Release Date: March 27, 2026
Dataset Type: Exchange-provided reference data
Coverage: LME Metals, Prompts, and Venues
Availability: SFTP, AWS S3

This dataset provides direct access to LME-published upper and lower price bands for the current and previous trading sessions. Price banding data is critical for managing limit risk and understanding intraday market constraints.

In addition, this file service type includes exchange-provided Market Open Interest (MOI) offers a consolidated view of positioning across clearing members, non-clearing members, and clients—delivering transparency into liquidity and participation across the forward curves.

Details:

• Asset Class: Commodity Futures
• Exchanges: London Metal Exchange
• Frequency: Intraday
• Time Offset: 30 minutes
• Delivery Format: .csv

Price Banding Data

• Exchange-published Upper and Lower Price Bands (limit-up / limit-down)
• Current session band levels
• Previous session reference values
• Instrument-level granularity across all prompts

Market Open Interest (MOI)

• Includes total open long positions across:
  
  • Clearing Members
  • Non-Clearing Members
  • Clients
• Reported across all prompt dates

Instrument Coverage

• Aluminum Alloy
• Aluminum High Grade
• Cobalt
• Copper
• Lead
• Nickel
• Tin
• Zinc
• LME Currency instruments

Prompt Structure

• Daily & TOM
• Forward Prompts (3-, 15-, 27-, 63-, 123-Month)
• Benchmarks
• Reference Prices:
  
  • Monthly Averages
  • Cash (Today)
  • Official Prices (based on LME delivery calendar)

Venue Differentiation

• Electronic (LMEselect)
• Ring (open outcry sessions)
• Interoffice (telephone market)

Use Case

For risk teams, this dataset enables real-time limit monitoring, ensuring compliance with exchange constraints while improving mark-to-market accuracy during volatile sessions.

As an example, a global commodities trading firm actively trading Copper and Nickel forwards on the London Metal Exchange integrates LME Intraday Price Banding and MOI data into its execution and risk systems via Market Replay Enterprise. The metals trading desk enforces automated trading guardrails, preventing execution outside exchange-defined limits. 

During a sharp move in Nickel, the system detects tightening price bands alongside a spike in MOI at the 3-month prompt. This signals concentrated positioning and elevated risk of a liquidity squeeze. The trading desk responds by widening internal risk thresholds, reducing order size, and prioritizing execution in more liquid parts of the curve.

How to Access

This dataset is available through Market Replay Enterprise, delivered via:

• SFTP (secure file-based delivery)
• AWS S3 (cloud-native ingestion pipelines)

To access, contact Barchart’s data team to schedule a consultation.