Retrieve Copper - LME 3-month (XCU3M) Historical Prices Using Metals-API

In the dynamic world of commodities trading, having access to accurate and timely data is crucial for making informed decisions. For developers and analysts interested in the copper market, the Metals-API offers a robust solution for retrieving historical prices, including the LME 3-month (XCU3M) rates. This blog post will explore the capabilities of the Metals-API, focusing on how to effectively retrieve historical prices for copper and the transformative potential of real-time metals data.

About Copper (XCU)

Copper, represented by the symbol XCU, is one of the most widely used metals in various industries, including construction, electronics, and renewable energy. As the world moves towards digital transformation, the copper market is also evolving, driven by technological innovations and advancements in data analytics. The integration of smart technologies in trading and investment strategies is reshaping how market participants interact with copper prices.

Data analytics plays a pivotal role in understanding market trends and making predictions. With the rise of big data, traders can now analyze historical price movements, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. The Metals-API provides developers with the tools necessary to access this wealth of information, enabling them to build next-generation applications that leverage real-time and historical data.

API Description

The Metals-API is a powerful tool designed for developers seeking to integrate metals pricing data into their applications. It offers a wide range of functionalities, including real-time exchange rates, historical data, and various endpoints tailored to meet the needs of different users. The API empowers developers to create innovative solutions that can enhance trading strategies, risk management, and market analysis.

For more information about the API's capabilities, you can visit the Metals-API Website or check the Metals-API Documentation for detailed guidance on implementation.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API offers several key features that are essential for accessing and analyzing copper prices:

Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for copper and other metals. Depending on your subscription plan, the API updates this data every 60 minutes or even more frequently. This feature is crucial for traders who need to make quick decisions based on the latest market conditions.
Historical Rates Endpoint: Users can access historical rates for copper dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the API request, developers can retrieve past prices, allowing for comprehensive analysis of market trends over time.
Bid And Ask Endpoint: This feature enables users to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for copper. Understanding the bid-ask spread is essential for traders looking to optimize their entry and exit points in the market.
Convert Endpoint: The Metals-API includes a currency conversion endpoint, allowing users to convert amounts from one metal to another or to/from USD. This is particularly useful for traders dealing with multiple currencies.
Time-Series Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to query daily historical rates between two specified dates. It is ideal for conducting in-depth analyses of price movements over specific periods.
Fluctuation Endpoint: Users can track how copper prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. This feature provides insights into market volatility and helps traders assess risk.
Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to query the API for the lowest and highest prices of copper over a specified period, providing valuable insights into market extremes.
Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Users can retrieve the open, high, low, and close prices for copper, which are essential for technical analysis and charting.
Historical LME Endpoint: This endpoint provides access to historical rates for LME symbols, including copper, dating back to 2008. It is particularly useful for users interested in long-term trends.
API Key: Each user is assigned a unique API key that must be included in API requests to authenticate access.
API Response: The Metals-API delivers exchange rates relative to USD by default, ensuring consistency in data interpretation.
Available Endpoints: The API features multiple endpoints, each designed to provide specific functionalities, making it a versatile tool for developers.
Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint returns a constantly updated list of all available metal symbols, allowing users to stay informed about the latest offerings.
News Endpoint: Users can retrieve the latest news articles related to various metals, keeping them updated on market developments.

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.

API Endpoint Examples and Responses

To illustrate the functionality of the Metals-API, here are some example responses for various endpoints:

Latest Rates Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1743469311,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-04-01",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": 0.294118
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Historical Rates Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1743382911,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-03-31",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": 0.295000
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Time-series Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timeseries": true,
    "start_date": "2025-03-25",
    "end_date": "2025-04-01",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "2025-03-25": {
            "XCU": 0.293000
        },
        "2025-04-01": {
            "XCU": 0.294118
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Convert Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "query": {
        "from": "USD",
        "to": "XCU",
        "amount": 1000
    },
    "info": {
        "timestamp": 1743469311,
        "rate": 0.294118
    },
    "result": 294.118,
    "unit": "troy ounces"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "fluctuation": true,
    "start_date": "2025-03-25",
    "end_date": "2025-04-01",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": {
            "start_rate": 0.293000,
            "end_rate": 0.294118,
            "change": 0.001118,
            "change_pct": 0.38
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

OHLC (Open/High/Low/Close) Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1743469311,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-04-01",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": {
            "open": 0.293500,
            "high": 0.295000,
            "low": 0.292000,
            "close": 0.294118
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Bid/Ask Endpoint

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1743469311,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-04-01",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": {
            "bid": 0.293000,
            "ask": 0.295000,
            "spread": 0.002000
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Conclusion

The Metals-API is an invaluable resource for developers and analysts looking to retrieve historical prices for copper and other metals. By leveraging the various endpoints, users can access real-time data, historical trends, and comprehensive market insights. The integration of advanced data analytics and smart technology into the metals market is paving the way for innovative trading strategies and enhanced decision-making processes.

As the demand for copper continues to rise, understanding its price movements through the Metals-API will be essential for anyone involved in the commodities market. For further exploration of the API's capabilities, refer to the Metals-API Documentation and stay updated with the latest developments in the metals market.

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Retrieve Copper - LME 3-month (XCU3M) Historical Prices Using Metals-API