)           $    --            $10.370 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                   10.120              .555++         .487               (.552)                --             10.610 
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95                   10.230              .277++        (.067)              (.273)             (.047)            10.120 
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                   10.640              .239          (.242)              (.237)                --             10.400 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                   10.110              .478++         .528               (.476)                --             10.640 
 9/13/94 to
  2/28/95                   10.110              .231++         .038               (.222)             (.047)            10.110 
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                   10.640              .291          (.240)              (.291)                --             10.400 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                   10.150              .582++         .490               (.582)                --             10.640 
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995                      10.720              .579          (.529)              (.573)             (.047)            10.150 
  1994                      10.610              .578++         .161               (.580)             (.049)            10.720 
  1993                       9.880              .603++         .806               (.596)             (.081)            10.610   
 3 months ended
  2/29/92                    9.820              .163           .053               (.156)                --              9.880 
 Year ended 11/30,
  1991                       9.380              .629++         .441               (.630)                --              9.820 
  1990                       9.560              .631++        (.181)              (.630)                --              9.380 
  1989                       9.180              .633++         .380               (.633)                --              9.560 
  1988                       8.760              .625++         .420               (.625)                --              9.180 
 12/10/86 to
  11/30/87                   9.600              .612++        (.840)              (.612)                --              8.760 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


See notes on page 90.

                                       86
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Ratios/Supplemental data
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Ratio of           Ratio of         Ratio of            Ratio of
                                                     expenses to     net investment         expenses      net investment
                 Total return     Net assets             average  income to average   to average net   income to average   Portfolio
                 on net asset  end of period   net assets before  net assets before     assets after    net assets after    turnover
                        value  (in thousands)      reimbursement      reimbursement  reimbursement++     reimbursement++        rate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>           <C>             <C>                <C>                 <C>              <C>                 <C>     
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96            .37%         $ 18,942            .96%*            5.29%*                .96%*           5.29%*              18%
 Year ended
  2/29/96          10.52            15,732           1.02              5.28                  .99             5.31                47
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95           2.21             3,189           1.56*             5.31*                1.00*            5.87*               29
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96           (.01)              711           1.71*             4.54*                1.71*            4.54*               18
 Year ended
  2/29/96          10.13               646           1.99              4.29                 1.73             4.55                47
 9/13/94 to
  2/28/95           2.80                86           7.97*            (1.06)*               1.75*            5.16*               29
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96            .51           152,269            .71*             5.54*                 .71*            5.54*               18
 Year ended
  2/29/96          10.80           154,776            .76              5.55                  .74             5.57                47
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995               .75           149,454            .74              5.79                  .74             5.79                29
  1994              7.10           146,297            .78              5.30                  .75             5.33                15 
  1993             14.79           107,146            .84              5.75                  .75             5.84                12
 3 months ended
  2/29/92           2.21            66,491            .75*             6.27*                 .75*            6.27*               16
 Year ended 11/30,
  1991             11.79            59,351            .79              6.46                  .75             6.50                19
  1990              4.92            44,347            .81              6.59                  .75             6.65                51
  1989             11.34            29,040            .98              6.40                  .75             6.63                85
  1988             12.20            14,975           1.09              6.55                  .75             6.89                71
 12/10/86 to
  11/30/87         (2.44)            8,239           1.38*             5.45*                 .37*            6.46*               20
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       87
<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS
FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                  Operating performance               Less distributions
                                             -------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                                         Net
                                                                realized and    Dividends from
                               Net asset            Net      unrealized gain        tax-exempt   Distributions      Net asset
                         value beginning     Investment           (loss)from    net investment            from   value end of 
                               of period         imcome        investments**            income   capital gains         period
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 NY INS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                      <C>                 <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>             <C>    
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                       $10.610        $  .266           $(.285)           $(.261)          $   --           $10.330 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                        10.150           .521             .492             (.524)           (.029)***        10.610 
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95                        10.160           .253++           .037             (.260)           (.040)***        10.150 
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                        10.610           .226            (.284)            (.222)              --            10.330 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                        10.120           .442             .524             (.447)           (.029)***        10.610 
 9/13/94 to
  2/28/95                        10.030           .207++           .133             (.210)           (.040)***        10.120 
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                        10.610           .273            (.280)            (.273)              --            10.330 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                        10.150           .548             .495             (.554)           (.029)***        10.610 
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995                           10.630           .555            (.440)            (.555)           (.040)***        10.150 
  1994                           10.620           .550             .035             (.543)           (.032)           10.630 
  1993                            9.780           .566             .849             (.562)           (.013)           10.620 
 Year ended
  2/29/92                         9.320           .590             .467             (.597)              --             9.780 
 Year ended 2/28,
  1991                            9.250           .598             .068             (.596)              --             9.320 
  1990                            9.060           .596             .190             (.596)              --             9.250 
  1989                            9.100           .593++          (.040)            (.593)              --             9.060 
 Year ended
  2/29/88                         9.830           .606++          (.730)            (.606)              --             9.100 
 12/10/86 to
  2/28/87                         9.600           .130++           .230             (.130)              --             9.830 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
See notes on page 90.

                                       88
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Ratios/Supplemental data
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Ratios of            Ratio of         Ratio of            Ratio of    
                                                   expenses to      net investment      expenses to      net investment  
               Total return     Net assets             average   income to average      average net   income to average   Portfolio
               on net asset  end of period   net assets before   net assets before     assets after    net assets after    turnover
                     value+  (in thousands)      reimbursement       reimbursement  reimbursement++     reimbursement++        rate
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NY INS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>           <C>             <C>                 <C>                  <C>             <C>                 <C> 
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96          (.15)%       $ 30,575            .94%*             5.00%*               .94%*            5.00%*           14%
 Year ended
  2/29/96         10.19           24,747            .93               4.97                 .93              4.97             17
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95          3.01            7,258           1.13*              5.33*               1.05*             5.41*            11
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96          (.53)           2,241           1.69*              4.25*               1.69*             4.25*            14
 Year ended
  2/29/96          9.71            1,369           1.69               4.21                1.69              4.21             17
 9/13/94 to
  2/28/95          3.53              285           2.32*              4.13*               1.80*             4.65*            11
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96          (.03)         326,158            .69*              5.25*                .69*             5.25*            14
 Year ended
  2/29/96         10.51          343,348            .67               5.26                 .67              5.26             17
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995             1.37          345,121            .65               5.57                 .65              5.57             11
  1994             5.57          388,176            .68               5.11                 .68              5.11              5
  1993            14.96          314,877            .73               5.56                 .73              5.56              6
 Year ended
  2/29/92         11.66          167,048            .69               6.08                 .69              6.08              4
 Year ended 2/28,
  1991             7.61           80,484            .73               6.46                 .73              6.46             13
  1990             8.75           40,372            .85               6.35                 .85              6.35             30
  1989             6.37           20,206           1.05               6.50                 .97              6.58             62
 Year ended
  2/29/88          (.85)          14,078           1.12               6.22                 .61              6.73             36
 12/10/86 to
  2/28/87          3.76            5,177           3.19*              1.78*                 --              4.97*            --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                       89
<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS
FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Operating performance               Less distributions
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Net
                                                         realized and     Dividends from     
                        Net asset           Net       unrealized gain         tax-exempt     Distributions      Net asset
                  value beginning    investment           (loss) from     net investment              from   value end of 
                        of period        income         investments**             income     capital gains         period
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 OH
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>                <C>              <C>                 <C>                <C>              <C> 
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96               $10.600        $  .274           $(.264)               $(.270)       $       --           $10.340 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                10.200           .538++           .404                 (.542)               --            10.600 
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95                10.160           .266++           .087                 (.272)            (.041)           10.200 
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                10.550           .231            (.263)                (.228)               --            10.290 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                10.160           .458++           .395                 (.463)               --            10.550 
 9/15/94 to
  2/28/95                10.070           .219++           .133                 (.221)            (.041)           10.160 
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96                10.580           .280            (.258)                (.282)               --            10.320 
 Year ended
  2/29/96                10.180           .563++           .403                 (.566)               --            10.580 
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995                   10.610           .568            (.388)                (.569)            (.041)           10.180 
  1994                   10.580           .570++           .087                 (.565)            (.062)           10.610 
  1993                    9.870           .595++           .728                 (.589)            (.024)           10.580 
 3 months ended
  2/29/92                 9.770           .154             .126                 (.153)            (.027)            9.870 
 Year ended 11/30,
  1991                    9.530           .619             .287                 (.624)            (.042)            9.770 
  1990                    9.550           .624             .003                 (.624)            (.023)            9.530 
  1989                    9.040           .629++           .510                 (.629)               --             9.550 
  1988                    8.610           .626++           .430                 (.626)               --             9.040 
 12/10/86 to
  11/30/87                9.600           .600++          (.990)                (.600)               --             8.610 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

  *  Annualized.
 **  Net of taxes, if applicable (note 1).
***  The amounts shown include distributions in excess of capital gains of
     $.0024 per share for the year ended 2/29/96 and $.0015 per share for the
     period ended 2/28/95.

  +  Total Return on Net Asset Value is the combination of reinvested dividend
     income, reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, and changes in net
     asset value per share. The total returns shown for Class A Shares do not
     include the effect of applicable front-end sales charges. The total returns
     shown for Class C Shares do not include the effect of applicable contingent
     deferred sales charges. Class R Shares are not subject to any front-end or
     contingent deferred sales charges.

 ++  Reflects the waiver of certain management fees and reimbursement of certain
     other expenses by the Adviser, if applicable (note 6).

+++  Shares in the California and California Insured Funds were first offered
     for sale on 7/1/86.

                                       90
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Ratios/Supplemental data
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Ratio of            Ratio of         Ratio of            Ratio of   Port-
                                                      expenses to      net investment         expenses      net investment   folio
                 Total return      Net assets             average   income to average   to average net   income to average   turn-
                 on net asset   end of period   net assets before   net assets before     assets after    net assets after    over
                       value+  (in thousands)       reimbursement       reimbursement  reimbursement++     reimbursement++    rate

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 OH
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>             <C>                 <C>                 <C>              <C>                 <C> 
 CLASS A
 Six months ended
  8/31/96             .12%        $ 16,654              .97%*              5.13%*             .97%*              5.13%*        11%
 Year ended
  2/29/96            9.43           12,904             1.03                5.08               .98                5.13          33
 9/6/94 to
  2/28/95            3.63            4,320             1.27*               5.40*             1.00*               5.67*         28
 CLASS C
 Six months ended
  8/31/96            (.29)           2,448             1.72*               4.38*             1.72*               4.38*         11
 Year ended
  2/29/96            8.55            2,163             1.75                4.36              1.73                4.38          33
 9/15/94 to
  2/28/95            3.63              901             2.09*               4.58*             1.75*               4.92*         28
 CLASS R
 Six months ended
  8/31/96             .23          160,787              .72*               5.39*              .72*               5.39*         11
 Year ended
  2/29/96            9.70          167,092              .76                5.38               .74                5.40          33
 Year ended 2/28,
  1995               1.99          162,231              .73                5.70               .73                5.70          28
  1994               6.30          167,448              .75                5.28               .75                5.28           9
  1993              13.88          133,797              .84                5.77               .75                5.86          13
 3 months ended
  2/29/92            2.87           90,121              .70*               6.16*              .70*               6.16*          3
 Year ended 11/30,
  1991               9.84           81,649              .71                6.37               .71                6.37          16
  1990               6.86           56,887              .74                6.61               .74                6.61          38
  1989              12.97           37,714              .82                6.59               .75                6.66          66
  1988              12.56           20,144              .98                6.71               .75                6.94          55
 12/10/86 to
  11/30/87          (4.10)           9,135             1.33*               5.59*              .39*               6.53*         26
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       91
<PAGE>
 
                                                           For nearly 100 years,
                                                           Nuveen has earned its
                                                 reputation as a tax-free income
                                                       specialist by focusing on
                                                                 municipal bonds



                             [PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

Your
investment
partners


Since 1898, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has worked to bring together the
various participants in the municipal bond industry and build strong
partnerships that benefit all concerned. Investors, financial advisers,
municipal officials, investment bankers--Nuveen believes that forging
relationships within these groups based on trust and value is the key to
successful investing. 

As the oldest and largest municipal bond specialist in the United States,
Nuveen's investment bankers work with issuers to understand and meet their needs
in structuring and selling their bond issues.

  Nuveen also works closely with financial advisers around the country,
including brokerage firms, banks, insurance companies, and independent financial
planners, to bring the benefits of tax-free investing to you. These advisers are
experts at identifying your needs and recommending the best solutions for your
situation. Together we make a powerful team, helping you create a successful
investment plan that meets your needs today and in the future.


[LOGO OF NUVEEN]

John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286                                    VSA-2-8.96
                                                                [RECYCLE LOGO]  
<PAGE>

Nuveen Tax-Free
Mutual Funds

Dependable tax-free
income for generations


MUNI BOND

INSURED MUNI BOND





SEMIANNUAL REPORT/AUGUST 31, 1996
<PAGE>
 
    CONTENTS

 3  Dear shareholder
 5  Answering your questions
 8  Fund performance
 9  Portfolio of investments
38  Statement of net assets
39  Statement of operations
40  Statement of changes in net assets
41  Notes to financial statements
50  Financial highlights
<PAGE>
 
Dear
shareholder


"Municipal bonds continue to play an important role in meeting the
investment goals of conservative investors."

As I begin my duties as the new chairman and chief executive officer of John
Nuveen & Co. Incorporated and chairman of the board of the Nuveen mutual funds,
I am pleased to have this opportunity to report to you on the performance of
your funds. My experience at Nuveen over the past 19 years has shaped my
commitment to maintaining Nuveen's tradition of value investing and prudent
management. Our goal is to help our shareholders meet their need for tax-free
investment income with a full range of investment choices. We continue to focus
on providing attractive levels of income, diversification, and professional
research-oriented management, in the belief that this focus will contribute to
many more years of investment success for our fund shareholders.

  Municipal bonds continue to play an important role in meeting the investment
goals of conservative investors. The performance of the mutual funds covered in
this report demonstrates the ability of quality investments to provide
attractive tax-free income. As of August 31, 1996, current yields on net asset
values for R shares for the Municipal Bond Fund and the Insured Municipal Bond
Fund were 5.13% and 5.01%, respectively. To match these yields, an investor in
the 36% federal income tax bracket would have had to earn 8.02% and 7.83% on
taxable alternatives. Taxable yields at this level on investments of comparable
quality can be difficult to achieve in today's markets.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  Market appreciation of bonds in the portfolios further improved investors'
overall experience for the 12 months ending August 31, 1996. Total returns on R
shares, representing changes in net asset value and reinvestment of all
dividends and capital gains, if any, were 5.42% for the Municipal Bond Fund and
5.64% for the Insured Municipal Bond Fund, equivalent to taxable investments
with total returns of 8.59% and 8.70%, respectively.

  I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the news of some
recent developments that will give Nuveen the flexibility to meet expanded
investor needs for capital preservation, current income, and future growth. For
nearly 100 years, we have offered products and services designed for the prudent
investor, services that have grown over the years as a natural extension of our
expertise in municipal bonds. We are now embarking on new endeavors, as we grow
to serve the broader needs of today's conservative investor.

  In November, Nuveen will introduce the Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund,
designed to provide a high-quality equity complement to our current municipal
bond funds. The fund will be offered in affiliation with Institutional Capital
Corporation (ICAP), an institutional equity management firm located in Chicago
who shares Nuveen's values and investment management style. Tailor-made to
address the needs of the Nuveen investor, the fund can play a critical role in
achieving a balanced strategy for investors who expect their investments to
provide a core element of their financial security.

  In addition, Nuveen plans to acquire Flagship Resources, Inc., a fixed income
mutual fund specialist based in Dayton, Ohio. Flagship is a firm that shares our
views on the importance of research and emphasizes a conservative, value-
oriented approach to portfolio management. The tax-exempt mutual fund activities
of Flagship and Nuveen expect to be merged in January 1997, enabling us to offer
more than 40 municipal funds, the broadest selection available in the U.S.
Intermediate and limited term national funds as well as product offerings in 24
states, will provide more tax-free options to match investors' individual needs.

  We are excited about these recent developments, and we are pleased to be
bringing Nuveen investors expanded options for achieving wealth preservation,
dependable income, and long-term asset growth. We thank you for your continued
confidence in Nuveen.

Sincerely,

/s/ Timothy R. Schwertfeger
Timothy R. Schwertfeger
Chairman of the Board
October 15, 1996

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Answering your
questions


Tom Spalding, head of Nuveen's portfolio management team, discusses the
investment environment and recent factors affecting the municipal market

How did the municipal market perform over the past year?

Unlike the prior two years, 1996's bond market has not been easy to categorize.
While 1994 represented the worst period in recent bond market history and 1995
the best in a decade, this year has seen a stream of mixed reports on the state
of the economy that have alternately caused investors to view the markets with
enthusiasm, then uncertainty. Despite this climate, the municipal bond market
has rewarded investors with solid returns, dependable income, and opportunities
to purchase bonds with strong credit quality. Over the past year, municipal
bonds have continued to outperform Treasuries, an indication of the strength and
resilience of this market segment.

What has been Nuveen's investment approach over the past year?

