Get Aluminum - LME 3-month (ALU3M) Historical Prices and Create Visualizations using this API

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of metal markets, the demand for real-time data and historical insights has never been more critical. For developers and analysts looking to harness the power of aluminum pricing, the Metals-API offers a robust solution. This blog post will delve into the historical prices of aluminum, specifically the LME 3-month (ALU3M) rates, and explore how to effectively utilize the Metals-API to access this data. We will also discuss the digital transformation in metal markets, technological advancements, and the future trends that are shaping the industry.

Metals-API Information

About Aluminum (XAL)

Aluminum, represented by the symbol XAL, is a versatile metal widely used in various industries, from aerospace to packaging. The digital transformation in metal markets has led to significant advancements in how aluminum prices are tracked and analyzed. With the integration of smart technologies and data analytics, stakeholders can now access real-time pricing information, historical trends, and predictive insights that were previously unattainable.

Technological innovation has paved the way for enhanced data analytics capabilities, allowing businesses to make informed decisions based on accurate and timely information. The Metals-API serves as a bridge between raw data and actionable insights, empowering developers to create applications that can visualize trends, forecast prices, and optimize trading strategies.

API Description

The Metals-API is a powerful tool designed to provide developers with access to real-time and historical metal pricing data. This API is particularly beneficial for those looking to build applications that require up-to-date information on metal prices, including aluminum. With its comprehensive set of features, the Metals-API enables users to retrieve data efficiently and effectively.

One of the standout capabilities of the Metals-API is its ability to deliver real-time exchange rate data, updated at intervals depending on the subscription plan. This ensures that users have access to the most current pricing information, which is crucial for making timely decisions in the fast-paced metal markets.

For developers, the API offers a range of endpoints that cater to different data needs, from retrieving the latest rates to accessing historical data dating back to 2008. The flexibility of the API allows for seamless integration into existing systems, making it an invaluable resource for businesses operating in the metals sector.

Key Features and Endpoints

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

• Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for aluminum and other metals. Depending on your subscription plan, the API can return updates every 60 minutes or even more frequently, ensuring you have the latest information at your fingertips.
• Historical Rates Endpoint: Access historical rates for aluminum dating back to 2019. By appending a specific date to your query, you can retrieve past pricing data, which is essential for trend analysis and forecasting.
• Bid And Ask Endpoint: This feature allows you to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for aluminum, providing insights into market sentiment and liquidity.
• Convert Endpoint: Easily convert amounts from one metal to another or to/from USD. This is particularly useful for traders who need to assess the value of their holdings in different currencies.
• Time-Series Endpoint: Query daily historical rates between two dates of your choice. This endpoint is ideal for analyzing price movements over specific periods, enabling users to identify trends and make informed decisions.
• Fluctuation Endpoint: Track how aluminum prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. This endpoint provides valuable insights into market volatility and can help traders adjust their strategies accordingly.
• Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Retrieve open, high, low, and close prices for aluminum over a specified time period. This data is crucial for technical analysis and understanding market dynamics.
• Historical LME Endpoint: Access historical rates for LME symbols, including aluminum, dating back to 2008. This endpoint is particularly useful for long-term analysis and research.
• API Key: Your unique API key is required to access the Metals-API. This key must be included in your requests to authenticate your access.
• API Response: The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD by default, ensuring consistency in data interpretation.
• Available Endpoints: With 14 different endpoints, the Metals-API provides a comprehensive suite of tools for accessing metal pricing data.
• Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint returns a constantly updated list of all available metal symbols, including aluminum, allowing users to stay informed about the data they can access.
• News Endpoint: Retrieve the latest news articles related to various metals, keeping you updated on market developments and trends.

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 understand the full scope of data available through the API.

API Endpoint Examples and Responses

Understanding the structure of API responses is crucial for effective integration. Below are examples of various API endpoints and their corresponding JSON responses:

Latest Rates Endpoint

Get real-time exchange rates for all available metals.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1763427743,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-11-18",
    "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

Access historical exchange rates for any date since 1999.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1763341343,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-11-17",
    "rates": {
        "XAU": 0.000485,
        "XAG": 0.03825,
        "XPT": 0.000915,
        "XPD": 0.000748
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Time-series Endpoint

Get exchange rates for a specific time period.

{
    "success": true,
    "timeseries": true,
    "start_date": "2025-11-11",
    "end_date": "2025-11-18",
    "base": "USD",
    "rates": {
        "2025-11-11": {
            "XAU": 0.000485,
            "XAG": 0.03825,
            "XPT": 0.000915
        },
        "2025-11-13": {
            "XAU": 0.000483,
            "XAG": 0.0382,
            "XPT": 0.000913
        },
        "2025-11-18": {
            "XAU": 0.000482,
            "XAG": 0.03815,
            "XPT": 0.000912
        }
    },
    "unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Convert Endpoint

Convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD.

{
    "success": true,
    "query": {
        "from": "USD",
        "to": "XAU",
        "amount": 1000
    },
    "info": {
        "timestamp": 1763427743,
        "rate": 0.000482
    },
    "result": 0.482,
    "unit": "troy ounces"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

Track rate fluctuations between two dates.

{
    "success": true,
    "fluctuation": true,
    "start_date": "2025-11-11",
    "end_date": "2025-11-18",
    "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) Endpoint

Get OHLC data for a specific time period.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1763427743,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-11-18",
    "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"
}

Bid/Ask Endpoint

Get current bid and ask prices for metals.

{
    "success": true,
    "timestamp": 1763427743,
    "base": "USD",
    "date": "2025-11-18",
    "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"
}

Conclusion

The Metals-API provides a comprehensive solution for accessing aluminum pricing data, including historical rates and real-time updates. By leveraging the capabilities of this API, developers can create innovative applications that enhance decision-making processes in the metal markets. The integration of smart technology and data analytics is transforming how businesses operate, allowing for more informed strategies and improved market responsiveness.

As the industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends and utilizing advanced tools like the Metals-API will be crucial for success. For more information on how to implement these features and access the full range of data, refer to the Metals-API Documentation. Whether you are looking to visualize trends, analyze historical data, or track real-time prices, the Metals-API is your gateway to the future of metal market analytics.