There's no such thing as a "sure thing" in the stock market. But when investors need to protect their portfolios against the winds of uncertainty, they frequently flock to the relative safety of consumer staples stocks.Small wonder.The consumer staples sector is made up of companies that produce or sell the basic goods people need day in and day out.Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal FinanceBe a smarter, better informed investor.Save up to 74%Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-NewslettersProfit and prosper with ...