HONG KONG, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Hong Kong stocks edged higher towards a two-year peak, spurred by strong gains in mainland markets, although the benchmark pared some gains into the close as investors pocketed quick profits.
The benchmark Hang Seng Index <.HSI> closed up 0.26 percent at 22,944.18, an 11-month high, but fell short of breaching its November 2009 peak.
Shanghai's key stock index <.SSEC> rose 3.13 percent to a five-month high as it caught up with global markets after a week-long holiday. (Reporting by Vikram Subhedar; Editing by Chris Lewis) (vikram.subhedar@thomsonreuters.com; +852 2843 6975; Reuters Messaging: vikram.subhedar.reuters.com@reuters.net))