Often, the best time to buy is the time when you are most likely to lose faith and sell.

Here are a few tips that would help you stay invested and take advantage of opportunities during uncertain times.

Diversify

Spread your portfolio to include commodities, bonds, and cash. Example of a safe-haven commodity is SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), backed by real gold. You can earn passive income and also diversify through iShares Core US Treasury Bond (GOVT)

Invest What You Can

It's best to use short-term funds for essentials, food and rent.

Value Stocks are Great

Underpriced, battered and beaten up are all descriptions of assets during a bear market. Pick companies that are survivor companies (usually the biggest companies in a sector).

Invest in Defensive Stocks

Companies that produce and sell household and non-durables - toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream - are examples of defensive industries because people will still use these items in hard times. Example of an asset in this category is the SPDR Consumer Staples Select Sector (XLP). 

Dollar-Cost Averaging

You should think of buying investments like you buy food–do it often. Buying assets on fixed dates and fixed amounts regardless of prices means you don't have to bother about the right time to buy stocks.  

Inverse ETFs

These funds allow you to make returns even when the market is declining. However, make sure you have a strategy to close your position after some time. Example include the Proshares Short S&P 500 (SH).

Keep Your Cool

Separate your emotions from your investment decision-making process.

Finally, to get through this period, join the daily investing webinar organised by Chaka at 3 pm every day of the week to guide you through the market.

Stay Safe.