- Global government debt set to soar to record $71 trillion this year - Fed Governor Lael Brainard indicated support for higher interest rates and said a swift reduction of the central bank’s balance sheet could begin as soon as May. - Technology stocks in Asia-Pacific declined on Wednesday, mirroring losses seen among their peers on Wall Street. - Global investors are also awaiting details of fresh international sanctions against Russia after allegations emerged of civilian killings in Ukrainian towns now recaptured from Russian forces.