VALUATIONS of stocks in the Asian consumer staples sector are said to be rich, raising the question of whether the segment is in for a downward re-rating this year.

While some analysts see a bubble deflation on the horizon, others disagree, citing the long-term growth story of the sector. Some say what is crucial is careful selection of stocks.

The latest to weigh in on the richness of the sector is Credit Suisse, which wrote in a report last week that Asian consumer staples stocks could be next in line for a bubble deflation.