The real estate sector experienced a significant uptick, with the VNQ ETF rising 1.51%, after the release of encouraging economic data. The S&P Global Flash PMI and New Home Sales reports appear to have surpassed expectations, fostering a more optimistic outlook for the housing market and the overall economy. This has, in turn, boosted investor sentiment towards interest-rate-sensitive REITs, which are poised to benefit from a more stable economic environment and sustained demand for real estate.