[ Type code = - ] May be typed anywhere in the field, but is always displayed (during entry) to the left of the field. On exit, it is redisplayed as a trailing minus sign (for codes $, H, M), and relocated to the beginning for the returned variable. For example, if "1234-" is entered, it will be redisplayed as "12.34-" (assuming decimal points are not allowed) and returned to the calling program as "-1234."

Force leading minus sign: Force leading minus sign display format when used with $, H or M fields. (Normally these use trailing minus sign display format.) Also note that this only affects the final display to the field; the minus sign is always displayed during field editing at the front, and always returned in the entry parameter in leading format.