Best LME Copper (LME-XCU) API in 2025

Introduction

Metals-API offers a robust solution for accessing real-time and historical data on Copper and other metals, empowering developers to create innovative applications that leverage this data. In this blog post, we will explore the capabilities of the Metals-API, focusing on Copper (XCU), its market dynamics, and how the API can transform the way we interact with metals data.

Metals-API Information

About Copper (XCU)

API Description

Key Features and Endpoints

• Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for Copper and other metals. Users can specify their subscription plan to receive updates at different intervals. For example, a typical response might look like this:

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1742000547,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-03-15",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": 0.294118
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

• Historical Rates Endpoint: Users can access historical rates for Copper dating back to 2019. This feature is essential for analyzing market trends. A typical response might include:

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1741914147,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-03-14",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": 0.295000
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

• Bid And Ask Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for Copper, providing insights into market liquidity. A response may look like this:

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1742000547,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-03-15",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": {
            "bid": 0.293000,
            "ask": 0.295000,
            "spread": 0.002000
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

• Convert Endpoint: This feature allows users to convert amounts from one metal to another or to/from USD. For instance, converting 1000 USD to Copper might yield:

{
    "success": true,
    "query": {
        "from": "USD",
        "to": "XCU",
        "amount": 1000
    },
    "info": {
        "timestamp": 1742000547,
        "rate": 0.294118
    },
    "result": 294.118,
    "unit": "troy ounces"
}

• Time-Series Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to query daily historical rates between two specified dates, facilitating in-depth analysis of price movements over time. A typical response might include:

{
    "success": true,
    "timeseries": true,
    "start_date": "2025-03-08",
    "end_date": "2025-03-15",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "2025-03-08": {
            "XCU": 0.295000
        },
        "2025-03-15": {
            "XCU": 0.294118
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

• Fluctuation Endpoint: This feature tracks rate fluctuations between two dates, providing insights into market volatility. A response might look like this:

{
    "success": true,
    "fluctuation": true,
    "start_date": "2025-03-08",
    "end_date": "2025-03-15",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": {
            "start_rate": 0.295000,
            "end_rate": 0.294118,
            "change": -0.000882,
            "change_pct": -0.30
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

• Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: This endpoint provides open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period, essential for traders analyzing market trends. A typical response might include:

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1742000547,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-03-15",
    "rates": {
        "XCU": {
            "open": 0.295000,
            "high": 0.296000,
            "low": 0.293000,
            "close": 0.294118
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

• Historical LME Endpoint: This endpoint provides access to historical rates for LME symbols, dating back to 2008. This is particularly useful for long-term trend analysis.

Metals-API Supported Symbols page.

API Key and Authentication

API Response Structure

Common Use Cases

• Trading Platforms: Integrating real-time data into trading applications allows users to make informed decisions based on the latest market conditions.
• Market Analysis Tools: Historical data can be used to build analytical tools that help users identify trends and forecast future price movements.
• Financial Reporting: Businesses can use the API to generate reports on metal prices, aiding in financial planning and analysis.

Performance Optimization and Best Practices

Security Considerations

Conclusion

Metals-API Documentation. Whether you're building a trading platform, market analysis tool, or financial reporting application, the Metals-API provides the data and functionality you need to succeed.