“A two-day auction of art by Damien Hirst has set a new record for a sale dedicated to one artist of £111m,” says the BBC.

“Are you telling us that Ankh-Morpork is bankrupt?” said Downey.

“Of course [said Vetinari]. While, at the same time, full of rich people.”
– Terry Pratchett, Jingo

Or as Del Amitri put it:

… and computer terminals report some gains
On the values of copper and tin
While American businessmen snap up Van Goghs
For the price of a hospital wing
– Del Amitri, “Nothing ever happens”

In fact that’s such a good song that I’ll play it now, to take my mind off the depressing conviction that something is horribly wrong.