Market volatility can make exchange traded fund (ETF) investing difficult. One way to approach uncertain times is through a "market-neutral approach." This is an approach where investors do not try to predict the direction of the market, but invest in ETFs on the assumption of randomness, says Jack Columbo for Forbes.

For example, a closed-end fund (CEF) that trades at a discount to its net asset value (NAV) means an investor can buy $10 worth of stocks for $9. Buying an ETF for $10 ensures that you will get $10 worth of stock. So in volatile times, remember to check out CEFs as well as ETFs. A second market-neutral way to invest during tumultuous markets is through buy-write funds. These funds hold common stock and write call options on their holdings and tend to earn good premiums in volatile markets.