EU stocks sink on fears coronavirus is spreading in Italy;

European stocks went tumbling Monday as investors focus on the continuing spread of the coronavirus and watch as Italy grapples with the largest outbreak outside of Asia.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 plunged 2.5% in early trade, autos tumbling 4% to lead losses as all sectors slid sharply into the red.

Airline stocks took the worst of the losses in early trade. EasyJet stock plummeted 10.2% while British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines Group, Air France KLM and Lufthansa all fell more than 7.5%. Tour operator Tui tumbled 10%.