How to retrieve Nickel (NI) prices using this API

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, the demand for real-time data has become paramount. This is particularly true in the metals market, where fluctuations in prices can significantly impact investment strategies and industrial applications. One such metal that has garnered attention is Nickel (symbol: XNI). In this blog post, we will explore how to retrieve Nickel prices using the Metals-API, a powerful tool that provides developers with access to real-time and historical data for various metals.

Metals-API Information

About Nickel (XNI)

Nickel is a versatile metal used in a variety of applications, from stainless steel production to batteries for electric vehicles. As industries increasingly adopt smart technologies and data analytics, the need for accurate and timely information on Nickel prices has never been more critical. The digital transformation in metal markets is driven by technological innovation, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions based on real-time data.

With the integration of smart technology, businesses can leverage data analytics to gain insights into market trends and price fluctuations. This capability not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions companies to capitalize on future trends in the metals market. As we look ahead, the possibilities for Nickel and other metals are vast, with advancements in technology paving the way for new applications and market dynamics.

API Description

The Metals-API is designed to empower developers by providing access to comprehensive metals data. This API enables the creation of next-generation applications that can analyze and visualize metal prices in real-time. The transformative potential of real-time metals data is evident in its ability to support various applications, from trading platforms to industrial supply chain management.

With the Metals-API, developers can access a wide range of features, including:

• Latest Rates Endpoint: Retrieve real-time exchange rate data for Nickel and other metals, updated based on your subscription plan.
• Historical Rates Endpoint: Access historical rates dating back to 2019, allowing for in-depth analysis of price trends over time.
• Bid and Ask Endpoint: Get real-time bid and ask prices, essential for traders looking to make informed decisions.
• Convert Endpoint: Easily convert amounts between different metals and currencies.
• Time-Series Endpoint: Query daily historical rates between two dates for comprehensive analysis.
• Fluctuation Endpoint: Track how prices fluctuate day-to-day, providing insights into market volatility.
• Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: Access detailed price data for specific time periods.
• API Key: Secure access to the API using a unique key for authentication.
• API Response: Understand the structure of the data returned, which is typically relative to USD.
• Supported Symbols Endpoint: Get a constantly updated list of all available metal symbols.
• News Endpoint: Stay informed with the latest news articles related to various metals.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API offers a variety of endpoints that cater to different needs. For instance, the Latest Rates Endpoint allows users to get real-time exchange rates for Nickel and other metals. Depending on your subscription plan, this endpoint can return data updated every 60 minutes or even every 10 minutes. Here’s an example of what the response might look like:

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1750899724,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-06-26",
        "rates": {
            "XNI": 0.142857
        },
        "unit": "per troy ounce"
    }

For developers interested in analyzing historical trends, the Historical Rates Endpoint provides access to rates dating back to 2019. This can be particularly useful for understanding long-term price movements. An example response from this endpoint might look like this:

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1750813324,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-06-25",
        "rates": {
            "XNI": 0.140000
        },
        "unit": "per troy ounce"
    }

Another powerful feature is the Bid and Ask Endpoint, which provides real-time bid and ask prices for Nickel. This is crucial for traders who need to make quick decisions based on current market conditions. The response might look like this:

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1750899724,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-06-26",
        "rates": {
            "XNI": {
                "bid": 0.141000,
                "ask": 0.143000,
                "spread": 0.002000
            }
        },
        "unit": "per troy ounce"
    }

The Convert Endpoint is another valuable tool, allowing users to convert amounts from one metal to another or to/from USD. This can be particularly useful for businesses that deal with multiple metals and need to calculate costs quickly. An example response from this endpoint might be:

{
        "success": true,
        "query": {
            "from": "USD",
            "to": "XNI",
            "amount": 1000
        },
        "info": {
            "timestamp": 1750899724,
            "rate": 0.142857
        },
        "result": 142.857,
        "unit": "troy ounces"
    }

For those interested in tracking price fluctuations, the Fluctuation Endpoint allows users to see how prices change over a specified period. This can help in identifying trends and making informed trading decisions. An example response might look like this:

{
        "success": true,
        "fluctuation": true,
        "start_date": "2025-06-19",
        "end_date": "2025-06-26",
        "base": "USD",
        "rates": {
            "XNI": {
                "start_rate": 0.140000,
                "end_rate": 0.142857,
                "change": 0.002857,
                "change_pct": 2.04
            }
        },
        "unit": "per troy ounce"
    }

Additionally, the Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint provides detailed price data for specific time periods, which is essential for technical analysis. An example response might look like this:

{
        "success": true,
        "timestamp": 1750899724,
        "base": "USD",
        "date": "2025-06-26",
        "rates": {
            "XNI": {
                "open": 0.140000,
                "high": 0.143000,
                "low": 0.139000,
                "close": 0.142857
            }
        },
        "unit": "per troy ounce"
    }

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 and flexible solution for developers seeking to access real-time and historical data for Nickel and other metals. By leveraging the various endpoints, developers can create applications that provide valuable insights into market trends, price fluctuations, and trading opportunities. The integration of smart technology and data analytics into the metals market is paving the way for innovative solutions that will shape the future of this industry.

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 understanding the intricacies of the API and its endpoints, developers can harness the power of real-time metals data to drive their applications forward.