Fetch LME Copper (LME-XCU) prices using this API for real-time updates

Introduction
In today's fast-paced financial landscape, staying updated with real-time data is crucial for making informed decisions. One of the key players in the metals market is Copper, represented by the symbol XCU. With the rise of digital transformation and technological advancements, accessing accurate and timely data has never been easier, thanks to innovative solutions like the Metals-API. This blog post will explore the dynamics of the copper market, the capabilities of the Metals-API, and how developers can leverage this powerful tool to build next-generation applications.
Metals-API Information
About Copper (XCU)
Copper is a vital industrial metal, widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and various alloys. Its demand is closely tied to economic growth, making it a barometer for global economic health. As industries evolve, the integration of smart technologies and data analytics is transforming how copper is traded and valued. The digital transformation in metal markets has led to the development of sophisticated platforms that provide real-time insights and analytics, enabling stakeholders to make data-driven decisions.
Technological innovation has paved the way for advanced data analytics, allowing traders and investors to analyze market trends and fluctuations effectively. The integration of smart technology into the copper market is not just about trading; it encompasses supply chain management, predictive analytics, and risk assessment. As we look to the future, the possibilities for copper trading are vast, with trends pointing towards increased automation, enhanced data visualization, and improved accessibility to market information.
API Description
The Metals-API is a robust tool designed to provide real-time and historical data for various metals, including copper. This API empowers developers to create applications that can access up-to-date market information, enabling them to respond swiftly to market changes. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation, the Metals-API is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to integrate metal pricing data into their applications.
One of the standout features of the Metals-API is its ability to deliver real-time exchange rate data. Depending on your subscription plan, the API can provide updates every 60 minutes, every 10 minutes, or even more frequently. This ensures that users have access to the most current pricing information, which is essential for making timely trading decisions.
Key Features and Endpoints
The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints, each designed to cater to specific needs within the metals market. Here are some of the key features:
- Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rates for all available metals, including copper. The data is updated based on your subscription plan, ensuring you have the latest information at your fingertips.
- Historical Rates Endpoint: Access historical exchange rates dating back to 2019. This feature allows users to analyze trends over time, providing valuable insights into market behavior.
- Bid And Ask Endpoint: Retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for metals. This feature is crucial for traders looking to make informed decisions based on current market conditions.
- Convert Endpoint: Easily convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. This functionality is particularly useful for traders dealing with multiple currencies.
- Time-Series Endpoint: Query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of your choice. This endpoint is ideal for analyzing price movements over specific periods.
- Fluctuation Endpoint: Track how metal prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. Understanding these fluctuations can help traders anticipate market movements.
- Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: Get the lowest and highest prices for a specified date range. This information is essential for identifying market extremes.
- Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Access open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period, providing a comprehensive view of market performance.
- Historical LME Endpoint: Access historical rates for LME symbols, including copper, dating back to 2008. This endpoint is invaluable for long-term market analysis.
- API Key: Your unique API key is required to access the API, ensuring secure and authorized usage.
- API Response: The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD, with all data returned in a structured JSON format for easy integration.
- Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint provides a constantly updated list of all available metal symbols, ensuring you have the latest information.
- News Endpoint: Retrieve the latest news articles related to various metals, keeping you informed about market developments.
API Endpoint Examples and Responses
Understanding how to interact with the Metals-API is crucial for developers. Below are examples of how to use various endpoints effectively:
Latest Rates Endpoint
To get real-time exchange rates for all available metals, you can use the Latest Rates Endpoint. Here’s an example response:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1759708850,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-10-06",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912,
"XPD": 0.000744,
"XCU": 0.294118,
"XAL": 0.434783,
"XNI": 0.142857,
"XZN": 0.344828
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Historical Rates Endpoint
Access historical exchange rates for any date since 1999 using the Historical Rates Endpoint. Here’s an example response:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1759622450,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-10-05",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915,
"XPD": 0.000748
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Time-series Endpoint
To get exchange rates for a specific time period, you can use the Time-Series Endpoint. Here’s an example response:
{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2025-09-29",
"end_date": "2025-10-06",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2025-09-29": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2025-10-01": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2025-10-06": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Convert Endpoint
The Convert Endpoint allows you to convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. Here’s an example response:
{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1759708850,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}
Fluctuation Endpoint
Track rate fluctuations between two dates using the Fluctuation Endpoint. Here’s an example response:
{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2025-09-29",
"end_date": "2025-10-06",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"XAU": {
"start_rate": 0.000485,
"end_rate": 0.000482,
"change": -3.0e-6,
"change_pct": -0.62
},
"XAG": {
"start_rate": 0.03825,
"end_rate": 0.03815,
"change": -0.0001,
"change_pct": -0.26
},
"XPT": {
"start_rate": 0.000915,
"end_rate": 0.000912,
"change": -3.0e-6,
"change_pct": -0.33
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
OHLC (Open/High/Low/Close) Endpoint
The OHLC Endpoint provides open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period. Here’s an example response:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1759708850,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-10-06",
"rates": {
"XAU": {
"open": 0.000485,
"high": 0.000487,
"low": 0.000481,
"close": 0.000482
},
"XAG": {
"open": 0.03825,
"high": 0.0383,
"low": 0.0381,
"close": 0.03815
},
"XPT": {
"open": 0.000915,
"high": 0.000918,
"low": 0.00091,
"close": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Bid/Ask Endpoint
Get current bid and ask prices for metals using the Bid/Ask Endpoint. Here’s an example response:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1759708850,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-10-06",
"rates": {
"XAU": {
"bid": 0.000481,
"ask": 0.000483,
"spread": 2.0e-6
},
"XAG": {
"bid": 0.0381,
"ask": 0.0382,
"spread": 0.0001
},
"XPT": {
"bid": 0.000911,
"ask": 0.000913,
"spread": 2.0e-6
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Conclusion
The Metals-API is a powerful tool for developers looking to integrate real-time and historical metal pricing data into their applications. With features like the Latest Rates Endpoint, Historical Rates Endpoint, and various conversion options, it provides a comprehensive solution for accessing vital market information. As the copper market continues to evolve, leveraging such innovative technologies will be essential for staying competitive.
For more information on how to get started with the Metals-API, refer to the Metals-API Documentation. To explore the full range of supported symbols, visit the Metals-API Supported Symbols page. Embracing these tools will not only enhance your trading strategies but also position you at the forefront of the digital transformation in the metals market.