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Global oil prices end at more than 3-year high as Strait of Hormuz shipping activity remains limited
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Fast food giant is coming for Starbucks with fan-approved launch
America runs on caffeine. According to a report from the International Food Information Council, 93% of Americans consume caffeine regularly, and 75% consume it daily.If you’re anything like me (or the 25% of Americans who admit to consuming caffeine 3 or more times a day), daily consumption doesn’t just stop with a morning cup of coffee, but continues throughout the afternoon and early evening with energy drinks, crispy Diet Cokes, and espresso shots.But every once and a while, I find myself in need of a smaller boost, something to put a little pep in my step without delivering heart palpitations.With its newest menu launch, Sonic is making it easier than ever to grab that mid-level afternoon pick-me-up.Sonic adds Refreshers to its menuOn March 16, the quick service chain announced it would be adding “a new, crave-worthy lineup of hydrating beverages made with real fruit and green tea for a naturally uplifting boost” to its menu.With 45 milligrams of caffeine, these permanent additions perfectly straddle the line between giving you enough energy to complete your afternoon “to do” list and being able to fall asleep before midnight. Available in both still and sparkling options, the refreshers come in three unique flavors:Strawberry passionfruitMango PeachBerry CitrusRinging in at just $2.99 for a 20 ounce, the drinks are much more wallet-friendly than similar offerings at chains like Starbucks or Dutch Bros.While the Refreshers won’t officially be added to menus nationwide until March 23, Sonic app users get early access starting on March 16.
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Beverages are a core part of Sonic’s businessFrom its earliest days, drinks have been a core component of Sonic’s menu.Sonic started out as Top Hat, a drive-in chain where diners could order root beer via an intercom system and have it delivered directly to their vehicles. As time went on, founder Troy Smith added more items to the menu, but the beverage selection was never an afterthought.Related: Michaels adds new perks for loyal shoppersToday, the restaurant offers more than 1 million drink combinations. Customers can mix and match sodas, slushes, teas, and lemonades with flavored syrups, real fruit additions, and creamers to achieve a thirst quencher perfectly suited to their individual palates.Some of Sonic’s best marketing campaigns have also centered on their drinks lineup. For years, customers have been able to partake in the restaurant’s daily happy hour, where they can swing by during off-peak afternoon hours to pick up their favorite beverages at half-price. More recently, Sonic made the happy hour pricing an all-day perk for people who ordered through the app. The caffeinated beverage market is boomingWith a massive consumer base and such high purchase frequency, it’s no surprise that the caffeinated beverage market is booming. Experts predict a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) somewhere between 5.2% and 7.78%. Sonic is just one of a growing number of companies scrambling to add non-coffee caffeinated beverages to their offerings in an effort to capitalize on increased consumer demand. Last year, Taco Bell rolled out its Refrescas, a line of energy drinks caffeinated with either green tea (52 mg of caffeine) or Rockstar Energy (200 mg of caffeine). A few months later, Wendy’s unveiled its Sparkling Energy drinks (80-120 mg of caffeine). And earlier this month, Panera Bread announced it would be returning to the energy drink scene with two new Refreshers (28-42 mg of caffeine), after the discontinuation of its Charged Lemonades.More retail:Coca-Cola brings exclusive new soda to WalmartPopular coffee chain closes all 20 locations after saleStarbucks rival launches coffee shops in cult favorite chainMark Wasilefsky, head of TD Bank’s restaurant franchise group, says he doesn’t see this beverage boom easing up any time soon.“I don’t think there’s any stop to that,” Wasilefsky told Restaurant Dive earlier this year. “I think the market is huge.”The way you deliver the caffeine is expanding in many, many different directions,” he continued. “It’s really not just coffee.”Related: Taco Bell makes longtime fan favorite permanent
Adidas’ ‘super comfortable’ everyday sneakers are on sale for just $46 at Zappos
TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealStepping into springtime is all the more enjoyable with a fresh new pair of shoes on your feet. Sandals, slides, loafers, and espadrilles are popular styles for warmer weather, but the unparalleled comfort and support of a sneaker make it a solid choice for any day of the year. Adidas’ classic three-stripe sneakers have been a footwear staple for decades, and right now, Zappos has an incredible deal on one of these top-rated pairs. Originally retailing for an affordable $65, the Adidas Daily 4.0 Unisex Shoe is on sale for as low as $46 at Zappos. The aesthetically pleasing neutral gray and black pair is 30% off (pictured below), which brings them to their lowest price in the past 30 days. The black and white style with a vintage-inspired gum rubber sole is also at its lowest price in the last month, with a discount of 29%. Whichever color you prefer, they’ll become a go-to in your shoe collection for their versatility and everyday comfort. The shoes are available in both men’s and women’s sizes, but with these exceptional savings, some sizes are already selling out.Adidas Daily 4.0 Unisex Shoe, $46 (was $65) at Zappos
