...then you should use the entire thought, not just one phrase taken out of context.

The full quote is:

"You know that there's been tremendous turmoil in our financial markets and Wall St. And it is -- people are frightened by these events. Our economy, I think still -- the fundamentals of our economy are strong. But these are very, very difficult times."

Note that he's not saying (as the incomplete quote you offered, above, might infer) that we have a "fundamentally strong economy" here, but rather that the basis (fundamentals) upon which our economy is based, is solid.

When I was in high school, I came home one day to find this 'old jalopy' parked in our driveway. My dad had bought it for $1,250. It didn't look like much, but investigation proved the frame and engine were in very good shape. In other words, the fundamentals were solid... and some restoration work was required to return the vehicle to top condition. We did that work, most of it ourselves, and spent probably another $5,000 in parts and materials (all original, no reproductions), over the course of the next two years. We then spent several years trailering our fully-restored 1932 Ford Model A Sport Coupe all over the Northeast, where it took "Best of Show" or "Best in Class" at nearly every show we entered.

I'm sorry if the unsound business practices of your former banking institution caused you any trouble or anxiety. I hope you and your family are in a better situation now.