Consumer confidence rose for the third month in a row in May, according to The Conference Board's consumer conference index.

The index now stands at a reading of 63.3 (1985=100), up from 57.7 in April.

"Consumer confidence posted its third consecutive monthly gain, and although still weak by historical levels, appears to be gaining some traction," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

Consumers saying conditions are "good" rose to 10.0% from 8.9% in the previous month, according to the index's survey.

Consumers saying jobs are "hard to get" fell to 43.6% in May from 44.8% in the previous month. The number of those saying jobs are plentiful was unchanged on a month-over-month basis at 4.6%.