Step-by-Step: Fetch Lithium Jan 2026 (LMF26) Historical Prices using this API

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of metal markets, the demand for accurate and real-time data has never been more critical. This is particularly true for lithium, a key component in modern technology and energy solutions. In this blog post, we will explore how to fetch historical prices for Lithium Jan 2026 (LMF26) using the Metals-API. We will delve into the capabilities of this powerful API, its endpoints, and how developers can leverage it to build innovative applications that respond to the dynamic nature of metal prices.

About Lithium (LITHIUM)

Lithium has emerged as a cornerstone of the digital transformation in metal markets, driven by technological innovation and advancement. As the world shifts towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to soar. This surge in demand has prompted the need for robust data analytics and insights, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions based on real-time market conditions.

Smart technology integration is reshaping how we interact with metal markets, and the future trends indicate a growing reliance on data-driven solutions. The Metals-API stands at the forefront of this transformation, providing developers with the tools necessary to access and utilize real-time metals data effectively.

API Description

The Metals-API is a comprehensive JSON API that offers access to a wide range of metals prices and currency conversion functionalities. It empowers developers to build next-generation applications that can respond to market fluctuations in real-time. With a user-friendly interface and extensive documentation, the Metals-API is designed to meet the needs of technically proficient API developers.

For detailed information on how to get started, refer to the Metals-API Documentation, which provides in-depth guidance on using the API effectively.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API boasts a variety of endpoints, each designed to cater to specific needs within the metals market. Here are some of the key features:

Latest Rates Endpoint

The Latest Rates 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. This feature is crucial for developers looking to integrate live pricing into their applications.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1777594777,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-01",
"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"
}

Historical Rates Endpoint

Accessing historical rates is essential for market analysis and forecasting. The Historical Rates Endpoint allows users to retrieve historical exchange rates dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date in the format YYYY-MM-DD, developers can query the API for past rates, enabling them to analyze trends over time.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1777508377,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-04-30",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915,
"XPD": 0.000748
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Bid And Ask Endpoint

The Bid and Ask Endpoint is a powerful feature that allows developers to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for metals. This is particularly useful for traders and investors who need to make quick decisions based on current market conditions.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1777594777,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-01",
"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"
}

Convert Endpoint

The Convert Endpoint allows users to convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. This feature is particularly useful for applications that require real-time currency conversion based on current market rates.

{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1777594777,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}

Time-Series Endpoint

The Time-Series Endpoint enables users to query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of their choice. This is particularly useful for analyzing price trends over specific periods, allowing developers to build applications that visualize historical data effectively.

{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2026-04-24",
"end_date": "2026-05-01",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2026-04-24": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2026-04-26": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2026-05-01": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

The Fluctuation Endpoint provides insights into how currencies fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. By tracking rate changes between two dates, developers can gain valuable insights into market volatility, which is crucial for risk management and investment strategies.

{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2026-04-24",
"end_date": "2026-05-01",
"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"
}

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

The OHLC Price Endpoint allows developers to retrieve open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period. This data is essential for traders who rely on technical analysis to make informed decisions.

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1777594777,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-01",
"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"
}

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 specific metal data into their applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Metals-API offers a robust and versatile solution for developers seeking to access real-time and historical data for metals, including lithium. With its extensive range of endpoints, the API empowers users to build applications that can analyze market trends, perform currency conversions, and track price fluctuations effectively. By leveraging the capabilities of the Metals-API, developers can create innovative solutions that respond to the dynamic nature of metal markets.

For more information on how to utilize the Metals-API effectively, visit the Metals-API Documentation and explore the various features available. The future of metal markets is here, and with the right tools, developers can harness the power of data to drive their applications forward.