Explore Monthly Aluminum Futures (ALU-F) - Per Ounce Historical Prices using this API

In the ever-evolving landscape of commodities trading, understanding the historical prices of metals like aluminum is crucial for informed decision-making. The Metals-API offers a robust solution for developers looking to access real-time and historical data on aluminum futures (ALU-F) and other metals. This blog post delves into the capabilities of the Metals-API, focusing on how to retrieve historical prices and the transformative potential of real-time metals data.

About Aluminum (XAL)

Aluminum, represented by the symbol XAL in the Metals-API, is a versatile metal widely used across various industries, from construction to aerospace. As the demand for aluminum continues to rise, driven by its lightweight properties and recyclability, the need for accurate pricing data becomes paramount. The digital transformation in metal markets has paved the way for technological innovations that enhance data analytics and insights, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions.

With the integration of smart technology, the Metals-API empowers developers to build next-generation applications that leverage real-time data. This API not only provides access to current market rates but also historical pricing data, allowing users to analyze trends and make predictions about future price movements. The potential for data-driven insights is vast, as businesses can utilize this information to optimize their operations and strategies.

API Description

The Metals-API is a powerful tool designed for developers seeking to access comprehensive metals pricing data. It offers a range of endpoints that provide real-time and historical data, enabling users to build applications that cater to various needs in the metals market. The API's capabilities include retrieving the latest rates, historical prices, bid and ask prices, and much more. By harnessing the power of real-time metals data, developers can create applications that enhance decision-making processes and improve operational efficiency.

For more information on the API's capabilities, visit the Metals-API Website or check out the Metals-API Documentation.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API provides a variety of endpoints, each designed to serve specific functions. Here are some of the key features:

Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint returns real-time exchange rate data for metals, updated based on your subscription plan. Users can access the latest prices for aluminum and other metals, facilitating timely decision-making.
Historical Rates Endpoint: Users can query historical rates dating back to 2019 by appending a specific date to the API request. This feature is essential for analyzing price trends over time.
Bid And Ask Endpoint: This powerful 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 endpoint, enabling users to convert amounts from one currency to another, which is particularly useful for international transactions.
Time-Series Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to query daily historical rates between two dates, making it easier to analyze price movements over specific periods.
Fluctuation Endpoint: Users can track how prices fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, providing insights into market volatility.
Carat Endpoint: This feature allows users to retrieve gold rates by carat, catering to specific market needs.
Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: Users can access the lowest and highest prices for a specified date, which is crucial for understanding market extremes.
Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: This endpoint provides open, high, low, and close prices for a specific date, offering a comprehensive view of market performance.
Historical LME Endpoint: Access historical rates for LME symbols dating back to 2008, allowing for extensive market analysis.
API Key: Each user is assigned a unique API key, which is required for authentication when making requests.
API Response: The API delivers exchange rates relative to USD, ensuring consistency in data interpretation.
Available Endpoints: The Metals-API features 14 endpoints, each providing distinct functionalities to cater to diverse user needs.
Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint returns all available currencies, ensuring users have access to the most up-to-date information.
News Endpoint: Retrieve the latest news articles related to various metals, keeping users informed about market developments.

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.

API Endpoint Examples and Responses

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

Latest Rates Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1777854094,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-04",
"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 indicates the success of the request and provides the latest rates for various metals, including aluminum (XAL). The rates are expressed in terms of USD per troy ounce.

Historical Rates Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1777767694,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-03",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915,
"XPD": 0.000748
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

This example shows how to access historical rates for a specific date. The response includes the rates for various metals, allowing users to analyze past price movements.

Time-series Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2026-04-27",
"end_date": "2026-05-04",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2026-04-27": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2026-04-29": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2026-05-04": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

This response illustrates how to retrieve exchange rates for a specific time period, enabling users to analyze trends over time.

Convert Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1777854094,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}

The Convert Endpoint allows users to convert amounts between different metals or currencies. In this case, it converts 1000 USD to troy ounces of gold (XAU).

Fluctuation Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2026-04-27",
"end_date": "2026-05-04",
"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 tracks rate fluctuations between two dates, providing valuable insights into market volatility.

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

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1777854094,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-04",
"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 provides a comprehensive view of market performance for a specific date, allowing users to analyze price movements throughout the trading day.

Bid/Ask Endpoint

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1777854094,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-05-04",
"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 for metals, offering insights into market liquidity and pricing dynamics.

Conclusion

The Metals-API is an invaluable resource for developers looking to access real-time and historical pricing data for aluminum and other metals. By leveraging the API's extensive features, users can gain insights into market trends, optimize their operations, and make informed decisions. The ability to retrieve historical prices, track fluctuations, and analyze market performance empowers businesses to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

For further exploration of the API's capabilities, visit the Metals-API Documentation and discover how to integrate these powerful tools into your applications. Understanding the historical prices of metals like aluminum is essential for navigating the complexities of the commodities market, and the Metals-API provides the necessary tools to do so effectively.

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Explore Monthly Aluminum Futures (ALU-F) - Per Ounce Historical Prices using this API