Retrieve Aluminum (ALU) Historical Prices through this API

Retrieve Aluminum (ALU) Historical Prices through this API
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the demand for real-time data has never been more critical, especially in the metal markets. One of the most sought-after metals is Aluminum, represented by the symbol XAL. This blog post will delve into how developers can retrieve historical prices for Aluminum using the Metals-API. We will explore the innovative features of this API, the technological advancements it brings to the metal markets, and how it empowers developers to create next-generation applications.
About Aluminum (XAL)
Aluminum is a versatile metal widely used in various industries, from construction to automotive manufacturing. Its lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion make it an ideal choice for many applications. As the world moves towards digital transformation, the metal markets are also evolving. The integration of smart technologies and data analytics is reshaping how businesses operate, providing insights that were previously unattainable.
Technological innovation in the metal markets has led to the development of APIs that allow for real-time data access. The Metals-API is at the forefront of this transformation, offering developers a powerful tool to access historical and real-time pricing data for various metals, including Aluminum. By leveraging data analytics, businesses can make informed decisions based on market trends and fluctuations.
API Description
The Metals-API is designed to provide developers with comprehensive access to metal pricing data. It offers a range of endpoints that cater to different needs, from retrieving the latest rates to accessing historical data. This API is not just a data source; it is a transformative tool that enables developers to build applications that can analyze trends, forecast prices, and provide insights into the metal markets.
One of the standout features of the Metals-API is its ability to deliver real-time data. Depending on your subscription plan, the API can return exchange rate data updated every 60 minutes, every 10 minutes, or even more frequently. This level of granularity allows businesses to stay ahead of market changes and make timely decisions.
Key Features and Endpoints
The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints, each designed to fulfill specific needs. Here are some of the key features:
- Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rates for all available metals, including Aluminum. The response includes the current price per troy ounce, allowing businesses to quickly assess market conditions.
- Historical Rates Endpoint: Access historical rates for Aluminum dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the API request, developers 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. Understanding the bid-ask spread is crucial for traders and businesses looking to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Convert Endpoint: The Metals-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 businesses operating in multiple currencies.
- Time-Series Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of their choice. It is ideal for analyzing price movements over time.
- Fluctuation Endpoint: Track how Aluminum prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. This endpoint provides insights into market volatility, helping businesses adjust their strategies accordingly.
- Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Retrieve OHLC data for Aluminum over a specified time period. This data is essential for traders looking to analyze market trends and make informed decisions.
- Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: Query the API to get the lowest and highest prices for Aluminum over a specified date range. This information is valuable for understanding market extremes.
- Historical LME Endpoint: Access historical rates for Aluminum through the LME (London Metal Exchange) symbols, dating back to 2008. This endpoint is crucial for businesses that rely on LME pricing.
- API Key: Each user is provided with a unique API key, which must be included in the API requests to authenticate access.
- API Response: The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD by default, ensuring consistency in data interpretation.
- Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint provides a constantly updated list of all available metal symbols, including Aluminum.
- News Endpoint: Stay updated with the latest news articles related to various metals, including Aluminum, through this dedicated endpoint.
API Endpoint Examples and Responses
To illustrate the capabilities of the Metals-API, let's explore some example responses for key endpoints:
Latest Rates Endpoint
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1747364416,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-05-16",
"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"
}
The response above shows the latest exchange rates for various metals, including Aluminum (XAL), which is priced at 0.434783 per troy ounce.
Historical Rates Endpoint
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1747278016,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-05-15",
"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. Developers can specify a date to retrieve past pricing data, which is essential for market analysis.
Time-Series Endpoint
{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2025-05-09",
"end_date": "2025-05-16",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2025-05-09": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2025-05-11": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2025-05-16": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
The time-series endpoint allows users to retrieve exchange rates for a specific time period, providing valuable insights into price trends over time.
Convert Endpoint
{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1747364416,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}
This example shows how to convert an amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. In this case, 1000 USD is converted to 0.482 troy ounces of Gold (XAU).
Fluctuation Endpoint
{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2025-05-09",
"end_date": "2025-05-16",
"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 Aluminum prices change over a specified period, which is crucial for understanding market volatility.
OHLC (Open/High/Low/Close) Endpoint
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1747364416,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-05-16",
"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 the open, high, low, and close prices for Aluminum, which are essential for traders looking to analyze market trends.
Bid/Ask Endpoint
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1747364416,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-05-16",
"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 provides current bid and ask prices for Aluminum, which are crucial for making informed trading decisions.
Conclusion
The Metals-API is a powerful tool for developers looking to access historical prices for Aluminum and other metals. Its innovative features, such as real-time data access, historical rates, and various endpoints, empower businesses to make informed decisions based on accurate market data. By leveraging the capabilities of the Metals-API, developers can create applications that analyze trends, forecast prices, and provide valuable insights into the metal markets.
As the metal markets continue to evolve, the integration of smart technologies and data analytics will play a crucial role in shaping the future. The Metals-API stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering developers the tools they need to succeed in a competitive landscape. For more information on how to get started, visit the Metals-API Documentation and explore the Metals-API Supported Symbols for a comprehensive list of available metals.