The Easiest Way to Get Aluminum Jan 2026 (ALF26) Historical Rates Using API Access
The Easiest Way to Get Aluminum Jan 2026 (ALF26) Historical Rates Using API Access
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, accessing real-time data is crucial for developers and businesses alike. For those interested in the metal markets, obtaining historical prices for aluminum (symbol: XAL) is now easier than ever with the Metals-API. This blog post will guide you through the process of retrieving historical rates for aluminum using the Metals-API, including example endpoints, parameters, and data formats. We will explore the innovative features of the API, its capabilities, and how it can empower developers to create next-generation applications.
About Aluminum (XAL)
Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in the world, known for its lightweight, durability, and resistance to corrosion. As industries increasingly embrace digital transformation, the demand for accurate and timely data on aluminum prices has surged. The Metals-API provides a robust solution for accessing this data, enabling developers to integrate real-time and historical pricing information into their applications.
Technological advancements in data analytics and smart technology integration have transformed how businesses operate in the metal markets. By leveraging the Metals-API, developers can gain insights into price trends, fluctuations, and market dynamics, allowing them to make informed decisions. The future of metal trading is being shaped by these innovations, and understanding how to utilize the Metals-API is essential for staying competitive.
API Description
The Metals-API is a powerful tool that provides access to real-time and historical metal prices, including aluminum. With a user-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation, developers can easily integrate the API into their applications. The API supports various endpoints, each designed to fulfill specific data retrieval needs. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Metals-API Documentation.
One of the standout features of the Metals-API is its ability to deliver real-time exchange rate data updated at intervals based on the user's subscription plan. This capability allows developers to build applications that require up-to-the-minute pricing information, enhancing user experience and decision-making processes.
Key Features and Endpoints
The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints that cater to different data needs. Here are some of the key features:
- Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for metals, including aluminum. Depending on your subscription plan, the API can return data updated every 60 minutes or even more frequently.
- Historical Rates Endpoint: Access historical rates for aluminum dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to the endpoint, developers can retrieve past pricing data, which is invaluable for trend analysis and forecasting.
- Bid and Ask Endpoint: This feature allows users to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for metals, providing insights into market liquidity and pricing dynamics.
- Convert Endpoint: The API includes a currency conversion feature, enabling users to convert amounts between different metals or to/from USD, facilitating seamless transactions.
- Time-Series Endpoint: Developers can query the API for daily historical rates between two specified dates, allowing for comprehensive analysis of price movements over time.
- Fluctuation Endpoint: This endpoint tracks how prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, providing critical insights into market volatility.
- Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Retrieve detailed OHLC data for a specific time period, which is essential for technical analysis and trading strategies.
- Historical LME Endpoint: Access historical rates for LME symbols dating back to 2008, offering a long-term perspective on price trends.
- News Endpoint: Stay updated with the latest news articles related to various metals, helping users keep abreast of market developments.
For a complete list of all supported symbols, including aluminum, refer to the Metals-API Supported Symbols.
API Endpoint Examples and Responses
Understanding how to interact with the Metals-API is crucial for effective implementation. Below are examples of various endpoints and their JSON responses:
Latest Rates Endpoint
To get real-time exchange rates for aluminum, you can use the following endpoint:
GET https://metals-api.com/api/latest?access_key=YOUR_API_KEY&base=USD&symbols=XAL
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1761620626,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-10-28",
"rates": {
"XAL": 0.434783
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Historical Rates Endpoint
To access historical exchange rates for aluminum, append a date to the endpoint:
GET https://metals-api.com/api/historical?access_key=YOUR_API_KEY&date=2025-10-27&symbols=XAL
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1761534226,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-10-27",
"rates": {
"XAL": 0.4321
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Time-Series Endpoint
To get exchange rates for a specific time period, use the time-series endpoint:
GET https://metals-api.com/api/timeseries?access_key=YOUR_API_KEY&start_date=2025-10-21&end_date=2025-10-28&base=USD&symbols=XAL
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2025-10-21",
"end_date": "2025-10-28",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2025-10-21": {
"XAL": 0.4300
},
"2025-10-28": {
"XAL": 0.434783
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Convert Endpoint
To convert amounts between metals or to/from USD, use the convert endpoint:
GET https://metals-api.com/api/convert?access_key=YOUR_API_KEY&from=USD&to=XAL&amount=1000
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAL",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1761620626,
"rate": 0.434783
},
"result": 434.783,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}
Fluctuation Endpoint
To track rate fluctuations between two dates, use the fluctuation endpoint:
GET https://metals-api.com/api/fluctuation?access_key=YOUR_API_KEY&start_date=2025-10-21&end_date=2025-10-28&base=USD&symbols=XAL
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2025-10-21",
"end_date": "2025-10-28",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"XAL": {
"start_rate": 0.4300,
"end_rate": 0.434783,
"change": 0.004783,
"change_pct": 1.11
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
OHLC (Open/High/Low/Close) Price Endpoint
To get OHLC data for a specific time period, use the following endpoint:
GET https://metals-api.com/api/open-high-low-close?access_key=YOUR_API_KEY&date=2025-10-28&symbols=XAL
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1761620626,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-10-28",
"rates": {
"XAL": {
"open": 0.4300,
"high": 0.4350,
"low": 0.4280,
"close": 0.434783
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Bid/Ask Endpoint
To get current bid and ask prices for aluminum, use the bid/ask endpoint:
GET https://metals-api.com/api/bid-ask?access_key=YOUR_API_KEY&symbols=XAL
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1761620626,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2025-10-28",
"rates": {
"XAL": {
"bid": 0.4340,
"ask": 0.4350,
"spread": 0.0010
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Metals-API provides a comprehensive solution for accessing historical and real-time aluminum prices. With its array of endpoints, developers can easily retrieve data for various applications, from market analysis to trading strategies. By leveraging the power of the Metals-API, businesses can stay ahead of market trends and make informed decisions based on accurate data.
As the metal markets continue to evolve, the importance of real-time data and analytics cannot be overstated. The Metals-API not only simplifies access to this data but also empowers developers to create innovative applications that can transform the way businesses operate in the metal industry. For more information on how to get started, visit the Metals-API Website and explore the Metals-API Documentation for detailed guidance.
By understanding and utilizing the capabilities of the Metals-API, developers can unlock new possibilities in the realm of metal trading and analysis, ensuring they remain at the forefront of this dynamic industry.