1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^{-2} \times 2^{-3}$$. 2. **Recall the rules:** - For any nonzero number $a$, $a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$. - When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents. 3. **Simplify each part:** $$\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^{-2} = \left(\frac{5}{2}\right)^2 = \frac{5^2}{2^2} = \frac{25}{4}$$ 4. **Simplify the second term:** $$2^{-3} = \frac{1}{2^3} = \frac{1}{8}$$ 5. **Multiply the two results:** $$\frac{25}{4} \times \frac{1}{8} = \frac{25}{4 \times 8} = \frac{25}{32}$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{\frac{25}{32}}$$