European Stocks Gain for Fourth Week; Prudential Rallies

European stocks advanced for a fourth week, the longest winning streak in almost three months, as the region’s leaders eased constraints on national budgets and U.S. retail sales and jobless-benefit claims pointed to a recovery in the world’s biggest economy.

SBM Offshore NV surged the most since 2008 after settling a dispute with Talisman Energy Inc. Prudential Plc led insurers higher, gaining 14 percent, after raising its dividend. Commerzbank AG tumbled the most in almost four years after Germany’s second-largest lender said it will sell shares to repay stakes owned by Allianz SE and a government fund.