With three quarters of the year 2016 still ahead of us, it’s probably a right time to reevaluate our investment strategies.

For one thing, we do not want to repeat the mistakes committed in 2015. Ok, I admit 2015 was a rough year for the global economy with several uncertainties stemming from oil price fluctuations, Chinese devaluation and other macroeconomic disruptions across the world. However, all hope is not lost. This year, it seems the situation is looking up.

So why don’t we take a minute to assess the damage done and plan better for the future? Opportunities seem strong with the recent rebound in oil prices, stabilization in some major economies and certain optimistic statistical data from the Fed (rising employment and manufacturing numbers).

Even then, it would be prudent to bet on some power-packed stocks that promise both growth and safety (yes, they do exist!). At such times, we swear by technology stocks as it is one of the few dynamic sectors that remain almost unaffected by oil price volatility.

In fact, stocks like Netflix, Inc. (NFLX – Analyst Report), fared impressively in 2015 despite all the turbulence, returning about 129% through the year. The streaming giant managed to build a vast subscriber base last year with its dual strategy of international expansion and content acquisition.

But now the tides are changing, so what looked like a good investment in 2015 may not be the best choice this year. Netflix is down over 11% year to date. It seems the cost of growth achieved last year is now hitting the company. With such rapid expansion, Netflix has apparently taken too much on its plate with escalating costs (and the resultant impact on profits) being a let-down for investors.
 
How to Navigate the Rough Waters?

With the help of our style score system, we hereby identify three software stocks that bear excellent growth potential and sport a favorable Zacks Rank, and can significantly boost your portfolio.

Our Growth Style Score condenses all the essential metrics from the company’s financial statements to achieve a true sense of quality and sustainability of its growth. Our research shows that stocks with Growth Style Scores of ‘A’ or ‘B’ when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) offer the best investment opportunities in the growth investing space.

Here are four growth stocks that retain a strong Zacks Rank and have reported decent gains so far in 2016: