Get Nickel - LME 3-month (NI3M) Historical Prices using this API for Data Visualization

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, the demand for real-time data and historical insights has never been greater. For developers and analysts working with metals, accessing accurate historical prices is crucial for making informed decisions. This blog post will delve into how to get Nickel - LME 3-month (NI3M) historical prices using the Metals-API, a powerful tool for data visualization and analysis.

About Nickel (XNI)

Nickel, represented by the symbol XNI, is a key industrial metal known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility. As industries increasingly embrace digital transformation, the metal markets are also undergoing significant changes. Technological innovations are reshaping how data is collected, analyzed, and utilized, leading to smarter decision-making processes.

Data analytics and insights are at the forefront of this transformation. With the integration of smart technology, businesses can now leverage real-time data to forecast trends, optimize operations, and enhance profitability. The future of nickel and other metals lies in the ability to harness these advancements, making it essential for developers to have access to reliable data sources.

Metals-API Overview

The Metals-API is a comprehensive solution that provides real-time and historical data for various metals, including Nickel. This API empowers developers to build next-generation applications that require accurate and timely information. With its robust capabilities, Metals-API enables users to access a wealth of data, facilitating informed decision-making in the metals market.

One of the standout features of Metals-API is its ability to deliver real-time exchange rates and historical data dating back to 2008. This is particularly beneficial for developers looking to create applications that require historical analysis or trend forecasting. The API supports a variety of endpoints, each designed to cater to specific data needs, making it a versatile tool for any developer.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API offers a range of endpoints that provide different functionalities, allowing developers to tailor their applications to meet specific requirements. Below are some of the key features:

Latest Rates Endpoint

The Latest Rates Endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for metals, updated based on your subscription plan. This endpoint is essential for applications that require current pricing information. For example, if you are developing a trading application, accessing the latest rates will enable you to make timely decisions based on market fluctuations.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1768349749,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-01-14",
"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

The Historical Rates Endpoint allows users to access historical exchange rates for any date since 1999. This is particularly useful for analysts looking to study price trends over time. By appending a specific date to the API request, developers can retrieve historical data for Nickel and other metals, enabling comprehensive analysis.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1768263349,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-01-13",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915,
"XPD": 0.000748
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Time-Series Endpoint

The Time-Series Endpoint allows developers to query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of their choice. This feature is invaluable for those looking to analyze trends over a specific period. By retrieving time-series data, users can visualize price movements and make predictions based on historical performance.

{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2026-01-07",
"end_date": "2026-01-14",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2026-01-07": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2026-01-09": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2026-01-14": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Convert Endpoint

The Convert Endpoint is designed to convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. This feature is particularly useful for applications that require currency conversion for pricing or reporting purposes. By utilizing this endpoint, developers can ensure that their applications provide accurate pricing information across different currencies.

{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1768349749,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

The Fluctuation Endpoint allows users to track rate fluctuations between two dates. This is essential for understanding market volatility and making informed trading decisions. By analyzing fluctuations, developers can create applications that alert users to significant price changes, enhancing their trading strategies.

{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2026-01-07",
"end_date": "2026-01-14",
"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 open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period. This data is crucial for traders who rely on candlestick charts and other technical analysis tools. By accessing OHLC data, developers can enhance their applications with detailed market insights.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1768349749,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-01-14",
"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

The Bid/Ask Endpoint provides current bid and ask prices for metals. This information is vital for traders looking to execute orders at the best possible prices. By integrating this endpoint into trading applications, developers can ensure that users have access to the most competitive pricing.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1768349749,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-01-14",
"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"
}

Authentication and API Key

To access the Metals-API, developers must obtain an API key. This unique key is passed into the API base URL's access_key parameter, allowing for secure access to the data. Proper management of the API key is crucial for maintaining security and ensuring that applications function correctly.

Performance Considerations

When working with the Metals-API, developers should consider performance optimization strategies. This includes understanding rate limits and quota management to avoid exceeding usage limits. Caching frequently accessed data can also enhance application performance, reducing the need for repeated API calls.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Developers may encounter common pitfalls when integrating the Metals-API. Understanding error handling and recovery strategies is essential for building robust applications. Additionally, validating and sanitizing data before processing can prevent issues related to incorrect or malformed data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Metals-API offers a powerful solution for accessing Nickel - LME 3-month (NI3M) historical prices and other metal data. By leveraging its extensive features, developers can create applications that provide valuable insights and enhance decision-making processes. The integration of real-time data, historical analysis, and advanced analytics capabilities positions the Metals-API as a transformative tool in the metal markets.

For more information on how to get started with the Metals-API, refer to the Metals-API Documentation and explore the Metals-API Supported Symbols for a comprehensive list of available metals. Embrace the future of data-driven decision-making in the metals market with the Metals-API.