Staying with a simple index strategy after a year of dramatic market headlines

This year's financial headlines have made a basic index strategy feel almost irresponsibly boring. One week everyone is predicting disaster; the next they're celebrating a sector that's doubled. My plan was always broad funds, regular contributions and a long horizon, yet I still catch myself considering tactical changes after reading the news. What helps you separate information worth knowing from noise that shouldn't affect a long-term allocation?