With the markets in a volatile mood -- a common occurrence in a rate-tightening cycle -- it makes sense to hunker down and focus on buying stocks with strong long-term growth prospects. There are three in particular I'd highlight in this context:

Here's a closer look at all three.

Gas and water utility Northwest Natural Holdings isn't the most exciting stock on the market, but that might be what investors are looking for right now. The company has a 66-year history of hiking dividends, and management's plans to increase earnings by 4% to 6% a year for the next five years imply more growth. If the dividend of $1.93 grows at a 5% rate per annum for the next five years, it will be $2.46, representing a dividend yield of 4.8% based on Friday's closing price (the dividend currently yields 3.8%). 

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Source Fool.com