** Citigroup hikes rating on REIT co Camden Property Trust CPT.N to "buy" from "hold"; raises PT to $138 from $125

** Says stock’s valuation is attractive as rent growth will likely grow over the next year, given declining supply and strong demand

** Brokerage cuts rating on Federal Realty Investment Trust FRT.N to "neutral" from "buy"; cuts PT to $106 from $135

** "FRT’s high quality portfolio in higher income areas experienced a more modest relative tenant credit headwind related to recent retailer bankruptcies," brokerage says

** S&P 500 Real Estate .SPLRCR index up 1.8% YTD

(Reporting by Anshuman Tripathy)

((Anshuman.Tripathy@thomsonreuters.com))