Nuveen continues to pursue its value investing strategy, a disciplined approach
to security selection and portfolio construction designed to deliver above-
market performance by identifying individual bonds with current yields, prices,
credit quality, and future prospects that are exceptionally attractive relative
to

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Tom Spalding, head of Nuveen's portfolio management team, answers investors'
questions on developments in the municipal market.

other bonds in the market. This approach was rewarded over the past year, as
many of our portfolio holdings were upgraded by the national rating agencies,
indicating that our Research Department's judgments about credit quality were on
target.

  As opportunity allowed, we purchased bonds at discounts from their par value.
These bonds, which have coupon rates slightly below market levels, are less
likely to be called from our portfolios, assuring more stable yields for our
investors.

What is your outlook for the municipal market?

A look at the current economy shows a combination of factors that historically
bode well for the bond market. Inflation continues at the same modest pace that
it has demonstrated over the past five years. The Federal Reserve's decision to
stand pat on short-term rates since January indicates that it believes inflation
is under control. The economy continues to enjoy modest expansion, supported by
generally level producer prices, low wage pressures, and a stable money supply.
Fading worries about tax reform--and the potential effect of a flat tax 
proposal--have resulted in increased demand for tax-free products. New issuance
of bonds remains adequate but modest, further supporting a favorable environment
for investors.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
What are some of the factors affecting dividend changes?

All Nuveen funds are structured to provide an attractive stream of tax-free
income. For many investors, stability of income is another important objective.
To help investors satisfy this objective, we set dividends on Nuveen funds
conservatively, seeking a level that we expect will be sustainable for several
months. Still, dividends ultimately depend on the overall earnings of each fund,
which can be reduced by bond calls, fluctuations in interest rates, and other
portfolio changes.

  When the Federal Reserve Board cut rates between July 1995 and January 1996,
long-term municipal bond yields reacted by declining almost 130 basis points
from their levels at the beginning of 1995. Current long-term rates are well
below those at the start of the decade. As older, higher-yielding bonds are
called from some portfolios, they must be replaced with the bonds available in
the market today, reducing fund earnings. To minimize the effect of bond calls
in the future, Nuveen has taken advantage of opportunities to invest in non-
callable bonds as well as bonds priced at a discount from their par value.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
NUVEEN MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND

Muni Bond

The Fund adjusted its monthly tax-free dividend twice during the period as
older, higher coupon bonds were called away and replaced with today's lower
yielding bonds. In addition, shareholders received a capital gains distribution
in November.


                       [PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

9/95                             .0430
10/95                            .0430
11/95 (Including Capital Gains)  .0702
12/95                            .0415
1/96                             .0415
2/96                             .0415
3/96                             .0415
4/96                             .0415
5/96                             .0415
6/96                             .0415
7/96                             .0405
8/96                             .0405

- -------------------------------------------------------
 FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96
- -------------------------------------------------------
 Current SEC yield on R Shares*                 5.13%

 Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**         8.02%

 Annual total return on R Shares*               5.42%

 Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares    8.59%

 Federal tax rate                               36.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------

The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performance and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

* All shares issued prior to June 13, 1995 for Municipal Bond Fund, and
September 6, 1994 for Insured Municipal Bond Fund, have been designated as Class
R shares, which are currently available only for dividend reinvestment and
certain other restricted situations. Please see Financial Highlights beginning
on page 50 for additional data on Class A and C shares.



NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND

Insured Muni Bond


The Fund adjusted its monthly tax-free dividend slightly in December as older,
higher coupon bonds were called away and replaced with today's lower yielding
bonds.

                       [PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

12 MONTH DIVIDEND HISTORY--R SHARES

9/95                             .0475
10/95                            .0475
11/95                            .0475
12/95                            .0465
1/96                             .0465
2/96                             .0465
3/96                             .0465
4/96                             .0465
5/96                             .0465
6/96                             .0465
7/96                             .0465
8/96                             .0465

- -------------------------------------------------------
 FUND HIGHLIGHTS 8/31/96
- -------------------------------------------------------
 Current SEC yield on R Shares*                 5.01%

 Taxable-equivalent yield on R Shares**         7.83%

 Annual total return on R Shares*               5.64%

 Taxable-equivalent total return on R Shares    8.70%

 Federal tax rate                               36.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------

The dividend history used in this chart constitutes past performance and does
not necessarily predict the future dividends of the Fund.

** An investor subject to the indicated income tax rate would have to receive
this return from a fully taxable investment to equal the stated yield and total
return on after-tax basis.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS          NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
(Unaudited)                                                      AUGUST 31, 1996

NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                 <C>        <C>                   <C>
               ALASKA - 1.5%
$  4,085,000   Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Insured Mortgage
                Program Bonds, 1978 First Series, 6.375%, 12/01/07                   Aa      12/96 at 100    $  4,109,837
  14,500,000   Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Insured Mortgage
                Program Bonds, 1993 First Series, 5.800%, 12/01/18                  Aa1      12/03 at 102      13,904,485
               Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Insured Mortgage
                Program Bonds, 1990 First Series:
   3,290,000    7.650%, 12/01/10                                                    Aa1      12/00 at 102       3,321,189
  10,885,000    7.800%, 12/01/30                                                    Aa1      12/00 at 102      10,988,190
  12,375,000   Alaska State Housing Finance Corporation Collateralized
                Mortgage, 5.850%, 6/01/25                                           Aaa      12/03 at 102      11,827,654
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               ARIZONA - 2.7%
   7,750,000   Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University, System
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1992-A, 5.750%, 7/01/12              AA       7/02 at 101       7,781,853
  20,350,000   Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District,
                Arizona, Salt River Project Electric System Revenue Bonds,
                1992 Series C, 5.500%, 1/01/28                                       Aa       1/02 at 100      18,931,809
   9,145,000   Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District,
                Arizona, Salt River Project Electric System Revenue Bonds,
                1973 Series A, 5.000%, 1/01/10                                       Aa       7/97 at 100       8,637,727
               Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District,
                Electric System Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series C:
   5,000,000    4.900%, 1/01/08                                                      Aa       1/04 at 102       4,808,200
  36,820,000    4.750%, 1/01/17                                                      Aa       1/04 at 100      31,586,773
   4,570,000   The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Scottsdale,
                Arizona, Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds (Scottsdale
                Memorial Hospital), Series 1987 A, 8.500%, 9/01/07                  Aaa       9/97 at 102       4,860,058
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               ARKANSAS - 0.4%
  11,210,000   Jefferson County, Arkansas, Hospital Refunding Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1993, 6.000%, 7/01/06                                          A       7/03 at 102      11,577,352
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               CALIFORNIA - 14.8%
  16,970,000   California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Insured Health
                Facility Refunding Revenue Bonds (Catholic Healthcare West)
                1994 Series A, 5.000%, 7/01/14                                      Aaa       7/04 at 102      15,323,571
  38,795,000   California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
                Certificates of Participation, St. Joseph Health System
                Obligated Group, 5.500%, 7/01/23                                     Aa       7/03 at 102      35,427,206
               California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
                Insured Health Facilities Revenue Certificates of Participation
                (Unihealth America), 1993 Series A:
  11,500,000    5.500%, 10/01/14                                                    Aaa      10/03 at 102      11,053,800
  20,000,000    5.750%, 10/01/25                                                    Aaa      10/03 at 102      19,274,800
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                 <C>        <C>                   <C>
               CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
$ 12,000,000   State Public Works Board of the State of California, Lease
                Revenue Bonds (Department of Corrections), 1994 Series A
                (California State Prison-Monterey County (Soledad II)),
                7.000%, 11/01/19                                                      A      11/04 at 102   $  13,211,880
               State of California, Department of Water Resources, Central
                Valley Project, Water System Revenue Bonds, Series L:
  15,515,000    5.700%, 12/01/16                                                     Aa   6/03 at 101 1/2      15,033,725
   9,500,000    5.750%, 12/01/19                                                     Aa  12/03 at 101 1/2       9,197,520
  12,250,000    5.500%, 12/01/23                                                     Aa  12/03 at 101 1/2      11,408,548
  20,000,000   State of California, Department of Water Resources, Central
                Valley Project, Water System Revenue Bonds, Series M,
                4.875%, 12/01/27                                                     Aa      12/03 at 101      16,680,400
  11,725,000   Central Joint Powers Health Financing Authority, Certificates of
                Participation, Series 1993 (Community Hospitals of Central
                California), 5.250%, 2/01/13                                          A       2/03 at 102      10,470,425
   9,000,000   East Bay Municipal Utility District (Alameda and Contra Costa
                Counties, California), Water System Subordinated Revenue
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1993A, 5.000%, 6/01/21                      Aaa       6/03 at 102       7,935,840
               Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, Toll Road
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1995A:
  45,000,000    0.000%, 1/01/23                                                   BBB--      No Opt. Call       7,577,550
  15,000,000    6.000%, 1/01/34                                                   BBB--       1/05 at 102      14,200,800
   9,040,000   Los Angeles Convention and Exhibition Center Authority, Lease
                Revenue Bonds, 1993 Refunding Series A, The City of
                Los Angeles (California), 5.125%, 8/15/13                           Aaa       8/03 at 102       8,438,478
  17,575,000   Department of Water and Power of the City of Los Angeles,
                California, Water Works Revenue Bonds, Issue of 1992,
                6.500%, 4/15/32                                                      Aa       4/02 at 102      18,494,173
   7,000,000   The City of Los Angeles, California, Wastewater System Revenue
                Bonds, Refunding Series 1993-A, 5.700%, 6/01/20                     Aaa       6/03 at 102       6,791,190
  21,000,000   The City of Los Angeles (California), Wastewater System
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1993-B, 5.700%, 6/01/23                       Aaa       6/03 at 102      20,340,180
  15,615,000   The City of Los Angeles, California, Wastewater System Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1993-D, 5.200%, 11/01/21                              Aaa      11/03 at 102      14,123,611
  15,750,000   Los Angeles County, Metropolitan Transportation Authority,
                Proposition A, Sales Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series
                1993-A, 5.500%, 7/01/13                                            AA--       7/03 at 102      15,057,788
               Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, Proposition
                C Sales Tax Revenue Second Senior Bonds, Series 1993-B:
  17,185,000    4.750%, 7/01/18                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 102      14,728,061
   8,000,000    5.250%, 7/01/23                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 102       7,268,160
               Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Financing Authority,
                Capital Projects Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series A (Senior Ad
                Valorem Obligation Bonds):
  10,500,000    5.375%, 10/01/13                                                     Aa      10/03 at 102       9,938,040
  20,750,000    5.000%, 10/01/23                                                     Aa      10/03 at 100      17,975,518
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      10
<PAGE>
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                 <C>      <C>             <C>
               CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
$ 31,360,000   Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (California)
                 Proposition C Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Second Senior Bonds,
                 Series 1992-A, 6.750%, 7/01/19 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/02)           Aaa       7/02 at 102    $ 35,195,014
   5,000,000   The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Water
                 Revenue Bonds, Issue of 1992, 5.500%, 7/01/19                       Aa       7/02 at 102       4,676,200
  12,750,000   Modesto Irrigation District, California, Refunding Certificates of
                 Participation (1986 Geysers Geothermal Power Project), 1986
                 Series A, 7.250%, 10/01/15                                          A1      10/96 at 102      13,042,613
  22,405,000   Northern California Power Agency, Hydroelectric Project
                 Number One Revenue Bonds, Refunding Series E,
                 7.150%, 7/01/24                                                      A       7/98 at 102      23,495,227
  12,600,000   Sacramento County Sanitation Districts Financing Authority,
                 1993 Revenue Bonds, 4.750%, 12/01/23                                Aa      12/03 at 102      10,432,170
   7,600,000   County of Santa Clara, California, 1986 Certificates of
                 Participation (Capital Project I), 8.000%, 10/01/06
                 (Pre-refunded to 10/01/96)                                         AAA      10/96 at 102       7,779,588
   8,050,000   The Regents of the University of California, Refunding Revenue
                 Bonds (Multiple Purpose Projects), Series A,  6.875%, 9/01/16
                 (Pre-refunded to 9/01/02)                                           A-       9/02 at 102       9,085,150
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               COLORADO - 1.3%
  31,750,000   Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Single-Family Housing
                 Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1991 Series A, 7.250%, 11/01/31            Aa      11/01 at 102      33,644,840
   3,045,000   City and County of Denver, Colorado, Airport System Revenue
                 Bonds, Series 1992A, 7.250%, 11/15/25                              Baa      11/02 at 102       3,381,351
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               CONNECTICUT - 0.2%
   2,250,000   Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Housing Mortgage
                 Finance Program Bonds, 1990 Series B, 1990 Subseries B1,
                 7.550%, 11/15/08                                                    Aa      11/00 at 102       2,274,638
   2,970,000   Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority, Bridgeport Resco
                 Company, L.P. Project Bonds, Series B, 8.625%, 1/01/04               A   1/97 at 101 1/2       3,039,350
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - 0.3%
   7,560,000   Capitol Hill Towers, Inc., First Mortgage Revenue Bonds (FHA
                 Insured Mortgage-Section 8 Assisted Elderly Housing),
                 8.500%, 1/01/22                                                    N/R       1/97 at 102       7,811,824
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               FLORIDA - 3.3%
  13,630,000   State of Florida, Full Faith and Credit, State Board of Education,
                 Public Education Capital Outlay Refunding Bonds, 1995
                 Series D, 4.750%, 6/01/17                                           Aa       6/05 at 101      11,730,387
   4,500,000   Dade County Health Facilities Authority (Florida), Hospital
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1987 (Mount Sinai Medical Center
                 Project), 8.400%, 12/01/07 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/99)              Aaa      12/99 at 102       4,825,170
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-         OPT. CALL           MARKET
AMOUNT                           DESCRIPTION                                      INGS*     PROVISIONS**            VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                 <C>   <C>                <C>
               FLORIDA (CONTINUED)
$ 31,000,000   Hillsborough County Industrial Development Authority,
                Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Tampa Electric
                Company Project), Series 1992, 8.000%, 5/01/22                      Aa2       5/02 at 103   $  35,815,230
   9,300,000   Jacksonville Electric Authority (Jacksonville, Florida), St. John's
                River Power Park System Special Obligation Bonds, First
                Crossover Series, 6.500%, 10/01/14                                  Aa1  10/99 at 101 1/2       9,793,179
  25,000,000   Orlando Utilities Commission, Water and Electric Subordinated
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1989D, 5.000%, 10/01/23                        Aa      10/99 at 100      21,868,000
   8,005,000   City of Pensacola Health Facilities Authority, Health Facilities
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1988 (Daughters of Charity
                National Health System Sacred Heart Hospital of Pensacola,
                Florida), 7.750%, 1/01/03 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/98)                 Aaa   1/98 at 101 1/2       8,495,386
   1,455,000   The Elderly Housing Corporation of Sarasota, Inc. (Elderly
                Housing Project for the Sarasota Housing Authority), First
                Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 1978, 7.500%, 7/01/09                  A       1/97 at 103       1,502,549
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               HAWAII - 0.3%
   8,000,000   Department of Budget and Finance of the State of Hawaii,
                Special Purpose Revenue Bonds, Kapiolani Health Care System
                Obligated Group (Pali Momi Medical Center Project), Series
                1991, 7.650%, 7/01/19 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/01)                     Aaa       7/01 at 102       9,124,320
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               ILLINOIS - 18.2%
   8,500,000   Illinois Development Finance Authority, Revenue and Refunding
                Bonds, Series 1990A (Columbus-Cuneo-Cabrini Medical
                Center), 8.500%, 2/01/15 (Pre-refunded to 2/01/00)                  Baa       2/00 at 102       9,644,865
  17,075,000   Illinois Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Refunding
                Bonds, The University of Chicago, Series 1993B,
                5.600%, 7/01/24                                                     Aa1       7/03 at 102      15,969,052
  10,000,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Series 1992
                (Highland Park Hospital), 6.200%, 10/01/22                          Aaa      10/02 at 102      10,122,800
   6,115,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1993 (Illinois Masonic Medical Center),
                5.500%, 10/01/19                                                      A      10/03 at 102       5,547,711
  34,120,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1993 (Rush-Presbyterian-St.Luke's Medical Center
                Obligated Group), 5.500%, 11/15/25                                  Aaa      11/03 at 102      31,319,089
   7,275,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Series 1994
                (Southern Illinois Hospital Services), 5.850%, 3/01/14              Aaa       3/04 at 102       7,208,216
  54,900,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A
                (Northwestern Memorial Hospital), 6.000%, 8/15/24                    Aa       8/04 at 102      54,420,723
  15,000,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, FHA Insured Mortgage
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1996 (Sinai Health System),
                6.000%, 2/15/24 (WI)                                                Aaa       2/06 at 102      14,635,050
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                 <C>       <C>             <C>
               ILLINOIS (CONTINUED)
$ 10,425,000   Illinois Independent Higher Education Loan Authority,
                 Revenue Bonds, Northwestern University, Series 1983, 8.000%, 
                 12/01/07                                                           Aa1      12/96 at 102    $ 10,717,734
  21,670,000   State of Illinois, Build Illinois Bonds (Sales Tax Revenue Bonds),
                 Series O, 6.000%, 6/15/18                                          AAA       6/01 at 100      21,267,588
  14,200,000   State of Illinois, Build Illinois Bonds (Sales Tax Revenue
                 Bonds), Series S, 5.250%, 6/15/18                                  AAA       6/03 at 102      13,034,180
  15,100,000   State of Illinois, General Obligation Bonds, Series of March
                 1992 (Full Faith & Credit), 6.200%, 10/01/04                       AA-      10/02 at 102      16,189,465
               State of Illinois, General Obligation Bonds, Series of August
                 1992 (Full Faith & Credit):
  14,750,000     5.875%, 6/01/10                                                    AA-       6/02 at 102      14,903,843
   5,000,000     5.875%, 6/01/11                                                    AA-       6/02 at 102       5,024,150
  10,000,000   State of Illinois, General Obligation Bonds, Series of April 1993
                 (Full Faith & Credit), 5.700%, 4/01/18                             AA-       4/03 at 102       9,633,100
               The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Toll Highway
                 Priority Revenue Bonds, 1992 Series A:
  20,000,000     6.450%, 1/01/13                                                     A1       1/03 at 102      20,509,000
   8,655,000     6.200%, 1/01/16                                                    Aaa       1/03 at 102       8,894,830
  16,270,000   City of Chicago, General Obligation Bonds (Emergency
                 Telephone System) Series 1993, 5.625%, 1/01/23                     Aaa       1/03 at 102      15,497,012
   7,880,000   City of Chicago, General Obligation Bonds, Project Series 1993,
                 5.250%, 1/01/18                                                    Aaa       1/04 at 102       7,222,099
  22,260,000   Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation,
                 Housing Development Revenue Refunding Bonds (FHA-
                 Insured Mortgage Loans--Section 8 Assisted Projects) Series
                 1992B, 6.900%, 7/01/22                                              AA       7/02 at 102      23,017,953
   7,965,000   City of Chicago, Motor Fuel Tax Revenue Bonds, Refunding
                 Series 1993, 5.000%, 1/01/16                                       Aaa       1/03 at 101       7,089,328
  56,000,000   City of Chicago (Illinois), Chicago-O'Hare International Airport,
                 General Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series  A,
                 5.000%, 1/01/16                                                     A1      1/04 at 102      50,020,320
  18,710,000   City of Chicago (Illinois), Chicago-O'Hare International Airport,
                 General Airport Second Lien, Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                 1993 Series C, 5.000%, 1/01/18                                     Aaa       1/04 at 102      16,504,278
  22,335,000   City of Chicago, Water Revenue Bonds, Series 1995,
                 5.000%, 11/01/15                                                   Aaa      11/06 at 102      19,961,236
  25,380,000   The County of Cook, Illinois, General Obligation Bonds, Series
                 1993A, 5.000%, 11/15/23                                            Aaa      11/03 at 100      22,040,246
  17,300,000   DuPage Water Commission (DuPage, Cook and Will Counties,
                 Illinois) General Obligation Water Refunding Bonds, Series
                 1992, 5.750%, 3/01/11                                              Aaa       3/02 at 100      17,224,226
   9,500,000   DuPage Water Commission (DuPage, Cook and Will Counties,
                 Illinois) General Obligation Water Refunding Revenue Bonds,
                 Series 1993, 5.250%, 5/01/14                                        Aa       5/03 at 102       8,881,550
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND FUND - CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                 <C>       <C>               <C>
               ILLINOIS (CONTINUED)
$   2,000,000  Village of Hazel Crest, Illinois, Hospital Facilities Revenue
                Refunding and Improvement Bonds (South Suburban Hospital
                Foundation Project), Series 1987, 9.125%, 7/01/17
                (Pre-refunded to 7/01/97)                                           AAA       7/97 at 102     $ 2,122,040
   56,180,000  Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority (Illinois) McCormick
                Place Expansion Project Bonds, Series 1992A, 6.500%, 6/15/27         A+       6/03 at 102      57,017,644
    5,000,000  Regional Transportation Authority, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake,
                McHenry and Will Counties, Illinois, General Obligation
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1993C, 5.800%, 6/01/13                      Aaa       6/03 at 102       5,006,600
               The Elderly Housing Corporation of Zion, Illinois, Housing
                Development Revenue Bonds (Dell-Zion Associates Section 8
                Assisted Project) Series 1978:
      165,000   7.250%, 3/01/98                                                       A       3/97 at 102         167,109
    1,705,000   7.750%, 3/01/10                                                       A       3/97 at 102       1,744,232
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               INDIANA - 3.1%
    3,135,000  City of Indianapolis, Indiana, Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds
                (Ogden Martin Systems of Indianapolis, Inc. Project),
                7.900%, 12/01/08                                                      A      12/96 at 103       3,252,249
   47,100,000  Indiana Health Facilities Financing Authority, Hospital Revenue
                Bonds (Daughters of Charity) Series 1993,
                5.750%, 11/15/22                                                     Aa      11/03 at 102      45,279,114
   11,590,000  Indiana Health Facility Financing Authority, Hospital Revenue
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1992A (Methodist Hospital of
                Indiana, Inc.), 5.750, 9/01/11                                      Aaa       9/02 at 102      11,498,091
   12,550,000  Indiana State Office Building Commission, Capital Complex
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1987 (State Office Building II
                Facility), 8.750%, 7/01/12  (Pre-refunded to 7/01/97)               Aaa       7/97 at 102      13,289,070
   10,000,000  Indiana State Office Building Commission Correctional
                Facilities Program, Revenue Bonds, Series 1991, 6.375%, 7/01/16      A1      12/01 at 102      10,261,000
    2,500,000  The Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank, Series
                1992 D Bonds, 6.750%, 2/01/20                                        A+       2/03 at 102       2,669,150
    2,470,000  Southwind Housing, Inc., 7.125%, 11/15/21                             AA      No Opt. Call       2,863,397
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               IOWA - 0.3%
    3,720,000  Iowa Housing Finance Authority, Single Family Mortgage Bonds,
                1977 Series A, 5.875%, 8/01/08                                      Aaa       2/97 at 101       3,738,488
    3,815,000  City of Davenport, Iowa, Hospital Facility Revenue Bonds (Mercy
                Hospital Project), Series 1992, 6.625%, 7/01/14                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       4,116,805
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               KENTUCKY - 3.2%
    3,790,000  Kentucky Housing Corporation, Housing Revenue Bonds (FHA
                Insured/VA Guaranteed) 1991 Series A, 7.250%, 1/01/17               Aaa       7/01 at 102       3,993,485
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               KENTUCKY (CONTINUED)
               Kentucky Housing Corporation, Housing Revenue Bonds, 1993
                 Series B (Federally Insured or Guaranteed Mortgage Loans):
$ 17,600,000     5.300%, 7/01/10                                                    Aaa       1/04 at 102    $ 17,029,056
  14,400,000     5.400%, 7/01/14                                                    Aaa       1/04 at 102      13,641,408
               The Turnpike Authority of Kentucky, Resource Recovery Road
                 Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1987 Series A:
   9,860,000     8.000%, 7/01/03                                                    A+        7/97 at 102      10,351,718
   8,980,000     5.000%, 7/01/08                                                    A+        7/97 at 100       8,596,285
  34,500,000   County of Carroll, Kentucky, Collateralized Pollution Control
                 Revenue Bonds (Kentucky Utilities Company Project), 1992
                 Series A, 7.450%, 9/15/16                                          AA        9/02 at 102      39,071,940
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MAINE - 0.8%
               Maine State Housing Authority, Mortgage Purchase Bonds,
                 1994 Series A:
  13,650,000     5.650%, 11/15/20                                                   AA--      2/04 at 102      12,860,348
  10,000,000     5.700%, 11/15/26                                                   AA--      2/04 at 102       9,371,700
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MASSACHUSETTS - 3.3%
  15,000,000   Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Certificates of
                 Participation, 1990 Series A, 7.650%, 8/01/15
                 (Pre-refunded to 8/01/00)                                          Aaa       8/00 at 102      16,899,900
               Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, General Revenue
                 Bonds, 1990 Series A:
   6,500,000     7.500%, 4/01/16 (Pre-refunded to 4/01/00)                          Aaa       4/00 at 102       7,244,575
   9,500,000     6.000%, 4/01/20                                                      A       4/00 at 100       9,375,550
               Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, General Revenue
                 Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series B:
  14,765,000     5.250%, 3/01/13                                                      A       3/03 at 102      13,835,396
  10,795,000     5.000%, 3/01/22                                                      A       3/03 at 100       9,413,240
  24,650,000   Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, General Revenue
                 Bonds, 1993 Series C, 5.250%, 12/01/20                               A       12/04 at 102     22,315,399
  14,670,000   The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, General Obligation
                 Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series C, 4.700%, 8/01/02                     A1       No Opt. Call     14,590,929
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MICHIGAN - 4.9%
   4,000,000   Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Revenue
                 Bonds (Henry Ford Hospital) Series 1985A, 7.500%, 7/01/13
                 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/97)                                          Aaa       1/97 at 102       4,127,560
               Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Revenue
                 and Refunding Bonds (The Detroit Medical Center Obligated
                 Group) Series 1993B:
  19,585,000     5.750%, 8/15/13                                                      A       8/04 at 102      18,716,993
  56,000,000     5.500%, 8/15/23                                                      A       8/04 at 102      50,996,400
   3,000,000   Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Revenue
                 Refunding Bonds (Genesys Health System Obligated Group)
                 Series 1995A, 7.500%, 10/01/27                                     Baa       10/05 at 100      3,125,910
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-        OPT. CALL            MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>
               MICHIGAN (CONTINUED)
$ 10,000,000   Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Rental Housing
                Revenue Bonds, 1992 Series A, 6.600%, 4/01/12                        A+      10/02 at 102    $ 10,301,900
  12,080,000   Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Rental Housing
                Revenue Bonds, 1994 Series B, 5.700%, 4/01/12                       Aaa       4/04 at 102      11,907,739
  15,000,000   School District of the City of Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan,
                School Building and Site Improvement Bonds (Unlimited Tax
                General Obligation), Series 1996A, 5.700%, 5/01/25                  Aaa       5/06 at 102      14,596,200
   5,000,000   City of Detroit, Michigan, Sewage Disposal System Revenue
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1987, 8.250%, 7/01/05 
                (Pre-refunded to 7/01/97)                                             A       7/97 at 102       5,270,250
  16,805,000   Hospital Finance Authority of the City of St. Joseph, Revenue
                Refunding Bonds (Mercy Memorial Medical Center Obligated
                Group) Series 1993, 5.250%, 1/01/16                                 Aaa       1/04 at 102      15,636,044
   5,000,000   Regents of the University of Michigan, Hospital Revenue
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1986A, 6.625%, 12/01/10                      Aa      12/96 at 100       5,017,550
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MINNESOTA - 0.4%
   2,520,000   Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Housing Development
                Bonds, 1977 Series A, 6.250%, 2/01/20                                AA       2/97 at 101       2,545,931
  10,100,000   Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Rental Housing Bonds,
                1995 Series D (Non-AMT), 5.800%, 8/01/11                            Aaa       2/05 at 102      10,089,496
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MISSOURI - 0.8%
  15,750,000   Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of
                Missouri, Health Facilities Refunding and Improvement
                Revenue Bonds (Heartland Health System's Project), Series
                1989, 8.125%, 10/01/10                                             BBB+  10/99 at 102 1/2      17,598,893
   6,195,000   Missouri Housing Development Commission, Housing
                Development Bonds, Series B 1979 (Federally
                Insured Mortgage Bonds), 7.000%, 9/15/22                            AA+   3/97 at 101 1/2       6,314,006
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NEBRASKA - 1.4%
  38,250,000   Consumers Public Power District, Nebraska, Nuclear Facility
                Revenue Bonds, 1968 Series, 5.100%, 1/01/03                          A1       7/97 at 100      38,290,928
   2,475,000   Hospital Authority No. 1 of Hall County, Nebraska, Hospital
                Facility Revenue Bonds (Lutheran Hospitals and Homes
                Society Grand Island Project) Series 1977,  6.750%, 12/01/07         Aa      12/96 at 103       2,549,646
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NEVADA - 0.2%
   7,130,000   City of Reno, Nevada, Insured Hospital Revenue Bonds
                (St. Mary's Regional Medical Center), Series 1993A,
                5.800%, 5/15/13                                                     Aaa       5/03 at 102       7,099,127
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NEW HAMPSHIRE - 0.3%
   8,500,000   The Industrial Development Authority of the State of New
                Hampshire, Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Central Maine
                Power Company Project, 1984 Series B), 7.375%, 5/01/14             Baa3      12/01 at 103       8,925,085
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      16

