TORONTO (Reuters) - Toronto's main stock index finished modestly higher yesterday as stable commodity prices helped energy and gold shares hold their own against weak financial issues.

Seven of the 10 main sectors of the benchmark moved higher, including the heavyweight energy and resource-rich materials groups, which added 1.66 percent and 0.58 percent, respectively.

The day's big gainers included oil company EnCana Corp., which advanced 4.2 percent to C$54.92, and Agnico-Eagle Mines , which rose 1.5 percent to C$56.58.

However, the third main pillar of the Toronto market - the financial sector - finished down 1.22 percent, after staying higher most of a volatile trading day.

The S&P/TSX composite rose 31.98 points, or 0.35 percent, to close at 9,279.15 after hitting a session high of 9,411.55.

The day's gains were modest, but Ian Nakamoto, director of research at MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier, said the market's recent strength - including the TSX index's six-week streak of gains - is a positive sign.

"There's a real buying power out there," he said. "I still think that confidence is still pretty fragile out there, but it is enlightening to see this."

Energy shares were aided by a gain in the price of oil and gold shares were helped by stronger bullion prices, which rose on a weaker US dollar and firmer physical demand.

Banks disappointed, with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce sliding 2.2 percent to end at C$52, and National Bank of Canada dropping three percent to C$43.53.

Michael Sprung, president at Sprung & Co. Investment Counsel, said it will be difficult to predict a longer-term trend for the TSX until the corporate earnings season plays out. He highlighted the health of financial institutions as of particular concern for investors.

"I don't think that we can read anything into the day-to-day machinations of the market right at this point in time because everything is just so reactive right now," he said.