Stocks slide as virus case rise heightens concern

TOPSHOT - Market workers wearing protective gear spray disinfectant at a market in the southeastern city of Daegu on February 23, 2020 as a preventive measure after the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. - South Korea reported two additional deaths from coronavirus and 123 more cases on February 23, with nearly two thirds of the new patients connected to a religious sect. The national toll of 556 cases is now the second-highest outside of China. (Photo by - / YONHAP / AFP) / - South Korea OUT / REPUBLIC OF KOREA OUT NO ARCHIVES RESTRICTED TO SUBSCRIPTION USE

SYDNEY: U.S. equity futures sank with Asian shares and gold surged after the number of Covid-19 coronavirus cases outside of China increased and concern grew that global economic growth could take a more sustained hit.

Seoul and Sydney saw the brunt of losses, down more than 2%, with declines more muted in Hong Kong and Shanghai.