US stocks edge higher as traders weigh new spending bill against rising China tensions

US stocks edged higher on Wednesday as traders weighed the prospects of a new spending bill against inflamed tensions with China. Concerns about a fresh US-China conflict intensified after the US ordered the closure of China's Consulate in Houston. China vowed to implement "firm countermeasures." Earnings disappointments from United Airlines and Snap weighed on the market. Oil fell from four-month highs, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropping as much as 2%, to $41.14 per barrel. Wat...