TORONTO (Reuters) - Toronto's main stock index fell broadly yesterday with the energy group the chief laggard as investors took profits after two sessions of gains.

The Canadian dollar was the standout piece of Canadian news yesterday as it hit parity with the US dollar for the first time in more than 20 months. But the impact on Toronto stocks was muted.

"In the very short term we've run out of drivers to push the markets higher. We haven't yet seen any level of broad concern with regards to the Canadian dollar appreciation," said Elvis Picardo, analyst and strategist at Global Securities in Vancouver.

The price of oil had a seesaw session but settled higher for a sixth consecutive session, although the TSX's energy group, down 0.64 percent, failed to keep up with the commodity, an important Canadian export.

Talisman Energy dropped 1.9 percent to C$17.83, while Imperial Oil lost 1.8 percent to C$40.95.

The index's materials group was lower as well, down 0.59 percent, even as the price of gold firmed and copper hit a 20-month high.

Barrick Gold Corp., the world's biggest gold producer, lost 0.65 percent to C$39.44, but Teck Resources bucked the trend, rising 1.19 percent to C$46.75.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index closed down 29.64 points, or 0.24 percent, at 12,156.71, falling from its highest level in 18 months reached on Monday.

"We're kind of sailing into unchartered waters here so everyone kind of has a 'you go first' attitude," said Bruce Latimer, a trader at Dundee Securities.

"People are bullish but they're hesitant...two steps forward, three steps back."

Also weighing on riskier assets were developments in Greece's debt woes. Greece's government, concerned that the International Monetary Fund could impose tough conditions in exchange for aid, wants to bypass an IMF financial contribution, senior government sources in Athens told media. A Greek finance ministry source denied the report.