What type of visualization would you use in Power BI to display a running total with initial and final values on the horizontal axis?

A waterfall chart is the ideal choice for displaying a running total with initial and final values on the horizontal axis. This type of visualization effectively illustrates how a value increases or decreases over time or across categories, effectively showing the cumulative effect of sequentially introduced positive or negative values.

In the context of a running total, the waterfall chart visually represents the starting value, followed by the incremental changes (either increases or decreases), and ends with the final cumulative total. The starting and ending bars are emphasized, allowing viewers to easily understand the overall progression from the initial to the final value.

This visualization captures not only the total but also how various components contribute to the final figure, making it particularly helpful for analyzing performance over time or understanding the impact of different factors on a total. This clarity and interactive storytelling aspect is what makes the waterfall chart the best option for this specific use case.