<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>
               NEW JERSEY - 0.4%
$10,750,000    New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Housing 
                 Revenue Bonds, 1992 Series A, 6.950%, 11/01/13                      A+       5/02 at 102    $ 11,355,763
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NEW YORK - 6.9%
  8,000,000    New York Local Government Assistance Corporation (A Public
                Benefit Corporation of the State of New York), Series 1991D
                Bonds, 7.000%, 4/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 4/01/02)                    Aaa       4/02 at 102       9,028,320
               New York State Housing Finance Agency, Health Facilities
                Revenue Bonds (New York City), 1990 Series A Refunding:
 16,160,000     8.000%, 11/01/08 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/00)                         Aaa      11/00 at 102      18,525,339
  3,330,000     8.000%, 11/01/08                                                   BBB+      11/00 at 102       3,709,620
  7,250,000    Power Authority of the State of New York, General Purpose
                Bonds, Series CC, 5.250%, 1/01/18                                    Aa       1/03 at 102       6,636,505
 11,490,000    State of New York Mortgage Agency, Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                Eighth Series A, 6.875%, 4/01/17                                     Aa      10/96 at 102      11,731,060
 10,725,000    Battery Park City Authority, Senior Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1993A, 5.000%, 11/01/13                                       AA      11/03 at 102       9,547,502
 16,270,000    Municipal Assistance Corporation for the City of New York,
                New York, Series 59 Bonds, 7.750%, 7/01/06                           Aa       7/97 at 102      17,038,107
 14,250,000    Municipal Assistance Corporation for the City of New York,
                New York, Series 60 Bonds, 6.000%, 7/01/08                           Aa       7/97 at 100      14,346,188
 18,565,000    Municipal Assistance Corporation for the City of New York,
                New York, Series 62 Bonds, 6.750%, 7/01/06                           Aa       7/97 at 102      19,253,205
 16,500,000    The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1994
                Series C, 4.875%, 10/01/01                                         Baa1      No Opt. Call      16,193,760
  2,350,000    The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1996
                Series C, 6.000%, 8/15/04                                          Baa1      No Opt. Call       2,372,090
  5,000,000    The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1988
                Series A, 8.125%, 11/01/06 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/97)               Aaa  11/97 at 101 1/2       5,307,500
  8,000,000    The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1994
                Series D, 5.750%, 8/15/11                                          Baa1       8/03 at 102       7,533,200
  8,525,000    The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1992
                Series C, Fixed Rate Bonds, Subseries C-1, 6.625%, 8/01/12
                (Pre-refunded to 8/01/02)                                           Aaa   8/02 at 101 1/2       9,461,130
 14,000,000    The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1995
                Series F, 6.625%, 2/15/25                                          Baa1       2/05 at 101      14,210,280
               The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1996
                Series G:
  7,500,000     5.900%, 2/01/05                                                    Baa1      No Opt. Call       7,455,450
 12,655,000     5.750%, 2/01/17                                                    Baa1   2/06 at 101 1/2      11,649,813
  8,600,000    New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1993 Series A, 6.000%, 6/15/17            A   6/02 at 101 1/2       8,463,690
  5,000,000    Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (New York), General
                Purpose Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 4.750%, 1/01/19                 Aa       1/04 at 100       4,244,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                            <C>           <C>               <C>
               NORTH CAROLINA - 3.3%
$ 17,290,000   North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency, Power System
                Revenue Bonds, Refunding Series 1988A, 8.000%, 1/01/21
                (Pre-refunded to 1/01/98)                                         Aaa         1/98 at 102    $ 18,472,636
  68,150,000   North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency, Power System        
                Revenue Bonds, Refunding Series 1993B, 6.250%, 1/01/12              A         1/03 at 102      68,043,005
   5,545,000   North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1, Catawba
                Electric Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1988, 7.625%, 1/01/14    Aaa         1/98 at 102       5,875,371
               Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington, North Carolina,
                First Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 1979:
     115,000    7.750%, 6/01/98                                                    AA        No Opt. Call         116,570
   1,195,000    7.750%, 6/01/10                                                    AA        No Opt. Call       1,212,053
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               OHIO - 0.1%
     500,000   State of Ohio (Ohio Building Authority), State Facilities
                Refunding Bonds (Toledo Government Center, 1985 Series A),
                9.100%, 10/01/04                                                 AA--        10/96 at 102         512,240
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               OKLAHOMA - 0.3%
   5,375,000   The Comanche County Hospital Authority (Lawton, Oklahoma),
                Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series 1989, 8.050%, 7/01/16
                (Pre-refunded to 7/01/99)                                         AAA         7/99 at 102       5,977,323
   2,970,000   Midwest City Memorial Hospital Authority (Midwest City,
                Oklahoma) Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series 1992,
                7.375%, 4/01/12 (Pre-refunded to 4/01/02)                        BBB+         4/02 at 102       3,344,933
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               PENNSYLVANIA - 3.4%
               Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Multi-Family Housing
                Refunding Bonds (Federal Housing Administration Insured
                Mortgage Loans) Issue FHA-1992:
   4,025,000    8.100%, 7/01/13                                                   AAA         7/02 at 102       4,396,749
  16,830,000    8.200%, 7/01/24                                                   AAA         7/02 at 102      18,379,202
  22,500,000   Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Rental Housing
                Refunding Bonds, Issue 1993, 5.750%, 7/01/14                      Aaa         7/03 at 102      22,128,750
  16,600,000   Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority,
                Special Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds (City of Philadelphia
                Funding Program), Series of 1993A, 5.000%, 6/15/22                Aaa         6/03 at 100      14,601,692
  10,000,000   Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority, Pollution
                Control Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1994 Series B (Pennsylvania
                Power and Light Company Project), 6.400%, 9/01/29                 Aaa         9/04 at 102      10,431,300
   9,300,000   City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Airport Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1978, Philadelphia International Airport,
                6.200%, 6/15/06                                                   A--         6/97 at 100       9,303,255
               City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Water and Sewer Revenue
                Bonds, Sixteenth Series:
  10,000,000    7.500%, 8/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 8/01/01)                         AAA         8/01 at 102      11,401,800
   7,000,000    7.000%, 8/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 8/01/01)                         AAA         8/01 at 100       7,717,220
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                <C>         <C>            <C>
               RHODE ISLAND - 0.2%
$ 7,595,000    Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, Refunding Revenue
                 Bonds, 1993 Series B, 5.000%, 5/15/20                              Aaa       5/03 at 100    $  6,653,144
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               SOUTH CAROLINA - 0.8%
 20,750,000    Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, Electric Revenue Bonds,
                 1988 Refunding Series A, 7.400%, 1/01/18                           Aaa       1/98 at 102      21,926,318
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TEXAS - 4.2%
               City of Austin, Texas, Water, Sewer and Electric Refunding
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1982:
    300,000      14.000%, 11/15/01 (Pre-refunded to 5/15/99)                          A       5/99 at 100         356,943
 18,415,000      14.000%, 11/15/01                                                    A      No Opt. Call      23,826,111
  4,000,000      11.000%, 11/15/02 (Pre-refunded to 5/15/97)                        AAA       5/97 at 100       4,196,080
 28,500,000    Brazos River Authority (Texas), Collateralized Revenue
                 Refunding Bonds (Houston Lighting and Power Company
                 Project), Series 1995, 5.800%, 8/01/15                             Aaa       8/00 at 102      28,256,325
 24,800,000    Harris County, Texas, Toll Road Senior Lien Revenue Refunding
                 Bonds, Series 1994, 5.300%, 8/15/13                                Aaa       8/04 at 102      23,675,568
  7,000,000    Harris County Health Facilities Development Corporation
                 (Texas), Hospital Revenue Bonds (St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital
                 Project), Series 1991A, 6.750%, 2/15/21                             Aa       2/01 at 102       7,374,920
  3,345,000    City of Houston, Texas, Water and Sewer System Prior Lien
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1986, 8.200%, 12/01/15
                 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/96)                                         AAA      12/96 at 102       3,447,959
               City of San Antonio, Texas, Electric and Gas Systems Revenue
                 Improvement Bonds, New Series 1988:
  5,000,000      8.000%, 2/01/09 (Pre-refunded to 2/01/98)                          Aaa       2/98 at 102       5,357,500
  3,500,000      8.000%, 2/01/16 (Pre-refunded to 2/01/98)                          Aaa       2/98 at 102       3,750,250
 16,000,000    City of San Antonio, Texas, Electric and Gas Systems Revenue
                 Refunding Bonds, New Series 1992, 5.000%, 2/01/17                  Aa1       2/02 at 101      14,242,080
  5,615,000    City of San Antonio, Texas (Bexar County, Texas) Prior Lien
                 Sewer System Revenue Improvement Bonds, Series 1987,
                 7.900%, 5/01/14 (Pre-refunded to 5/01/97)                          Aaa   5/97 at 101 1/2       5,846,170
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 UTAH - 3.0%
                 Intermountain Power Agency (Utah), Power Supply Revenue
                   Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series A:
  6,300,000        5.500%, 7/01/13                                                   Aa       7/03 at 103       6,049,008
 39,990,000        5.000%, 7/01/23                                                   Aa       7/03 at 100      34,471,780
 16,260,000      Intermountain Power Agency (Utah), Power Supply Revenue
                   Bonds, Series 1987B, 7.200%, 7/01/19                              Aa       7/97 at 102      16,879,669
 30,000,000      Intermountain Power Agency Power Supply Refunding Bonds,
                   1997 Series B, 5.750%, 7/01/19 (WI)                              Aaa       7/07 at 102      28,032,900
  1,615,000      Layton, Utah, Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (C.D.I. Ltd.
                   Project--K-Mart Guaranteed), 8.750%, 6/01/05                     Ba3      12/96 at 100       1,614,612
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C> 
               VERMONT - 0.1%
$    235,000   University of Vermont and State Agricultural College, Housing,
                Dining and Student Services Facilities System Bonds, Lot 1
                Series 1969-A, 6.300%, 7/01/06                                       A1       1/97 at 101    $    238,071
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               VIRGINIA - 3.9%
  50,000,000   Virginia Housing Development Authority, Commonwealth Mortgage 
                Bonds, 1992 Series A, 7.150%, 1/01/33                               Aa1       1/02 at 102      53,001,500
   3,275,000   Virginia Housing Development Authority, Multi-Family
                Mortgage Bonds, 1978 Series B, 6.700%, 11/01/21                     AA+      11/96 at 101       3,311,844
               Virginia Housing Development Authority, Multi-Family
                Housing Bonds, 1993 Series C:
  19,080,000    5.550%, 5/01/08                                                     AA+       5/03 at 102      18,868,784
  28,075,000    5.900%, 5/01/14                                                     AA+       5/03 at 102      28,041,872
   6,240,000   Chesapeake Hospital Authority, Virginia, Hospital Facility
                Revenue Bonds (Chesapeake General Hospital), Series 1988,
                7.625%, 7/01/18 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/98)                           Aaa       7/98 at 102       6,724,973
     870,000   Industrial Development Authority of the City of Chesapeake,
                Medical Facility Insured--Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Medical
                Facilities of America XIV Project) Series 1979,
                7.500%, 9/01/01                                                     N/R      No Opt. Call         874,994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               WASHINGTON - 6.7%
  14,260,000   Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 1
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1993A, 7.000%, 7/01/07              Aa1      No Opt. Call      15,608,853
   7,805,000   Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 1,
                7.000%, 7/01/09                                                     Aa1      No Opt. Call       8,764,547
   5,000,000   Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 1,
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1989B, 7.125%, 7/01/16              Aa1      No Opt. Call       5,618,600
               Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear
                Project No. 1, Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1993A:
  18,500,000    5.750%, 7/01/13                                                     Aa1       7/03 at 102      17,794,595
  10,000,000    5.700%, 7/01/17                                                     Aaa       7/03 at 102       9,536,500
  10,000,000   Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 1,
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1993C, 5.375%, 7/01/15              Aa1       7/03 at 102       9,126,000
   8,835,000   Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 3,
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1993B, 5.700%, 7/01/18              Aa1       7/03 at 102       8,294,386
               Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 3,
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1993C:
   9,180,000    5.300%, 7/01/10                                                     Aa1       7/03 at 102       8,486,543
  51,070,000    5.375%, 7/01/15                                                     Aa1       7/03 at 102      46,606,481
  11,545,000    5.500%, 7/01/18                                                     Aa1       7/03 at 102      10,564,713
   6,505,000   Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County, Rocky Reach
                Hydro-Electric System Revenue Bonds, Series of 1968, 
                5.125%, 7/01/23                                                     A1        7/97 at 100       6,240,961
 25,986,000    Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County, Rocky Reach
                Hydro-Electric System Revenue Bonds, Series of 1957,
                5.000%, 7/01/13                                                     A1        7/97 at 100      25,782,788
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                             RAT-       OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT          DESCRIPTION                                                          INGS*    PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                                                                  <C>      <C>           <C>
                WASHINGTON (CONTINUED)
$    6,805,000  Columbia Storage Power Exchange, Columbia Storage Power
                 Exchange Revenue Bonds, 3.875%, 4/01/03                              Aa      10/96 at 100  $    6,806,020
    16,250,000  Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County, Washington,
                 Wells Hydroelectric Revenue Bonds, Series of 1963,
                 4.000%, 9/01/18                                                      A+       9/97 at 101      13,491,724
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                WISCONSIN - 4.2%
    13,700,000  Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1991 (Columbia Hospital, Inc.),
                 6.250%, 11/15/21                                                    Aaa      11/01 at 102      13,892,484
     9,830,000  Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                 Health Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds (SSM Health Care),
                 Series 1992A, 6.250%, 6/01/20                                       Aaa       6/02 at 102       9,976,368
     6,000,000  Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1992A (Meriter Hospital, Inc.),
                 6.000%, 12/01/22                                                    Aaa      12/02 at 102       5,995,380
    18,500,000  Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 (Aurora Health Care Obligated
                 Group), 5.250%, 8/15/23                                             Aaa       8/03 at 102      16,554,910
     3,250,000  Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A (Froedtert Memorial Lutheran
                 Hospital, Inc.), 5.875%, 10/01/13                                   Aaa      10/04 at 102       3,239,404
    32,000,000  Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1996 (Aurora Medical Group, Inc.
                 Project), 5.750%, 11/15/25                                          Aaa       5/06 at 102      30,457,280
     4,500,000  Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority,
                 Insured Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1977 Series A,
                 5.800%, 6/01/17                                                       A      No Opt. Call       4,416,524
     8,500,000  Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority,
                 Multi-Family Housing Revenue Bonds, 1992 Series B,
                 7.050%, 11/01/22                                                     A1       4/02 at 102       8,918,284
    28,200,000  Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority,
                 Housing Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series C, 5.800%, 11/01/13               A1      12/03 at 102      27,538,991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                PUERTO RICO - 0.3%
     8,000,000  Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, Revenue Bonds,
                 Series 1988A, 7.875%, 7/01/17 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/98)             AAA       7/98 at 102       8,680,480
