You can’t keep a good consumer down, according to the latest reading from the U.S. Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index.

After several months of volatile data on U.S. consumer confidence, sentiment ticked up in May. The index beat expectations in May with a 115.5 score, up from a revised 109.9 last month. However, the level remains well below a year ago.

The “jobs hard to get” index rose by 0.5% to its highest level since October 1998. However, BMO Nesbitt Burns says, “U.S. consumers are beginning to believe that the worst is nearly over. The number of respondents expecting fewer jobs in 6 months fell by 3%. Consumers also expect to see their income situation improve. Respondents answering that they expect their income to rise over the next 6 months rose by 1.9%. The steady personal income data released earlier today should continue to prop up expectations.”

Spending plans also look a little brighter. Home-buying intentions remain flat, but consumers are planning to buy more cars and other big ticket durables, which should provide some support for retail sales. “Consumers have seen their present situation deteriorate, but they are becoming slightly more positive about the outlook after the aggressive Fed action and the recovery in stocks,” concludes BMO Nesbitt Burns.