Mortgage rates defied expectations by ticking down slightly this week, even as the latest inflation data revealed that surging oil prices resulting from the ongoing war in the Middle East have now bled into the costs of other goods and services.   The average rate on 30-year fixed home loans retreated to 6.36% for the week ending May 14, down 1 basis point from 6.37% the week before, according to  Freddie Mac . For perspective, rates averaged 6.81% during the same period in 2025. “Mortgage rates ticked down this week, averaging 6.36%,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “While purchase demand is softening, it remains above this time last year. Recent data also shows existing-home sales modestly edging up.” The U.S.…