Infrastructure Australia has released its latest annual list of priority projects across the nation.

 

The report advises governments to look for private partnerships and consider leasing more assets. Infrastructure Australia says investment in ports is essential to cope with the growth in mining exports.

 

While Australia's car makers are struggling, it's a different story in the United States. Car makers there have reported their strongest monthly sales growth in June since the 2007 recession. General Motors sales rose by six per cent.

 

Chrysler was up eight per cent, while Ford recorded a 13 per cent increase that was led by truck sales. Japanese car maker Toyota had the biggest jump. Its sales rose 14 per cent.

 

To the markets.

 

Early gains faded on Wall Street as investors wait for more clarity on the strength of the US economy. There was little change in Europe.

 

To commodity prices.

 

West Texas Crude is trading at 100 US dollars a barrel. Tapis Crude is 109 US dollars a barrel. And gold this morning is worth 1243 US dollars an ounce.

 

The Australian dollar is buying 91 US cents, 70 euro cents and 60 pence sterling.