For John Carlo Lacerna, Certified Technical Analyst and trader analyst at CLIMBS Investment Management and Advisory Corporation, technical analysis is more than just identifying price patterns—it’s also a path to emotional discipline and self-awareness.
“I became interested in technical analysis when I attended a seminar on forex trading in September 2015,” John Carlo told Financial Adviser PH. “Back then, I found it challenging to determine which indicators to use. I tested many default and modified indicators available online to see if they were profitable.”
Over time, however, his focus shifted from just finding the “right” tool to understanding how market psychology and personal discipline interact. “It inspired me to pursue trading because I found it challenging to follow chart patterns and correlate them with indicators,” he said. “It also made me more aware of my emotions, allowing me to test and improve my emotional control both in trading and in my personal life.”
This deeper understanding of market behavior transformed how he approached both trading and investment analysis. In his current role overseeing the CLIMBS Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corporation, John Carlo uses a disciplined, multi-indicator strategy. “I approach technical analysis by identifying potential buy orders using Fibonacci levels and targeting extreme oversold areas with MACD and Stochastic indicators,” he explained. “As these conditions often signal a higher potential for recovery.”
A breakthrough moment came during a market pullback, when his strategy paid off. “I identified a confluence at a key Fibonacci level where both MACD and Stochastic were showing strong oversold signals,” he recalled. “I decided to enter a trade based on that setup, and the market reversed almost exactly at that level. That moment made me realize how powerful technical analysis can be when multiple tools align.”
John Carlo’s journey eventually led him to pursue certification through the Society of Technical Analysts (STA) and earn the globally recognized CTA designation. “Earning my CTA Certification has greatly enhanced both my understanding and application of technical analysis,” he said. “It has added significant credibility to my role and helped build trust with clients and colleagues.”
Today, his success in asset management is grounded not just in reading charts—but in mastering the mindset behind them. “My strategy evolves based on current market conditions… not just through technical analysis, but also through portfolio allocation and risk management,” he added.
For John Carlo, the charts don’t just show market movements—they reflect discipline, emotional control, and growth.
