Stocks rose in a volatile session Tuesday, as falling oil prices and a stronger U.S. dollar gave investors incentives to purchase stocks after a long holiday weekend. Stocks had been mixed through the early afternoon as investors watched the decline in oil prices and a mix of economic news, including reports showing a surprising rise in U.S. new-home sales and the worst drop in U.S. home prices in 20 years. April new-home sales rose 3.3 percent, the government reported. The advance surpassed expectations, but sales still were near historically low levels. Another report was more pessimistic. The S&P/Case-Shiller national home price index fell 14.1 percent in the first quarter, a record decline. A third report showed that U.S. consumer confidence fell more than expected in April, hitting a 16-year low. --MORE