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$2,935,541,000  Total Investments -- (cost $2,754,323,751) -- 99.5%                                          2,849,912,859
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
               TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS IN SHORT-TERM
               MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- 1.2%
$  6,900,000   Jasper County Pollution Control Bonds (Northern Indiana
                Public Service Co.), Series 1994B, Variable Rate Demand
                Bonds, 3.850%, 6/01/13+                                          VMIG-1                      $  6,900,000
   7,300,000   North Central Texas Health Facilities Development Corporation,
                Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series 1985-B, (Methodist Hospitals
                of Dallas), Variable Rate Demand Bonds, 3.750%, 10/01/15+           A-1                         7,300,000
  12,900,000   Sabine River Authority of Texas, Collateralized Pollution Control
                Revenue Refunding Bonds (Texas Utilities Electric Company
                Project) Series 1996A, Variable Rate Demand Bonds,
                3.850%, 3/01/26+                                                 VMIG-1                        12,900,000
   3,600,000   Schuylkill County Industrial Development Authority Resource
                Recovery (Northeastern Power Co. Project), 1985 Variable Rate
                Demand Bonds, 3.850%, 12/01/11+                                     A-1                         3,600,000
   2,400,000   Regents of the University of Michigan, Hospital Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1995A (Adjustable Rate Demand), Variable Rate
                Demand Bonds, 3.850%, 12/01/27+                                  VMIG-1                         2,400,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 33,100,000   Total Temporary Investments -- 1.2%                                                             33,100,000
=============------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Other Assets Less Liabilities -- (0.7)%                                                        (18,432,051)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                          $2,864,580,808
=========================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                NUMBER             MARKET        MARKET
                      STANDARD & POOR'S                   MOODY'S            OF ISSUES              VALUE       PERCENT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                   <C>                              <C>           <C>                  <C>
SUMMARY OF                          AAA                       Aaa                   81     $  979,345,068           34%
RATINGS*                  AA+, AA, AA--         Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3                   73      1,072,698,702           37
PORTFOLIO OF                         A+                        A1                   18        329,218,069           11
INVESTMENTS                      A, A--                 A, A2, A3                   24        327,425,990           11
(EXCLUDING             BBB+, BBB, BBB--     Baa1, Baa, Baa2, Baa3                   15        130,923,600            5
TEMPORARY                  BB+, BB, BB-         Ba1, Ba, Ba2, Ba3                    1          1,614,612            1
INVESTMENTS):                 Non-rated                 Non-rated                    2          8,686,818            1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                                                              214     $2,849,912,859          100%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
** Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices at later dates.
N/R -- Investment is not rated.
(WI) Security purchased on a when-issued basis (note 1).
+ The security has a maturity of more than one year, but has variable rate and
demand features which qualify it as a short-term security. The rate disclosed is
that currently in effect. This rate changes periodically based on market
conditions or a specified market index.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
               ALABAMA -- 8.1%
$  5,600,000   The Alabama Public Health Care Authority, Mortgage Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1996, 6.000%, 10/01/25                                Aaa      10/06 at 102    $  5,595,800
   2,120,000   The Water Supply Board of the City of Albertville (Alabama)
                Water Revenue Bonds, Series 1992, 6.700%, 3/01/11                   Aaa       3/02 at 102       2,301,917
   3,500,000   City of Athens, Alabama, Electric Revenue Warrants,
                Series 1995, 6.000%, 6/01/25                                        Aaa       6/05 at 102       3,539,690
   4,795,000   The Governmental Utility Services Corporation of the City of
                Auburn, Floating/Fixed Rate Wastewater Treatment Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1984 (Merscot-Auburn Limited
                Partnership Project), 7.300%, 1/01/12                               Aaa      12/99 at 102       5,195,526
   1,875,000   The Special Care Facilities Financing Authority of the City of
                Birmingham-Baptist Medical Centers (Alabama), Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1991-A (The Baptist Medical Centers), 7.000%, 1/01/21        Aaa       1/01 at 102       2,021,063
   1,225,000   The Utilities Board of the City of Daphne (Alabama), Water,
                Gas and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1990B, 7.350%, 6/01/20                                       Aaa       6/00 at 102       1,351,714
   6,750,000   The Public Building Authority of the City of Huntsville
                (Alabama), Municipal Justice and Public Safety Center Lease
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1996A, 6.000%, 10/01/25                       Aaa      10/05 at 102       6,823,103
   3,000,000   City of Madison (Alabama), General Obligation School
                Warrants, Series 1994, 6.250%, 2/01/19                              Aaa       2/04 at 102       3,104,430
   5,500,000   City of Madison (Alabama), General Obligation Warrants,
                Series 1995, 6.000%, 4/01/23                                        Aaa       4/05 at 102       5,561,930
   3,000,000   Mobile County, Alabama, General Obligation Tax Pledge
                Warrants, Series 1991, 6.700%, 2/01/11
                (Pre-refunded to 2/01/00)                                           Aaa       2/00 at 102       3,253,740
  12,000,000   The Medical Clinic Board of The City of Montgomery, Alabama,
                Health Care Facility Revenue Bonds, Jackson Hospital and
                Clinic, Series 1996, 6.000%, 3/01/26                                Aaa       3/06 at 102      11,991,720
               City of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, General Obligation Various
                Purpose Warrants, Series 1996:
   1,725,000    5.800%, 8/01/16                                                     Aaa       2/06 at 102       1,717,048
   3,000,000    5.900%, 8/01/25                                                     Aaa       2/06 at 102       3,001,050
   3,000,000   The Utilities Board of the City of Oneonta (Alabama), Utility
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 6.900%, 11/01/24                        Aaa      11/04 at 102       3,337,890
               West Morgan-East Lawrence Water Authority, Water Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1994:
   2,200,000    6.800%, 8/15/19                                                     Aaa       8/04 at 102       2,429,614
   3,000,000    6.850%, 8/15/25                                                     Aaa       8/04 at 102       3,322,710
               ALASKA -- 1.1%
   8,565,000   Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                1996 Series A, 6.000%, 12/01/15 (WI)                                Aaa       6/06 at 102       8,506,073
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
               ARIZONA -- 2.3%
               The Industrial Development Authority of the County of Mohave,
                Baptist Hospital System Revenue Bonds, Series 1996:
$  1,000,000    5.500%, 9/01/21                                                     Aaa       9/06 at 102    $    942,450
   1,000,000    5.750%, 9/01/26                                                     Aaa       9/06 at 102         971,490
   5,000,000   Navajo County, Arizona, Pollution Control Corporation,
                Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Arizona Public
                Service Company), 1993 Series A, 5.875%, 8/15/28                   Baa1       8/03 at 102       4,837,000
   6,000,000   Tempe Union High School District No. 213 of Maricopa County,
                Arizona, School Improvement and Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1994, 6.000%, 7/01/10                                        Aaa       7/04 at 101       6,256,800
   5,000,000   City of Tucson, Arizona, Water System Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1994-A (1996), 6.000%, 7/01/21                               Aaa       7/06 at 101       5,060,800
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               ARKANSAS -- 0.2%
   1,500,000   City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Residential Housing and Health
                Care Facilities Board, Hospital Revenue Refunding and
                Construction Bonds (St. Bernards Regional Medical Center),
                Series 1996 B, 5.900%, 7/01/16                                      Aaa       7/06 at 102       1,490,325
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               CALIFORNIA -- 9.7%
   5,000,000   California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Insured Health
                Facility Refunding Revenue Bonds (Mark Twain St. Joseph's
                HealthCare Corporation), 1996 Series A, 6.000%, 7/01/25             Aaa       7/06 at 102       4,996,100
   3,525,000   Brea Public Financing Authority (Orange County, California),
                1991 Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds, Series A
                (Redevelopment Project AB), 7.000%, 8/01/15
                (Pre-refunded to 8/01/01)                                           Aaa       8/01 at 102       3,955,685
   4,150,000   Fairfield Public Financing Authority (Solano County, California)
                1993 Revenue Bonds, Series C (Fairfield Redevelopment
                Projects), 5.500%, 8/01/23                                          Aaa       8/03 at 102       3,898,012
               Los Angeles Convention and Exhibition Center Authority,
                Lease Revenue Bonds, 1993 Refunding Series A,
                The City of Los Angeles (California):
  14,740,000    5.375%, 8/15/18                                                     Aaa       8/03 at 102      13,785,143
   2,500,000    5.600%, 12/01/28                                                    Aaa      12/03 at 102       2,376,600
  11,630,000   Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Financing Authority,
                Capital Projects Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series A
                (Senior Ad Valorem Obligation Bonds), 5.250%, 10/01/19              Aaa      10/03 at 102      10,634,937
  13,750,000   Ontario Redevelopment Financing Authority (San Bernardino
                County, California) 1993 Revenue Bonds (Ontario
                Redevelopment Project No. 1), 5.800%, 8/01/23                       Aaa      No Opt. Call      13,466,888
   5,295,000   County of Riverside, California (1994 Desert Justice Facility
                Project) Certificates of Participation, 6.000%, 12/01/12            Aaa      12/04 at 101       5,409,372
   2,250,000   Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Electric Revenue Bonds,
                1991 Series Y, 6.500%, 9/01/21 (Pre-refunded to 9/01/01)            Aaa       9/01 at 102       2,480,805
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**          VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<C>            <S>                                                                <C>        <C>                   <C>
               CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
$  6,050,000   The Regents of the University of California Refunding
                Revenue Bonds (1989 Multiple Purpose Projects),
                Series C, 5.000%, 9/01/23                                           Aaa       9/03 at 102    $  5,293,327
  10,000,000   The Regents of the University of California, Revenue Bonds
                (Multiple Purpose Projects), Series D, 6.375%, 9/01/24              Aaa       9/02 at 102      10,478,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               COLORADO - 1.2%
   1,070,000   City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Hospital Revenue and
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1995, 6.000%, 12/15/24                      Aaa      12/05 at 102       1,069,165
   4,500,000   Board of Water Commissioners, City and County of Denver,
                Colorado, Certificates of Participation, Series 1991,
                6.625%, 11/15/11                                                    Aaa      11/01 at 101       4,843,530
   3,500,000   Jefferson County, Colorado, Refunding Certificates
                of Participation, 6.650%, 12/01/08                                  Aaa      12/02 at 102       3,864,840
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               DELAWARE - 0.5%
   3,600,000   Delaware Economic Development Authority, Pollution Control
                Refunding Revenue Bonds (Delmarva Power & Light
                Company Project) Series 1992B, 6.750%, 5/01/19                      Aaa       5/02 at 102       3,921,660
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - 1.1%
   2,500,000   District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) General Obligation
                Bonds (Series 1990B), 7.500%,
                6/01/10 (Pre-refunded to 6/01/00)                                   Aaa       6/00 at 102       2,789,650
   6,000,000   District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) General Obligation
                Bonds, Series 1994B, 6.100%, 6/01/11                                Aaa       6/04 at 102       6,087,360
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               FLORIDA - 0.7%
               Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Water Refunding Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1991:
     920,000    6.750%, 9/01/21 (Pre-refunded to 9/01/01)                           Aaa       9/01 at 101       1,012,883
      80,000    6.750%, 9/01/21                                                     Aaa       9/01 at 101          86,331
               Brevard County, Florida, Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 1985B:
   1,520,000    7.375%, 3/01/14 (Pre-refunded to 3/01/98)                           Aaa       3/98 at 102       1,620,001
     260,000    7.375%, 3/01/14                                                     Aaa       3/98 at 102         276,060
   2,405,000   South Broward Hospital District (Florida) Hospital Revenue and
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1993, 7.500%, 5/01/08               Aaa       5/03 at 102       2,756,852
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
               GEORGIA - 2.9%
   5,000,000   City of Albany (Georgia), Sewerage System Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1992, 6.625%, 7/01/17                                        Aaa       7/02 at 102       5,400,750
   5,000,000   Development Authority of Appling County (Georgia), Pollution
                Control Revenue Bonds (Oglethorpe Power Corporation Hatch
                Project), Series 1994, 7.150%, 1/01/21                              Aaa       1/04 at 101       5,581,700
   2,250,000   Chatham County Hospital Authority, Hospital Revenue Bonds
                (Memorial Medical Center, Inc.), (Savannah, Georgia),
                Series 1990A, 7.000%, 1/01/21                                       Aaa       1/01 at 102       2,437,110
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>
               GEORGIA (CONTINUED)
$  4,590,000   Marietta Development Authority, First Mortgage Revenue
                 Bonds, (Life College Inc), Series 1995-B, 6.250%, 9/01/25          Aaa       9/05 at 102    $  4,769,515
   3,770,000   Development Authority of the City of Marietta, First Mortgage
                 Revenue Bonds (Life College, Inc.) Series 1995A and
                 Series 1995B, 5.950%, 9/01/19                                      Aaa       9/05 at 102       3,777,540
   1,000,000   Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Project One
                 Subordinated Bonds, Series 1994A, 6.500%, 1/01/26                  Aaa       1/04 at 102       1,071,790
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               ILLINOIS -- 14.1%
   6,685,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revolving Fund Pooled
                 Financing Program, Methodist Health Services
                 Corporation, Peoria, 8.000%, 8/01/15                               Aaa       2/99 at 103       7,345,745
   4,500,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds, Series 1993
                 (The Children's Memorial Hospital), 5.000%, 8/15/22                Aaa       8/03 at 102       3,887,730
   3,000,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds,
                 Series 1994A (The University of Chicago
                 Hospitals Project), 6.125%, 8/15/24                                Aaa       8/04 at 102       2,976,090
   4,500,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Series 1994
                 (Ingalls Health System Project), 6.250%, 5/15/24                   Aaa       5/04 at 102       4,579,740
   4,000,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Health Care Facilities
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1995 (Northwestern Medical Faculty
                 Foundation, Inc.), 6.500%, 11/15/15                                Aaa      11/04 at 102       4,281,440
   7,000,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Carle
                 Foundation), Series 1996, 6.000%, 1/01/27                          Aaa       1/06 at 102       6,860,490
   2,100,000   Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Ingalls Health System
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1989 (The Ingalls Memorial Hospital
                 Project), 7.000%, 1/01/19 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                Aaa       1/00 at 102       2,287,005
               Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds,
                 Series 1988-B, (Community Provider Pooled Loan Program):
     169,000     7.900%, 8/15/03                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call         191,639
   1,236,000     7.900%, 8/15/03                                                    Aaa      10/96 at 102       1,264,861
   5,000,000   State of Illinois General Obligation Bonds, Series of August
                 1994, 5.875%, 8/01/19                                             AA--       8/04 at 102       4,870,850
               State of Illinois, General Obligation Bonds, Series of February
                 1995:
   3,065,000     6.100%, 2/01/19                                                    Aaa       2/05 at 102       3,091,849
   5,545,000     6.100%, 2/01/20                                                    Aaa       2/05 at 102       5,593,574
   5,000,000   The State of Illinois acting by the Department of Central
                 Management Services for the benefit of the Department of
                 Public Aid Participations, 5.650%, 7/01/17                         Aaa       7/06 at 102       4,818,850
   2,500,000   City of Chicago (Illinois), General Obligation Adjustable Rate
                 Bonds, Central Public Library Project, Series C of 1988,
                 6.850%, 1/01/17 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/02)                          Aaa   7/02 at 101 1/2       2,784,375
   5,000,000   City of Chicago, General Obligation Bonds, Project Series A of
                 1992, 6.250%, 1/01/12                                              Aaa       1/02 at 102       5,224,950
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

