TORONTO (Reuters) - Toronto's main stock index fell yesterday for a third straight session as lower commodity prices shook the resource-heavy market, while financials again dropped on doubts about global economic recovery.

The S&P/TSX composite index booked its third triple-digit decline in a row as hopes for a quick way out of recession faded fast.

"I think this is just a day where we're seeing another swing as investors get more concerned about how fast growth will be and, as a result, how strong the rebound will be," said Kate Warne, Canadian market strategist at Edward Jones in St. Louis, Missouri.

The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 190.9 points, or 1.94 percent, at 9,653.45.

Nine of the 10 TSX sectors were lower.

The mining-laden materials sector led the retreat with a drop of 3.94 percent as the price of gold sagged as the US dollar strengthened.

A stronger US dollar makes the precious metal more expensive for holders of other currencies.

The price of oil, a key driver for the energy-heavy TSX, sank towards $60 a barrel.

The TSX index's energy group shed 1.9 percent.

Key stocks driving the index lower were in the golds and financials, including Barrick Gold, down 4.2 percent at C$36.63, and Bank of Nova Scotia, off 2.8 percent at C$40.23.

Manulife Financial bucked the trend, rising 0.89 percent to C$19.21 as it said it plans to keep building capital to shield it from volatile markets, and could use the reserves for expansion or acquisitions down the road.

The consumer staples sector, up 0.52 percent, was the sole sector in higher territory.