The invention is a polyethylene composition having a polydispersity index of less than or equal to 3, an average branching index (g') as measured by GPC/Vis.gtoreq.0.9, and a melt strength (MS) (centiNewton, 190.degree. C.) that satisfies the relationship: ##EQU1## In a preferred embodiment these polyethylene compositions comprise A) branched polyethylene copolymers prepared by insertion polymerization of ethylene, ethylene-containing macromers, and optionally, additional copolymerizable monomers, and B) essentially linear ethylene copolymers. Improved melt strength without sacrificing the benefits of narrow polydispersity index are exhibited by the invention compositions.