How to retrieve GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR) prices via API requests

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, the ability to retrieve real-time data is crucial for traders and investors. One such asset that has garnered significant attention is the GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR), which tracks the price of gold. This blog post will delve into how to retrieve GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR) prices via API requests, specifically utilizing the Metals-API. We will explore the features of this API, its capabilities, and how it can empower developers to create innovative applications in the realm of precious metals trading.

Metals-API Information

About Gold (XAU)

Gold, represented by the symbol XAU, has long been a symbol of wealth and stability. In recent years, the digital transformation in precious metals has opened new avenues for trading and investment. With the advent of data analytics and market insights, traders can now make informed decisions based on real-time data. The integration of technology in trading has revolutionized the way investors approach the gold market, allowing for innovation in price discovery and the development of digital asset solutions.

API Description

The Metals-API is a powerful tool that provides real-time and historical data for various metals, including gold. This API is designed to empower developers to build next-generation applications that require accurate and timely metals data. With its innovative features, the Metals-API enables users to access a wealth of information, from current market rates to historical trends, all through simple API requests.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints that cater to different needs in the metals trading space. Depending on your subscription plan, you can access real-time exchange rate data updated every 60 minutes, every 10 minutes, or even more frequently. Here are some of the key features:

• Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rates for all available metals. For example, a request to this endpoint might return the current price of gold in USD.
• Historical Rates Endpoint: Users can access historical rates dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the request, developers can retrieve past prices for analysis.
• Bid And Ask Endpoint: This feature allows users to obtain real-time bid and ask prices for metals, which is essential for traders looking to make informed decisions.
• Convert Endpoint: The Metals-API includes a currency conversion endpoint, enabling users to convert amounts from one metal to another or to/from USD.
• Time-Series Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to query daily historical rates between two specified dates, providing insights into market trends over time.
• Fluctuation Endpoint: Users can track how metal prices fluctuate between two dates, which is useful for understanding market volatility.
• Carat Endpoint: This endpoint provides information about gold rates by carat, allowing for more precise valuation of gold items.
• Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: Users can query the API to get the lowest and highest prices for a specified date range.
• Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: This endpoint provides 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, useful for traders focused on industrial metals.
• API Key: Each user is assigned a unique API key that must be included in requests to authenticate access.
• API Response: The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD, ensuring consistency in data presentation.
• Available Endpoints: The Metals-API features multiple endpoints, each designed for specific functionalities, making it a versatile tool for developers.
• Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint provides a constantly updated list of all available currencies and metals.
• Gold Price India Endpoint: Retrieve the latest gold price in India using this dedicated endpoint.
• News Endpoint: Access the latest news articles related to various metals, keeping users 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 various endpoints and their responses:

Latest Rates Endpoint

Get real-time exchange rates for all available metals.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1748218044,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-05-26",
    "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.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1748131644,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-05-25",
    "rates": {
        "XAU": 0.000485,
        "XAG": 0.03825,
        "XPT": 0.000915,
        "XPD": 0.000748
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Time-series Endpoint

Get exchange rates for a specific time period.

{
    "success": true,
    "timeseries": true,
    "start_date": "2025-05-19",
    "end_date": "2025-05-26",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "2025-05-19": {
            "XAU": 0.000485,
            "XAG": 0.03825,
            "XPT": 0.000915
        },
        "2025-05-21": {
            "XAU": 0.000483,
            "XAG": 0.0382,
            "XPT": 0.000913
        },
        "2025-05-26": {
            "XAU": 0.000482,
            "XAG": 0.03815,
            "XPT": 0.000912
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

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": 1748218044,
        "rate": 0.000482
    },
    "result": 0.482,
    "unit": "troy ounces"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

Track rate fluctuations between two dates.

{
    "success": true,
    "fluctuation": true,
    "start_date": "2025-05-19",
    "end_date": "2025-05-26",
    "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

Get OHLC data for a specific time period.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1748218044,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-05-26",
    "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.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1748218044,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-05-26",
    "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

In conclusion, the Metals-API provides a comprehensive suite of tools for developers looking to access real-time and historical data for precious metals, including the GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR). By leveraging the various endpoints, developers can create applications that offer insights into market trends, facilitate trading, and enhance decision-making processes. Whether you are interested in the latest rates, historical data, or price fluctuations, the Metals-API equips you with the necessary resources to succeed in the dynamic world of metals trading. For more information, refer to the Metals-API Documentation and explore the Metals-API Supported Symbols for a complete list of available metals.