Courtesy of Zappos
Why do shoppers love it?Designed for everyday wear, these sneakers have a timeless style that’s well-suited for the modern day. Adidas’ iconic three-stripe detail is prominently displayed on each side of the shoe and gives the kicks a clean and fresh look. The footwear is crafted with lightweight textile uppers, so you can move comfortably without feeling weighed down. Maximizing durability and longevity, the shoe also has a reinforced toe and rubber outsole, so it will last longer step after step. The traditional lace-up design also helps provide a snug fit around your foot for increased stability.From their ultra-comfortable fit and classic style to their superior quality, reviewers praise numerous things about these Adidas sneakers. Of the nearly 2,000 shoppers who have purchased the shoes, 82% have rated them a perfect five stars. “The shoe is very beautiful and, best of all, super comfortable,” raved one reviewer. “I wore it for the first time on a trip where I did a lot of walking, and I didn’t feel any discomfort.”Related: Nordstrom Rack has ‘super comfy’ $120 Ugg Goldenstar Sandals on sale for $75 in four colorsAnother reason shoppers love these sneakers is their versatility. The cushioned and supportive insole makes them great for prolonged periods on your feet, like walking around the neighborhood, bustling around at work, or traveling through a busy airport to catch your connecting flight. The neutral style also matches a variety of outfits, whether wearing the most casual of looks or dressed for a nicer occasion. One reviewer wrote, “Solid everyday style works with any attire, and it’s comfortable. Keep making this shoe!”Details to know Sizes available: These Adidas sneakers come in men’s shoe sizes 4 to 14 and women’s shoe sizes 5 to 15.Color options: Five colorways are available, but only two of them are on sale for $46.Fit: These shoes run true to size, so you shouldn’t need to size up or down.Zappos’ deal on these Adidas sneakers is even better than what you’ll find on Adidas’ website. Because these sneakers are so well priced, they’re selling fast. If your size and preferred color are no longer available, Zappos has other sneakers on sale for under $50 to consider.Shop more dealsVans Classic Slip-On Stackform, $49 (was $70) at ZapposConverse Chuck Taylor All Star, $42 (was $60) at ZapposReebok Lifestyle Glide Low, $45 (was $50) at ZapposUpgrade your shoe rack with the Adidas Daily 4.0 Unisex Shoe for as low as $46 at Zappos. Don’t miss your chance to save by adding a pair to your shopping cart now.
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How to Save Money on Gas Right Now
Gas prices are soaring as Israel and the United States wage war with Iran, and drivers are likely looking for ways to save.
Shipping traffic is disrupted at the critical Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of global oil typically passes through. Gas prices are back above $4 per gallon on the West Coast and are still rising nationwide.
There are more than a dozen strategies you can consider to save at the pump. Even if you normally don’t put much thought into fuel rewards or gas-saving strategies, now’s the time to pay attention to how much gas you’re using — and how much you’re paying for it.
Table of contents:
Pay with cash instead of a card
Use a gas rewards card
Join a grocery store rewards program
Use gas station rewards programs
Fill up on the cheapest day of the week
Compare gas prices with an app
Use gas station rewards programs
Drive patiently
Spend less time idling
Plan out your routes
Know when to use cruise control
Reduce AC use
Remove excess weight
Check your tires routinely
Keep your engine in good shape
Saving on gas FAQs
14 ways to save money on gas
Short of switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle or taking other forms of transportation, here’s how you can save money on gas:
1. Pay with cash instead of a card
Next time you’re checking the big gas station billboards for prices, look closely. The lowest price you see is likely a cash-only price.
The difference between cash and credit card prices for gas typically ranges from 5 to 10 cents per gallon, but in some cases, it can be more. Gas stations often charge more for card purchases because they get charged fees by banks and credit card providers for each transaction. When you pay cash, the gas station avoids these fees, and they pass along some of the savings to you with a discount.
Debit purchases, even though they represent real “cash” in your bank account, may also incur a transaction fee. Policies vary by gas station, so check with your local clerk if you’re unsure about using your debit card.
