Here are 7 stocks likely to rise steadily and reliably even in today's turbulent markets, and 3 mutual funds that offer growth potential with less risk.
At T. Rowe Price, New Horizons, veteran manager Jack Laporte looks for small-caps with strong, sustainable earnings growth and rides them for the long term, even if they graduate out of the tiny-company category; the average holding period for a stock is four years.
The portfolio has swelled to more than $7.3 billion in assets, very large for a fund of its kind, but Laporte keeps his holdings diversified across some 270 stocks.
Recent favorites include wireless communications company NII Holdings, dental-products distributor Henry Schein, and drilling-products provider Grant Prideco, No. 25 on the FORTUNE list. Laporte's mix has delivered annualized returns of 17.7% over the past five years.
A stunning 37 of this year's fast-growers come from the energy sector, and metals companies make a strong showing, too, thanks to high commodities prices. (more)
A stunning 37 of this year's fast-growers come from the energy sector, and metals companies make a strong showing, too, thanks to high commodities prices. (more) 
Texas is home to the most companies on this year's list. See the fastest-growing companies near you (including interactive maps). (more) 
Americans' bulging waistlines have helped push this 35-year-old diet company to the top of Fortune's list this year. (more) 
