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.
5 of 10
Nucor
Fastest-growing rank: 63 Get quote: NUE 3-year average annual return: 50%
For ages, it seemed that growth in the steel industry had gone the way of T. rex, but a quick scan of this year's list makes it clear that those industrial dinosaurs are back, and they've been enjoying a new era of gargantuan growth. With commodity prices buoyed by increased global demand and industrywide consolidation, revenues and earnings have jumped throughout the sector in recent years.
But two of the companies - mini-mill operators Nucor and Steel Dynamics - merit special attention because they have more going for them than just improved pricing power.
"The thing that separates these companies in my mind," says Goldman Sachs analyst Aldo Mazzaferro, "is that they are also growing their unit volume rather than just [relying on] price appreciation."
Nucor, for example, has ramped up shipments from 12 million tons in 2001 to an estimated 23 million this year. Revenues have jumped from $4.3 billion to $16 billion.
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) 
