Dividend Update on Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund: Key Insights Before the Oct 15, 2025 Ex-Dividend Date

Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (JQC) is set to distribute a cash dividend of $0.0540 per share on Nov 3, 2025, with an ex-dividend date of Oct 15, 2025. The dividend was announced on Oct 1, 2025, and is lower than the average of the last 10 dividend payments, which stood at $0.0792. This recent payout reflects a reduction compared to historical distributions. Investors who purchase the stock on or after the ex-dividend date will not be eligible for this dividend, as ownership must be established before this cutoff to receive the payment. The last dividend was also declared on Oct 1, 2025, and categorized as a cash dividend, maintaining consistency in the fund's distribution approach.Recently, analysts have closely monitored JQC's performance, highlighting both its strengths and risks. Over the past week, JQC has maintained a high yield of approximately 12.3% to 12.66%, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors. However, coverage concerns have emerged due to structural challenges, including a payout ratio of 160.92% and leverage at 37%. These metrics suggest that the fund's ability to sustain its current dividend level may be under pressure, particularly as it faces heavy exposure to floating-rate assets, which can become volatile in a rising interest rate environment. As of late, JQC's stock price has shown some volatility, with a reported decline of 1.71% on Oct 10, 2025, dropping from $5.27 to $5.18. This move reflects broader market uncertainty and investor caution regarding the fund’s long-term sustainability. In addition, JQC recently completed a transferable rights offering, which was announced alongside the latest distribution. The offering is seen as a strategic move to raise capital and potentially improve the fund's financial flexibility. Since the last update, there have been no major shifts in the fund’s asset allocation or management structure, though ongoing market conditions continue to test its resilience. The fund’s balance sheet and cash flow remain under close scrutiny, with analysts indicating that a careful balance between yield generation and coverage stability will be critical moving forward. In the coming weeks, the ex-dividend date on Oct 15, 2025, marks a key milestone for investors. It is the last day to purchase JQC shares and still be eligible for the Nov 3, 2025, dividend. Investors are advised to consider both the fund’s current yield and its structural risks before making any decisions. Given the fund's recent performance and its exposure to high-yield assets, the next few months will likely bring further clarity on its ability to maintain its payout and long-term viability.