Standing amid an unstable global economy and the roller-coaster ride the stock market has been on; investors are at a crossroads, wondering which path to take? The markets across the globe have been see-sawing in the face of a dwindling economic environment and devaluation of most currencies against the U.S. dollar.

The latest headlines from the global economic news columns highlighted China’s slowing growth rates, the recent fall in Chinese stock markets and various economic challenges facing the country. Further, the world’s second-largest economy sent shock waves around the world by its sudden decision to devalue the yuan, which worsened the economic picture worldwide.

This global turmoil has also impacted the otherwise resilient U.S. markets, which have been unstable for quite a while and declined to some extent following the slump in the Chinese economy. The Dow Jones (DIA) fell nearly 7.3%, while the S&P 500 (SPY) declined close to 5.6% in the past three months.

Although the major U.S. indices have turned south over the past few months, resulting in a slowdown in stock prices of most companies, we have identified three stocks from the consumer staples sector that have outperformed the major indices in the past three months.

The stocks in this sector have been performing reasonably well, driven by a moderate economic recovery in the U. S., improving job scenario, better business and renewed optimism as a result of the housing recovery. Also, lower fuel prices and rising wages have raised consumers’ disposable income.

In many cases, commodity costs have stabilized and this in turn, has improved profit margins for certain staples companies. The favorable margins should help offset some of the negative effect that unfavorable currency translations typically has on earnings.

3 Prominent Picks

Altria Group Inc. (MO - Analyst Report)

Altria Group is among the leading manufactures and sellers of cigarettes, smokeless products, and wine in the United States and internationally. The company has been able to maintain leading positions in cigarettes with Marlboro, machine-made large cigars with Black & Mild and smokeless tobacco with Copenhagen and Skoal.

The shares of Altria Group have been on an impressive run over the last three months, rising 12.7%. Moreover, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.8%. The Richmond, VA-based company has delivered an average positive earnings beat of 1.1% over the trailing four quarters. It is expected to witness earnings growth of 9.1% in 2015 and 8.7% in 2016.

Post Holdings Inc. (POST - Snapshot Report)

We also recommend Post Holdings, a leading producer and seller of refrigerated, active nutrition, and private label food products in North America. Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 stock have surged 4.04% in the last three months and have a long-term earnings growth rate of 7%.

The St. Louis, MO-based company has delivered average positive earnings in the trailing two quarters. It is expected to witness earnings growth of 259.5% in fiscal 2015 and 96.6% in fiscal 2016.

Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ - Analyst Report)

Another stock that stands out is Constellation Brands, the largest wine company in the world with a strong portfolio of premium wine brands, complemented by spirits, imported beer and other select beverage alcohol products. Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 stock have grown 9.2% over the last three months and have a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.8%.

The Victor, NY-based company has delivered an average positive earnings beat of 4.3% over the trailing four quarters. It is expected to witness earnings growth of 12.8% in fiscal 2016 and 13.6% in fiscal 2017.

Conclusion

Though the markets do not seem rewarding at the moment, we suggest stock picks like the ones mentioned above, based on price performance, earnings history and outlook that can help investors to skim the cream off these frothy markets.