Shares slided in early trade, taking their cue from Europe’s declines. Investors are sidelined ahead of the European Central Bank's policy decision later in the day. The meeting is taking place in Athens. It is widely expected that the ECB will keep its interest rates unchanged. 

At home, the newsflow is supportive as Mytilineos reported the biggest quarterly profits rise in its history, while PPC concluded the acquisition of Enel Romania. 

At 1046 local time, the general share index shed 0.6% to 1178 points. Banks were down 1.8%, with Alpha shedding 2.3%, Eurobank -1.7%. 

Also, PPC was trading flat while Mytilineos was up 0.4%.