                                      26

<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                                                                <C>         <C>                  <C>
               ILLINOIS (CONTINUED)
$  1,500,000   Public Building Commission of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois,
                 Building Revenue Bonds, Series A of 1988 (Community
                 College District No. 508), 7.700%, 1/01/08                         Aaa      No Opt. Call    $  1,573,830
  21,300,000   Public Building Commission of Chicago (Illinois) Building
                 Revenue Bonds, Series A of 1993 (Board of Education of the
                 City of Chicago), 5.750%, 12/01/18                                 Aaa      12/03 at 102      20,409,021
   6,540,000   Town of Cicero, Cook County, Illinois, General Obligation
                 Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 1994A, 6.400%, 12/01/14            Aaa      12/04 at 102       6,841,886
   2,250,000   The County of Cook, Illinois General Obligation Capital
                 Improvement Bonds, Series 1996, 5.875%, 11/15/22                   Aaa      11/06 at 101       2,211,683
   4,200,000   School District Number 25, Cook County, Illinois
                 (Arlington Heights), School Building Obligations,
                 Series 1996, 5.700%, 5/01/13                                       Aaa       5/06 at 102       4,102,560
   2,500,000   Community College District No. 508, Cook County, Illinois,
                 Certificates of Participation, 8.750%, 1/01/07                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       3,163,300
   2,370,000   Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities (Illinois),
                 Eastern Illinois University, Auxiliary Facilities System
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 6.375%, 4/01/16                       Aaa       4/04 at 102       2,505,588
   7,570,000   Village of Franklin Park, Cook County, Illinois, General
                 Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternative Revenue Source)
                 Series 1993, 5.500%, 7/01/22                                       Aaa       7/04 at 102       7,089,532
   4,000,000   Regional Transportation Authority, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake,
                 McHenry and Will Counties, Illinois, General Obligation
                 Refunding Bonds, Series 1993C, 5.850%, 6/01/23                     Aaa       6/03 at 102       3,886,440
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               INDIANA - 5.2%
   3,750,000   City of Indianapolis, Indiana, Gas Utility System Revenue
                 Bonds, Series 1992 A, 6.200%, 6/01/23                              Aaa       6/02 at 102       3,850,425
   5,000,000   Indiana Health Facilities Financing Authority, Hospital Revenue
                 Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 1992
                 (Community Hospitals Project), 6.400%, 5/01/12                     Aaa       5/02 at 102       5,289,250
   1,000,000   Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply System
                 Revenue Bonds, 1990 Series A,
                 7.100%, 1/01/15 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                          Aaa       1/00 at 102       1,095,360
   5,000,000   Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply System
                 Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series A, 6.125%, 1/01/19                      Aaa       1/03 at 102       5,044,900
   5,350,000   Jasper County, Indiana, Collateralized Pollution Control
                 Refunding Revenue Bonds (Northern Indiana Public Service
                 Company Project), Series 1991, 7.100%, 7/01/17                     Aaa       7/01 at 102       5,835,085
   2,000,000   Lawrence Central High School Building Corporation, Marion
                 County, Indiana, First Mortgage Bonds, Series 1990,
                 7.250%, 7/01/08 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                          Aaa       7/00 at 102       2,218,240
   3,300,000   Marion County Convention and Recreational Facilities
                 Authority (Indiana), Excise Taxes Lease Rental Revenue Bonds,
                 Series 1991B, 7.000%, 6/01/21 (Pre-refunded to 6/01/01)            Aaa       6/01 at 102       3,673,263
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                          RAT-         OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                         INGS*     PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                 <C>       <C>              <C>
               INDIANA (CONTINUED)
$  2,250,000   Hospital Authority of Monroe County, Hospital Revenue
                 Refunding Bonds, Series 1989
                 (Bloomington Hospital Project), 7.125%, 5/01/11                    Aaa       5/99 at 101     $ 2,396,610
   1,000,000   City of Princeton,Indiana, Pollution Control Refunding Revenue
                 Bonds, 1990 Series (Public Service Company of Indiana, Inc.
                 Project C), 7.375%, 3/15/12                                        Aaa       3/00 at 102       1,098,970
   4,170,000   Riley Elementary School Building Corporation (Vigo County,
                 Indiana), First Mortgage Bonds, Series 1996,
                 5.700%, 1/15/18 (WI)                                               Aaa       1/06 at 102       4,042,064
   2,000,000   Hospital Authority of St. Joseph County (Indiana), Fixed Rate
                 Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1991A (Memorial
                 Hospital of South Bend Project), 7.000%, 8/15/20                   Aaa       8/01 at 102       2,171,420
   2,190,000   Shelby County Jail Building Corporation, First Mortgage Bonds
                 (Shelby County, Indiana), 6.500%, 7/15/09
                 (Pre-refunded to 7/15/02)                                          Aaa       7/02 at 102       2,419,337
   2,265,000   Southwest Allen Multi School Bldg. Corp., First Mortgage
                 Refunding Bonds, Series 1992 B, Fort Wayne, Indiana,
                 6.375%, 1/15/09                                                    Aaa       1/02 at 101       2,369,575
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               KENTUCKY - 0.1%
   1,000,000   Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District
                 (Commonwealth of Kentucky) Drainage Revenue Bonds,
                 Series 1989, 7.350%, 5/01/19 (Pre-refunded to 5/01/00)             Aaa       5/00 at 102       1,107,460
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               LOUISIANA - 4.2%
   2,000,000   Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and
                 Agricultural and Mechanical College, Auxiliary Revenue
                 Bonds, Series 1996, 5.500%, 7/01/26 (WI)                           Aaa       7/06 at 102       1,902,940
   7,000,000   Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, Hospital Revenue
                 Refunding Bonds (Southern Baptist Hospital Project), Series
                 1992, 6.800%, 5/15/12 (Pre-refunded to 5/15/02)                    Aaa       5/02 at 102       7,796,110
   1,635,000   Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, Fixed Rate Health and
                 Education Capital Facilities Revenue Bonds (West Jefferson
                 Medical Center), Series 1985D, 7.900%, 12/01/15                    Aaa      12/98 at 102       1,779,469
               State of Louisiana General Obligation Bonds, Series 1992-A:
   5,000,000     6.500%, 5/01/09                                                    Aaa       5/02 at 102       5,360,550
   2,000,000     6.500%, 5/01/12                                                    Aaa       5/02 at 102       2,138,140
   4,795,000   Public Improvement Bonds, Issue of 1995, City of New Orleans,
                 Louisiana, 5.900%, 11/01/20                                        Aaa      11/05 at 100       4,785,362
   5,640,000   Orleans Parish Parishwide School District, General Obligation
                 Bonds, Series 1996, 5.000%, 9/01/20                                Aaa       3/06 at 100       4,969,742
   4,750,000   Hospital Service District No. 1 of the Parish of Tangipahoa,
                 State of Louisiana, Hospital Revenue Bonds
                 (Series 1994), 6.250%, 2/01/24                                     Aaa       2/04 at 102       4,877,158
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-        OPT. CALL            MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>
               MAINE -- 2.0%
$ 3,175,000    Maine Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B, 7.000%, 7/01/24                       Aaa        7/04 at 102    $ 3,497,898
 11,500,000    Maine Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1995A, 5.875%, 7/01/25                       Aaa        7/05 at 102     11,404,205
               Town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, 
                1992 General Obligation Bonds:                                 
    750,000     6.650%, 9/01/09                                                    Aaa        9/02 at 103        822,195
    500,000     6.650%, 9/01/10                                                    Aaa        9/02 at 103        548,130
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MARYLAND -- 0.1%
  1,000,000    Morgan State University, Maryland, Academic Fees and Auxiliary
                Facilities Fees Revenue Bonds, 1990 Series A,
                7.000%, 7/01/20 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                          Aaa        7/00 at 102      1,101,170
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MASSACHUSETTS -- 3.3%
  1,250,000    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Certificates of
                Participation, 1990 Series A, 7.650%, 8/01/15
                (Pre-refunded to 8/01/00)                                          Aaa        8/00 at 102       1,408,325
  2,000,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Capital Asset Program Issue, Series F,
                7.300%, 10/01/18                                                   Aaa        4/00 at 102       2,179,600
  3,400,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, New England Medical Center Hospitals Issue,
                Series F, 6.625%, 7/01/25                                          Aaa        7/02 at 102       3,628,276
  4,000,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, South Shore Hospital Issue, Series D,
                6.500%, 7/01/22                                                    Aaa        7/02 at 102       4,237,160
  5,875,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Cape Cod Health Systems, Inc. Issue,
                Series A, 5.250%, 11/15/21                                         AAA       11/03 at 102       5,225,460
  4,000,000    Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                Revenue Bonds, Berkshire Health Systems Issue, Series D,
                6.000%, 10/01/19                                                   Aaa       10/05 at 102       3,997,280
  3,500,000    City of Boston, Massachusetts, Revenue Bonds, Boston City
                Hospital (FHA-Insured Mortgage), Series A,
                7.625%, 2/15/21 (Pre-refunded to 8/15/00)                          Aaa        8/00 at 102       3,938,235
  1,150,000    City of Haverhill, Massachusetts, General Obligation
                Municipal Purpose Loan of 1992, Series A, 7.000%, 6/15/12          Aaa        6/02 at 102       1,266,001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MICHIGAN -- 5.7%
  2,400,000    Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority (Michigan),
                Hospital Revenue and Refunding Bonds (Henry Ford
                Health System), Series 1992A, 5.750%, 9/01/17                      Aaa        9/02 at 102       2,344,272
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>    <C>                 <C>         
               MICHIGAN (CONTINUED)
               Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Revenue
                Bonds (Sparrow Obligated Group), Series 1996:
$  1,650,000    5.800%, 11/15/16                                                    Aaa      11/06 at 102    $  1,606,770
   5,000,000    5.900%, 11/15/26                                                    Aaa      11/06 at 102       4,879,050
   2,000,000   Michigan Strategic Fund Limited Obligation Refunding Revenue
                Bonds (The Detroit Edison Company Pollution Control Bonds
                Project), Collateralized Series 1991DD, 6.875%, 12/01/21            Aaa      12/01 at 102       2,184,040
   5,475,000   State of Michigan, State Trunk Line Fund Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1992B-2, 5.500%, 10/01/21                                    Aaa      10/02 at 100       5,132,046
  12,130,000   City of Bay City, County of Bay, State of Michigan,
                1991 General Obligation Unlimited Tax Street
                Improvement Bonds, 0.000%, 6/01/21                                  Aaa      No Opt. Call       2,734,466
   5,000,000   Caledonia Community Schools, Counties of Kent, Allegan and
                Barry, State of Michigan, 1992 School Building and Site and
                Refunding Bonds (General Obligation -- Unlimited Tax),
                6.700%, 5/01/22 (Pre-refunded to 5/01/02)                           Aaa       5/02 at 102       5,553,450
   2,500,000   Chelsea School District, Counties of Washtenaw and Jackson,
                State of Michigan, 1995 School Building and Site Bonds
                (General Obligation, -- Unlimited Tax), 6.000%, 5/01/19             Aaa       5/05 at 101       2,522,550
   2,000,000   City of Detroit, Michigan, Sewage Disposal System Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1991, 6.625%, 7/01/21 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/01)       Aaa       7/01 at 102       2,197,980
   8,000,000   Livonia Public School District, County of Wayne, State of
                Michigan, 1993 Refunding Bonds, 5.500%, 5/01/21                     Aaa       5/03 at 102       7,561,360
   3,000,000   Board of Trustees of Oakland University, Michigan, General
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1995, 5.750%, 5/15/26                         Aaa       5/05 at 102       2,939,040
   6,085,000   School District of the City of River Rouge, County of Wayne,
                State of Michigan, 1993 School Building and Site Bonds
                (General Obligation -- Unlimited Tax), 5.625%, 5/01/22              Aaa   5/03 at 101 1/2       5,876,285
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MISSISSIPPI -- 0.8%
   6,400,000   Medical Center Educational Building Corporation (Mississippi),
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 (University of Mississippi
                Medical Center Project), 5.900%, 12/01/23                           Aaa      12/04 at 102       6,301,248
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MISSOURI -- 1.0%
   7,950,000   St. Louis Municipal Finance Corporation, City Justice Center,
                Leasehold Revenue Improvement Bonds, Series 1996A,
                (City of St. Louis, Missouri, Lessee), 5.950%, 2/15/16              Aaa       2/06 at 102       7,998,972
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NEVADA - 0.6%
   2,500,000   County of Churchill, Nevada, Health Care Facilities Revenue
                Bonds (Western Health Network, Inc.), Series 1994A,
                6.000%, 1/01/24                                                     Aaa       1/04 at 102       2,498,075
   2,000,000   Clark County, Nevada, Industrial Development Refunding
                Revenue Bonds (Nevada Power Company Project),
                Series 1992C, 7.200%, 10/01/22                                      Aaa      10/02 at 102       2,225,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      30

