Stock gains are checked as US-China tensions escalate again

Stocks are drifting slightly higher in early trading Wednesday as tensions between the U.S. and China flare up again. Major indexes edged up about 0.1% in the first few minutes of trading. The U.S. ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, saying it was necessary to protect American intellectual property, and China said it would retaliate. United Airlines sank after reporting that its revenue plunged 87% as the coronavirus throttled air travel. Pfizer rose after the U.S. government signed