How to Retrieve Monthly Prices for Unidad de Fomento (CLF) using this API

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial data, the ability to retrieve accurate and timely information is paramount for developers and analysts alike. One such valuable resource is the Metals-API, which provides comprehensive access to historical prices and real-time data for various metals, including the Unidad de Fomento (CLF). This blog post will delve into the intricacies of retrieving historical prices using the Metals-API, focusing on the technological innovations and advancements that make this API a powerful tool for developers.

Understanding Molybdenum (MO) and Its Market

Molybdenum, represented by the symbol MO, is a critical metal used primarily in steel production and various industrial applications. As the demand for high-performance materials increases, understanding the market dynamics of molybdenum becomes essential. The digital transformation in metal markets has paved the way for innovative solutions that leverage data analytics and smart technology integration.

Technological advancements have enabled the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data, providing insights that were previously unattainable. The Metals-API exemplifies this shift, offering developers the tools to create applications that can analyze historical trends, forecast future prices, and make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Metals-API: A Gateway to Real-Time Metals Data

The Metals-API Documentation provides a comprehensive overview of the API's capabilities, including its ability to deliver real-time exchange rate data, historical prices, and various endpoints tailored for different use cases. This API empowers developers to build next-generation applications that can harness the power of real-time metals data.

One of the standout features of the Metals-API is its Latest Rates Endpoint, which provides real-time exchange rate data updated at intervals depending on the subscription plan. This feature is crucial for applications that require up-to-the-minute pricing information, allowing developers to integrate live data into their systems seamlessly.

The Historical Rates Endpoint is another vital component, offering access to historical rates dating back to 2019. Developers can query the API for specific dates, enabling them to analyze trends over time. This capability is particularly useful for financial analysts and traders who need to understand historical price movements to make informed decisions.

Furthermore, the Bid and Ask Endpoint allows developers to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices, providing insights into market liquidity and pricing dynamics. This feature is essential for applications focused on trading and market analysis.

Exploring Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API offers a range of endpoints that cater to various needs, each with its unique functionalities:

Convert Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD. It is particularly useful for applications that require currency conversion for pricing and trading.
Time-Series Endpoint: Developers can query the API for daily historical rates between two dates of their choice. This feature is invaluable for trend analysis and forecasting.
Fluctuation Endpoint: This endpoint provides information about how currencies fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, allowing developers to track market volatility.
Carat Endpoint: Users can retrieve information about gold rates by carat, which is essential for applications in the jewelry industry.
Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: This feature enables users to query the API to get the lowest and highest price for a specified date, providing insights into market extremes.
Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to get the open, high, low, and close prices for a specific time period, which is crucial for technical analysis.
Historical LME Endpoint: This endpoint provides access to historical rates for LME symbols, dating back to 2008, allowing for comprehensive market analysis.

Each of these endpoints is designed to provide developers with the flexibility and functionality needed to create robust applications that can analyze and interpret metals data effectively.

API Response Structure and Usage Examples

Understanding the API response structure is crucial for developers looking to integrate the Metals-API into their applications. The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD by default, and all data is returned in a structured JSON format. Below are examples of API responses for various endpoints:

Latest Rates Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1771719308,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-02-22",
"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"
}

This response provides real-time exchange rates for various metals, allowing developers to access the latest pricing information quickly.

Historical Rates Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1771632908,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-02-21",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915,
"XPD": 0.000748
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

This response demonstrates how to access historical rates for specific dates, enabling developers to analyze past market performance.

Time-Series Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2026-02-15",
"end_date": "2026-02-22",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2026-02-15": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2026-02-17": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2026-02-22": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

This example illustrates how to retrieve exchange rates for a specific time period, which is essential for trend analysis.

Convert Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1771719308,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}

The Convert Endpoint allows for seamless currency conversion, providing developers with the tools to integrate this functionality into their applications.

Fluctuation Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2026-02-15",
"end_date": "2026-02-22",
"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"
}

This endpoint provides valuable insights into market fluctuations, allowing developers to track changes over time.

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

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1771719308,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-02-22",
"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"
}

The OHLC endpoint is crucial for technical analysis, providing key price points that traders rely on for decision-making.

Bid/Ask Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1771719308,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-02-22",
"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"
}

This endpoint provides current bid and ask prices, which are essential for understanding market dynamics and liquidity.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

When integrating the Metals-API, developers may encounter common pitfalls. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Authentication Issues: Ensure that your API key is correctly included in the request. The API key is passed into the base URL's access_key parameter.
Rate Limiting: Be aware of your subscription plan's rate limits. Exceeding these limits can result in temporary access restrictions.
Data Validation: Always validate the data returned by the API. Check for success flags and handle errors gracefully.

Performance Optimization and Security Considerations

To ensure optimal performance when using the Metals-API, consider implementing caching strategies for frequently accessed data. This can significantly reduce the number of API calls and improve application responsiveness. Additionally, always adhere to security best practices, such as using HTTPS for API requests and securely storing your API key.

Conclusion

The Metals-API is a powerful tool for developers looking to access real-time and historical metals data. By leveraging its various endpoints, developers can create applications that provide valuable insights into market trends and pricing dynamics. Whether you are analyzing molybdenum prices or tracking fluctuations in gold, the Metals-API offers the flexibility and functionality needed to succeed in today's data-driven landscape.

For more information on the available symbols, refer to the Metals-API Supported Symbols. To get started with the API, visit the Metals-API Documentation for comprehensive guidance on implementation and usage.

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How to Retrieve Monthly Prices for Unidad de Fomento (CLF) using this API