USC professors: Growth continues for SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The economic growth South Carolina has enjoyed during the past year is expected to continue next year.

University of South Carolina economists Doug Woodward and Joseph Von Nessen released their annual report on the state’s economic outlook Wednesday at the Darla Moore School of Business.

The economists say job creation is expected to continue at an almost 2 percent rate, similar to the level this year.

They say manufacturing remains a major driver for the economy, and job growth is shifting to the leisure and employment services sector.

Woodward and Von Nesses say consumers are going to be in better financial shape this year. They say residents will have less debt and more disposable income, in large part because of falling gas and energy prices.