Stocks: Friday’s review

European stocks climbed, with the benchmark index completing its biggest weekly gain in almost a year, as German business confidence rose and investors watched Black Friday sales to gauge prospects for U.S. holiday shopping.

Outotec Oyj surged 6.3 percent after predicting an increase in its operating-profit margin in 2013. European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co. (EAD) declined 1.4 percent after a report that Germany will buy shares in the world’s largest maker of civil aircraft from Франце

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index (SXXP) added 0.6 percent to 273.33 in London. The gauge jumped 4 percent this week, the most since Dec. 2, as U.S. and Chinese data added to signs the global economy is on the mend and optimism grew that American lawmakers will reach a budget compromise.

The Munich-based Ifo institute said its business climate index for Germany, based on a survey of 7,000 executives, climbed to 101.4 in November from 100 in October. Economists predicted a drop to 99.5. French business confidence increased from the lowest in more than three years this month, a separate report showed.

National benchmark indexes climbed in 16 of the 18 western European markets.

FTSE 100 5,819.14 +28.11 +0.49% CAC 40 3,528 +30.58 +0.87% DAX 7,309.13 +64.14 +0.89%

Euro-area finance ministers will hold an emergency meeting in Brussels on Nov. 26 to discuss unlocking the next installment of aid to Greece. Their meeting this week failed to produce a decision as creditors led by Germany refused to bring fresh money or offer debt relief.

Iliad SA (ILD), the mobile operator that drove prices down in France with a 2-euros-a-month offering, climbed 4.1 percent to 133.65 euros, the highest since it sold shares to the public in 2004. Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to overweight, a recommendation similar to buy, from equal weight.

Valeo SA (FR), France’s second-biggest car-parts maker, gained 3.4 percent to 35.45 euros. The stock was raised to buy from neutral at Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

Arkema SA (AKE) rose 2.4 percent to 76.67 euros after Chief Executive Officer Thierry Le Henaff said he expects demand in China to grow at a good pace after the Chinese new year.

Amadeus IT Holding SA (AMS) lost 2.6 percent to 18.00 euros, falling for the eighth day. HSBC Holdings Plc owns more than 400 million euros ($515 million) of Amadeus IT Holding shares after failing to find buyers for a stake in the travel reservations company. HSBC, which attempted to place a block of Amadeus shares last week, holds 5.4 percent of the company, the bank said in a filing to the Spanish financial regulator this week.

Fraport AG, owner of the Frankfurt airport, retreated 2.3 percent to 42.60 euros. The stock was cut to underweight, the equivalent of sell, from neutral at HSBC Holdings Plc.