2. Use a gas rewards card
Cash back on gas is one of the best credit card rewards. A handful of no-annual-fee credit cards can provide 5% cash back on gas, including cards like the Citi Custom Cash Card that give extra cash back in a particular spending category, such as fuel. If you regularly shop at Costco or Sam’s Club, the two wholesale clubs also have branded credit cards that offer 5% back on gas purchased at their pumps.
Assuming you pay your monthly bill on time, credit card rewards can beat cash discounts. At current prices, you’ll likely save more with a credit card that provides at least 3% cash back for gas.
Always check the fine print and do the math to see if the rewards program is truly worth it in your individual case.
3. Join a grocery store rewards program
Check to see if your local grocery store has a gas rewards program.
Several major grocery chains partner with gas stations to offer members a nice discount at the pump, frequently 10 cents or more off per gallon. For example, Kroger, Safeway, Stop & Shop and many other grocers offer gas discounts if you spend a certain amount of money at their store after signing up for the rewards program.
The programs often work similarly: For every $50 to $100 spent at the grocery store, you might earn a fuel discount of 5 cents to 10 cents at a partner gas station.
If you’re already spending that much at a grocer that offers a rewards program, this strategy could be a no-brainer. But be mindful of going out of your way to join a rewards program from a faraway or more expensive grocer just to earn a gas discount.
4. Use gas station rewards programs
Major gas brands typically have loyalty programs that offer fuel rewards. For example, BP’s earnify rewards app offers 5 cents back per gallon or 10 cents back per gallon with a linked Amazon Prime account. Exxon Mobil Rewards+ gives customers 6 points per gallon (100 points are worth $1 off a future purchase).
The Shell Fuel Rewards program offers savings of 3 cents, 5 cents or 10 cents per gallon, depending on your status level in the program, which is based on spending at Shell stations.
Walmart+ users can use the company’s app to secure savings of 10 cents per gallon at 13,000 stations, including Exxon and Mobil locations. The Upside app is another popular choice for cash back at many of the large gas station chains, and it can save drivers as much as 10 cents (or sometimes more) per gallon.
5. Fill up on the cheapest day of the week
It should come as no surprise that gas prices fluctuate day to day, but pricing trends show that one day in particular each week tends to be cheaper than others.
Sunday is generally the cheapest day, according to GasBuddy, a tech company that tracks the real-time prices of gas at more than 150,000 stations across the country. The days to avoid tend to be Wednesday through Friday.
Keep in mind, though, that these recommendations are based on national data trends from prior years, and these days might not always be the cheapest in your area on any given week. Use your best judgment.
6. Compare gas prices with an app
Instead of driving around town to look for the cheapest gas (all while wasting time and burning fuel), you should consider using a gas app to compare prices.
GasBuddy is one of the most popular apps that’s fully dedicated to comparing nearby gas prices. But you can also scope out how much gas stations are charging with some navigation apps as well. For example, with both Google Maps and Waze, you can select a gas station as your destination and filter by price.
7. Drive patiently
Abiding by the speed limit, accelerating slowly and coasting more are not only safer ways to drive, but they’re also extremely cost-efficient driving habits.
So the next time you approach a red light, don’t accelerate and brake hard right at the line. Lay off the gas pedal and coast your way to a halt. When it turns green, resist the urge to gun it.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, these safe-driving methods can boost your fuel efficiency by up to 40%, depending on the speed and how frequently you stop and go. At highway speeds, your fuel efficiency jumps 15% to 30%, whereas in stop-and-go traffic, it ranges widely between 10% to 40%.
Assuming that fuel prices are about $3.50 in your area, that translates to a whopping savings rate of 30 cents to $1.40 per gallon.
8. Spend less time idling
The federal government says idling can drain a quarter-gallon to a half-gallon of gas per hour.
If you’re in an exceptionally long line or waiting for someone to hop in, cutting your engine is the fuel-efficient move to make.
Depending on your engine size and your AC or heater habits, choosing to turn off your engine instead of idling could save you up to 3 cents per minute, according to federal government estimates.
9. Plan out your routes
When it comes to driving, proper planning can really pay off. Consider this strategy a catch-all for figuring out when, where and how you’re going to drive.
Important questions to consider when planning out your trips include:
Is there a more fuel-efficient route I can take to get to my destination?
If I have to use my car, can I combine my trips or errands?
Can I plan to carpool with my coworker(s) on certain days?
If I have to commute to work, can I drive during non-rush hour times?
If you answered yes to even one of these questions, creating a plan around it and sticking to it can have a major impact on the amount of gas you use.
