Get Zinc - LME 3-month (ZNC3M) Historical Prices for market research using this API

In the ever-evolving landscape of metal markets, the demand for accurate and timely data has never been more critical. For developers and analysts looking to conduct market research, understanding the historical prices of metals like Zinc (symbol: XZN) is essential. This blog post will delve into how to access historical prices for Zinc using the Metals-API, a powerful tool that provides real-time and historical data for various metals. We will explore the innovative features of the Metals-API, its endpoints, and how it can empower developers to create next-generation applications.

About Zinc (XZN)

Zinc is a vital metal used in various industries, from construction to electronics. As the world embraces digital transformation, the metal markets are also witnessing significant changes driven by technological innovation and advancement. The integration of smart technology and data analytics is reshaping how businesses operate, allowing for more informed decision-making and strategic planning.

In this context, the Metals-API stands out as a transformative tool for accessing real-time and historical data. By leveraging data analytics, developers can gain insights into market trends, price fluctuations, and historical performance, enabling them to make data-driven decisions. The future of metal markets is undoubtedly intertwined with technology, and the Metals-API is at the forefront of this evolution.

Metals-API Overview

The Metals-API is a comprehensive JSON API that provides access to real-time and historical prices for various metals, including Zinc. With its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities, the API empowers developers to build applications that require accurate metal pricing data. The API supports multiple endpoints, each designed to cater to specific data needs, making it a versatile tool for market research.

Key Features of Metals-API

The Metals-API offers a range of features that enhance its usability and functionality. Here are some of the key endpoints and their applications:

• Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for metals, updated based on your subscription plan. Developers can access the latest prices for Zinc and other metals, allowing for immediate market analysis.
• Historical Rates Endpoint: Users can retrieve historical rates for Zinc dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the API request, developers can access past pricing data, which is crucial for trend analysis and forecasting.
• Bid and Ask Endpoint: This feature allows users to obtain real-time bid and ask prices for metals, providing insights into market liquidity and pricing dynamics.
• Convert Endpoint: The conversion endpoint enables users to convert amounts between different metals or to/from USD, facilitating multi-metal transactions and analysis.
• Time-Series Endpoint: Developers can query the API for daily historical rates between two specified dates, making it easier to analyze price movements over time.
• Fluctuation Endpoint: This endpoint provides information on how metal prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, offering insights into market volatility.
• Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Users can access the open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period, which is essential for technical analysis.
• Historical LME Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to access historical rates for LME symbols, dating back to 2008, providing a comprehensive view of market trends.
• API Key: Each user is assigned a unique API key, which is required to access the API's features securely.
• API Response: The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD, ensuring consistency and ease of use for developers.
• Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint provides a constantly updated list of all available metal symbols, ensuring users have access to the latest data.
• News Endpoint: Users can retrieve the latest news articles related to various metals, keeping them informed about market developments.

Accessing Historical Prices for Zinc

To access historical prices for Zinc using the Metals-API, developers can utilize the Historical Rates Endpoint. This endpoint allows users to specify a date and retrieve the corresponding price data. For example, a request to the endpoint might look like this:

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1751144410,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-06-28",
    "rates": {
        "XZN": 0.344828
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

In this response, the API confirms the success of the request and provides the historical price of Zinc for the specified date. The data returned includes the base currency (USD), the date of the price, and the rate for Zinc in troy ounces.

Understanding API Responses

Each API response contains several fields that provide valuable information. Here’s a breakdown of the key fields:

• success: Indicates whether the API request was successful.
• timestamp: The time at which the data was retrieved.
• base: The base currency against which the rates are provided (usually USD).
• date: The specific date for which the historical price is being requested.
• rates: An object containing the metal symbols and their corresponding prices.
• unit: The unit of measurement for the prices (e.g., per troy ounce).

Understanding these fields is crucial for developers as they build applications that rely on accurate metal pricing data. By interpreting the API responses correctly, developers can create more effective and user-friendly applications.

Practical Use Cases

The Metals-API can be integrated into various applications and platforms. Here are some practical use cases:

• Market Analysis Tools: Developers can create applications that analyze historical price trends for Zinc and other metals, helping traders make informed decisions.
• Financial Reporting: Businesses can integrate the API into their financial reporting systems to provide real-time and historical pricing data for metals, enhancing their reporting capabilities.
• Investment Platforms: Investment platforms can utilize the API to offer users insights into metal prices, aiding in investment decisions.
• Supply Chain Management: Companies involved in the supply chain of metals can use the API to track price fluctuations, optimizing their procurement strategies.

Common Developer Questions

As developers explore the Metals-API, they may have several questions. Here are some common inquiries and their answers:

• How do I authenticate my API requests? Each request must include your unique API key as a parameter in the URL to authenticate your access.
• What is the rate limit for API requests? The rate limit varies based on your subscription plan. It's essential to check the documentation for specific limits.
• How can I handle errors in API responses? The API provides error codes and messages in the response, which can be used to troubleshoot issues effectively.

Performance Optimization and Security Considerations

When integrating the Metals-API into applications, developers should consider performance optimization strategies. Caching frequently accessed data can reduce API calls and improve application responsiveness. Additionally, implementing robust error handling and recovery strategies will enhance the user experience.

Security is another critical aspect. Ensure that your API key is kept confidential and not exposed in client-side code. Regularly review your API usage to detect any unusual activity that may indicate a security breach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Metals-API is a powerful tool for accessing historical prices for Zinc and other metals. By leveraging its innovative features and endpoints, developers can create applications that provide valuable insights into metal markets. The integration of real-time data analytics and smart technology is transforming how businesses operate in the metal industry, paving the way for a more data-driven future.

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. Visit the Metals-API Website to learn more about its capabilities and how it can benefit your market research efforts.