Integrate this API to Get Cobalt China Spot (LCO-CH) Historical Prices

Introduction

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 integrate historical prices of Cobalt (LCO-CH), the Metals-API offers a robust solution. This API not only provides real-time data but also empowers users with historical insights that can drive informed decision-making. In this blog post, we will explore the capabilities of the Metals-API, focusing on how to retrieve historical prices effectively, along with the transformative potential of integrating such data into applications.

Understanding Cobalt and Its Market Dynamics

Cobalt, a critical component in battery production and various industrial applications, is experiencing a surge in demand due to the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. As industries pivot towards more sustainable practices, understanding the historical price trends of Cobalt becomes essential for stakeholders. The integration of digital transformation in metal markets has paved the way for technological innovations that allow for real-time data analytics and insights.

Digital Transformation in Metal Markets

The metal markets are undergoing a significant digital transformation, driven by advancements in technology and data analytics. The Metals-API exemplifies this shift by providing developers with the tools necessary to access and analyze metal prices, including Cobalt. By leveraging real-time data, businesses can make proactive decisions, optimize their supply chains, and enhance their market strategies.

Technological Innovation and Advancement

Technological innovation in the metals industry is not just about data access; it's about how that data is utilized. The Metals-API enables developers to build applications that can forecast price trends, analyze market fluctuations, and even automate trading strategies. This level of integration allows for smarter decision-making processes that can adapt to market changes in real-time.

API Overview

The Metals-API is designed to provide comprehensive access to metal prices and currency conversion data. With a user-friendly interface and extensive documentation, developers can easily integrate this API into their applications. The API supports a wide range of endpoints, each tailored to meet specific data needs. For detailed information, refer to the Metals-API Documentation.

Key Features of Metals-API

The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints that cater to different data requirements:

• Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for metals, updated based on your subscription plan. Depending on the plan, updates can occur every 60 minutes or even every 10 minutes, ensuring that users have access to the most current market data.
• Historical Rates Endpoint: Users can access historical rates dating back to 2019 by appending a specific date to the API request. This feature is crucial for analyzing price trends over time.
• Bid and Ask Endpoint: This powerful feature allows users to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices, providing insights into market liquidity and pricing strategies.
• Convert Endpoint: The API includes a currency conversion feature that enables users to convert amounts from one currency to another, facilitating seamless transactions across different markets.
• Time-Series Endpoint: Users can query daily historical rates between two selected dates, allowing for in-depth analysis of price movements over specific periods.
• Fluctuation Endpoint: This endpoint tracks how prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, providing valuable insights into market volatility.
• Carat Endpoint: Users can retrieve information about gold rates by carat, which is particularly useful for jewelers and investors in precious metals.
• Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: This feature allows users to query the API for the lowest and highest prices within a specified timeframe, aiding in market analysis.
• Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: This endpoint provides open, high, low, and close prices for a specific date, essential for technical analysis.
• Historical LME Endpoint: Access historical rates for LME symbols dating back to 2008, which is invaluable for long-term market analysis.
• API Key: Each user is assigned a unique API key that must be included in requests to authenticate and authorize access to the API.
• API Response: The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD by default, ensuring consistency in data interpretation.
• Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint returns a constantly updated list of all available currencies and metals, allowing users to stay informed about the latest offerings.

Exploring API Endpoints

To effectively utilize the Metals-API, understanding the various endpoints and their functionalities is crucial. Below, we delve into specific endpoints, providing detailed explanations, example responses, and practical use cases.

Latest Rates Endpoint

The Latest Rates Endpoint is designed to provide real-time exchange rates for all available metals. This endpoint is particularly useful for applications that require up-to-the-minute pricing information.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1779668374,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-25",
"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"
}

In this response, the "rates" object contains the current prices for various metals, with each metal represented by its symbol (e.g., XAU for Gold). The "unit" indicates that the prices are quoted per troy ounce, a standard measurement in the metals market.

Historical Rates Endpoint

The Historical Rates Endpoint allows users to access historical exchange rates for any date since 1999. This feature is invaluable for analysts looking to study price trends over time.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1779581974,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-24",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915,
"XPD": 0.000748
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

In this example, the response provides historical rates for Gold (XAU) and other metals for a specific date. This data can be used to analyze market trends and make informed investment decisions.

Time-Series Endpoint

The Time-Series Endpoint enables users to query the API for daily historical rates between two chosen dates. This is particularly useful for conducting trend analysis over a specified period.

{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2026-05-18",
"end_date": "2026-05-25",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2026-05-18": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2026-05-20": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2026-05-25": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

This response illustrates how prices have changed over a week, allowing users to visualize trends and fluctuations in the market.

Convert Endpoint

The Convert Endpoint allows users to convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. This is particularly useful for traders and investors who need to calculate values quickly.

{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1779668374,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}

In this example, the user converts 1000 USD to Gold (XAU), resulting in 0.482 troy ounces. This functionality is essential for quick calculations in trading scenarios.

Fluctuation Endpoint

The Fluctuation Endpoint tracks rate fluctuations between two dates, providing insights into market volatility.

{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2026-05-18",
"end_date": "2026-05-25",
"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"
}

This response provides a detailed overview of how prices have changed over the specified period, including both absolute and percentage changes. Such insights are crucial for traders looking to capitalize on market movements.

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

The OHLC Price Endpoint provides open, high, low, and close prices for a specific date, which is essential for technical analysis.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1779668374,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-25",
"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"
}

This endpoint's response provides a comprehensive view of the price action for the day, allowing traders to make informed decisions based on market behavior.

Bid/Ask Endpoint

The Bid/Ask Endpoint provides current bid and ask prices for metals, which is crucial for understanding market liquidity and pricing strategies.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1779668374,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-25",
"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"
}

This response highlights the bid and ask prices for various metals, along with the spread, which is essential for traders looking to execute orders efficiently.

Common Use Cases and Implementation Strategies

Integrating the Metals-API into applications opens up a myriad of possibilities for developers. Here are some common use cases:

• Market Analysis Tools: Developers can create applications that analyze historical price trends, providing users with insights into market behavior and potential investment opportunities.
• Trading Platforms: By integrating real-time data from the Metals-API, trading platforms can offer users up-to-date pricing information, enhancing the trading experience.
• Financial Dashboards: Businesses can build dashboards that visualize metal prices, allowing stakeholders to monitor market conditions and make informed decisions.

Performance Optimization and Security Considerations

When integrating the Metals-API, developers should consider performance optimization and security best practices:

• Rate Limiting: Be aware of the API's rate limits to avoid exceeding your quota. Implementing caching strategies can help reduce the number of API calls.
• Data Validation: Always validate and sanitize data received from the API to prevent security vulnerabilities.
• Authentication: Use your API key securely and avoid exposing it in client-side code.

Conclusion

The Metals-API provides a powerful tool for developers looking to access historical prices of Cobalt and other metals. By leveraging its extensive features, including real-time data, historical rates, and various endpoints, developers can build innovative applications that enhance market analysis and trading strategies. As the metal markets continue to evolve, integrating such APIs will be crucial for staying ahead of the curve. For more information, explore the Metals-API Supported Symbols and start building your application today!