According to the U.S Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, combining trips could double your fuel economy when compared to taking multiple short drives because your car gets better gas mileage when it is warmed up.
Likewise, carpooling can cut your weekly fuel costs in half by saving on gas expenses, all while reducing wear-and-tear on your vehicle, the agencies say.
10. Know when to use cruise control
Cruise control can boost your fuel savings when used properly, but it’s not always a sure-fire gas saver.
If you have long commutes or road trips with relatively uninterrupted miles of driving, cruise control can save gas. You can simply choose the speed that is most fuel efficient for your car while on the highway to reduce the urge to drive at inconsistent speeds that drain your gas quicker.
It should go without saying that cruise control is not an effective method in stop-and-go situations, especially off the freeway.
11. Reduce AC use
Warm weather is a blessing and a curse when it comes to saving on gas.
One one hand, the heat can help your engine warm up quicker, thus improving fuel economy. Adding to that, the federal government also says warm air causes “less aerodynamic drag” than cold air.
On the other hand, using air-conditioning in hot weather can reduce fuel efficiency by 25%, especially during short trips. This is one of the single biggest contributors to gas guzzling.
The double whammy: Driving with your windows down might also waste gas because it increases your vehicle’s wind resistance.
So what should you do? Here are some tips from the feds:
When turning on your car, don’t idle with the air conditioner blasting to cool it off. Most AC systems cool faster while driving.
Try to use your AC only while driving at highway speeds. When driving slower, roll the windows down.
Optimize your temperature and fan settings instead of defaulting to the max.
Where you park also makes a difference, as driving with a cold engine can reduce your gas mileage between 15% and 24%, according to fuel-efficiency tests. Parking your car in a garage, as opposed to right on the street during cold weather, can keep your engine temperatures higher.
In hot environments, parking in the shade can reduce how hot your cabin gets and help you resist the urge to blast the AC.
12. Remove excess weight
A rule of thumb: the heavier your vehicle, the more gas it guzzles. That also goes for what you’re storing or hauling. If there are removable items, like sporting equipment or storage bins, you should consider taking them out of the car unless you specifically need them for your trip.
According to the federal government, your fuel efficiency drops 1% for every 100 pounds of excess weight.
This also goes for racks or storage on the top or back of your vehicle. If you leave your canoe or bike strapped to your car, not only is it weighing your vehicle down, the vehicle is also less aerodynamic.
13. Check your tires routinely
While it might seem trivial, tire pressure affects your gas mileage.
The Department of Transportation estimates that for every 1 PSI your tires are underinflated, you lose 0.2% fuel economy. That may not sound like much, but considering tire PSIs can vary widely, you could be losing notable gas mileage if you’re not paying attention to your tires.
Assuming gas prices are about $3.50 in your area, keeping your tires properly inflated could save you between 2 cents and 10 cents per gallon.
14. Keep your engine in good shape
Your gas mileage is heavily dependent on how well your engine is maintained. Driving an older car? It’s a good idea to track your mileage and fuel economy with an app like Fuelio. If you aren’t getting anywhere near the advertised fuel economy for the car, that could be a sign of a problem under the hood.
Engine troubles affect fuel economy by an average of 4%, according to a report by the consulting firm Energy and Environmental Analysis. If that wasn’t reason enough to keep an eye on your check-engine light, more serious engine problems could affect mileage by as much as 40%.
Gas savings aside, keeping your engine in good shape will also help your vehicle last longer and avoid the need for costly repairs.
One easy maintenance tip: Ensure you’re using the correct grade of motor oil. Check your owner’s manual to see what your manufacturer recommends and start using that version if you’re not already. Based on $3.50 gas prices, this maintenance move alone could save you 4 cents to 7 cents a gallon.
Most cars need only regular unleaded fuel and will not benefit from premium gas, which is typically much more expensive.
Gas-saving FAQs
Does cruise control save gas?
Cruise control may help save on gas if used properly. To get a gas boost out of cruise control, set your speed to one that’s fuel efficient for your car during trips on the highway, ideally across flat terrain.
Does eco mode save gas?
Yes, using “eco mode” can save gas if your car has this feature. That’s why it was created. Manufacturers often say it improves mileage by 5%. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, eco mode throttles your vehicle’s ability to accelerate, reduces AC features and may also affect transmission or steering.
Does driving slower save gas?
In certain cases, driving slower can reduce fuel consumption, but it’s not a universal rule. What most helps you save on gas is avoiding aggressive driving in general, such as rapidly accelerating and frequently braking. As mentioned above, driving more patiently can boost gas mileage by 10% to 40%.
