SUTTON — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott tapped a maple tree at Pure Gold Sugaring in Sutton on March 3 to mark the start of the state's maple season, according to a community announcement.

Gold futures plummeted to a three-week low Wednesday after a U.S. interest rate cut at least temporarily calmed distressed financial markets, diminishing the metal's appeal as a safe-haven investment.

Nicholas Tsakoyias leaned over a display of hundreds of pieces of gold jewelry in his Concord, Calif., pawnshop, items brought in by people who found themselves in tough financial spots. Watches, ...