On version 1.19: $ cat test.hledger 2020-09-09 foo account:opening -10 USD assets:wallet 10 USD $ LEDGER_FILE=test.hledger hledger r 2020-09-09 foo account:opening .. USD .. USD assets:wallet 10 USD 0 $ LEDGER_FILE=test.hledger hledger b -10 USD account:opening 10 USD assets:wallet -------------------- 0 On version 1.19.1: $ LEDGER_FILE=test.hledger hledger r 2020-09-09 foo account:opening -10 USD -10 USD assets:wallet 10 USD 0 $ LEDGER_FILE=test.hledger hledger b -10 USD account:opening 10 USD assets:wallet -------------------- 0