How to retrieve VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ) prices with this API

How to Retrieve VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ) Prices with this API

In the world of precious metals trading, having access to real-time data is crucial for making informed decisions. The Metals-API provides a robust solution for developers looking to integrate gold price data, specifically for the VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ), into their applications. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of the Metals-API, focusing on how it can be utilized to retrieve gold prices and other valuable market insights.

Metals-API Information

The Metals-API is a powerful tool designed for developers who need accurate and timely information about various metals, including gold (XAU), silver (XAG), platinum (XPT), and palladium (XPD). With its extensive range of endpoints, the API allows users to access real-time rates, historical data, and even perform conversions between different metals and currencies.

About Gold (XAU)

Gold has long been considered a safe haven asset, especially during times of economic uncertainty. The digital transformation in precious metals trading has opened up new avenues for investors and developers alike. By leveraging data analytics and market insights, traders can make more informed decisions based on real-time data. The integration of technology in trading has revolutionized price discovery, allowing for more transparent and efficient transactions.

Furthermore, digital asset solutions are becoming increasingly popular, enabling investors to hold and trade gold in a more accessible manner. The Metals-API plays a pivotal role in this transformation by providing developers with the tools they need to create innovative applications that can track and analyze gold prices effectively.

API Description

The Metals-API is designed to empower developers by providing them with real-time metals data. This API enables the creation of next-generation applications that can offer users insights into market trends, price fluctuations, and historical data. With the ability to access a wide range of endpoints, developers can build applications that cater to various needs, from simple price tracking to complex analytical tools.

For more information, visit the Metals-API Website or check out the Metals-API Documentation for detailed guidance on implementation.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API offers several key features that enhance its usability for developers:

• 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 allows developers to provide users with the most current gold prices.
• Historical Rates Endpoint: Access historical rates for most currencies dating back to 2019. By appending a date to your query, you can retrieve past gold prices, which is essential for trend analysis.
• Bid And Ask Endpoint: This powerful feature enables you to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices, helping traders make informed decisions based on current market conditions.
• Convert Endpoint: This endpoint allows for currency conversion, enabling users to convert any amount from one currency to another, which is particularly useful for international traders.
• Time-Series Endpoint: Query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of your choice, allowing for detailed analysis of price movements over time.
• Fluctuation Endpoint: Retrieve information about how currencies fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, providing insights into market volatility.
• Carat Endpoint: Get information about gold rates by carat, which is essential for jewelers and consumers interested in specific gold qualities.
• Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: This endpoint allows you to query the API to get the lowest and highest price for a specified date, which is crucial for understanding market extremes.
• Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Retrieve open, high, low, and close prices for a specific date, providing a comprehensive view of market performance.
• Historical LME Endpoint: Access historical rates for LME symbols dating back to 2008, which is useful for those interested in industrial metals.
• API Key: Your unique API key is required to access the API, ensuring secure and authorized usage.
• API Response: Exchange rates are delivered relative to USD by default, with all data returned in a structured JSON format.
• Available Endpoints: The API comes with a constantly updated endpoint returning all available currencies, ensuring you have access to the latest information.
• Gold Price India Endpoint: Retrieve the latest gold price in India, catering to a specific market segment.
• News Endpoint: Get the latest news articles related to various metals, keeping users informed about market developments.

List of Symbols

The 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's response structure is crucial for effective integration. Below are examples of various endpoints and their responses:

Latest Rates Endpoint

Get real-time exchange rates for all available metals.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1749196817,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-06-06",
    "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": 1749110417,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-06-05",
    "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": "2025-05-30",
    "end_date": "2025-06-06",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "2025-05-30": {
            "XAU": 0.000485,
            "XAG": 0.03825,
            "XPT": 0.000915
        },
        "2025-06-01": {
            "XAU": 0.000483,
            "XAG": 0.0382,
            "XPT": 0.000913
        },
        "2025-06-06": {
            "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": 1749196817,
        "rate": 0.000482
    },
    "result": 0.482,
    "unit": "troy ounces"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

Track rate fluctuations between two dates.

{
    "success": true,
    "fluctuation": true,
    "start_date": "2025-05-30",
    "end_date": "2025-06-06",
    "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": 1749196817,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-06-06",
    "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": 1749196817,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-06-06",
    "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

The Metals-API is an invaluable resource for developers looking to integrate real-time gold price data into their applications. With its extensive range of endpoints, the API not only provides current prices but also historical data, bid/ask prices, and conversion capabilities. By leveraging this API, developers can create innovative solutions that cater to the needs of traders and investors in the precious metals market.

For further exploration, refer to the Metals-API Documentation for detailed implementation guidance, and check the Metals-API Supported Symbols page for a comprehensive list of available metal symbols. The Metals-API Website is also a great resource for staying updated on new features and enhancements.