Real-Time Futures Data API: Top Providers 2024
Real-Time Futures Data API: Top Providers 2024
Looking for the best real-time futures data APIs in 2024? Here's a quick rundown of the top providers:
- Xignite: Covers major exchanges, 300+ assets
- CME Group: Direct access to CME, CBOT, COMEX, NYMEX
- Datarade: Marketplace with multiple API options
- SpiderStream: Fast (1ms latency) U.S. market data
- Databento: Self-service, 1.4M+ instruments, 590μs latency
Quick Comparison:
| Provider | Key Feature | Data Coverage | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xignite | Enriched context | Major exchanges | Not specified |
| CME Group | WebSocket API | CME Group exchanges | Not specified |
| Datarade | Multiple providers | Varies | Varies |
| SpiderStream | 1ms latency | U.S. markets | Not specified |
| Databento | Self-service | 1.4M+ instruments | Pay-as-you-go |
When choosing an API, consider:
- Data coverage
- Accuracy and speed
- Pricing model
- Ease of use
- Compliance
The right choice depends on your specific trading needs and technical requirements.
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Xignite Futures and Options Price Quotes API
Xignite's Futures and Options Price Quotes API is your go-to for real-time commodity futures data. It covers major exchanges like CME, NYMEX, COMEX, and CBOT.
What's in the box?
- Real-time quotes for 300+ underlying assets
- Key commodities: energy, agriculture, metals, indices
- Data from CME Group, Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Cboe Futures Exchange, and more
The API serves up these data points:
| Data Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Contract's opening price |
| High | Highest price in trading session |
| Low | Lowest price in trading session |
| Last | Most recent trade price |
| Settlement | Daily settlement price |
| Volume | Contracts traded |
| Open Interest | Open contracts |
| Previous Close | Previous day's close |
| Change | Price change from previous close |
| Percent Change | Percentage price change |
Xignite's API is fast and user-friendly. It simplifies complex data feeds, letting you plug futures data into your apps, spreadsheets, or websites.
Fun fact: Xignite handles 12 billion API calls daily. That's a lot of number crunching.
Use this API to:
- Track futures-spot spreads
- Embed live data in trading platforms
- Feed risk management models with fresh market info
Xignite's been around since 2006, pioneering Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) for financial markets. They've got over 800 global organizations on their client list.
In the futures trading world, this API is like having a direct line to the trading floor. It's quick, thorough, and built to sharpen your market moves.
2. CME Group Real-Time Futures and Options Data API
CME Group's Real-Time Futures and Options Data API is a powerhouse for traders and financial institutions. It's the go-to for direct market data access from raw feeds at colocation sites.
Here's the scoop:
- Supports Python, C++, and more
- Covers CME, CBOT, COMEX, NYMEX, and GME products
- Uses WebSocket for two-way communication
- JSON format for easy integration
- Runs on Google Cloud for reliability
What data can you get?
| Topic | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Top of Book | 1-deep Market by Price book |
| Market Stats | Open Interest, Settlement, Traded Volume |
| Trade Info | Real-time trade updates |
Want to use it? Here's how:
- Get an OAuth API ID
- Use any API tool for access tokens
- Keep an eye on heartbeat messages every 10 seconds
You can customize your data access to fit your trading and risk management needs.
The API covers a TON of financial instruments:
- 170+ global currencies
- Real-time crypto prices
- Futures and options across multiple markets
Whether you're working on pricing strategies or making investment calls, this API's got you covered.
3. Datarade Futures Data APIs
Datarade's marketplace is a goldmine for futures data APIs. It's packed with options from different providers, making it a one-stop shop for all your futures market data needs.
Here's the scoop on Datarade:
- Hundreds of futures data APIs
- Free data samples to try before you buy
- Instant data access after purchase
With 100,000 monthly buyers browsing Datarade, it's clear that futures data is in high demand across industries.
Datarade's API lineup covers a wide range of futures data:
| Provider | Specialization |
|---|---|
| Exchange Data International | Global market data |
| OptionMetrics | Options and futures analytics |
| Cryptoquote | Cryptocurrency futures |
| AlgoSeek | High-frequency trading data |
| Kaiko | Digital asset data |
Picking the right API? Datarade suggests:
- Shortlist potential providers
- Compare data quality and volume
- Check historical and geographical coverage
Pricing starts at $3,000 per purchase, with options like one-off buys, monthly or yearly licenses, and usage-based pricing.
For developers, remember to:
- Dive into the API docs
- Know your rate limits and access restrictions
- Use the right authentication methods
Got your own futures data? You can list it on Datarade and tap into their massive buyer base. It's a chance to turn your data into cash.
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4. SpiderStream Market Data API by SpiderRock
SpiderStream API is SpiderRock's solution for real-time and delayed U.S. market data. It's a favorite among finance big shots.
