Retrieve LME Aluminium (LME-ALU) prices through a simple API call

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the ability to access real-time data is paramount, especially in the metals market. The Metals-API offers a powerful solution for developers looking to retrieve LME Aluminium (LME-ALU) prices and other metal data through a simple API call. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of the Metals-API, exploring its capabilities, features, and how it can transform the way developers interact with metal market data.

About Aluminium (ALU)

Aluminium, represented by the symbol LME-ALU, is a versatile metal widely used across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. As the demand for lightweight and durable materials continues to rise, aluminium's significance in the global market is only expected to grow. The digital transformation in metal markets has been driven by technological innovations and advancements that allow for better data analytics and insights.

With the integration of smart technology, stakeholders in the aluminium market can now access real-time data, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly. The future trends in aluminium usage point towards increased recycling and sustainability, as industries strive to reduce their carbon footprint. The Metals-API plays a crucial role in this transformation by providing developers with the tools they need to build applications that leverage real-time metals data.

API Description

The Metals-API is a comprehensive solution for accessing real-time and historical data on various metals, including aluminium. This API empowers developers to create next-generation applications that can analyze market trends, track price fluctuations, and convert currencies seamlessly. With a focus on innovation and technological advancement, the Metals-API is designed to meet the needs of modern developers.

For detailed information on how to use the API, developers can refer to the Metals-API Documentation, which provides extensive guidance on endpoints, parameters, and response formats. The API supports a wide range of functionalities, making it a versatile tool for any developer working with metal data.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints, each designed to provide specific functionalities that cater to the needs of developers. Here are some of the key features:

Latest Rates Endpoint

The Latest Rates Endpoint allows developers to retrieve real-time exchange rate data for metals, including aluminium. Depending on the subscription plan, this endpoint can return data updated every 60 minutes or every 10 minutes. This feature is essential for applications that require up-to-the-minute pricing information.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1761008432,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-10-21",
    "rates": {
        "XAL": 0.434783
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Historical Rates Endpoint

Developers can access historical rates for aluminium dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the endpoint, users can query the Metals-API for past prices, which is invaluable for trend analysis and market research.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1760922032,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-10-20",
    "rates": {
        "XAL": 0.430000
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Bid and Ask Endpoint

The Bid and Ask Endpoint provides real-time bid and ask prices for aluminium. This feature is particularly useful for traders and investors who need to make quick decisions based on current market conditions.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1761008432,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-10-21",
    "rates": {
        "XAL": {
            "bid": 0.433000,
            "ask": 0.435000,
            "spread": 0.002000
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Convert Endpoint

The Convert Endpoint allows users to convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. This functionality is crucial for applications that require currency conversion for pricing or trading purposes.

{
    "success": true,
    "query": {
        "from": "USD",
        "to": "XAL",
        "amount": 1000
    },
    "info": {
        "timestamp": 1761008432,
        "rate": 0.434783
    },
    "result": 434.783,
    "unit": "troy ounces"
}

Time-Series Endpoint

The Time-Series Endpoint allows developers to query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of their choice. This feature is particularly useful for analyzing trends over time and making predictions based on historical data.

{
    "success": true,
    "timeseries": true,
    "start_date": "2025-10-14",
    "end_date": "2025-10-21",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "2025-10-14": {
            "XAL": 0.430000
        },
        "2025-10-21": {
            "XAL": 0.434783
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

The Fluctuation Endpoint provides information about how aluminium prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. This data is essential for traders looking to understand market volatility and make informed decisions.

{
    "success": true,
    "fluctuation": true,
    "start_date": "2025-10-14",
    "end_date": "2025-10-21",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "XAL": {
            "start_rate": 0.430000,
            "end_rate": 0.434783,
            "change": 0.004783,
            "change_pct": 1.11
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

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

The OHLC Price Endpoint allows developers to retrieve the open, high, low, and close prices for aluminium over a specified time period. This data is crucial for technical analysis and understanding market trends.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1761008432,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-10-21",
    "rates": {
        "XAL": {
            "open": 0.430000,
            "high": 0.435000,
            "low": 0.428000,
            "close": 0.434783
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Historical LME Endpoint

The Historical LME Endpoint provides access to historical rates for LME symbols, including aluminium, dating back to 2008. This endpoint is invaluable for researchers and analysts who need to study long-term trends in the aluminium market.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1760922032,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-10-20",
    "rates": {
        "XAL": 0.430000
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

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 essential for developers looking to integrate various metals into their applications.

Conclusion

The Metals-API is a transformative tool for developers working with metal market data, particularly for aluminium. With its extensive range of endpoints and real-time capabilities, it empowers users to build applications that can analyze, convert, and track metal prices effectively. By leveraging the API's features, developers can create innovative solutions that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.

As the aluminium market continues to grow and evolve, the importance of having access to accurate and timely data cannot be overstated. The Metals-API not only provides this data but also offers the flexibility and functionality needed to integrate it into various applications. For more information on how to get started, visit the Metals-API Documentation and explore the possibilities that await.

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Retrieve LME Aluminium (LME-ALU) prices through a simple API call