11:10 AM EDT, 05/24/2024 (MT Newswires) -- European equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts were moving higher Friday morning, rising 0.63% to 1,424.72 on the S&P Europe Select ADR Index. However, the gain likely won't be enough to keep the index from ending the week slightly lower.

From continental Europe, the gainers were led by biotech firm Evaxion Biotech ( EVAX ) , which climbed 5.4%, followed by internet browser company Opera (OPRA) and internet advertising firm Criteo ( CRTO ) , which rose 4.3% and 3.9% respectively, while kidney dialysis company Fresenius Medical Care ( FMS ) was up 2.7%.

The decliners from continental Europe were led by semiconductor company Sequans (SQNS) and furniture maker Natuzzi (NTZ), which fell 4.9% and 3.2% respectively. They were followed by biotech firm BioNTech (BNTX) and biopharmaceutical company Cellectis ( CLLS ) , which dropped 3% and 3.2% respectively.

From the UK and Ireland, the gainers were led by biopharmaceutical companies Mereo BioPharma Group ( MREO ) and NuCana ( NCNA ) , which rose 2.8% and 2.7% respectively. They were followed by hospitality company InterContinental Hotels Group ( IHG ) and financial services company HSBC ( HSBC ) , which increased 2.5% and 1.9% respectively.

The decliners from the UK and Ireland were led by biopharmaceutical company Akari Therapeutics ( AKTX ) and tech company Endava ( DAVA ) , which lost 6.5% and 4.4% respectively. They were followed by biopharmaceutical companies Bicycle Therapeutics ( BCYC ) and Biodexa Pharmaceuticals ( BDRX ) , which were down 2.2% and 0.5% respectively.