Obtain Aluminum - LME 3-month (ALU3M) Historical Prices via this API

In the ever-evolving landscape of metal markets, the demand for accurate and real-time data has never been more critical. For developers and analysts looking to obtain historical prices for aluminum, the Metals-API offers a robust solution. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of obtaining aluminum historical prices, particularly focusing on the LME 3-month (ALU3M) data, and how the Metals-API can empower you to access this information seamlessly.

Metals-API Information

About Aluminum (XAL)

Aluminum, represented by the symbol XAL, is a versatile metal widely used across various industries, from automotive to aerospace. As the world embraces digital transformation, the metal markets are also undergoing significant changes. The integration of technological innovations and advancements in data analytics has revolutionized how stakeholders interact with metal pricing data.

With the rise of smart technology, the ability to access real-time data has become a game-changer. Developers can leverage this data to create applications that provide insights into market trends, optimize supply chains, and enhance decision-making processes. The future of aluminum pricing is not just about numbers; it's about harnessing the power of data to drive strategic initiatives.

API Description

The Metals-API is a powerful tool designed to provide real-time and historical pricing data for various metals, including aluminum. This API is built with innovation in mind, allowing developers to create next-generation applications that can analyze and visualize metal prices effectively. With its comprehensive documentation, the Metals-API enables users to understand the capabilities and functionalities available at their fingertips.

For those looking to dive deeper into the API's features, the Metals-API Documentation provides extensive information on how to utilize the API effectively. From retrieving the latest rates to accessing historical data, the API is designed to cater to a wide range of use cases.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints that cater to different needs. Here are some of the key features:

Latest Rates Endpoint: Depending on your subscription plan, this endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data updated every 60 minutes, every 10 minutes, or even more frequently. This is crucial for developers needing the most current pricing information.
Historical Rates Endpoint: Historical rates for aluminum are available dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the API call, users can retrieve past pricing data, which is essential for trend analysis and forecasting.
Bid And Ask Endpoint: This feature allows users to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for aluminum, providing insights into market liquidity and pricing dynamics.
Convert Endpoint: The API includes a currency conversion feature, enabling users to convert amounts from one metal to another or to/from USD. This is particularly useful for international transactions.
Time-Series Endpoint: Users can query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of their choice, facilitating in-depth analysis of price movements over time.
Fluctuation Endpoint: This endpoint provides information about how aluminum prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, helping users understand market volatility.
Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: This feature allows users to access the open, high, low, and close prices for aluminum over a specified period, which is vital for technical analysis.
Historical LME Endpoint: For those specifically interested in LME symbols, this endpoint provides historical rates dating back to 2008, allowing for comprehensive analysis of aluminum prices.
API Key: Each user is provided with a unique API key that must be included in requests to authenticate and authorize access to the API.
API Response: The Metals-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 metal symbols, ensuring users have access to the latest information.
News Endpoint: Users can retrieve the latest news articles related to various metals, providing context and insights into market movements.

List of Symbols

The Metals-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. This resource is invaluable for developers looking to integrate multiple metal data points into their applications.

API Endpoint Examples and Responses

Understanding the API responses is crucial for effective implementation. Below are examples of various endpoints and their corresponding JSON responses:

Latest Rates Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1753834643,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-07-30",
    "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"
}

This response indicates the current exchange rates for various metals, including aluminum (XAL). The "rates" object contains the pricing information, which is essential for real-time applications.

Historical Rates Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1753748243,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-07-29",
    "rates": {
        "XAU": 0.000485,
        "XAG": 0.03825,
        "XPT": 0.000915,
        "XPD": 0.000748
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

This example demonstrates how to access historical rates for aluminum and other metals. The "date" field specifies the date for which the rates are provided, allowing for historical analysis.

Time-series Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timeseries": true,
    "start_date": "2025-07-23",
    "end_date": "2025-07-30",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "2025-07-23": {
            "XAU": 0.000485,
            "XAG": 0.03825,
            "XPT": 0.000915
        },
        "2025-07-25": {
            "XAU": 0.000483,
            "XAG": 0.0382,
            "XPT": 0.000913
        },
        "2025-07-30": {
            "XAU": 0.000482,
            "XAG": 0.03815,
            "XPT": 0.000912
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

The time-series endpoint allows users to track price movements over a specified period. This is particularly useful for identifying trends and making informed decisions based on historical data.

Convert Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "query": {
        "from": "USD",
        "to": "XAU",
        "amount": 1000
    },
    "info": {
        "timestamp": 1753834643,
        "rate": 0.000482
    },
    "result": 0.482,
    "unit": "troy ounces"
}

This response illustrates how to convert an amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. The "result" field provides the converted value, which is essential for financial calculations.

Fluctuation Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "fluctuation": true,
    "start_date": "2025-07-23",
    "end_date": "2025-07-30",
    "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"
}

The fluctuation endpoint provides insights into how prices change over time, which is crucial for traders and analysts looking to capitalize on market movements.

OHLC (Open/High/Low/Close) Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1753834643,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-07-30",
    "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 provides essential data for technical analysis, allowing users to see the price range and closing values for aluminum and other metals over a specified period.

Bid/Ask Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1753834643,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-07-30",
    "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"
}

The bid/ask endpoint is crucial for understanding market dynamics, providing insights into the current buying and selling prices for aluminum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Metals-API is an invaluable resource for developers and analysts seeking to obtain historical prices for aluminum and other metals. With its comprehensive set of features, including real-time rates, historical data, and various endpoints tailored for specific needs, the API empowers users to make informed decisions based on accurate data.

As the metal markets continue to evolve, leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics will be essential for staying ahead. The Metals-API not only facilitates access to critical pricing information but also opens up possibilities for innovative applications that can transform how stakeholders interact with metal data.

For more information on how to get started with the Metals-API, visit the Metals-API Website and explore the Metals-API Documentation for detailed guidance on implementation. Don't forget to check the Metals-API Supported Symbols page for a complete list of available metal symbols.

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Obtain Aluminum - LME 3-month (ALU3M) Historical Prices via this API