11:08 AM EDT, 08/09/2024 (MT Newswires) -- European equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts were slightly higher Friday morning, up 0.4% to 1,402.46 on the S&P Europe Select ADR Index.

From continental Europe, the gainers were led by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) and Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis ( NVS ) , which rose 3.9% and 0.9%, respectively.

They were followed by Spanish lender Banco Santander (SAN), which was up 0.7%.

The decliners from continental Europe were led by Dutch semiconductor company ASML ( ASML ) and Dutch conglomerate Philips (PHG), which fell 1.7% and 1.3%, respectively.

From the UK and Ireland, the gainers were led by clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm Verona Pharma ( VRNA ) , which was jumping 8.1%, and airline group Ryanair ( RYAOF ) , which rose 2.5%.

The decliners from the UK and Ireland were led by financial institution Lloyds (LYG), which was shedding 0.9%.