Why? Here's the scoop:
- It's FAST. We're talking 1 ms latency or less.
- It covers U.S. Equities, Futures, and Options markets.
- You can connect via WebSocket or REST API, with JSON and protocol buffers.
SpiderStream serves up:
| Data Type | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Equity Quotes | Real-time stock prices |
| Trades | Transaction details |
| Aggregations | Market data summaries |
| Futures Quotes | Latest futures prices |
| Options Analytics | Deep options market insights |
For the tech crowd:
- Customize your data streams by symbol, index, or exchange.
- Get data on-demand.
- The API adapts to your system's speed.
SpiderRock doesn't mess around with data quality. They use multiple sources, including direct exchange connections. It's top-tier stuff.
Options traders, listen up: Their OPRA feed gives you the top two prices and sizes in the market. And it's all processable on a single thread of a current-gen machine.
Need historical data? They've got that too:
- Most futures products go back to January 2019.
- They check the data daily for completeness and accuracy.
- You get all futures from CME, NYMEX, COMEX, CBOT, and CBOE's CFE exchanges.
SpiderRock's not done yet. They're eyeing more U.S. and European futures exchanges.
Bottom line: For real-time futures data, SpiderStream is a top dog. It's fast, accurate, and scalable - perfect for when every millisecond matters in the market.
5. Databento Futures Market Data API
Databento's futures market data API is a game-changer. Why? It's self-service and open. No more endless sales calls. You can start in 5 minutes flat.
Here's what makes Databento's API stand out:
- Data comes straight from the source
- It's fast (590 microseconds fast)
- Supports various data formats
- Covers over 1.4 million instruments
The best part? You only pay for what you use. No more wasted monthly fees.
| Data Type | How You Pay | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time | Per use | Costs more, but it's real-time |
| Historical | Per use | Download multiple times in 30 days |
| Batch | One-time fee | CSV and JSON at no extra cost |
Need specific data? Check out their catalog and batch tool for custom pricing.
Who's using Databento?
- Energy Aspects for commodity trading intel
- Sparta Commodities for trading and freight insights
- HarvestIQ for real-time ag futures tracking
New users get $125 to test it out. Tech-savvy? They've got libraries for Python, C++, and Rust. Their Raw and HTTP APIs work with any language.
Databento's serious about data quality. They've teamed up with Napatech, using fancy hardware for perfect data capture.
What's next? They're expanding US equities coverage and working on making data more affordable for newbies.
Comparison of API Providers
Let's look at the top real-time futures data API providers for 2024:
| Provider | Key Features | Data Coverage | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xignite | Enriched context, Auto front-month calcs | CME, NYMEX, COMEX, CBOT | Not specified |
| CME Group | WebSocket API, Real-time market data | CME Group exchanges | Not specified |
| Datarade | Multiple providers, Comparison tools | Varies | Varies |
| SpiderStream | Limited info | Limited info | Limited info |
| Databento | Self-service, Pay-as-you-go, 590μs latency | 1.4M+ instruments | Credits or flat-rate |
Xignite and CME Group give you direct access to major futures exchanges. Databento covers over 1.4 million instruments and lets you start in 5 minutes.
Speed? Databento's got a 590 microsecond latency. The others? They're not saying.
Databento's pricing is flexible - pay-as-you-go or flat-rate. The rest? It's a mystery.
Databento seems user-friendly with its quick setup. Can't say much about the others without more info.
For data formats and APIs, Databento supports various formats and has libraries for Python, C++, and Rust. CME Group has a WebSocket API. The others? Who knows.
Bottom line: Pick based on what YOU need. Data coverage, speed, budget, and tech requirements all matter. Each provider's got its own thing going on.
Wrap-up
Picking the right futures data API can make or break your trading. Here's what matters:
1. Data Coverage
You want an API that covers lots of markets and data types. MetalSignals™, for example, gives you 8 years of Aluminum and Copper data from 240 countries.
2. Accuracy and Reliability
Look for NBBO compliant data. Don't just trust one source - compare values across different APIs.
3. Latency
If you're into algo trading, speed is key. Databento claims a 590 microsecond latency. That's fast.
4. Pricing
Watch out for hidden fees. Some APIs, like Databento, let you pay as you go. Others, like Xignite and CME Group, keep their pricing under wraps.
5. Usability
Good docs and language support make your life easier. CME Group has a WebSocket API, while Databento plays nice with Python, C++, and Rust.
6. Regulatory Compliance
Make sure your API provider follows the rules. Ironbeam, for instance, is a CME Group clearing member firm.
7. Extra Perks
Some APIs throw in bonuses. Ironbeam offers free real-time market data, including level 1 and 2 data. That's a $39/month value, for free.