Real estate stocks were the second best-performing sector in the S&P 500 Index on Thursday after the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady sparked optimism that the central bank could be nearing the end of its tightening cycle.

Homebuilders and real estate investment trusts outperformed the broader market as investor appetite shifts toward more defensive, cash-producing sectors. The groups jumped 4.1% and 3.4%, respectively, compared to the S&P 500’s 1.9% gain.