Bush says he believes in strong dollar

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Thursday said he believes in a strong dollar and that the U.S. economy is fundamentally sound.

"We believe in a strong dollar policy and we believe, and I believe, that our economy has got the fundamentals in place for us to be, to grow and continue growing," Bush said at a White House news conference.

The U.S. dollar has been declining, raising inflation concerns even as it helps reduce the huge U.S. trade gap.

(Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by Jackie Frank)