Default is unlikely this year, but "stupid things seem a lot more possible," says one budget expert.<p> </p><p>Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a></p>

The Dongle Is Dead

Get the lowdown on high finance each week with Barron’s columnist Jack Hough. Business leaders and trendspotters, insights and absurdities—this is Wall Street like you've never heard before.