<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                           RAT-      OPT. CALL            MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                          INGS*  PROVISIONS**             VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                  <C>  <C>                 <C>
               NEW HAMPSHIRE -- 0.4%
$  2,850,000   New Hampshire Higher Educational and Health Facilities
                Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds, University System of
                New Hampshire Issue, Series 1992, 6.250%, 7/01/20                   Aaa       7/02 at 102    $  2,935,899
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NEW JERSEY -- 0.5%
   1,480,000   New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Home
                Mortgage Purchase Revenue Bonds, 1987 Series B
                (Remarketing), 8.100%, 10/01/17                                     Aaa       4/98 at 103       1,557,952
   1,890,000   Housing Finance Corporation of the Township of Pennsauken
                (Pennsauken, New Jersey), Section 8 Assisted Housing Revenue
                Bonds (Pennsauken Housing Associates -- 1979 Elderly
                Project), 8.000%, 4/01/11                                           Aaa  10/96 at 104 1/2       1,980,796
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NEW MEXICO -- 1.0%
   3,000,000   City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Hospital System
                Revenue Bonds, 1992 Series B
                (Presbyterian Healthcare Services), 6.600%, 8/01/07                 Aaa       8/97 at 102       3,129,270
   4,445,000   City of Farmington, New Mexico, Pollution Control
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1992 Series A (Public Service
                Company of New Mexico San Juan and
                Four Corners Projects), 6.375%, 12/15/22                            Aaa      12/02 at 102       4,657,027
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NEW YORK -- 11.6%
   3,000,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, City University
                System Consolidated Second General Resolution Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1993A, 5.750%, 7/01/18                                Aaa      No Opt. Call       2,997,870
   8,375,000   Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Mount Sinai
                School of Medicine, Insured Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1994A, 5.000%, 7/01/21                                       Aaa       7/04 at 102       7,433,064
   6,530,000   New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Mental
                Health Services Facilities Improvement Revenue Bonds,
                1992 Series D, 5.900%, 8/15/22                                      Aaa       8/02 at 102       6,457,125
   6,500,000   New York State Thruway Authority, Highway and Bridge Trust
                Fund Bonds, Series 1996A, 5.250%, 4/01/14                           Aaa       4/06 at 102       6,132,685
   5,000,000   Battery Park City Authority, Senior Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1993A, 5.250%, 11/01/17                                      Aaa      11/03 at 102       4,618,100
               Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Commuter Facilities
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1992B:
   4,955,000    6.250%, 7/01/17                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       5,120,101
   6,925,000    6.250%, 7/01/22                                                     Aaa       7/02 at 102       7,111,767
   5,000,000   Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Commuter Facilities
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 6.375%, 7/01/18                        Aaa   7/04 at 101 1/2       5,241,350
     285,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds,
                Fiscal 1992 Series C, 6.625%, 8/01/12                               Aaa   8/02 at 101 1/2         308,074
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      31
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                           RAT-       OPT. CALL           MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                          INGS*   PROVISIONS**            VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                  <C>   <C>                <C>
               NEW YORK (CONTINUED)
$  5,715,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds,
                Fiscal 1992 Series C, Fixed Rate Bonds, Subseries C-1,
                6.625%, 8/01/12 (Pre-refunded to 8/01/02)                           Aaa   8/02 at 101 1/2    $  6,342,564
   3,010,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds,
                Fiscal 1993 Series E, 6.000%, 5/15/16                               Aaa   5/03 at 101 1/2       3,030,980
   3,750,000   The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds,
                Fiscal 1992 Series B, 7.000%, 2/01/18                               Aaa   2/02 at 101 1/2       4,102,950
   6,330,000   New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1992 Series A,
                6.750%, 6/15/16                                                     Aaa       6/01 at 101       6,834,286
   2,025,000   New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1990 Series A,
                6.750%, 6/15/14 (Pre-refunded to 6/15/99)                           Aaa   6/99 at 101 1/2       2,178,515
   4,470,000   New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and
                Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1993 Series A,
                5.750%, 6/15/18                                                     Aaa   6/02 at 101 1/2       4,401,386
   3,900,000   New York City Transit Authority, Transit Facilities Refunding
                Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 (Livingston Plaza Project),
                5.400%, 1/01/18                                                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       3,744,663
               New York City Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility
                Revenue Bonds (USTA National Tennis Center Incorporated
                Project):
   3,500,000    6.500%, 11/15/10                                                    Aaa      11/04 at 102       3,774,505
   3,000,000    6.600%, 11/15/11                                                    Aaa      11/04 at 102       3,250,650
   5,240,000   Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, Special Obligation
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1991B, 6.875%, 1/01/15                      Aaa       1/01 at 102       5,695,408
   3,015,000   Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, Special Obligation
                Bonds, Series 1992, 5.500%, 1/01/17                                 Aaa       1/02 at 100       2,857,617
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NORTH CAROLINA -- 0.7%
   6,000,000   County of Randolph, North Carolina Certificates of Participation
                (1995 Randolph County Projects), 5.300%, 6/01/15                    Aaa       6/05 at 102       5,708,580
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               OHIO -- 1.1%
   1,000,000   Board of Education, City School District of Columbus, Franklin
                County, Ohio, General Obligation Bonds, Series 1990-A
                (Unlimited Tax) For School Building Renovation and
                Improvement, 7.000%, 12/01/11 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/00)            Aaa      12/00 at 102       1,106,700
   2,500,000   Dublin City School District, Franklin, Delaware and Union
                Counties, Ohio, Various Purpose School Building Construction
                and Improvement Bonds (General Obligation -- Unlimited
                Tax), 6.200%, 12/01/19                                              Aaa      12/02 at 102       2,593,600
   5,000,000   County of Montgomery, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Revenue
                Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 1996
                (Kettering Medical Center), 5.625%, 4/01/16                         Aaa       4/06 at 102       4,889,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      32
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL         MARKET
AMOUNT                      DESCRIPTION                                           INGS*      PROVISIONS**          VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>
               OKLAHOMA -- 2.0%
$ 5,000,000    Oklahoma Industries Authority, Health System Revenue Bonds
                (Obligated Group consisting of Baptist Medical Center of
                Oklahoma, Inc., South Oklahoma City Hospital Corporation
                and Baptist Rural Health System, Inc.), Series 1995C,
                Fixed Rate Bonds, 6.250%, 8/15/12                                   Aaa       8/05 at 102    $  5,252,900
    350,000    Muskogee County Home Finance Authority (Oklahoma)
                Single Family Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                Series 1990A, 7.600%, 12/01/10                                      Aaa       6/00 at 102         367,973
 10,525,000    Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority (Tulsa, Oklahoma),
                Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 1995, 5.750%, 9/01/19                 Aaa       9/05 at 102      10,295,239
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               PENNSYLVANIA -- 3.3%
  3,550,000    County of Berks, Pennsylvania, General Obligation Bonds,
                Series of 1995, 5.850%, 11/15/18                                    Aaa      11/05 at 100       3,538,711
  5,000,000    Lehigh County General Purpose Authority, Hospital Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1992 (St. Luke's Hospital of Bethlehem,
                Pennsylvania Project), 6.250%, 7/01/22                              Aaa       7/02 at 102       5,122,200
  3,000,000    North Pennsylvania Water Authority (Montgomery County,
                Pennsylvania), Water Revenue Bonds, Series of 1994,
                7.000%, 11/01/24 (Pre-refunded to 11/01/04)                         Aaa      11/04 at 101       3,438,780
  3,900,000    The Philadelphia Municipal Authority, Philadelphia,
                Pennsylvania, Justice Lease Revenue Bonds, 1991 Series B,
                7.125%, 11/15/18 (Pre-refunded to 11/15/01)                         Aaa      11/01 at 102       4,403,919
  8,500,000    The Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), Water and Sewer Authority,
                Water and Sewer System Subordinate Revenue Bonds,
                Series B of 1995, 5.750%, 9/01/25                                   Aaa       9/05 at 100       8,295,065
  1,000,000    Washington County Hospital Authority (Pennsylvania),
                Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A of 1990
                (The Washington Hospital Project), 7.150%, 7/01/17                  Aaa       7/00 at 102       1,087,550
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               RHODE ISLAND -- 1.4%
   2,250,000   Rhode Island Depositors Economic Corporation, Special
                Obligation Bonds, 1992 Series A,
                6.625%, 8/01/19 (Pre-refunded to 8/01/02)                           Aaa       8/02 at 102       2,488,365
   4,000,000   City of Cranston, Rhode Island, General Obligation Bonds,
                7.200%, 7/15/11 (Pre-refunded to 7/15/01)                           Aaa   7/01 at 101 1/2       4,442,680
   3,130,000   Kent County Water Authority (Rhode Island), General Revenue
                Bonds, 1994 Series A, 6.350%, 7/15/14                               Aaa       7/04 at 102       3,268,534
   1,000,000   Providence Housing Development Corporation, Mortgage
                Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1994A (FHA Insured
                Mortgage Loan -- Barbara Jordan Apartments Project)
                (Providence, Rhode Island), 6.650%, 7/01/15                         Aaa       7/04 at 102       1,046,900
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND - CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>
               SOUTH CAROLINA - 3.7%
$  1,000,000   City of Aiken, South Carolina, Water and Sewer System Revenue
                 Refunding and Capital Improvement Bonds, 
                 Series 1990, 7.250%, 1/01/14                                       Aaa       1/00 at 102    $  1,091,840
   8,740,000   The School District of Berkeley County, South Carolina,
                 Berkeley School Facilities Group, Inc., Certificates of
                 Participation, Series 1995, 5.250%, 2/01/16                        Aaa       2/06 at 101       8,217,698
               Charleston County, South Carolina, Charleston Public Facilities
                 Corporation, Certificates of Participation, Series 1994B:
      70,000     6.875%, 6/01/14                                                    Aaa       6/04 at 102          76,943
     115,000     7.000%, 6/01/19                                                    Aaa       6/04 at 102         126,461
   6,500,000   Charleston County, South Carolina, Charleston Public Facilities
                 Corporation, Certificates of Participation, Series 1995,
                 5.500%, 12/01/20                                                   Aaa       6/05 at 101       6,170,255
               Charleston County, South Carolina, Charleston Public Facilities
                 Corporation, Certificates of Participation, Series 1994B:
   1,430,000     6.875%, 6/01/14 (Pre-refunded to 6/01/04)                          Aaa       6/04 at 102       1,627,369
   2,385,000     7.000%, 6/01/19 (Pre-refunded to 6/01/04)                          Aaa       6/04 at 102       2,733,210
   5,435,000   Greenville Memorial Auditorium District, Public Facilities
                 Corporation, Greenville Memorial Auditorium District,
                 Taxable Certificates of Participation (Bi-Lo Center Project),
                 Series 1996C, 5.750%, 3/01/22                                      Aaa       3/06 at 102       5,289,777
   2,000,000   City of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Combined Utility
                 System Revenue Bonds, Series 1990, 7.000%, 1/01/20
                 (Pre-refunded to 1/01/00)                                          Aaa       1/00 at 102       2,184,600
   2,000,000   City of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Combined Utility
                 System Revenue Bonds, Series 1991, 6.375%, 1/01/15                 Aaa       1/01 at 102       2,095,100
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
               SOUTH DAKOTA - 0.2%
   1,000,000   South Dakota Health and Educational Facilities Authority,
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1990 (McKennan Hospital Issue), 
                 7.250%, 7/01/15 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                          Aaa       7/00 at 102       1,107,630
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TEXAS - 3.6%
   6,080,000   Texas Health Facilities Development Corporation, Hospital
                 Revenue Bonds (All Saints Episcopal Hospitals of Fort Worth
                 Project), Series 1993B, 6.250%, 8/15/22                            Aaa       8/03 at 102       6,236,864
     565,000   Texas Housing Agency, Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
                 1985 Series C, 7.875%, 9/01/17                                      Aa      10/96 at 102         576,882
   3,000,000   Bexar County (Texas), Health Facilities Development
                 Corporation, Hospital Revenue Bonds (Baptist Memorial
                 Hospital System Project), Series 1994, 6.750%, 8/15/19             Aaa       8/04 at 102       3,260,700
   5,000,000   Bexar Metropolitan Water District, Waterworks System
                 Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 5.000%, 5/01/19
                 (Pre-refunded to 5/01/15)                                          Aaa       5/15 at 100       4,523,300
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                         RAT-          OPT. CALL          MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                        INGS*      PROVISIONS**           VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                <C>        <C>             <C>
               TEXAS (CONTINUED)
$  4,575,000   Harris County, Texas, Toll Road Senior Lien, Revenue
                Refunding Bonds, Series 1992A, 6.500%,
                8/15/17 (Pre-refunded to 8/15/02)                                   Aaa       8/02 at 102    $  5,059,081
   1,000,000   Harris County Hospital District Refunding Revenue Bonds,
                Texas, Series 1990, 7.400%, 2/15/10                                 Aaa      No Opt. Call       1,164,400
     500,000   City of Houston, Texas, Senior Lien Hotel Occupancy Tax and
                Parking Facilities, Weekly Adjustable/Fixed Rate Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1985, Custodial Receipts, Series A,
                7.000%, 7/01/15 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/01)                           Aaa       7/01 at 100         549,305
     825,000   Lower Colorado River Authority, Priority Refunding Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1991, Series B, 7.000%, 1/01/11                       Aaa       1/01 at 102         903,375
   1,250,000   Sabine River Authority of Texas, Collateralized Pollution Control
                Revenue Refunding Bonds (Texas Utilities Electric Company
                Project), Series 1993B Bonds, 5.550%, 5/01/22                       Aaa      11/03 at 102       1,183,725
   5,000,000   Tarrant County Health Facilities Development Corporation,
                Hospital Revenue Refunding and Improvement Bonds
                (Fort Worth Osteopathic Hospital, Inc. Project), Series 1993,
                 6.000%, 5/15/21                                                    Aaa      No Opt. Call       5,126,600
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               UTAH - 1.2%
   5,055,000   State of Utah, State Building Ownership Authority, Lease
                Revenue Bonds (State Facilities Master Lease Program),
                Series 1995A, 5.750%, 5/15/18                                       Aaa      11/05 at 100       4,857,804
     245,000   Utah Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage Senior
                Bonds, 1988 Issue C (Federally Insured or Guaranteed
                Mortgage Loans), 8.375%, 7/01/19                                     AA       1/09 at 100         251,375
     500,000   Provo City, Utah, Energy System Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                1993 Series A, 5.750%, 5/15/14                                      Aaa       5/03 at 102         493,125
   3,500,000   White City Water Improvement District,
                Salt Lake County, Utah, General Obligation Water Bonds,
                Series 1995, 6.600%, 2/01/25                                        Aaa       2/05 at 100       3,752,840
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               VIRGINIA - 0.5%
   3,000,000   Industrial Development Authority of Loudoun County, Virginia,
                Hospital Revenue Bonds (Loudoun Hospital Center),
                Series 1995, 5.800%, 6/01/26                                        Aaa       6/05 at 102       2,910,840
   1,050,000   County of Roanoke, Virginia, Water System Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1991, 6.000%, 7/01/31 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/01)              Aaa       7/01 at 100       1,109,052
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               WASHINGTON - 2.2%
   6,500,000    Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 1
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1993A, 5.700%, 7/01/17              Aaa       7/03 at 102       6,198,725
   5,000,000   Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 2
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1993B, 5.400%, 7/01/05              Aaa      No Opt. Call       5,027,500
</TABLE>

