President Bush is trying to reassure nervous investors as U.S. stocks continue their downward slide. Mr. Bush says the fundamentals of the American economy are strong and steps are being taken to address the problem of corporate accountability.

The White House has taken a two-prong approach to the current turmoil in the stock markets: stress the strength of the economy, and continue the push for corporate reforms.

A series of corporate accounting scandals has shaken confidence in the business sector. The result has been the unusual combination of a growing economy and declining stock prices.

The president says jittery investors should look to the overall economic trends, saying the value of stocks ultimately will rise.

"I know the economics, the platform for growth, is in good shape," he said. "Inflation is low, monetary policy is sound, fiscal policy is sound, productivity is up, orders for durable goods are up. We have got the platform for growth and when the values get there, you will see the market go back up."