Obtain Copper - LME 3-month (XCU3M) prices via this API
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of metal markets, obtaining accurate and real-time data is crucial for traders, analysts, and developers alike. One of the most significant metals in this domain is Copper, represented by the symbol XCU. With the rise of digital transformation and technological innovation, accessing Copper - LME 3-month (XCU3M) prices has never been easier, thanks to the Metals-API. This blog post delves into the intricacies of Copper, its markets, and how the Metals-API can empower developers to create next-generation applications that leverage real-time metals data.
Metals-API Information
About Copper (XCU)
Copper is a fundamental metal that plays a vital role in various industries, including construction, electronics, and renewable energy. As the world shifts towards sustainable practices, the demand for Copper is expected to rise significantly. The digital transformation in metal markets has led to the integration of smart technologies and data analytics, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions based on real-time insights.
Technological advancements have paved the way for innovative applications in the metal trading space. With the integration of data analytics, traders can now analyze market trends, price fluctuations, and historical data to forecast future movements. The future of Copper trading is not just about supply and demand; it’s about harnessing the power of data to drive strategic decisions.
API Description
The Metals-API is a powerful tool that provides developers with access to real-time and historical metals data, including Copper prices. This API is designed to facilitate the development of applications that require accurate and timely information about various metals. With its robust capabilities, the Metals-API empowers developers to build applications that can analyze market trends, track price fluctuations, and convert currencies seamlessly.
One of the key features of the Metals-API is its ability to deliver real-time exchange rate data. Depending on the subscription plan, users can receive updates every 60 minutes or even every 10 minutes. This level of granularity allows traders to react swiftly to market changes, ensuring they capitalize on opportunities as they arise.
Key Features and Endpoints
The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints that cater to different needs within the metal trading ecosystem. Here’s a closer look at some of the most significant features:
Latest Rates Endpoint
The Latest Rates Endpoint provides real-time exchange rates for all available metals, including Copper. This endpoint is essential for traders who need up-to-the-minute pricing information. For example, a successful response might look like this:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1752451246,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-07-14",
"rates": {
"XCU": 0.294118
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}This response indicates that the current price of Copper is 0.294118 per troy ounce, relative to USD.
Historical Rates Endpoint
For those interested in analyzing past trends, the Historical Rates Endpoint allows users to access historical exchange rates dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the API call, developers can retrieve valuable data for analysis. A typical response might look like this:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1752364846,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-07-13",
"rates": {
"XCU": 0.290000
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}This data can be instrumental in identifying trends and making informed trading decisions.
Bid And Ask Endpoint
The Bid and Ask Endpoint is a powerful feature that provides real-time bid and ask prices for metals. This information is crucial for traders looking to execute trades at the best possible prices. A sample response could be:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1752451246,
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"XCU": {
"bid": 0.293000,
"ask": 0.295000,
"spread": 0.002000
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}The bid price indicates the highest price a buyer is willing to pay, while the ask price is the lowest price a seller will accept. The spread represents the difference between these two prices.
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 traders who deal with multiple metals and need to calculate equivalent values. An example response might look like this:
{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XCU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1752451246,
"rate": 0.294118
},
"result": 294.118,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}This indicates that 1000 USD is equivalent to 294.118 troy ounces of Copper.
Time-Series Endpoint
The Time-Series Endpoint allows users to query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of their choice. This feature is beneficial for analyzing price movements over specific periods. A response might look like this:
{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2025-07-07",
"end_date": "2025-07-14",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2025-07-07": {
"XCU": 0.290000
},
"2025-07-14": {
"XCU": 0.294118
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}This data can help traders identify trends and make predictions based on historical performance.
Fluctuation Endpoint
The Fluctuation Endpoint provides information about how prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. This feature is essential for traders looking to understand market volatility. A sample response could be:
{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2025-07-07",
"end_date": "2025-07-14",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"XCU": {
"start_rate": 0.290000,
"end_rate": 0.294118,
"change": 0.004118,
"change_pct": 1.42
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}This indicates that the price of Copper increased by 1.42% over the specified period.
Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint
The OHLC Price Endpoint allows users to retrieve the open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period. This data is crucial for technical analysis. A typical response might look like this:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1752451246,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-07-14",
"rates": {
"XCU": {
"open": 0.290000,
"high": 0.295000,
"low": 0.289000,
"close": 0.294118
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}This data helps traders analyze market behavior and make informed decisions based on price movements.
Historical LME Endpoint
The Historical LME Endpoint provides access to historical rates for LME symbols, dating back to 2008. This endpoint is invaluable for those looking to analyze long-term trends in the Copper market. A sample response could be:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1752364846,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-07-13",
"rates": {
"XCU": 0.290000
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}This allows users to track the historical performance of Copper prices over time.
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 metals into their applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Metals-API offers a robust solution for accessing real-time and historical data for Copper and other metals. With its extensive range of endpoints, developers can create applications that leverage accurate pricing information, analyze market trends, and make informed trading decisions. As the metal markets continue to evolve, the integration of smart technology and data analytics will play a crucial role in shaping the future of trading.
For more information on how to implement these features and to explore the full capabilities of the Metals-API, visit the Metals-API Documentation. By harnessing the power of real-time metals data, developers can stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation in the metal trading space.