Does auto stop save gas?
Generally speaking, auto-stop technology can improve a vehicle’s gas mileage. This technology cuts your engine when it’s not moving, usually within a few seconds. Once you lift your foot off the brake, the car automatically starts again. This cuts down on idle time, which is a major gas guzzler. Automotive research firm Edmunds says auto-stop tech can improve mileage by 3% to as much as 12%.
How gas prices are determined
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says that the retail price of gas consists of four main factors: crude oil costs, oil refining costs, distribution and marketing costs, and taxes.
Of the price you pay at the pump, the EIA says as much as 51% goes toward the wholesale cost of crude oil, and that key factor is what has been fluctuating so much recently.
When it comes to cutting fuel expenses, an important thing to remember is that the best money-saving techniques aren’t just about finding the cheapest gas in town. What’s also important are your driving habits and how well you take care of your vehicle.
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The Best Short-Term Bond Funds
The bond market is weighing uncertainties about the job market, tariffs, and now the war in Iran. As the price of oil has jumped, investors are also considering its potential to boost inflation in the months ahead. Morningstar Chief US Market Strategist Dave Sekera notes, “Fixed-income indices have struggled to show gains this year as rising interest rates have largely offset yield carry.” As of March 16, the Morningstar US Core Bond Index has risen just 0.38% for the year to date.Morningstar Senior Reporter Sarah Hansen does not anticipate big adjustments from this week’s Fed meeting. “Analysts and bond futures markets are confident that when the Fed meets on Wednesday, it will not make any changes to its policy rate, which is at a range of 3.50%-3.75%. However, the impact of the ongoing US war with Iran will undoubtedly shape the discussion and inform future decisions,” she says.Is a Short-Term Bond Fund a Good Investment?Morningstar Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning Christine Benz says whether or not to own a short-term bond fund should depend on your time horizon and when you need to tap into the money, not on what’s happening in the bond market. If you’re planning to spend these dollars in six to 10 years, intermediate-term core bond funds remain the place to be, she says. But if you’re saving for a shorter-term goal in the next three to five years, short-term bond funds remain better options.Read more: How to Pick the Best Active Bond ETFs and Mutual FundsInvestors looking for good short-term bond funds should prioritize those with low expense ratios, or fees. Fees eat into returns, so it’s especially important to favor low-cost short-term bond funds, whose return opportunity is, by their very nature, modest.Here is Morningstar’s list of the best short-term bond mutual funds and exchange-traded funds to invest in now.8 Best Short-Term Bond Mutual Funds and ETFs These funds land in one of the short-term taxable-bond Morningstar Categories and earn the top Morningstar Medalist Rating of Gold with 100% analyst coverage for one or more of their share classes as of March 2026.Baird Short-Term Bond BSBIXJP Morgan Limited Duration Bond ETF JPLD PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond Fund/ETF SDMZX PSDM Pimco Low Duration PTLDXSchwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF SCHOState Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF SPTSVanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index/ETF VSTBX VCSHVanguard Short-Term Treasury Index/ETF VSBIX VGSHHere’s a little bit about each of these ETFs and mutual funds. All data is as of March 9, 2026.Baird Short-Term BondMorningstar Category: Short-Term BondExpense Ratio: 0.30%Effective Duration: 1.85 yearsThis top-rated short-term bond fund is actively managed by an experienced team that invests in high-quality corporate bonds and securitized credit, as well as government bonds. The team keeps the fund’s duration (a measure of interest rate sensitivity) in line with the Bloomberg US 1–3 Year Government/Credit Index’s, and it adds value through adept security selection and sector allocation among corporate, securitized, and government bonds. The fund takes on more credit risk than its index, but it remains a good choice for investors in search of a conservative short-term bond fund, notes Morningstar Director Alec Lucas.Read more about Baird Short-Term Bond Fund.JP Morgan Limited Duration Bond ETFMorningstar Category: Short-Term BondExpense Ratio: 0.24%Effective Duration: N/AJP Morgan converted this one-time mutual fund into an ETF in mid-2023. The management team emphasizes short-term mortgage and asset-backed securities. Stringent security selection and stable duration are hallmarks of the strategy at this highly rated fund, which is why this ETF has been less volatile than some of its peers, explains Morningstar Senior Analyst Paul Olmsted. The managers also deemphasize lower-yielding US Treasuries relative to their loose index, the Bloomberg US 1-3 Year Government/Credit Index.Read more about