There's a real risk of a debt ceiling crisis - and a market tantrum may be needed to break the political deadlock, Evercore strategist warns

• Evercore ISI's Krishna Guha says investors are too relaxed about a potential debt ceiling crisis.
• The White House and Republican-led House can't agree on raising the government's borrowing limit.
• "Politicians need the market to throw a tantrum at the last minute so that they have an excuse to compromise," Guha said.

Investors are too relaxed about the debt ceiling right now – and a "market tantrum" might be needed to break the deadlock in Washington, according to Krishna Guha.

The Evercore ISI chairman said Monday that traders aren't sufficiently worried about the potential crisis from the US failing to repay its debts. A cross-asset sell-off could push lawmakers into voting to lift the nation's borrowing limit, she noted.