<h1>Global stocks rally as U.S. records and softer data boost hopes for near-term rate cuts; trade pact eases car tariffs</h1> Global equity markets rose after U.S. stocks hit records as investors awaited a key U.S. jobs report that could increase chances of near-term interest-rate cuts. European and Asian bourses gained, led by rebounds in Chinese markets and a strong Tokyo session following higher Japanese wages and household spending. Treasury yields eased after softer U.S. hiring and unemployment-claims data, lifting risk assets. The U.S. administration signed an executive order implementing a recently negotiated U.S.-Japan trade pact that reduces tariffs on Japanese car imports. Commodities and currencies saw modest moves amid the risk-on sentiment.