Get Copper - LME 3-month (XCU3M) prices using this API

Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of metal markets, the demand for real-time data has never been more critical. The Copper (XCU) market, in particular, is experiencing a digital transformation driven by technological innovation and advancements in data analytics. With the rise of smart technology integration, developers now have the tools to harness the power of real-time metals data through the Metals-API. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of Copper, its markets, and how the Metals-API can empower developers to create next-generation applications.
Metals-API Information
About Copper (XCU)
Copper, represented by the symbol XCU, is a crucial industrial metal with a wide range of applications, from electrical wiring to plumbing and construction. As the world shifts towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, the demand for Copper is expected to surge. This demand is not only driven by traditional industries but also by emerging technologies that require advanced materials. The digital transformation in metal markets is paving the way for innovative solutions that leverage data analytics and insights.
Technological advancements have enabled the integration of smart technologies in the metal industry, allowing for real-time monitoring of market trends and price fluctuations. The future of Copper and other metals is intertwined with data-driven decision-making, where insights derived from analytics can lead to more informed trading strategies and investment decisions.
API Description
The Metals-API is a powerful tool that provides developers with access to real-time and historical data for various metals, including Copper. This API is designed to facilitate the integration of metals data into applications, enabling developers to build solutions that can analyze market trends, track price fluctuations, and convert currencies seamlessly. The transformative potential of real-time metals data cannot be overstated, as it empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions that can significantly impact their bottom line.
With the Metals-API Documentation, developers can explore the various endpoints available, each offering unique functionalities that cater to different needs. From retrieving the latest rates to accessing historical data, the Metals-API is equipped with features that can enhance any application focused on metals trading and analysis.
Key Features and Endpoints
The Metals-API offers a plethora of features that can be utilized in various applications. Here are some of the key endpoints and their potential applications:
- Latest Rates Endpoint: Depending on your subscription plan, this endpoint returns real-time exchange rate data updated every 60 minutes, every 10 minutes, or even more frequently. This feature is essential for traders who need to stay updated on market conditions.
- Historical Rates Endpoint: Access historical rates for most currencies dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the API call, developers can retrieve past data to analyze trends and make informed predictions.
- Bid And Ask Endpoint: This powerful feature allows users to retrieve real-time Bid and Ask prices, providing insights into market liquidity and helping traders make timely decisions.
- Convert Endpoint: The Metals-API includes a currency conversion endpoint, enabling users to convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. This is particularly useful for businesses operating in multiple currencies.
- Time-Series Endpoint: Query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of your choice. This endpoint is invaluable for analyzing price movements over time.
- Fluctuation Endpoint: Retrieve information about how currencies fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, allowing traders to understand market volatility.
- Carat Endpoint: This endpoint provides information about Gold rates by Carat, catering to jewelers and gold traders.
- Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: Query the API to get the lowest and highest price for a specified date, helping traders identify market extremes.
- Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Get the open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period, essential for technical analysis.
- Historical LME Endpoint: Access historical rates for LME symbols dating back to 2008, providing a comprehensive view of market trends.
- API Key: Your unique API Key is required to access the API, ensuring secure and authorized usage.
- API Response: Exchange rates delivered by the Metals-API are relative to USD by default, with all data returned in a structured JSON format.
- Available Endpoints: The API comes with numerous endpoints, each providing different functionalities tailored to various use cases.
- Supported Symbols Endpoint: Access a constantly updated list of all available currencies and metals supported by the API.
- Gold Price India Endpoint: Retrieve the latest gold price in India using the dedicated endpoint, catering to regional markets.
- News Endpoint: Stay informed with the latest news articles related to various metals, helping traders keep abreast of market developments.
List of Symbols
The Metals-API provides access to a comprehensive range of metal symbols. For a complete list of all supported symbols and their specifications, refer to the Metals-API Supported Symbols page.
API Endpoint Examples and Responses
Understanding the API responses is crucial for developers looking to implement the Metals-API effectively. Below are examples of various endpoints and their JSON responses:
Latest Rates Endpoint
Get real-time exchange rates for all available metals.
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1745805711,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-04-28",
"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"
}
This response indicates a successful request, providing the latest rates for various metals, including Copper (XCU).
Historical Rates Endpoint
Access historical exchange rates for any date since 1999.
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1745719311,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-04-27",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915,
"XPD": 0.000748
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
This response shows historical rates for a specific date, allowing developers to analyze past market behavior.
Time-series Endpoint
Get exchange rates for a specific time period.
{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2025-04-21",
"end_date": "2025-04-28",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2025-04-21": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2025-04-23": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2025-04-28": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
This response provides a time series of exchange rates, which is useful for trend analysis over a specified period.
Convert Endpoint
Convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD.
{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1745805711,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}
This response illustrates how to convert a specified amount from one currency to another, showcasing the API's versatility.
Fluctuation Endpoint
Track rate fluctuations between two dates.
{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2025-04-21",
"end_date": "2025-04-28",
"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"
}
This response provides insights into how rates have changed over a specified period, which is crucial for traders looking to capitalize on market movements.
OHLC (Open/High/Low/Close) Endpoint
Get OHLC data for a specific time period.
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1745805711,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-04-28",
"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"
}
This response provides essential data for traders who rely on technical analysis to make informed decisions.
Bid/Ask Endpoint
Get current bid and ask prices for metals.
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1745805711,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-04-28",
"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"
}
This response provides critical information for traders looking to understand market liquidity and make timely trades.
Conclusion
The Metals-API is a game-changer for developers and businesses operating in the metal markets. With its extensive range of features and endpoints, it empowers users to access real-time and historical data, analyze market trends, and make informed decisions. The integration of advanced technologies and data analytics is transforming the way metals are traded, and the future looks promising for Copper and other metals.
As the demand for real-time data continues to grow, leveraging the capabilities of the Metals-API will be essential for staying competitive in the market. For more information on how to get started, explore the Metals-API Documentation, check out the Metals-API Supported Symbols, and visit the Metals-API Website for additional resources and support.