TORONTO (Reuters) - Toronto's main stock market index rose sharply yesterday, starting February on a solid footing as US manufacturing data helped fuel optimism about economic recovery.

Suncor Energy Inc. led all heavyweight gainers, climbing 3.2 percent to C$34.84, while Barrick Gold rose 4.5 percent to C$38.80. Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. rose 3.9 percent to C$110.07, and Goldcorp was up 4.1 percent at C$37.71.

The index climbed comfortably higher as US factory data provided further evidence of economic recovery. The US manufacturing sector grew more than expected in January, and added to strong factory figures from China, Australia and the euro zone.

"We've got off to a good start on the back of manufacturing report from three major regions that showed the global recovery is pretty well positioned. That's really helped the big turnaround in sentiment today," said Elvis Picardo, analyst and strategist at Global Securities in Vancouver.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index finished the day up 218.3 points, or 1.97 percent, at 11,312.61, its biggest one-day percentage gain since December 1. All of its 10 main groups were higher.

The Canadian dollar gained strength yesterday, rising off a six-week low against the US dollar in the overnight session, helped by a rise in risk appetite that boosted commodity and equity markets.

The Canadian dollar briefly pared gains after key data that showed the US manufacturing sector continued to expand in January, but it quickly resumed its strengthening trend.-

"Risk aversion levels are decreasing with the stock market rallying and so that has boosted commodities and we're seeing the US dollar weaker across the board on the back of that," said George Davis, chief technical strategist at RBC Capital Markets.

"We did see a little bit of a shorter term recovery in the US dollar after the release of that (manufacturing) number but I don't think it's been substantial or significant enough to really reverse the trends we have seen going into the beginning of today," added Mr. Davis.