Get HRC Steel Futures Continuous Contract (HRN00) prices using this API

Introduction

In the fast-evolving world of commodities trading, staying updated with real-time data is crucial for making informed decisions. One of the most significant instruments in this domain is the HRC Steel Futures Continuous Contract (HRN00). This blog post will delve into the intricacies of the HRC Steel Futures, its markets, and how the Metals-API can empower developers to access and utilize real-time data effectively.

Understanding HRC Steel Futures (HRN00)

The HRC Steel Futures Continuous Contract (HRN00) represents a standardized agreement to buy or sell hot-rolled coil steel at a predetermined price at a future date. This contract is traded on various exchanges, providing a hedge against price fluctuations in the steel market. The demand for HRC steel is driven by industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing, making it a critical commodity in the global economy.

Market Dynamics

The market for HRC steel is influenced by several factors, including supply chain dynamics, production costs, and global economic conditions. As industries ramp up production, the demand for HRC steel increases, leading to price volatility. Traders and investors closely monitor these fluctuations to optimize their trading strategies.

Digital Transformation in Metal Markets

With the advent of digital technologies, the metal markets are undergoing a significant transformation. The integration of smart technologies and data analytics is enabling stakeholders to gain deeper insights into market trends. This digital transformation is not just about efficiency; it’s about leveraging data to make strategic decisions that can lead to competitive advantages.

Technological Innovation and Advancement

Technological advancements have paved the way for innovative trading platforms and tools. The use of algorithms and machine learning in trading strategies allows for more precise predictions and faster execution of trades. As a result, traders can react to market changes in real-time, minimizing risks and maximizing profits.

Data Analytics and Insights

Data analytics plays a pivotal role in understanding market trends and consumer behavior. By analyzing historical data and current market conditions, traders can identify patterns that inform their trading decisions. The Metals-API provides access to a wealth of data that can be harnessed for this purpose.

Metals-API Overview

The Metals-API is a powerful tool designed for developers looking to integrate real-time metals data into their applications. This API offers a range of functionalities that cater to various needs, from retrieving the latest prices to accessing historical data. With its robust architecture, the Metals-API is positioned as a leader in the field of metals data services.

API Capabilities

The Metals-API provides a comprehensive suite of endpoints that allow users to access a variety of data related to metals. Here are some of the key features:

Latest Rates Endpoint

The Latest Rates Endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for various metals. Depending on your subscription plan, this endpoint can return data updated every 60 minutes, every 10 minutes, or even more frequently. This feature is essential for traders who need to make quick decisions based on the latest market conditions.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1743555678,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-04-02",
    "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 to historical rates is crucial for analyzing trends over time. The Historical Rates Endpoint allows users to retrieve data dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the API call, developers can obtain historical exchange rates, which can be invaluable for backtesting trading strategies.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1743469278,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-04-01",
    "rates": {
        "XAU": 0.000485,
        "XAG": 0.03825,
        "XPT": 0.000915,
        "XPD": 0.000748
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Bid And Ask Endpoint

The Bid and Ask Endpoint is a powerful feature that provides real-time bid and ask prices for metals. This information is crucial for traders looking to execute trades at the best possible prices. Depending on your subscription plan, this endpoint can deliver timely data that reflects the current market conditions.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1743555678,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-04-02",
    "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"
}

Convert Endpoint

The Convert Endpoint allows users to convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. This feature is particularly useful for traders who need to quickly assess the value of their holdings in different currencies.

{
    "success": true,
    "query": {
        "from": "USD",
        "to": "XAU",
        "amount": 1000
    },
    "info": {
        "timestamp": 1743555678,
        "rate": 0.000482
    },
    "result": 0.482,
    "unit": "troy ounces"
}

Time-Series Endpoint

The Time-Series Endpoint allows users to query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of their choice. This feature is essential for analyzing trends and making informed trading decisions based on historical data.

{
    "success": true,
    "timeseries": true,
    "start_date": "2025-03-26",
    "end_date": "2025-04-02",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "2025-03-26": {
            "XAU": 0.000485,
            "XAG": 0.03825,
            "XPT": 0.000915
        },
        "2025-03-28": {
            "XAU": 0.000483,
            "XAG": 0.0382,
            "XPT": 0.000913
        },
        "2025-04-02": {
            "XAU": 0.000482,
            "XAG": 0.03815,
            "XPT": 0.000912
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

The Fluctuation Endpoint provides insights into how currencies fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. This feature is invaluable for traders looking to understand market volatility and make strategic decisions accordingly.

{
    "success": true,
    "fluctuation": true,
    "start_date": "2025-03-26",
    "end_date": "2025-04-02",
    "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"
}

Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint

The OHLC Price Endpoint provides essential data for traders by delivering the open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period. This information is crucial for technical analysis and helps traders identify potential entry and exit points.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1743555678,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-04-02",
    "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"
}

Historical LME Endpoint

The Historical LME Endpoint provides access to historical rates for LME symbols dating back to 2008. This endpoint is particularly useful for traders focused on metals traded on the London Metal Exchange.

API Key and Authentication

To access the Metals-API, users must obtain an API Key, which is a unique identifier passed into the API base URL's access_key parameter. This key ensures secure access to the API and helps manage usage limits.

API Response Structure

The API responses are structured in a JSON format, making them easy to parse and integrate into applications. Each response includes a success flag, a timestamp, and the requested data. Understanding the structure of these responses is crucial for developers to effectively utilize the API.

Common Use Cases

Developers can leverage the Metals-API for a variety of applications, including:

Building trading platforms that require real-time price updates.
Creating analytical tools that utilize historical data for trend analysis.
Integrating currency conversion features into financial applications.

Performance Optimization and Scaling

When integrating the Metals-API into applications, developers should consider performance optimization techniques such as caching frequently accessed data and minimizing API calls. This not only improves application responsiveness but also helps manage API usage limits effectively.

Security Considerations

Security is paramount when dealing with financial data. Developers should ensure that API keys are stored securely and not exposed in client-side code. Additionally, implementing rate limiting and monitoring API usage can help prevent abuse and ensure compliance with the API's terms of service.

Conclusion

The HRC Steel Futures Continuous Contract (HRN00) represents a vital component of the commodities market, and accessing real-time data through the Metals-API can significantly enhance trading strategies. By understanding the various endpoints and their functionalities, developers can create powerful applications that leverage real-time and historical data to make informed decisions. For more information, refer to the Metals-API Documentation and explore the Metals-API Supported Symbols for a comprehensive list of available data. Embracing these technological advancements will undoubtedly lead to smarter trading practices and a deeper understanding of market dynamics.

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Documentation

API Endpoints

Knowledge Base