The recent burst of volatility has been unnerving, and has left many investors wondering what to do now. While it may be tempting to head for the exits, BlackRock’s Global Chief Investment Strategist Richard Turnill notes that investors should consider staying the course—and even look to take advantage of the selloff to add to positions. It is important to remember that the macro environment remains solid, and the market volatility is so far largely contained to equities. Although some are concerned about potential inflation and higher interest rates, we still enjoy an environment of synchronized global economic growth and muted macro risks.

All of this has created some interesting nuances—and challenges—for investors. As the U.S. ETF Investment Strategy team discuss in the new Investment Directions, here are five ways to help navigate the current environment.

Watch the yield curve

The shape of the yield curve can be a barometer for future growth, but its shape depends on a number of factors. Last year, it was relatively flat—often a sign of impending recession—but in this instance it’s a result of higher short-term rates with expectations of Federal Reserve tightening. The curve began steepening late in the year with expectations of stronger growth. We do not believe that is likely to change soon and the steeping yield curve indicates continued expansion. We maintain our preference for cyclicals, namely financials and technology, within the equity market.

Keep an eye out for the specter of trade wars

The greatest risk to the markets right now may actually be the potential for increased protectionism. Worries over trade frequently made headlines in 2017, but mostly was in the form of rhetoric. Investors may be discounting the risk that will change—and should evaluate whether their portfolios are actually exposed to risks from rising protectionism, particularly with respect to NAFTA and China.

Look overseas in emerging markets (EMs) for opportunities

During this recent market selloff, it might come as a surprise that EM equities have held up relatively well—actually outperforming U.S. equities during this leg lower, based on the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index from 26 January to 8 February 2018, according to Bloomberg. Within EMs, we are monitoring an interesting development: the rise in commodity prices in recent months that has historically resulted in a rally in EM commodity producers. Although EMs as a whole has performed well, it is the non-commodity producers that have outperformed their commodity producing counterparts, as domestic growth and reform efforts are prevailing. We remain constructive on China, India, Indonesia and Brazil—only the latter is a commodity producer. (Based on the respective MSCI EM indexes, from 1 January 2017 to 31 January 2018, according to Bloomberg. Commodity countries include Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Russia and South Africa. Non-commodity countries include China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines, Poland, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey. Source: BlackRock.)

Consider mortgages as a fixed income diversifier

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note has crested 2.80%, as of 12 February 2018 according to Bloomberg, but we believe that rates will grind, not spike, higher. While higher rates may cause investors to reconsider their bond allocations, they may provide relatively stable income and act as a diversifier in times of market stress. One potential solution: consider agency mortgage-backed securities, which can offer value relative to other high grade securities.

Consider factor strategies

Finally, investors should consider diversifying using factor strategies, which historically have had relatively low correlations with each other, and lower than sectors and single stocks have with each other.

Funds to consider

iShares U.S. Financials ETF (IYF)

iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW)

iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI)

iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA)

iShares MBS ETF (MBB)

iShares Edge MSCI USA Size Factor ETF (SIZE)

iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE)

Chris Dhanraj is the Head of the ETF Investment Strategy team in iShares and a regular contributor to The Blog.

Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses or, if available, the summary prospectuses which may be obtained by visiting www.iShares.com or www.blackrock.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Index performance is for illustrative purposes only.  Index performance does not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Fixed income risks include interest-rate and credit risk. Typically, when interest rates rise, there is a corresponding decline in bond values. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the bond issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments. 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