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
(Unaudited)

NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL                                                                           RAT-       OPT. CALL            MARKET
AMOUNT         DESCRIPTION                                                          INGS*   PROVISIONS**             VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                  <C>   <C>                <C>
               WASHINGTON (CONTINUED)
$  2,500,000   Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Project No. 3
                Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1989A, 7.250%, 7/01/16
                (Pre-refunded to 7/01/99)                                           Aaa       7/99 at 102    $  2,728,850
   1,500,000   City of Marysville, Washington, Water and Sewer Revenue
                Bonds, 1991, 7.000%, 12/01/11 (Pre-refunded to 12/01/03)            Aaa      12/03 at 100       1,687,755
   2,000,000   Bellingham School District No. 501, Whatcom County,
                Washington, Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds, 1994,
                6.125%, 12/01/13                                                    Aaa      12/04 at 100       2,058,440
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               WEST VIRGINIA - 0.2%
   1,000,000   School Building Authority of West Virginia, Capital
                Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1990A,
                7.250%, 7/01/15 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/00)                           Aaa       7/00 at 102       1,109,120
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               WISCONSIN - 1.4%
   7,020,000   Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue
                Bonds (Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother-Ministry Corporation),
                Series 1993A, 6.125%, 8/15/22                                       Aaa       2/03 at 102       6,974,651
   1,000,000   Wisconsin Municipal Insurance Commission, Revenue Bonds,
                Series 1987, 8.700%, 4/01/07                                        Aaa       4/97 at 102       1,044,970
   2,000,000   City of Superior, Wisconsin, Limited Obligation Refunding
                Revenue Bonds (Midwest Energy Resources Company Project)
                Series E-1991 (Collateralized), 6.900%, 8/01/21                     Aaa      No Opt. Call       2,286,480
   1,000,000   School District of Three Lakes, Forest and Oneida Counties,
                Wisconsin, General Obligation Refunding Bonds,
                6.750%, 4/01/12 (Pre-refunded to 4/01/03)                           Aaa       4/03 at 100       1,103,900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               WYOMING - 0.3%
   2,000,000   The Trustees of the University of Wyoming, Facilities Revenue
                Bonds, Series 1991, 7.100%, 6/01/10                                 Aaa       6/00 at 101       2,190,020
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               PUERTO RICO - 0.5%
   3,750,000   Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement Bonds
                of 1992 (General Obligation Bonds),
                6.600%, 7/01/13 (Pre-refunded to 7/01/02)                           Aaa   7/02 at 101 1/2       4,165,381
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$795,010,000   Total Investments -- (cost $765,118,418) -- 100.7%                                             799,126,229
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Other Assets Less Liabilities -- (0.7%)                                                         (5,334,006)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net Assets -- 100%                                                                            $793,792,223
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      36
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

NUVEEN INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          NUMBER            MARKET         MARKET
                     STANDARD & POOR'S                   MOODY'S       OF ISSUES             VALUE        PERCENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>                   <C>                         <C>            <C>               <C> 
SUMMARY OF                         AAA                       Aaa             203      $788,590,122            98%
RATINGS*                 AA+, AA, AA--         Aa1, Aa, Aa2, Aa3               3         5,699,107             1
PORTFOLIO OF           BBB+, BBB, BBB-     Baa1, Baa, Baa2, Baa3               1         4,837,000             1
INVESTMENTS:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
TOTAL                                                                        207      $799,126,229           100%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

All of the bonds in the portfolio are either covered by Original Issue
Insurance, Secondary Market Insurance or Portfolio Insurance, or are backed by
an escrow or trust containing sufficient U.S. Government or U.S. Government
agency securities, any of which ensure the timely payment of principal and
interest.
* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
** Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices at later dates.
(WI) Security purchased on a when-issued basis (note 1).

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      37
<PAGE>
 
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MUNI          INS. MUNI
                                                                       BOND            BOND    
                                                                  --------------    ------------
<S>                                                               <C>               <C>
 ASSETS
 Investments in municipal securities, at market value (note 1)    $2,849,912,859    $799,126,229
 Temporary investments in short-term municipal securities,
 at amortized cost (note 1)                                           33,100,000               -  
 Cash                                                                     26,107               -
 Receivables:                                                                                   
  Interest                                                            40,494,366      10,685,826
  Shares sold                                                            122,353          75,281
  Investments sold                                                       165,000       2,052,713
 Other assets                                                             53,425          14,573
                                                                  --------------    ------------
   Total assets                                                    2,923,874,110     811,954,622
                                                                  --------------    ------------
 LIABILITIES                                                                                    
 Payables:                                                                                      
  Investments purchased                                               47,563,718      15,211,521
  Shares reacquired                                                      176,447          56,981
 Accrued expenses:                                                                              
  Management fees (note 6)                                             1,108,034         324,347
  Other                                                                  635,438         330,781
 Dividends payable                                                     9,809,665       2,238,769
                                                                  --------------    ------------
   Total liabilities                                                  59,293,302      18,162,399
                                                                  --------------    ------------
 Net assets (note 7)                                              $2,864,580,808    $793,792,223
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Class A Shares (note 1)                                                                        
 Net assets                                                       $   54,030,059    $ 57,503,907
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Shares outstanding                                                    5,952,251       5,400,465
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Net asset value and redemption price per share                   $         9.08    $      10.65
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Offering price per share (net asset value per share plus                                       
  maximum sales charge of 4.50% of offering price)                $         9.51    $      11.15
                                                                  ==============    ============
                                                                                                
 Class C Shares (note 1)                                                                        
 Net assets                                                       $    3,349,917    $  5,152,126
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Shares outstanding                                                      368,992         488,830
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share         $         9.08    $      10.54
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Class R Shares (note 1)                                                                        
 Net assets                                                       $2,807,200,832    $731,136,190
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Shares outstanding                                                  309,141,414      68,945,126
                                                                  ==============    ============
 Net asset value and redemption price per share                   $         9.08    $      10.60
                                                                  ==============    ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      38


<PAGE>
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS           NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
Six months ended August 31, 1996                                 AUGUST 31, 1996
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       MUNI        INS. MUNI
                                                                       BOND           BOND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>
 INVESTMENT INCOME
 Tax-exempt interest income (note 1)                               $ 85,538,965   $ 23,568,720
                                                                   ------------   ------------
 Expenses:
  Management fees (note 6)                                            6,493,694      1,894,368
  12b-1 service fees-Class A (note 1)                                    57,553         65,012
  12b-1 distribution and service fees-Class C (note 1)                   12,551         25,937
  Shareholders' servicing agent fees and expenses                     1,115,315        378,907
  Custodian's fees and expenses                                         187,617         71,423
  Directors'/Trustees' fees and expenses (note 6)                        25,280          6,887
  Professional fees                                                      33,192          9,810
  Shareholders' reports - printing and mailing expenses                 209,142         89,474
  Federal and state registration fees                                    32,568         50,191
  Portfolio insurance expense                                                 -          3,588
  Other expenses                                                         70,550         24,475
                                                                   ------------   ------------
   Total expenses                                                     8,237,462      2,620,072
                                                                   ------------   ------------
     Net investment income                                           77,301,503     20,948,648
                                                                   ------------   ------------

 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
 FROM INVESTMENTS
 Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions (note 1)       9,657,526     (2,014,680)
 Net change in unrealized appreciation or
  depreciation of investments                                       (71,994,006)   (22,295,656)
                                                                   ------------   ------------
     Net gain (loss) from investments                               (62,336,480)   (24,310,336)
                                                                   ------------   ------------
 Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations             $ 14,965,023   $ (3,361,688)
                                                                   ============   ============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      39
<PAGE>
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          MUNI BOND                  INS. MUNI BOND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              6 months ended     Year ended     6 months ended    Year ended
                                                                  8/31/96          2/29/96          8/31/96         2/29/96
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>            <C>               <C>
 OPERATIONS
 Net investment income                                        $   77,301,503   $  156,911,846    $ 20,948,648   $  41,913,841
 Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions,
  net of taxes, if applicable (notes 1 and 4)                      9,657,526       10,618,706      (2,014,680)      4,402,500
 Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
  of investments.                                                (71,994,006)      84,862,109     (22,295,656)     36,885,934
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
 Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations            14,965,023      252,392,661      (3,361,688)     83,202,275
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
 DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS (note 1)
 From undistributed net investment income:
  Class A                                                         (1,168,257)        (707,943)     (1,279,262)     (1,614,782)
  Class C                                                            (54,735)         (30,677)       (109,131)       (192,149)
  Class R                                                        (76,378,547)    (157,137,272)    (19,250,029)    (40,071,660)
 From accumulated net realized gains from
  investment transactions:
  Class A                                                                  -          (63,661)              -               -
  Class C                                                                  -           (3,523)              -               -
  Class R                                                                  -       (8,354,729)              -               -
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
 Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders       (77,601,539)    (166,297,805)    (20,638,422)    (41,878,591)
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
 FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (note 2)
 Net proceeds from sale of shares:
  Class A                                                         28,685,003       93,033,904      18,826,722     108,423,277
  Class C                                                          1,754,936        1,925,249       1,000,823       7,075,313
  Class R                                                        118,253,577      397,491,029      27,323,953     143,237,499
 Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to
  reinvestment of distributions:
  Class A                                                            747,773          453,018         797,851         951,544
  Class C                                                             38,908           19,887          92,400         161,275
  Class R                                                         60,119,020      123,742,206      12,692,989      26,577,682
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
                                                                 209,599,217      616,665,293      60,734,738     286,426,590
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
 Cost of shares redeemed:
  Class A                                                        (11,691,146)     (56,994,434)     (7,630,127)    (78,678,465)
  Class C                                                           (313,620)         (40,390)       (934,832)     (6,281,962)
  Class R                                                       (188,022,434)    (469,258,117)    (48,427,433)   (183,518,067)
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
                                                                (200,027,200)    (526,292,941)    (56,992,392)   (268,478,494)
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
 Net increase in net assets derived from
  Fund share transactions                                          9,572,017       90,372,352       3,742,346      17,948,096
 
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets                          (53,064,499)     176,467,208     (20,257,764)     59,271,780
 Net assets at the beginning of period                         2,917,645,307    2,741,178,099     814,049,987     754,778,207
                                                              --------------   --------------    ------------   -------------
 Net assets at the end of period                              $2,864,580,808   $2,917,645,307    $793,792,223   $ 814,049,987
                                                              ==============   ==============    ============   =============
 Balance of undistributed net investment income
  at end of period                                            $      869,561   $    1,169,597    $    535,266   $     225,040
                                                              ==============   ==============    ============   =============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

 See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      40
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
(Unaudited)                                                      AUGUST 31, 1996

     1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     At August 31, 1996, the nationally diversified Funds covered in this report
     (the "Funds") are Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund and Nuveen Insured Tax-Free
     Bond Fund, Inc. (comprising Nuveen Insured Municipal Bond Fund). Each Fund
     invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of municipal obligations
     issued by state and local government authorities.

     Municipal Bond was originally incorporated in Maryland on October 8, 1976
     and reorganized as a Massachusetts Business Trust at the close of business
     on June 12, 1995. Insured Municipal Bond was incorporated in Minnesota on
     July 11, 1986.

     The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as open-
     end, diversified management investment companies.

     The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by
     the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements in accordance
     with generally accepted accounting principles.

     Securities valuation

     Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available are
     valued at the mean between the quoted bid and asked prices or the yield
     equivalent. Portfolio securities for which market quotations are not
     readily available are valued at fair value by consistent application of
     methods determined in good faith by the Board of Directors/Trustees.
     Temporary investments in securities that have variable rate and demand
     features qualifying them as short-term securities are traded and valued at
     amortized cost.

     Securities transactions
  
     Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains
     and losses from such transactions are determined on the specific
     identification method. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or
     delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the transaction
     date. Any securities so purchased are subject to market fluctuation during
     this period. The Funds have instructed the custodian to segregate assets in
     a separate account with a current value at least equal to the amount of
     their purchase commitments. At August 31, 1996, Municipal Bond and Insured
     Municipal Bond had outstanding purchase commitments of $43,647,500 and
     14,657,787, respectively.

                                      41
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


     Interest income

     Interest income is determined on the basis of interest accrued, adjusted
     for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on long-term debt
     securities when required for federal income tax purposes.

     Dividends and distributions to shareholders

     Tax-exempt net investment income is declared as a dividend monthly and
     payment is made or reinvestment is credited to shareholder accounts after
     month-end. Net realized capital gains and/or market discount from
     investment transactions are distributed to shareholders not less frequently
     than annually. Furthermore, capital gains are distributed only to the
     extent they exceed available capital loss carryovers.

     Distributions to shareholders of tax-exempt net investment income, net
     realized capital gains and/or market discount are recorded on the ex-
     dividend date. The amount and timing of such distributions are determined
     in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from
     generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, temporary over-
     distributions as a result of these differences may occur and will be
     classified as either distributions in excess of net investment income,
     distributions in excess of net realized gains and/or distributions in
     excess of ordinary taxable income from investment transactions, where
     applicable.

     Federal income taxes

     Each Fund is a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes and
     intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
     applicable to regulated investment companies by distributing to
     shareholders all of its tax-exempt net investment income, in addition to
     any significant amounts of net realized capital gains and/or market
     discount from investment transactions. The Funds currently consider
     significant net realized capital gains and/or market discount as amounts in
     excess of $.001 per share. Furthermore, each Fund intends to satisfy
     conditions which will enable interest from municipal securities, which is
     exempt from regular federal income tax, to retain such tax exempt status
     when distributed to the shareholders of the Funds.

     Insurance
 
     Insured Municipal Bond invests in municipal securities which are either
     covered by insurance or backed by an escrow or trust account containing
     sufficient U.S. Government or U.S. Government agency securities, both of
     which ensure the timely payment of principal and interest. Each insured
     municipal security is covered by Original Issue Insurance, Secondary Market
     Insurance or Portfolio Insurance. Such insurance does not guarantee the
     market value of the municipal securities or the value of the Fund's shares.
     Original Issue Insurance and Secondary Market Insurance remain in effect as
     long as the municipal securities covered thereby remain outstanding and the
     insurer remains in business, regardless of whether the Fund

                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


     ultimately disposes of such municipal securities. Consequently, the market
     value of the municipal securities covered by Original Issue Insurance or
     Secondary Market Insurance may reflect value attributable to the insurance.
     Portfolio Insurance is effective only while the municipal securities are
     held by the Fund. Accordingly, neither the prices used in determining the
     market value of the underlying municipal securities nor the net asset value
     of the Fund's shares include value, if any, attributable to the Portfolio
     Insurance. Each policy of the Portfolio Insurance does, however, give the
     Fund the right to obtain permanent insurance with respect to the municipal
     security covered by the Portfolio Insurance policy at the time of its sale.

     Flexible sales charge program

     Effective September 6, 1994, for Insured Municipal Bond and June 13, 1995,
     for Municipal Bond, both Funds commenced offering Class "A" Shares and
     Class "C" Shares. Class "A" Shares incur a front-end sales charge and an
     annual 12b-1 service fee. Class "C" Shares are sold without a sales charge
     but incur annual 12b-1 distribution and service fees. An investor
     purchasing Class "C" Shares agrees to pay a contingent deferred sales
     charge ("CDSC") of 1% if Class "C" Shares are redeemed within 12 months of
     purchase.

     Prior to the offering of Class "A" Shares and Class "C" Shares, the shares
     outstanding for both Funds were renamed Class "R" and are not subject to
     any 12b-1 distribution or service fees. Effective with the offering of the
     new classes, Class "R" Shares are generally available only for reinvestment
     of dividends by current "R" shareholders and for already established Nuveen
     Unit Investment Trust reinvestment accounts.

     Expense allocation

     Expenses of the Funds that are not directly attributable to a specific
     class of shares are prorated among the classes based on the relative net
     assets of each class. Expenses directly attributable to a class of shares
     are recorded to the specific class.

     Derivative financial instruments
 
     In October 1994, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 119, Disclosure about
     Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments,
     which prescribes disclosure requirements for transactions in certain
     derivative financial instruments including futures, forward, swap, and
     option contracts, and other financial instruments with similar
     characteristics. Although the Funds are authorized to invest in such
     financial instruments, and may do so in the future, they did not make any
     such investments during the six months ended August 31, 1996, other than
     occasional purchases of high quality synthetic money market securities
     which were held temporarily pending the re-investment in long term
     portfolio securities, if applicable.

