S&P 500 index ended Tuesday session on the positive side as the drop in crude prices and better than predicted US consumer confidence supported investor optimism. The index added 0.34% or 4.59 points and finished at 1,372.18. Priceline.com Inc. jumped 7% on profit report that beat estimates. Micron Technology added 3.7% after acquiring Intel Corp stake. Apollo Group tumbled 16% after cutting its operating profit forecast for 2012. Apple Inc climbed 1.8% on news it will release its new iPad in March.