Question about external monitor as a usb hub

I am thinking about getting the 13" macbook air as my first mac. I'll use it mostly in clamshell mode but have occasions where the portability will be appreciated.

I need to buy a monitor to use with it (my old windows monitor isn't going to cut it). If I plan to use the mac power cord into the wall, what connections are needed to use the monitor's usb ports as a hub? Are there any performance issues going this route instead of a traditional hub? I do know some hubs have power delivery, but I have plenty of outlets and the cord to the wall is no big deal.

Thanks!