JP Morgan Limited Duration Bond ETF.PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond Fund/ETFMorningstar Category: Short-Term BondExpense Ratio: 0.40% (mutual fund and ETF)Effective Duration: N/ANext on our list of the best short-term bond funds, PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond is an attractive option for investors willing to take on a bit more risk, says Morningstar Director Eric Jacobson. The managers of this top-rated fund attempt to outperform their benchmark, the Bloomberg US 1-3 Year Government/Credit Index, by 150 basis points annually with a flexible mandate that at times delves into non-US developed- and emerging-market debt. The portfolio is often closer to the long end of its short-term bond category.Read more about PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond.Pimco Low Duration Morningstar Category: Short-Term BondExpense Ratio: 0.46% Effective Duration: 2.06 yearsPimco Low Duration’s multiyear defensive posture has come at the cost of forgone total returns during risk-friendly markets, but it should offer investors a smoother ride long-term. The strategy features a deep manager bench and a diversity of experience. It uses a narrowly constructed benchmark, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year Treasury Index. Pimco Low Duration’s defensive merits should become apparent when markets inevitably turn rocky, says Morningstar Senior Principal Mara Dobrescu. Read more about PIMCO Low Duration.Schwab Short-Term US Treasury ETFMorningstar Category: Short-Term GovernmentExpense Ratio: 0.03%Effective Duration: 1.89 yearsSchwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF is the first name on our list of the best short-term bond funds from the short-term government-bond category. This passive bond ETF tracks the Bloomberg US Treasury 1-3 Year Index. It’s a tough fund to beat in its category, given the efficiency of the very liquid US Treasury bond market and the ETF’s razor-thin expenses, explains Morningstar Analyst Zachary Evens. Credit risk is nonexistent here, given its focus; interest rate risk is damped with its focus on the short end of the yield curve.Read more about Schwab Short-Term U.S. Treasury ETF.State Street SPDR Short Term Treasury ETFMorningstar Category: Short-Term GovernmentExpense Ratio: 0.03%Effective Duration: 1.88 yearsThe second low-cost passive ETF investing in short-term Treasuries on our list, SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF, is managed by State Street. As with Schwab’s similar offering, this top-rated ETF maintains virtually no credit risk since it holds only US Treasuries, and it poses limited interest rate risk, as it favors the short end of the yield curve.Read more about SPDR Short-Term Treasury ETF.Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index/ETFMorningstar Category: Short-Term BondExpense Ratio: 0.03% (mutual fund), 0.03% (ETF)Effective Duration: 2.64 yearsThis index fund—available as both a mutual fund and as an ETF—tracks the Bloomberg US 1–5 Year Corporate Bond Index, which features US investment-grade corporate bonds with between one and five years in remaining maturity. Like some other funds featured here, this fund takes on a fair amount of credit risk. That being said, the fund provides accurate access to the short-term investment-grade bond market at a low cost and has been a competitive long-term performer, observes Morningstar Analyst Lan Anh Tran.Read more about Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond.Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index/ETFMorningstar Category: Short GovernmentExpense Ratio: 0.03% (mutual fund), 0.03% (ETF)Effective Duration: 1.88 yearsRounding out our list of the best short-term bond funds to buy now, Vanguard Short-Term Treasury invests exclusively in short-term US Treasuries. An index fund that’s available as both a mutual fund and an ETF, it tracks the Bloomberg US Treasury 1–3 Year Index, which, as its name suggests, focuses on US Treasuries with one to three years until maturity. Given its very high-quality focus, the fund takes on minimal credit risk. Interest rate risk holds more influence over performance, but given the fund’s emphasis on the short end of the yield curve, even that risk is muted, reminds Morningstar’s Evens. Ultralow expenses only add to the appeal here.Read more about Vanguard Short-Term TreasuryHow to Find More of the Best Bond ETFs and Mutual Funds for the Long TermGiven their high Morningstar Medalist Ratings, we expect the top-rated mutual funds and ETFs on our list to outperform over a full market cycle.That being said, investors may want to expand their search for bond funds beyond this list, using parameters that matter to them. Here are two additional ways to find dividend ETFs and mutual funds to investigate further. Some investors may prefer a list of highly rated funds that invest in bonds around the globe, not just in US names.Morningstar.com provides lists of bond funds, as well as a collection of our bond-related articles, at Morningstar.com/bonds.Under Morningstar’s Best Investments, you will find lists of our Morningstar Medalist bond funds. Click here and scroll down to “Medalist Bond Funds.”