                                      43
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


          2. FUND SHARES
          Transactions in Fund shares were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      MUNI BOND                     INS. MUNI BOND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Six months ended      Year ended    Six months ended    Year ended
                                             8/31/96            2/29/96         8/31/96          2/29/96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                   <C>           <C>                 <C>
 Shares sold:                                                                              
  Class A                                    3,165,178         10,085,967       1,759,531       10,080,588
  Class C                                      192,545            208,938          94,560          661,711
  Class R                                   13,014,352         43,438,989       2,572,825       13,451,112
 Shares issued to shareholders                                                             
  due to reinvestment of distributions:                                                    
  Class A                                       82,059             48,593          74,550           88,109
  Class C                                        4,271              2,138           8,715           15,241
  Class R                                    6,588,063         13,470,516       1,190,127        2,491,979
                                            ----------         ----------       ---------       ----------
                                            23,046,468         67,255,141       5,700,308       26,788,740
                                            ----------         ----------       ---------       ----------
 Shares redeemed:                                                                          
  Class A                                   (1,293,783)        (6,135,763)       (713,301)      (7,244,524)
  Class C                                      (34,568)            (4,332)        (88,991)        (588,441)
  Class R                                  (20,724,530)       (51,218,535)     (4,571,465)     (17,181,722)
                                            ----------         ----------       ---------       ----------
                                           (22,052,881)       (57,358,630)     (5,373,757)     (25,014,687)
                                            ----------         ----------       ---------       ----------
 Net increase                                  993,587          9,896,511         326,551        1,774,053
                                            ==========         ==========       =========       ==========
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


              3. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

              On September 9, 1996, the Funds declared dividend distributions
              from their tax-exempt net investment income which were paid on
              October 1, 1996, to shareholders of record on September 9, 1996,
              as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------
                            MUNI      INS. MUNI
                            BOND        BOND
- ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>        <C>
 Dividend per share:
  Class A                  $.0385        $.0445
  Class C                   .0330         .0375
  Class R                   .0405         .0465
                           ======        ======
- ---------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

              4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

              Purchases and sales (including maturities) of investments in
              municipal securities and temporary municipal investments for the
              six months ended August 31, 1996, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            MUNI       INS. MUNI
                                            BOND          BOND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>
 PURCHASES
 Investments in municipal securities    $320,467,078  $171,317,008
 Temporary municipal investments         202,280,000   105,900,000
 SALES
 Investments in municipal securities     242,216,832   155,118,974
 Temporary municipal investments         200,780,000   109,900,000
                                        ============  ============
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

              At August 31, 1996, the identified cost of investments owned for
              federal income tax purposes was the same as the cost for financial
              reporting purposes for each Fund.

                                      45
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


5. UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION)

Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments
at August 31, 1996, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------- 
                                    MUNI        INS. MUNI
                                    BOND          BOND
- ---------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                             <C>            <C>
Gross unrealized:
  Appreciation                  $113,788,927   $36,894,127
  Depreciation                   (18,199,819)   (2,886,316)
                                ------------   -----------
Net unrealized appreciation     $ 95,589,108   $34,007,811
                                ============   ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------------- 

</TABLE>

6. MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Under the Funds' investment management agreement with Nuveen Advisory Corp. (the
"Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of The John Nuveen Company, each Fund pays
to the Adviser an annual management fee, payable monthly, at the rates set forth
below which are based upon the average daily net asset value of each Fund:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- ---------------------------------------------------
Average daily net asset value        Management fee
- ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>
For the first $125,000,000                .5 of 1%
For the next $125,000,000              .4875 of 1
For the next $250,000,000               .475 of 1
For the next $500,000,000              .4625 of 1
For the next $1,000,000,000              .45 of 1
For net assets over $2,000,000,000      .425 of 1
- ---------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The management fee is reduced by, or the Adviser assumes certain expenses of
each Fund, in an amount necessary to prevent the total expenses of each Fund
(including the management fee, but excluding interest, taxes, fees incurred in
acquiring and disposing of portfolio securities, 12b-1 Service and Distribution
fees, if applicable, and to the extent permitted, extraordinary expenses) in any
fiscal year from exceeding .75 of 1% of the average daily net asset value of
Municipal Bond and .975 of 1% of the average daily net asset value of Insured
Municipal Bond. The Adviser may also voluntarily agree to reimburse additional
expenses from time to time, which may be voluntarily terminated at any time at
its discretion.

                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


The management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and
administrative services, and general office facilities. The Funds pay no
compensation directly to their directors/trustees who are affiliated with the
Adviser or to its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services
to the Funds from the Adviser.

7. COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

At August 31, 1996, the Funds had common stock authorized of $.10 par value per
share for Municipal Bond and $.01 par value per share for Insured Municipal
Bond. The composition of net assets as well as the number of authorized shares
is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   MUNI         INS. MUNI
                                                                   BOND           BOND
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>
Capital paid-in                                               $2,754,548,775  $758,641,356
Balance of undistributed net investment income                       869,561       535,266
Accumulated net realized gain from investment transactions        13,573,364       607,790
Net unrealized appreciation of investments                        95,589,108    34,007,811
                                                              --------------  ------------
  Net assets                                                  $2,864,580,808  $793,792,223
                                                              ==============  ============

 Authorized Shares:
  Class A                                                          Unlimited   340,000,000
  Class C                                                          Unlimited   460,000,000
  Class R                                                          Unlimited   200,000,000
                                                              ==============  ============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


          8.  INVESTMENT COMPOSITION

          Each Fund invests in municipal securities which include general
          obligation, escrowed and revenue bonds. At August 31, 1996, the
          revenue sources by municipal purpose for these investments, expressed
          as a percent of total investments, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------
                                     MUNI    INS. MUNI
                                     BOND      BOND
- ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>     <C>

 Revenue Bonds:
  Electric Utilities                  21%        4%
  Health Care Facilities              17        19
  Housing Facilities                  16         2
  Lease Rental Facilities              2        11
  Water/Sewer Facilities               9        10
  Educational Facilities               1         8
  Transportation                       6         3
  Pollution Control                    4         4
  Other                                7         5
 General Obligation Bonds              7        19
 Escrowed Bonds                       10        15
- ------------------------------------------------------
                                     100%      100%
- ------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

          Certain long-term and intermediate-term investments owned by the Funds
          are either covered by insurance issued by several private insurers or
          are backed by an escrow or trust containing U.S. Government or U.S.
          Government agency securities, both of which ensure the timely payment
          of principal and interest in the event of default (31% for Municipal
          Bond and 100% for Insured Municipal Bond). Such insurance or escrow,
          however, does not guarantee the market value of the municipal
          securities or the value of any of the Funds' shares.

          72% of Municipal Bond's temporary investments in short-term municipal
          securities have credit enhancements (letters of credit, guarantees or
          insurance) issued by third party domestic or foreign banks or other
          institutions.

          For additional information regarding each investment security, refer
          to the Portfolio of Investments of each Fund.

                                      48
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996


          9.  OTHER MATTERS
  
          The John Nuveen Company, parent of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated and
          Nuveen Advisory Corp., respectively the distributor and investment
          advisor of your Fund, has entered into an agreement pursuant to which
          Nuveen will acquire Flagship Resources Inc. and consolidate their
          respective mutual fund businesses. This agreement is subject to the
          approval of the shareholders of the Flagship funds at a meeting
          scheduled for December, 1996.


                                      49
<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS
FOLLOWS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                          Income from investment operations               Less distributions                    
                                          ---------------------------------               ------------------ 
                                                                        Net         Dividends                      
                                                               realized and         from tax-                     
                            Net asset                Net    unrealized gain        exempt net       Distributions        Net asset
                      value beginning         investment        (loss) from        investment                from     value end of
                            of period             income      investments**            income       capital gains           period
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 MUNI BOND                                                                                                 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                   <C>                   <C>             <C>                    <C>              <C>               <C>         
 CLASS A                                                                                                   
 6 mos. ended                                                                                              
   8/31/96                     $9.280            $.241             $(.206)           $(.235)             $   --            $9.080 
 6/13/95 to                                                                                                                       
   2/29/96                      9.150             .340++             .141             (.324)              (.027)            9.280 
 CLASS C                                                                                                                          
 6 mos. ended                                                                                                                     
   8/31/96                      9.260             .207              (.185)            (.202)                 --             9.080 
 6/13/95 to                                                                                                                       
   2/29/96                      9.150             .290++             .126             (.279)              (.027)            9.260 
 CLASS R                                                                                                                          
 6 mos. ended                                                                                                                     
   8/31/96                      9.280             .246              (.199)            (.247)                 --             9.080 
 Year ended                                                                                                                       
   2/29/96                      9.000             .506               .313             (.512)              (.027)            9.280 
 Year ended 2/28,                                                                                                                 
   1995                         9.280             .515              (.209)            (.511)              (.075)            9.000 
   1994                         9.450             .519              (.075)            (.516)              (.098)            9.280 
   1993                         9.080             .555               .414             (.544)              (.055)            9.450 
 5 mos. ended                                                                                                                     
   2/29/92                      9.040             .239               .080             (.239)              (.040)            9.080 
 Year ended 9/30,                                                                                                                 
   1991                         8.650             .579               .438             (.589)              (.038)            9.040 
   1990                         8.730             .596              (.080)            (.596)                 --             8.650 
   1989                         8.520             .597               .239             (.597)              (.029)            8.730 
   1988                         8.020             .596               .536             (.596)              (.036)            8.520 
   1987                         8.780             .598              (.614)            (.598)              (.146)            8.020 
   1986                         7.830             .595              1.162             (.595)              (.212)            8.780 
   1985                         7.180             .586               .650             (.586)                 --             7.830 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

See notes on page 52.

                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Ratios/Supplemental data
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Ratio of             Ratio of              Ratio of             Ratio of
                                          expenses to       net investment           expenses to       net investment
Total return          Net assets              average    income to average    average net assets    income to average     Portfolio
on net asset       end of period    net assets before    net assets before                 after     net assets after      turnover
      value+      (in thousands)        reimbursement        reimbursement       reimbursement++      reimbursement++          rate
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>               <C>               <C>                  <C>                  <C>                   <C>                   <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         .40%        $    54,030               .82%*                5.12%*               .82%*                 5.12%*           9%

        5.33              37,089               .86*                 5.11*                .83*                  5.14*           17


         .26               3,350              1.57*                 4.36*               1.57*                  4.36*            9

        4.59               1,915              1.64*                 4.33*               1.58*                  4.49*           17


         .54           2,807,201               .57*                 5.37*                .57*                  5.37*            9

        9.31           2,878,641               .59                  5.53                 .59                   5.53            17

        3.60           2,741,178               .59                  5.79                 .59                   5.79            17
        4.79           2,700,007               .62                  5.49                 .62                   5.49            15
       11.04           2,371,669               .61                  5.95                 .61                   5.95            14

        3.56           1,835,708               .62*                 6.24*                .62*                  6.24*            6

       12.15           1,661,420               .60                  6.48                 .60                   6.48            10
        6.04           1,323,623               .62                  6.78                 .62                   6.78             8
       10.07           1,119,833               .64                  6.85                 .64                   6.85            12
       14.50             945,361               .65                  7.11                 .65                   7.11             8
        (.39)            764,092               .68                  6.85                 .68                   6.85            16
       23.02             668,416               .71                  6.95                 .71                   6.95            39
       17.73             459,627               .73                  7.68                 .73                   7.68            28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      51
<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SELECTED DATA FOR A COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD IS AS FOLLOWS:


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Income from investment operations          Less distributions 
                                         ---------------------------------     ----------------------------
                                                                      Net       Dividends
                                                             realized and       from tax-
                               Net Asset           Net    unrealized gain      exempt net     Distributions     Net asset
                         value beginning    investment        (loss) from      investment              from   value end of
                               of period        income      investments**          income     capital gains         period
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 INS. MUNI BOND                                                                                               
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>         <C>            <C>                   <C>           <C>              <C>           
 CLASS A                                                                                                    
 6 mos. ended                                                                                               
    8/31/96                     $10.970        $  .274      $(.327)             $(.267)             $    -         $10.650 
 Year ended                                                                                                 
    2/29/96                      10.400           .542++      .568               (.540)                  -          10.970 
 9/6/94 to                                                                                                  
    2/28/95                      10.310           .264++      .115               (.273)              (.016)         10.400 
 CLASS C                                                                                                    
 6 mos. ended                                                                                               
    8/31/96                      10.850           .230       (.315)              (.225)                  -          10.540 
 Year ended                                                                                                 
   2/29/96                       10.310           .461        .540               (.461)                  -          10.850 
 9/7/94 to 2/28/95               10.290           .227++      .075               (.266)              (.016)         10.310 
 CLASS R                                                                                                    
 6 mos. ended                                                                                               
    8/31/96                      10.920           .282       (.323)              (.279)                  -          10.600 
 Year ended                                                                                                 
    2/29/96                      10.380           .570        .540               (.570)                  -          10.920 
 Year ended 2/28,                                                                                           
    1995                         10.810           .573       (.407)              (.580)              (.016)         10.380 
    1994                         10.850           .574        .012               (.565)              (.061)         10.810 
    1993                         10.030           .591        .880               (.589)              (.062)         10.850 
 Year ended                                                                                                 
    2/29/92                       9.690           .612        .425               (.617)              (.080)         10.030 
 Year ended 2/28,                                                                                           
    1991                          9.520           .617        .198               (.611)              (.034)          9.690 
    1990                          9.350           .627        .262               (.630)              (.089)          9.520 
    1989                          9.300           .629        .050               (.629)                  -           9.350 
 Year ended                                                                                                 
  2/29/88                         9.790           .637++     (.490)              (.637)                  -           9.300 
 12/10/86 to                                                                                                
  2/28/87                         9.600           .127++      .190               (.127)                  -           9.790 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

 *   Annualized.
 **  Net of taxes, if applicable (note 1).

  +  Total Return on Net Asset Value is the combination of reinvested dividend
     income, reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, and changes in net
     asset value per share. The total returns shown for Class A Shares do not
     include the effect of applicable front-end sales charges. The total returns
     shown for Class C Shares do not include the effect of applicable contingent
     deferred sales charges. Class R Shares are not subject to any front-end or
     contingent deferred sales charges.

  ++ Reflects the waiver of certain management fees and reimbursement of certain
     other expenses by the Adviser, if applicable (note 6).

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
                                  NUVEEN TAX-FREE MUTUAL FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT
                                                                 AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                 |                                                  Ratios/Supplemental data
                 |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                 |                            Ratio of            Ratio of            Ratio of             Ratio of
                 |                         expenses to      net investment         expenses to       net investment
   Total return  |     Net assets              average   income to average  average net assets    income to average     Portfolio
   on net asset  |  end of period    net assets before   net assets before    after reimburse-     net assets after      turnover
         value+  | (in thousands)        reimbursement   reimbursement                  ment++     reimbursement++           rate
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>              | <C>               <C>                 <C>                <C>                   <C>                   <C>  
         (.46)%  |       $ 57,504                .89%*              5.04%*               .89%*               5.04%*           20%
                 |                                                                                       
        10.90    |         46,943                .92                5.00                 .91                 5.01             27
                 |                                                                                       
         3.84    |         14,097               1.27*               5.28*               1.00*                5.55*            25
                 |                                                                                       
                 |                                                                                       
         (.76)   |          5,152               1.64*               4.29*               1.64*                4.29*            20
                 |                                                                                       
         9.88    |          5,151               1.63                4.34                1.63                 4.34             27
         3.09    |          3,979               1.75*               4.83*               1.75*                4.83*            25
                 |                                                                                       
                 |                                                                                       
         (.35)   |        731,136                .64*               5.29*                .64*                5.29*            20
                 |                                                                                       
        10.94    |        761,956                .63                5.33                 .63                 5.33             27
                 |                                                                                       
         1.85    |        736,702                .64                5.67                 .64                 5.67             25
         5.47    |        745,914                .65                5.21                 .65                 5.21             11
        15.24    |        567,232                .72                5.68                 .72                 5.68             20
                 |                                                                                       
        11.03    |        306,853                .73                6.12                 .73                 6.12             45
                 |                                                                                       
         8.94    |        178,931                .80                6.45                 .80                 6.45             53
         9.73    |        111,806                .83                6.49                 .83                 6.49             78
         7.63    |         66,049                .87                6.83                 .87                 6.83            106
                 |                                                                                       
         2.00    |         41,330                .88                6.65                 .60                 6.93             88
                 |                                                                                       
         3.31    |         13,160               3.50*                .50*                 --                 4.00*            --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
</TABLE>          
                  
                                       53
<PAGE>
 
YOUR
INVESTMENT
PARTNERS

For nearly 100 years,
Nuveen has earned its
reputation as a tax-free income
specialist by focusing on
municipal bonds

Since 1898, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has worked to bring together the
various participants in the municipal bond industry and build strong
partnerships that benefit all concerned. Investors, financial advisers,
municipal officials, investment bankers--Nuveen believes that forging
relationships within these groups based on trust and value is the key to
successful investing.

  As the oldest and largest municipal bond specialist in the United States,
Nuveen's investment bankers work with issuers to understand and meet their needs
in structuring and selling their bond issues.

  Nuveen also works closely with financial advisers around the country,
including brokerage firms, banks, insurance companies, and independent financial
planners, to bring the benefits of tax-free investing to you. These advisers are
experts at identifying your needs and recommending the best solutions for your
situation. Together we make a powerful team, helping you create a successful
investment plan that meets your needs today and in the future.

[NUVEEN LOGO]
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606-1286

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