With economy in free fall, Egypt asks IMF for $4.8 billion

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt requested a $4.8 billion (3 billion pounds) loan from the International Monetary Fund and hopes for a deal by the end of year, officials said during a visit on Wednesday by IMF chief Christine Lagarde to discuss helping the ailing economy. Related Stories IAEA to press Iran for access, West suspects site "clean-up" Clashes over grazing land, water kill 48 in Kenya Death