Equity portfolio sends Markel to $51.1mn loss

Despite improved underwriting, Markel has revealed a $51.1mn
comprehensive loss to shareholders for the third quarter, compared
to a $36.5mn gain for the same period last year.
The carrier blamed declines in its equity portfolio for the
result but said that it was maintaining a long-term focus.
It reported book value per common outstanding share of $551.63
at September 30 2015, up 1 percent from $543.96 at the start of the
year.
Comprehensive income for the year-to-date was also down,...